Sleep, Data.

Picard: [recovering from being turned into a cyborg] "Sleep, Data".
Dr. Crusher: [To Picard] "You're exhausted!"
Data: "Yes, Doctor."

(From Star Trek the Next Generation episode "Best of Both Worlds").

Dad's recent dilemma reminds me of that Star Trek episode. (Sorry if you've never seen it, its a great episode!). Dad's greatest needs continue to be his belly and his sleep. He still has not been able to have a BM since the surgery, in spite of laxatives, etc. Also, he has had very little sleep.

The good news: his left chest tube is out. There have been no afib/heart issues since last night, and last nights case was very mild. He had been off oxygen for a few hours now, and his levels are still around 95%. He has been off the pain pump for 24 hours (but of course continues to take pain meds orally). He is off his drip, so he is now disconnected from everything but his telemetry unit (and they still are maintaining an IV port just in case). He has been able to walk some (a little past the door to his room).

I head out tomorrow to go and relieve Ruth Ann, so I can soon start giving you first-hand updates.

Be praying for continued recovery, for sleep and rest. Also be praying for safe travels.

Love,
-Andy