Happy Halloween everyone. Chris is doing great he is down to one more day on one antibiotic and then he should be done with IV meds. he has enough strength in his legs to push himself up in bed now and he is gaining much more movement in his right hand. we are hopeful in a day or two that he might get to go out side for a few moments.
next week the dr might change his trake to a smaller size so that he can talk more and maybe try to eat some soft foods like applesauce. the dr. predicted he would be able to go home in November. No specific date. Our Family Goal is by Thanksgiving, so cross your fingers.
Chris can say a few words now by taking a deep breath, putting a finger over his trake and speaking just a few small words. he sounds a lot like a crusty old pirate rite now. he is also completely off life support now and fully breathing on his own again.
he is working very hard every day with physical therapy. he will be able to stand up very soon.
last night the kids and i dressed up and went in because we could. Chris got a good laugh out of it. Connor was a cowboy, bailey and i were princesses. the kids had a really good time and the nurses had lots of candy for them. tonight all three of us are going to be Rock stars. we are going to a friends house where a large group of us are gathering for dinner and then we will go trick or treating. we will have a group of at least 10 or more kids age 5 and under. we all have a good time together . first we will go see daddy around 2ish. hope you all have a great Halloween.
Anthony & Christina: I wish i could be there tonight. i know it will be awesome. My very best to you both. You Guys Rock. Congrats.
Happy Halloween
Amanda
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Lots to report
Sorry it has been so long since i have gotten to the blog. there has been a lot going on and some very long days. since we last chatted Chris is doing much better with breathing alone. as of today he still has the trake in but during most of the day is breathing humidified,non asisted room air and has minimal asist at night. on his trake they change the inner cannula daily for cleanliness. mon the 26 the dr put in a pig tail chest tube on his left lung. this time it was a very small numothorax. the tube is actually on the front of his chest instead of the side of his chest. the pig tail tube is also much smaller than the standard tube he has in his right lung.the dr is hoping to have Chris brathing completely unasisted in a few days.
the physical therapy people have been in every day to work with Chris they have been doing a great job. they have some amazing equipment and people. they hope in a few days to have Chris standing.Chris has been working hard everyday to get his strength back.
The dr has talked about the possibility of changing some things and giving Chris the ability to speak soon. i will let you know more as soon as possible.
we are in a different room now, but still in ICU. the plus to this new room is i can get internet in this new room. Chris has good movement on his left side, right leg, and head, but his right arm is still a bit fussy, but doing better daily. the kids come in to see daddy daily. it is so cute, bailey is so concearned about daddy and connor is just happy to play with the things in the room.
Chris is frustrated latley becuase he wants to get up and go home right now. he will soon enough, he is taking several steps in his recovery journey every day. As a way to put things in perspective Brad said it could be compareable to takeing 10,000 steps from start to finish and every day he takes several more steps. for me it helps to think of it this way. the other thing that helps is that chris and i arranged a time schedule for us so i can be there for him and the kids to the best of my abilities.
last week seemed to have the best and worst in it. in one day my jeep broke down and i had to have it towed, the same day the suburban broke down. the good was going to church and the kids had a blast and each kid won a goldfish.The jeep is repaired now though, thank you Mike B.
through all of this i have also made a choice with the support of chris to try and get into nursing school to become an RN. it is something that has been suggested to me and inspired by some of the ICU nurses, as well as some of the doctors.
This whole ICU thing has been a real rollercoaster ride with a severe learning curve.There is a lot of positive in there too.
Sarah & Mario-Congrats, and glad your feeling better.
Mike B.-THANK YOU
Girls-THANK YOU
Uncle Jack-No more ladders.
Talk soon
Amanda
the physical therapy people have been in every day to work with Chris they have been doing a great job. they have some amazing equipment and people. they hope in a few days to have Chris standing.Chris has been working hard everyday to get his strength back.
The dr has talked about the possibility of changing some things and giving Chris the ability to speak soon. i will let you know more as soon as possible.
we are in a different room now, but still in ICU. the plus to this new room is i can get internet in this new room. Chris has good movement on his left side, right leg, and head, but his right arm is still a bit fussy, but doing better daily. the kids come in to see daddy daily. it is so cute, bailey is so concearned about daddy and connor is just happy to play with the things in the room.
