Morning

Mark has been waking easily on his own, no more shouting and pinching! But he has been back on the vent for 3 - 3.5 hours each night. And no more diarrhea since they gave him a different formula for his tube feedings.

Mark is in room 605, bed by the window. If anyone would like to visit Mark now before he goes to rehab, I just have a few suggestions:

1. he hears you even if his eyes aren't open - so talk to him, just don't ask him too many questions, it still takes a lot of effort for him to nod
2. he favors his right side, his head is usually turned to the right, so stand on the right side of the bed
3. he will probably give you his right hand, if not, place his hand over yours, he will squeeze it
4. if his eyes are open, place your head directly in his gaze, he sometimes has a difficult time following with his eyes alone, and he doesn't move his head very easily
5. there's a sink at the entrance to his room, WASH YOUR HANDS PLEASE
6. don't visit if you are sick
7. I think no more than one or two visitors at a time is good
8. keep your visit short - I think he's more awake in the mornings

And don't forget to blog your visit for those who can't get here to visit him.