3/18 - Afternoon

A good day so far: since they removed the intubation and sedation, Dad has come to and is now making odd jokes to the nurses and getting briefed by the doctors along with my Mom and I. He is looking much better and is in good humor about the situation. The only remaining major intervention, and the main reason for his remaining in the cardiac ICU, is the TVP or transvenous pacemaker. This is serving to regulate his heart rhythms, as that is the area that sustained damage. We are looking at two more days in the ICU on average per the doctors. They are going to keep him here to let him rest more under higher supervision and evaluate if a permanent pacemaker will go in, and if so what type. After the temporary pacemaker is removed, we will be looking at a step-down bed for another length of time to be determined by what the cardiologists recommend as his permanent management solution. Once that occurs, we will be able to see if visitors will be permitted. Thanks again for the support and kindness we have been receiving over the last few days, it has been quite nice to hear from so many of the people in his life.