I'm posting this early before I go to KGH to see what this day brings. Yesterday morning I was feeling pretty discouraged. There had been no improvement in Al's condition and the neurosurgeon (not his) in charge of yesterdays rounds was not sounding very encouraging. It was confirmed Al has aphasia (google it, basically the inability to talk often because of a brain insult of some kind).

However, by around 2 p.m. yesterday Al tried to say his first words. They were not perfect, but he was trying to communicate and that was a huge step forward. We know he has feeling in his right arm and leg but there is still no voluntary movement there.

Early last evening I had a visit from his own Neurosurgeon, Dr. Wallace, and I must say as far as physicians go, he has the best bed side manner of any I have ever met. He took time to speak to me, and to Al. Answered all my concerns and was not rushed at all. He suggested that we try to word our communication with Al so he can answer with a yes or a no in this early phase of Al exploring his language. Dr. Wallace also explained that the hypothalamus and pituitary have been affected. Actually his words were "they seem to be on a holiday" and so the fluids in Al's body were going a bit crazy. This has been corrected with hormones.

A feeding tube was also inserted through his nose to his stomach yesterday for nutrition. Because he is not talking they can not determine if he can swallow so he can't eat. Over the next several days, depending on progress the feeding tube may be inserted via an incision in his side. This would make it easier for Al to speak and help the professionals monitor his swallowing ability.

Now the GOOD stuff is, Dr. Wallace still feels confident (and in his experience) that this is all related to the brain swelling and as that subsides we should see improvement. So with that in mind, I am anxious to get back to the hospital to see what ground we cover today.

Al did show his humourous side yesterday and when he was asked to stick out his tongue, he was able to. Now to show displeasure or sarcasm to us he will stick out his tongue. A very good indicator that most of our communication can be non-verbal. He responds to commands and he proved he can still pucker up for a kiss.

Dr.Wallace told us both this recovery was going to be hard work and he asked Al to try to stay positive and not "lose his noodle" during this process.

Both of Al's daughters arrived last night and they will stay for a few days. Al seemed delighted to see them.

During this time Miss Bridget has joined the Crew at my daughters, and although she seems exited to see me, she is having an absolute blast with her (technically) neices and nephews, and running in the yard.


Onward and upward.