Today David’s main issue has been his ICU psychosis/hallucinations. He has complained of ants crawling on his face and on the ceiling, sea creatures on the window, water dripping from the wall and tv, a cat in the corner of the room, and a baby’s head suspended out the window. He has upgraded to sucking on ice chips, which taste “more decadent than fine wine.” He explained to his sister that this was his third rollover car accident, even though it wasn’t. It’s a bit worrisome to see him only partially coherent. When Jim, his friend and home teacher came over, he said “There’s my neighbor that works at the U,” but then started off on talking nonsense again. His body is working through the remains of all the sedation he’s been on for the last two weeks.

Tomorrow morning the vascular surgeons will complete the “full amputation,” which will assess the damaged tissue still there, adjust the length of the bone, and close up the wound. Dr. Goodman was optimistic that the surgery would go well, and only minimal tissue would have to be taken out. But we had to listen to the list of risks, benefits, and alternatives before signing the consent. He had an evaluation with a psychiatrist, had his wounds redressed, reinstalled the feeding tube, and then was transferred up to the 11th floor. He’s in room 1116, and is able to have non-family visitors. He will be in surgery for most of the morning, and will probably be out of it for most of the day from the anesthesia. I would venture to guess that he can handle visitors by Sunday, but be prepared for a little psychosis.