Here is the blog for whichever day of the week this is, October 1

Happy Government Shutdown Day

Pat is still in the ICU, and still getting some vent support, but we are inching closer to our goal. Pat has generally been doing well, but had a fever today and had to go for a CT scan. That was a bit of an adventure. The staff lets me help, and I went to CT with Pat to whisper words of encouragement in her ear. The nurses, as noted have been attentive and perceptive, and have done their best to keep her comfortable. She's had a good response to medications.

As mentioned, her mother and her sister-in-law are here, which gives Pat a lot of comfort. She likes to have us talk to her, and her mom and Suanne can talk to her more than I can, at least without lapsing into a discussion of Starling's principles of physiologic hydrodynamics and renal handling of sodium. They are also good for a hug, when I need one (a lot). I'm grateful for their presence.

I'm back in the Safra Lodge, it's 11 pm. It's an absolutely wonderful place, a short walk from the Clinical Center (where Pat is). It is very difficult to get onto the NIH campus after 10 PM, but I can walk to and from the CC and the Lodge anytime, so I can stay late with Pat. One of the NIH social workers, on her own, got me set up for a room in the Lodge. I love social workers.

The Clinical Center patient care areas still function as usual, but the Government shutdown has affect us, somewhat. Some parts of the Clinical Center have shut down, including some of the research areas, and the au bon pain café where I usually get coffee. I use the DC Metro to travel, as it's easier than trying to find parking and it's kind of fun. Plus, usually, I can get back onto the NIH campus pretty easily, using the visitor entrance. But today, 10/1, the visitor entrance was closed, so I had to walk about a half mile to go to the alternate entrance, and walk back to the CC. I don't mind walking, but when my Sweetie needs me, I want to be there fast. We are hoping for a swift resolution of the situation.

Thanks for your comments! This morning (10/1) I was trying to understand what Pat was trying to say around her ET tube. With a little work I figured out that she was saying 'For heaven's sake, read the blog posts to me!' She loves them, and thank you for each and every one.

Keep your fingers crossed.

Greg