Boring Patient Means Good Patient

William is getting closer and closer to being a boring patient for the PICU doctors. He was able to get out of bed twice yesterday to make it a few steps to the unique toilet that folds out of the wall in the room (kind of like a murphy bed, but think camping trailer classy). He also spent a couple hours sitting in a chair today. All good progress and no trivial undertaking with such a big abdominal surgery. Hopefully the NG tube in his nose that is draining his stomach will come out today. He continues to get IV nutrition, but his system should be recovered enough to start drinking today. He has lost weight since he hasn't been able to eat for the last 5 days, so he is hoping a cheeseburger and fries are in his near future, as well as a real Thanksgiving Dinner. Ryan has enjoyed some good quality time with William at the hospital, and William was feeling good enough to play Battleship, Jenga, and War.

We're very grateful for all the help we've received from friends and family, and for being watched over by a loving Heavenly Father. One of the scriptures William has enjoyed reading this week in the hospital from the Book of Mormon is in Alma Chapter 37, verses 35-37: "O, remember my son, and learn wisdom in thy youth; yea, learn in thy youth to keep the commandments of God. Yea, and cry unto God for all thy support; yea, let all thy doings be unto the Lord, and whithersoever thou goest let it be in the Lord; yea, let the affections of thy heart be placed upon the Lord forever. Counsel with the Lord in all thy doings, and he will direct thee for good; yea, when thou liest down at night lie down unto the Lord, that he may watch over you in your sleep; and when thou risest in the morning let thy heart be full of thanks unto God; and if ye do these things, ye shall be lifted up at the last day."

Ryan wrote the above portion. Now I'm on hospital duty and thought I'd add a quick update and some pictures.

The NG tube just came out! He was a trooper and only insisted on an extra bolus of Dilaudid and some Benedryl to help him relax. Usually he insists on the good stuff, like Ativan and Versed. Oh my, the kid and his knowledge of narcotics! Next step: sipping water. Still waiting on that one.

I couldn't resist posting this one! This was taken Sunday afternoon, 3 days before he was admitted for this wild ride.

Just before going into surgery

Day after surgery. He insisted on a visit from Hazel!

Brave Warrior!The tape on the nose is holding his NG tube in place. Now that's gone!