Chris is frustrated latley becuase he wants to get up and go home right now. he will soon enough, he is taking several steps in his recovery journey every day. As a way to put things in perspective Brad said it could be compareable to takeing 10,000 steps from start to finish and every day he takes several more steps. for me it helps to think of it this way. the other thing that helps is that chris and i arranged a time schedule for us so i can be there for him and the kids to the best of my abilities.
last week seemed to have the best and worst in it. in one day my jeep broke down and i had to have it towed, the same day the suburban broke down. the good was going to church and the kids had a blast and each kid won a goldfish.The jeep is repaired now though, thank you Mike B.
through all of this i have also made a choice with the support of chris to try and get into nursing school to become an RN. it is something that has been suggested to me and inspired by some of the ICU nurses, as well as some of the doctors.
This whole ICU thing has been a real rollercoaster ride with a severe learning curve.There is a lot of positive in there too.
Sarah & Mario-Congrats, and glad your feeling better.
Mike B.-THANK YOU
Girls-THANK YOU
Uncle Jack-No more ladders.
Talk soon
Amanda
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
A tough day
First to the ICU staff at TCCH.THANK YOU all.i could not have gotten this far in one piece without you all.
Today I met another family that is in a very similar set of medical circumstances. today is their tough day. i shared our story with them and hugged them.
I know how lucky my family is, and that as far as science and medicine is concerned every single thing that could be done was done, and Chris probably should not be here, but he is and i am grateful.
My heart goes out to this other family beause their "Loved one" did not make it. I am so sorry for their loss, but through this other family's tradegedy i know even more how lucky my family is. for that i thank them.
-Sunday
The kids and i went to church for the first time Sunday morning we were invited by a friend from the ICU. its Templeton Community Church. I'm glad we went. we will go again. the kids had a great time and got to bring home pictures they drew.they put them up on daddy's wall in his room.
Sunday the Dr did a broncoscopy. it went well they got good samples and cleaned him out well. i got to stay in the room and help a bit and watch what went on. the staff was awesome about teaching me what i was seeing and explaining what was happening.it was really interesting.
later that day i took the kids to Cheeseborough Pumpkin farm in Templeton. we have gone there every year since Bailey was born. it's an awesome place.the kids each got to pick out their own pumpkin and one little one to decorate for daddy. we took a bunch of photos. Grammy, Papa, Andrea and gidget puppy went with us.
-Monday
Today was our 6 yr wedding anniv. what a ride it has been. he was teasing me and having a good time with me today. since it is our anniv i stopped and got some breakfast at hoovers beefpalace. they have been so awesome at the beefpalace. Connor came by with papa and visited. the nurses found child patient gowns and then we put small gloves on him and in he goes. Bailey still is not comfortable coming in yet.Connor even sat on the edge of Chris's bed and gave him a hug. that made daddy smile. When Chris smelled my breakfast he said feed me. he was feeling hungry for the first time and he is on tube feeding so he is on perfectly measured food but that feeling is a good sign.
-Tuesday
The big thing today was changing his trake. the surgeon took out the long trake and put in a standard length trake. this is in hopes of helping Chris cough a bit less. i learned how to gently use the trake suction today so i can help Chris better. His sense of humor is returning. he told me to shush with a grin, and bopped me in the butt with his foot. he is still very frustrated at being ill but he really is getting much better his numbers and ability's prove that.
For anyone that would like to come see Chris the visitor hours are 11am-3pm and 5pm-8pm. the hospital suggests that you do not bring kids under 16 in. but if you cant avoid it. don't worry.
we hope to have the gown and glove precautions lifted in the next couple of days.we do have kid size gowns available if needed.
Talk soon
Amanda
Today I met another family that is in a very similar set of medical circumstances. today is their tough day. i shared our story with them and hugged them.
I know how lucky my family is, and that as far as science and medicine is concerned every single thing that could be done was done, and Chris probably should not be here, but he is and i am grateful.
My heart goes out to this other family beause their "Loved one" did not make it. I am so sorry for their loss, but through this other family's tradegedy i know even more how lucky my family is. for that i thank them.
-Sunday
The kids and i went to church for the first time Sunday morning we were invited by a friend from the ICU. its Templeton Community Church. I'm glad we went. we will go again. the kids had a great time and got to bring home pictures they drew.they put them up on daddy's wall in his room.
Sunday the Dr did a broncoscopy. it went well they got good samples and cleaned him out well. i got to stay in the room and help a bit and watch what went on. the staff was awesome about teaching me what i was seeing and explaining what was happening.it was really interesting.
later that day i took the kids to Cheeseborough Pumpkin farm in Templeton. we have gone there every year since Bailey was born. it's an awesome place.the kids each got to pick out their own pumpkin and one little one to decorate for daddy. we took a bunch of photos. Grammy, Papa, Andrea and gidget puppy went with us.
