4-24-10 Improving

I will just have to keep posting all of my prayer concerns right away because as soon as I go back to see Dean after posting an update, I find that God has already answered my prayer! This morning I walked into his room and he smiled! It was such a relief. His smiles were few and far in between today, but I was just so glad to see that little glimmer of his happy personality coming back. He made some great headway (no pun intended) today. Dr. Simmons took his drain tube out, and that meant that he really didn't need any more IV pain killers so they took those too. His hemoglobin levels are low which is due to the blood that drained for two days from his incision. With the drain removed, that should hold and eventually start to go back up. If it drops any more they may give him a transfusion; so we are praying that that won't be necessary. His head is still very sore. He does not like to turn his head at all. However, he has been sitting up (we hold him of course,) and that seems very comfortable for him. I think that the back of his head is especially sensitive because he cries for a moment each time you lay him down. It looks like we will be able to go home tomorrow if things continue to progress well. Ben and I have been very pleased with all of the wonderful nurses tending to Dean. They are really caring for him well. God's guidance and provision for him has been made so clear. We don't regret our choice in hospital, doctors, or treatments. Of course that is because God chose them and has coordinated everything so perfectly for us. I really don't think this could have gone much smoother. Please pray that Dean's pain will continue to diminish, that his blood levels will remain steady, and that his intake and output levels (drinks and diapers) will be high enough for him to be released! We appreciate all of the prayer support so much.