Thursday Afternoon Update

Mom had a quiet time last night and this morning. She was awake for longer than she has been in the past this morning. She was able to listen to us and answer yes and no questions by nodding or shaking her head. She could move her head a little, wiggle her toes, and squeeze her hands. We explained what had happened, though it's not clear how much of that explanation she will remember. 

This afternoon Mom got a pacemaker upgrade. The doctor called her new one "the Cadillac of pacemakers". It is a pacemaker with an integrated defibrillator. If it ever detects Mom's heart going into what happened on Sunday it will immediately shock it back into rhythm. We are told that the shock feels like being kicked in the chest, but that's far better than going through all this. It is wonderful that such technology is available so that we never have to do this again.

Mom is still on the breathing tube and is sedated. We are yet again hoping that the breathing tube will be able to come out tomorrow. That will be a big step forward in her recovery. 

One more note -- several people have asked about visiting Mom. Right now she's in the Intensive Care Unit. Visitors into the ICU are carefully monitored and restricted to close family members. You are welcome to come visit us (Mom's children) in the waiting area. We will let you all know when Mom is able to receive more visitors. 

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