Feb 15th 2010

Day 8 for Mitch in his hospital bed. He isn't feeling very well as his stomach continues to really give him issues now. He is feeling extremely nauseous all the time, has continued pain, etc. This is all part of the side effect of the heavy narcotic pain killers (which he has had plenty) he's on - they shut down the small intestine and it stops working. He still has not had anything to eat because of this and is going on his 7th day of no (real) food. He needs to get some calories into his body and this is becoming a major focus point. They have cleared him to start eating but he can't because of the stomach issues. Seeing Mitch not hungry and unable to eat is very unusual. His pneumonia is also back which is forcing him to get breathing treatments every 2 hours.

He was able to get up and sit in a chair for 10 minutes today which is a big step and an even bigger step was the physical therapist was able to put him through some very minimal stretches - while in his bed today as well. Although both of these minor activities caused spasms on his right side it was something he was able to work through without them getting out of control. The sedation medicine seems to be clearing his body more and more and he's much more alert. It was refreashing to actually engage in a real conversation with him for an extended period of time. These were the first real conversations we've been able to have with him in the past 8 days. What we find really interesting is he can remember being in his coma, he says he remembers people talking to him and he was so frustrated because he couldn't respond. He says he would count 1, 2, 3 in his mind trying to get enough mental focus and strength to force his head to answer questions with a simple nod.

He was able to have some visitors today which really made him happy and lifted his spirts. He continues to say how much he appreciates all the cards, prayers, thoughts and visits. A note on visitors: They only allow 3 people total in his room at a time. And now that he is out of the coma they have him starting treatments on a number of different things - plus he does need his rest and sleep. So, if you come to visit you might not be able to see him given what is happening. Best bet would be to text Annette or I and see what would be a good time: Annette 801-836-2722, Kurt 801-368-4810.

All in all our best day in the past 8 days.