Days of Waiting

So, Tuesday and Wednesday were very hard days on Justin and his family, watching his ICP creeping up, and not seeing a lot of progress.  We are all so hopeful, but we just want him to wake up RIGHT NOW and be our Justin.  It is so hard to be patient, but Karen and Darren are so grateful for all the support and well-wishes they have felt from family, friends, their ward family, neighbors, and coworkers.   We know that Heavenly Father is blessing the Mower family directly, and through the kindness of others, and Karen and Darren are so appreciative of everyone's prayers and acts of love and service.

Thursday and Friday have been better.  The doctors switched Justin from propofol (a sedative) to pentobarbital (another sedative).  Pentobarbital is heavy-duty, and has been much more effective at keeping Justin's ICP down where it needs to be.  The doctors are hoping that the increase in his ICP was just a result of his surgery, and that things will improve as the swelling goes down.  As his ICP stabilizes they will try to wean off of the pentobarbital and go from there.

In the meantime, Karen and Darren stay by his side almost around the clock.  Mom (Ericksen) has taken several turns so that they could go home, shower, sleep, and attend to a few other responsibilities.  Bethany, Natalie, and Roxie the dog have been amazing and happily gone from one relative's house to another over the last week.  They have had a blast hanging out with all of their cousins, but they never forget about Justin, and ask Heavenly Father to bless him in all of their prayers.  Bethany says he has to get better soon so that she'll have someone to fight with.  :)

And Justin used his Jedi mind powers to win a Lego!