-Monday
Today was our 6 yr wedding anniv. what a ride it has been. he was teasing me and having a good time with me today. since it is our anniv i stopped and got some breakfast at hoovers beefpalace. they have been so awesome at the beefpalace. Connor came by with papa and visited. the nurses found child patient gowns and then we put small gloves on him and in he goes. Bailey still is not comfortable coming in yet.Connor even sat on the edge of Chris's bed and gave him a hug. that made daddy smile. When Chris smelled my breakfast he said feed me. he was feeling hungry for the first time and he is on tube feeding so he is on perfectly measured food but that feeling is a good sign.
-Tuesday
The big thing today was changing his trake. the surgeon took out the long trake and put in a standard length trake. this is in hopes of helping Chris cough a bit less. i learned how to gently use the trake suction today so i can help Chris better. His sense of humor is returning. he told me to shush with a grin, and bopped me in the butt with his foot. he is still very frustrated at being ill but he really is getting much better his numbers and ability's prove that.
For anyone that would like to come see Chris the visitor hours are 11am-3pm and 5pm-8pm. the hospital suggests that you do not bring kids under 16 in. but if you cant avoid it. don't worry.
we hope to have the gown and glove precautions lifted in the next couple of days.we do have kid size gowns available if needed.
Talk soon
Amanda
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Meltdown
Hello all. Chris is doing OK. Thursday was a bit rough, Chris did a lot of coughing and was uncomfortable all day and night. his dad spent Thurs night with him. we did a lot of suctioning. Chris also has a new bug he has contracted that originally came home with the soldiers when they returned home from the middle east for the first time and is very resistant to most treatment, but is treatable the only side effect for the rest of us is that we now have to wear gowns and gloves to go into Chris's room again.
yesterday and last night Chris was rather upset so the Dr gave him some meds to help. it did wonders.they also pulled his trake out just a smidge, this also seemed to help. I stayed last night with Chris. he did well today, they have had to increase his oxy level a bit , but he is pretty steady today.
Today was very difficult for Bailey, she is truly daddy's girl and today was meltdown day. i spent all day with her , i think it's helping. yesterday when i tried to take the kids in to see dad Connor went in, i picked him up then my mom put the gown over both of us and today grandpa Van Huss picked him up while he wore his own gown. Bailey would not go in either day. she is just really upset with all that is going on. grandpa Van Huss took the kids to a home depot kids function this morning then took the 3 of us to lunch at chili's. After that i took the kids to a birthday party for their friends. i think they are both feeling better tonight. after dinner i am going to go in and see Chris for a few min . All in all we are all moving forward.
(RT)Brad: all is good
Don B: see you in the morning
we'll talk later
Amanda
yesterday and last night Chris was rather upset so the Dr gave him some meds to help. it did wonders.they also pulled his trake out just a smidge, this also seemed to help. I stayed last night with Chris. he did well today, they have had to increase his oxy level a bit , but he is pretty steady today.
Today was very difficult for Bailey, she is truly daddy's girl and today was meltdown day. i spent all day with her , i think it's helping. yesterday when i tried to take the kids in to see dad Connor went in, i picked him up then my mom put the gown over both of us and today grandpa Van Huss picked him up while he wore his own gown. Bailey would not go in either day. she is just really upset with all that is going on. grandpa Van Huss took the kids to a home depot kids function this morning then took the 3 of us to lunch at chili's. After that i took the kids to a birthday party for their friends. i think they are both feeling better tonight. after dinner i am going to go in and see Chris for a few min . All in all we are all moving forward.
(RT)Brad: all is good
Don B: see you in the morning
we'll talk later
Amanda
Thursday, October 15, 2009
complete trake
Good Morning, I stayed the night with Chris as he asked. it was so awesome that he could request me to stay. The trake went well. it made a big difference in his treatment. yesterday the nurse's got him up into a recliner with the help of a device. he is moving his left arm well, in fact he took my hand last night and brought it to his lips so he could kiss my hand. he is moving his legs a bit.his oxy is good. the Respiratory therapist said they may even try letting Chris breath on his own for a few moments today.things are looking up.he is coming back, yesterday he gave his dad s*** because he could. i finally feel like i can breathe a bit.
yesterday when the kids were in because he can not speak yet he blew the kids kisses to tell them he loves them. bailey got up and kissed daddy on the cheek and held his hand, she was excited when daddy squeezed her little hand. Connor was a little too distracted yesterday, but he did talk to daddy. Bailey cant wait to sit in daddy's lap.
we had a little rough spot this morning around 5:30. Chris started coughing and the room was suddenly full of nurses and they had to act quickly and do their thing but he is fine and no harm done.things are back on track now and he is resting comfortably. i will go home soon after one of his parents gets here.
