Saturday

October 6, 2012

The last two days have been worrisome because it seems that I get conflicting reports.  So, if there are statements along the way that seem contradictory to what you have read before, it is because I believe that I am writing the most current info that I have at the time.

Dad continues to be on a ventilator for several reasons. He is not able to produce adequate oxygen to his body & blood on his own; they want him to continue to rest with sedation; and his lungs are not strong enough to sustain what his body needs after the trauma of surgery.  I have been told by 3 doctors and numerous medical professionals that given time ~ a lengthy bit of time, all of this should correct itself as he becomes stronger.  I was led to believe that Dad might get off the ventilator today. WRONG!!  It is quite likely that he will be on the ventilator for over another week.  After 7 days on the vent, he will likely have a tracheotomy. At that time, the tube will come out, they will allow him to "wake up" from the sedated sleep he has been since surgery, and hopefully get stronger.

When I called the hospital this morning @ approx. 9:30 I was told that Dad's O2 levels had been increased from 85 to 90. That alarmed me because I was told that we want him to get to approx. 40. Clearly, we are going in the wrong direction.  Then, just to keep things interesting, the ICU nurse said he was scheduled for a "brache" @ 10 AM and that I needed to give verbal consent for the procedure.  Of course I did, but when I asked about the risk factor of the procedure, I was told that Dr. Gilano wanted me to call him. Need I say that my nerves started to take a header.  Essentially, a "brache" is done by the pulmonologist.   Dad's lungs have begun to fill with thick secretion that need to be suctioned out.  These secretions apparently have a significant affect on his BP and blood oxygen.  When I arrived @ the hospital @ 10:15, the procedure was complete and there was not a long of material taken from his lungs. However, he started breathing easier.

His drug count is down from 17 to 8. He received insulin and the other 7 are to support and regulate his blood pressure.  ... a little unnerving.

Doctor Gilano came in this AM on his day off and talked to me.  He remains encouraged and told me that Dad's heart and the new valve are working nicely. The biggest issue now is his lungs.  He also has had a temperature ranging from 99 - 102 degrees.  The infectious disease unit is keeping a close eye on him and he is on antibiotics.  Dr. G said he might have a little bit of pneumonia.  Test results will tell.

They hung another unit of blood today but his chest tubes are nearly done passing fluids.  His kidneys are strong and working properly.  His family physican, Dr. Briles, also stopped in today.  He said, "His numbers look good. He will get through this but it will take some time."  

As a daughter, it is nerve-racking to sit and watch my dad lay in a bed and not be able to talk to him.  I have faith and patience ... and I know he is receiving excellent care ... but it is still very worrisome.  Prayers for him and his lungs. Dr. Peterson said it is common for the lungs to present more problems than the heart ... and so it goes ...