August 31, 2011 - Back out of the ICU

Jason started the day in the I.C.U. (a.k.a. - C.C.U.) and was on a clear liquid diet. To say the least, he wasn't a happy camper. Fortunately they changed him back over to "regular diet" before the morning was over and he sent me off to get him some REAL food. Within a couple of hours of that change he was back on the 4th floor, back in his room, where he was able to relax and eat as his heart desired. The reason he was in the I.C.U. was precautionary, and it made perfect sense to me, its just that Jason and every other patient that is fully awake, does not want to be there any longer than they absolutely have to.

He got back to his room in the new bed, and had to wait until a little later in the day to have the trapeze re-installed. Actually it was quite impressive how the trapeze was put back on the bed. It comes in several pieces, with some of them bigger than others, and from my perspective it was a bit daunting. The techs came in the room with one of them obviously in charge and giving instruction to the others. He immediately saw that two pieces had to be changed out and sent one of the other two off to get them. Even with that, they have it all back up and in working order in about 20 minutes. What made this even more impressive was that they had to work around some of the equipment that was already there, and attached to Jason and the bed.

Jason had a couple of visitors today, with one of them being Marine General J. Mattis, who came by to see how Jason was doing and to pay his respects. Jason was truly moved by this visit as the General is someone he very much admires. The other visitor that Jason had was from one of his EOD brothers. I didn't get much of a chance to speak with this Marine, though he did talk with Jason for several minutes and that is the more important thing. I believe they were both in Afghanistan for a short period, and in the same unit.

Okay, one of the things I need to say about the merger of the two medical facilities, Walter Reed and Bethesda, and that is that the food service has made some major improvements. I thought it was pretty good before but now it is even better. From what I have been able to pick up from some of the other people around the hospital (military, civilian and patient) is that they are all happy with how this has all turned out. Who would have thought that the Army and Navy would come together and create something even better? My hat is off to them.

Well, that's it for today - Thank you, all for your continued support and prayers. Jason IS doing so much better, and we only see positive ahead.