Friday, August 3, 2007

One Inch Away

The weaning actually went much faster than we had understood and John has been off the pentabarbitol since yesterday morning. The effects should take another day or two to wear off, but already we are seeing signs of John coming back to us.

My dad described him as one inch closer, but to look at him now he seems just one inch away. His eyes are now open. He's not quite there yet, but it seems like he's not too far away. He's making some small motions with his hands, including in response to pain. He's making some small movements with his mouth, seemingly in reaction to the feeling of having the tubes in his mouth.

The doctors are planning a couple procedures for later today. The first is to protect him from blood clots going to his heart. They'll be inserting a filter in the main artery return. They are also inserting a feeding tube directly in to his stomach, removing the one that currently goes in through his mouth. The mouth tube can irritate the throat after a prolonged period.

11 comments:

Precision Rain said...

Yay! That's wonderful news.

Posters for John's benefit are being hung around town as I write. If anyone's interested in some for their own town, let me know - carmlapierre@yahoo.com.

John and Carmen Stafford

Anonymous said...

WoW! I actually had a dream last night that John woke up and I was talking to him. That is so awesome that it is coming true! Go John!

Unknown said...

yeah John!

Anonymous said...

Yeah John!! Can't wait till your awake & we can hang out again soon! Miss you biggie, lots of positive & healing energy coming your way =)

Unknown said...

i don't know much about john's condition except what i have read here. i really appreciate the detailed information in this blog. thank you.

so many people here in burlington are thinking of you john! everyone i know will be at the benefit.

Anonymous said...

A true warrior like his nephew Ambrose keep it up John were thinkinig of you out here in Rado where you were going to be right now... Keep up the fight only the way you can biggels

Anonymous said...

i just got done chatting with van..and may i just say the man has healing energy..(now i see where big gets it;) a big hug and a kiss on the cheek was all i needed to feel better...and big..i am so excited that you are coming back...we all know how much you like the woods...but its time to come out of the forest buddy.
we love you.

oneBIGGIElove.kris*

Anonymous said...

We would love to make a donation and would like to know who to make the check payable to.

Anonymous said...

to anonymous

john c vanhazinga fund
merchants bank 164 college st
burlington vermont 05401

many thanks from our family for your support

Anonymous said...

Thank you, I check this thing every day to see if he has opened his eyes yet. I am glad to hear that he has. I know it will be a along time still, but I believe Jon will recover. Take care of you too...

Anonymous said...

We are all praying for John

so glad his eyes are now open...