June 6th - Day 111 (Post Shunt Operation)

Brian's shunt operation went well - the surgeon said he was really happy with how it went and how Brian did and he's been stable post-op, no complications! Thank you, God!

He rested for the weekend, though we did see him alert quite a bit, which was encouraging. I fully anticipated he would be groggy after anesthesia and surgery, but his alertness encourages me that the shunt perhaps has already started to relieve any pressure that may have been present before. Praying that it means he will be even more receptive to the neurostimulants and therapies (he goes back to rehab tomorrow)! Another encouraging thing to see is his eye movements, pupil sizes, and centering seem to be improving too! Also, my dad was able to visit Brian for the first time this weekend now that he's vaccinated, and I know that was really special for my dad to be with Brian again. 

Please pray with me that the shunt is exactly what he needed to continue making progress towards consciousness. I'm specifically hoping & praying that he will wake during this next visit at rehab, within his time frame there, because if not, the next step would mean moving him to a 'long term' neuro rehab facility (the one he is in now is considered 'acute'). The best facility option is in Nebraska, which would require us both moving there for an undefined amount of time until he emerges -- and then we could return to Chicago to continue rehab here. The alternative is bringing him home and hiring in-home care givers and ordering/installing all the specialized hospital equipment (which is not the route I'm interested in or prepared to do in such short notice). Both are overwhelming options - but my hopes are high that God is still working this out in perfect timing. We gained 1.5 weeks for the shunt procedure, and I still understand that time = healing for an injury as severe as his. So perhaps we took this detour for a reason! If he wakes in the next couple of weeks, he can stay in the Chicago rehab and begin his conscious fight in a new program. If a move is necessary, and that's the path God has for us, so be it. But please pray with me that we can continue to working through Brian's recovery in Chicago, where our support & family are. Please pray for a safe transport tomorrow & for these critical days of rehab ahead. Please Lord, wake Brian soon, and let his full restoration be possible! Give him a conscious fight. In Jesus' name, Amen!

“When the time is right I, the Lord, will make it happen.” -Isaiah 60:22

"But they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint." - Isaiah 40:31

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." - Romans 8:28