Flight Risk

Well, the last three days have been very encouraging. Since Mak has been in Sacramento, he seems to be getting better fast. Although he's walking and going to his own private bathroom, he's still pretty shaky physically. But his communication abilities have improved dramatically. The last two mornings he's called home on his room phone at 7:30am to ask his mom to come get him. He wants out or at least to see his dog, which unfortunately is not possible because he's not allowed off the 5th floor and KT's not allowed in the hospital. He seems to be either remembering more or maybe learning who people are. He's pretty clear on who his parents are and the names of most of the people who have visited. While visiting with people, he's mostly happy and talkative for awhile, then becomes tired and ready for rest. In the evenings he's again very interested in leaving the hospital, asking where the car is and declaring "Let's go." Last night he seemed to understand better than the night before why he couldn't leave the hospital yet. He knows he had a bad fall, that he was in ICU for a long time and that he's recovering. When he gets up to walk he also realizes that he's not going very far on his own. He declined a walk down the hallway after just a few steps. Despite this and because of his intense interest in escaping, when we left him last night his Uncle Jim suggested the band on his arm be changed from "fall risk" to " flight risk." So, overall the news is good right now. Whether it's intentional or not, Mak is making us laugh instead of cry. What's ahead is still unknown, but Mak is sure in better shape than he was a week or two weeks ago, and we're hoping for a transfer to rehab in Vallejo tomorrow.

The people at Highland Hospital were fantastic. They saved Mak's life and helped us get through our worst nightmare. We want to thank first of all, Alicia and Romy who tied for the most 12 hour shifts as Mak's favorite nurse with 6 each. His other nurses were Simran, Sara, Ethan, Joanne, Michelle, Dena, Maryanne, Rebecca, Monica, Gail, Carlito, Patricia, Susan, Lesley, Karen, Angie, and Peter. Fred, Shannon and several other CNA's (sitters) also took good care of Mak. The great respiratory therapists were Tony, Howard, Gary, Phillip, and others. Of course, there were tons of doctors doing all kinds of life-saving things to Mak. Drs. Laure, Patel, Sadjati, Stanelle, Sadegi, Garcia, Bellard, Lee, Rosenson, Hervela, and more whose names we don't remember all contributed tremendously to Mak's recovery. We are so grateful for their hard work and expert care and for their encouragement. Finally, we loved the cafeteria staff who checked with us daily on Mak's condition and especially the lady behind the counter who came out to give us some of the best hugs I've ever had. Even the security people were very nice. Highland Hospital is first class.