Day 523 - Nov 3, 2009

We have an appt with the neurosurgeon tomorrow and we are going to come up with a solid plan for us to go home. That's my goal anyway ;-)

I have been noticing something the last few days that may make the difference. I have caught on to the fact that Kevin is barely draining any fluid during the day (or while he is upright), but as soon as he lays down in bed - that's when he starts draining. I am wondering if that means that the fluid is taking the path of least resistance and heading down the tube when gravity doesn't come into play (when he is laying down), but if he is upright, walking around, the fluid must be going down his natural nodes? I am just not sure, but it's something I need to bring up tomorrow.

If it is true, I would think that they could safely pull the drain and then the fluid will have no choice but to go down the natural path. This would all hinge on us having the hole in his head stitched shut though. I know the doc was talking about clamping the tube, but that's not going to work because the fluid just comes out around the tube (at least that's what has happened in the past few weeks).

I don't know. I just wish there were some guarantees. I am so afraid to pull the drain because if his head swells, then everything has to come out. I am working my hardest to not allow that to happen. There are just too many horrible possibilities if we take it all out.

I just wish I knew what to do...I guess we'll see what the doc comes up with tomorrow.

And in other news, Kevin and I played checkers today for the first time. He won. Darnit (lol). I was actually shocked that he remembered how to play so well. I know I mentioned how far he has come in the last 6 weeks and let me tell ya - it's amazing. For the most part, he is becoming more and more like the Kevin of old. I know it's unlikely that he will be like he was before he was wounded, but he has made great strides since the plate was put into his head (which is one reason I don't want it taken back out).

And that's pretty much it for today. Kevin was sick again this evening, but the nausea is a normal part of our lives. He has suffered this since he awakened from his coma. We deal with it, but I sure wish we didn't have to.

I think yesterday it was more something we ate though. I had it too, so that makes more sense.

And now I am going to curl up with my book. That Jodi Picoult is quite the heart-wrenching writer and I just love the way she delves into all sides of a situation.