Fwd: Was that a blink or a wink ;)?

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> When Marian, Cindy, and I arrived at the hospital, Steve's eyes were open. The nurse said it was because of the swelling, which there is all over. But it also the effect of lowering his sleep agent, which the docs did because his breathing had been really solid recently. As so, his consciousness is coming back and for the first time in about a week, Dad showed us some emotion. He shed a few tears and turned his head just a bit. The event was special and his elevated breathing and pulse proved it. The nurses were cautious, though, and quickly increased his sedative. That first realization of condition for anyone awaking from anesthesia is a big moment, and Steve handled it well.
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> He continues to open his eyes and is showing more signs of vitality. Our next goal is to get him to squeeze our hands. The docs are going to take an ultrasound of his right arm to make sure the swelling isn't extraordinary. They are also going to take an EKG to ensure all flow is solid out of the heart.
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> The "waking up" process has begun. He needs to start taking breathes without aid of ventilator, which might necessitate a tracheotomy. We don't know when that will be but each reduction in propophal means Steve is going to be forced to take those baby steps toward regaining his breathe. His brother Doug made it today, as well as his good friend Mike Griffin.
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> Sent from my iPhone

Steve's new residence at Methodist

Steve finally arrived at IU-Health/Methodist tonight around 9pm. He is resting comfortably on the third floor of the cardiovascular critical care unit. The nurse Nicole explained to us that they are going to spend the first couple hours changing his garb, resetting his equipment to IU standards, and executing otherwise the necessary admitting procedures.

The staff at Riverview did a wonderful job with their part in this journey. Now it's time to time to introduce Coach to the folks here at IU. Marian has the wording down to a science by now, as evinced by her flawless babble of his brief medical history.

The waiting room has free coffee, nice faux-leather couches, and a 15" tube suspending in the corner. We won't be spending many hours here this evening, although the nurse insisted that we try the cheesy potatoes on Sunday morning in the basement cafeteria.

Thanks again for all your visits, emails, and calls over the past two days. We are making progress and the energy is uplifting to our spirits. I hope the word is getting out about this blog so that others are able to hear the positive news.

Best,
Jeff

2/3 morning update

Hi family and friends,
Steve is stable today, still intubated but comfortable. We are waiting for the transfer to IU Methodist Hospital for his work up for new lung. Thanks to all for all your love and prayers for Steve, Thanks to the Ringler family in helping making the transfer. I will let you all know how things are going...Stevie is a strong-and strong headed- guy...I know he can kick this!!! Thanks for keeping me strong--you all are my rocks!!!
Love to all,
Marian

Blog created

Dear friends and family,

We are starting a blog to keep you all informed of Dad's condition (or as you may know him by his many monikers: "Uncle Steve", "Coach", "Cochran", "Boss", "Bro", etc) as he recovers from his bout with pulmonary fibrosis. It's late in the 4th quarter and our team is down a few points. However, we have a formidable line, a star-studded receiving squad, a pro-bowl RB, and, the right man at the helm behind the center (if, of course, he remembers to hike the ball, which all you Turkey Bowlers know happens sporadically).

We would like to keep this posting exclusive but if you know someone who hasn't been invited that should be on the list, please send me a note with his/her email.

Blessings,
Jeff and family