Week 6 - The Awakening

We are so pleased to report some very encouraging news about Jeff's condition: He has awakened!

This past week, at the new Continuing Care Unit, Jeff opened his eyes, fully focused on his visitors, and had short conversations with his caregivers and visitors. His "conversations" are so far somewhat limited and a little disjointed - kind of like thinking out loud. He speaks mostly about his favorite subjects: cooking, fishing, the ranch and family.

He is, at times, able to read lips and respond ... though the responses don't always hit the mark. Jeff is still on medication, so his awareness at any given time is related to that. He seems to be most responsive in the evening hours. We have a notebook in his room to track Jeff's progress and record his conversations & activities or make notes about any other observations. (And we invite and encourage all visitors to do the same.)

On Thursday, the 24th, he was fitted with a Passy Muir Valve that allows him to inhale from the trach, but which closes when he exhales and forces air out through his nose and mouth. He wore it for 4 hours and seemed to tolerate it well. Two key benefits of the PMV are that it allows him to talk more easily and that it reconditions him to using his nose and mouth for breathing (which will help to wean him off the trach).

If you'd like to visit Jeff, he is at Memorial Hermann on N. Gessner, in CCU. Visiting hours are 10-12, 2-4, and 6-8, with a limit of two people at a time, for 15 minutes.

And thanks again for all your kind words to Jeff and to the family!