September 17 Update 1

So there is still a lot going on today. The central sub clavicle line has been pulled.  It looked like it was compromised on the X-ray and it isn't as needed with the reduced number of medications. Also Kirk will start to get some meds through his gastric tube.  He also gets to start receiving all his nutrition that way rather than by IV. His X-ray yesterday did not show any other concerns with his abdomen. Feeding through his gastric tube will allow him to receive much better nutrition.

His temperature is near normal but he continues to shiver.  This is a fairly normal response to head injuries and the drugs being used to control his ICP.

His pupils are more equal today and he sometimes opens his eyes a little. It isn't anything concerted but it is something. He still responds only slightly to pain.

He is off the ketamine and it is a short acting drug so that is out of his system already. There is still pentobarbital in his system for at least two more days. The only pain medication/sedative he is getting is fentanyl. However as a drip, fentanyl acts as a sedative as well. So it is still impossible to tell the effects of drugs from the effects of his injury.  The doctor is going to start having him take a "sedation holiday" everyday where all the sedative like drugs, including the fentanyl are turned off so he can have a proper neurological exam. The first holiday will happen tomorrow.

He will have an MRI today if he can tolerate laying flat. This is something we have wanted for a while so we can see everything happening inside his brain more clearly. They will also do his spine to clear his neck for the tracheostomy.

I am spending more time talking to him now, trying to catch him up on what is happening in our lives. I have no idea how much he hears but I miss talking to him. He also got all cleaned up last night and his hair washed. He needs another shave though.

I don't know if there will be another update today. He is stable so we will see what the day brings.