Aunt Charlene: I will.
To Sarah M.: Get well soon. we don't need anymore family in the hospital. hugs.
Jack & Terry: Stay healthy. we will get to Montana again, he wants one of those mules.
Talk soon
Amanda
yesterday when the kids were in because he can not speak yet he blew the kids kisses to tell them he loves them. bailey got up and kissed daddy on the cheek and held his hand, she was excited when daddy squeezed her little hand. Connor was a little too distracted yesterday, but he did talk to daddy. Bailey cant wait to sit in daddy's lap.
we had a little rough spot this morning around 5:30. Chris started coughing and the room was suddenly full of nurses and they had to act quickly and do their thing but he is fine and no harm done.things are back on track now and he is resting comfortably. i will go home soon after one of his parents gets here.
Aunt Charlene: I will.
To Sarah M.: Get well soon. we don't need anymore family in the hospital. hugs.
Jack & Terry: Stay healthy. we will get to Montana again, he wants one of those mules.
Talk soon
Amanda
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Trake
Today Chris is getting his trake. his stats have been great the last few days and they have been lowering his oxy level on the life support.
we are all in the waiting room waiting for Chris to come back from the OR and his trake surgery. Bailey is so excited to be able to sit in daddy's lap and talk with him again. today makes 3 weeks Chris has been asleep.
it has been raining and storming so hard here all day. several friends have no power.
will chat soon
Amanda
we are all in the waiting room waiting for Chris to come back from the OR and his trake surgery. Bailey is so excited to be able to sit in daddy's lap and talk with him again. today makes 3 weeks Chris has been asleep.
it has been raining and storming so hard here all day. several friends have no power.
will chat soon
Amanda
Sunday, October 11, 2009
It's been a month
Today is 32/19. 32 days in the ICU and 19 days on life support
Yesterday makes one month in the ICU. Chris was admitted September 10. He is doing better. His oxy is holding in the low 90's and the life support is down to 55. the Dr's plan to put in a trake on Tuesday and then wake him up. he will not be able to talk but they want him to start moving his arms and legs . The Dr has been keeping him just enough sedation to keep him out, but sometimes when they have to pause his meds for just a moment to change the bag he comes to just a bit. yesterday he squeezed my hand a bit and was able to gently shake his head no when the nurse asked if he was in any pain. we are all looking forward to him being awake again
Yesterday was pioneer day in Paso Robles. Grammy, Papa, Andrea, and I took the kids to the parade then had a picnic lunch in the park. Connor was really excited over all the tractors in the parade and Bailey was excited over the picnic and Gidget puppy.
Today Julie called and invited the kids to go for a horse ride. The were both super excited. after we got there Connor decided he did not want to ride but he did help brush Easy and helped lead him around. Bailey rode very well she loves to ride any chance she gets. Easy is the biggest horse bailey has ever ridden. She had so much fun.
Chat soon
Amanda
Yesterday makes one month in the ICU. Chris was admitted September 10. He is doing better. His oxy is holding in the low 90's and the life support is down to 55. the Dr's plan to put in a trake on Tuesday and then wake him up. he will not be able to talk but they want him to start moving his arms and legs . The Dr has been keeping him just enough sedation to keep him out, but sometimes when they have to pause his meds for just a moment to change the bag he comes to just a bit. yesterday he squeezed my hand a bit and was able to gently shake his head no when the nurse asked if he was in any pain. we are all looking forward to him being awake again
Yesterday was pioneer day in Paso Robles. Grammy, Papa, Andrea, and I took the kids to the parade then had a picnic lunch in the park. Connor was really excited over all the tractors in the parade and Bailey was excited over the picnic and Gidget puppy.
Today Julie called and invited the kids to go for a horse ride. The were both super excited. after we got there Connor decided he did not want to ride but he did help brush Easy and helped lead him around. Bailey rode very well she loves to ride any chance she gets. Easy is the biggest horse bailey has ever ridden. She had so much fun.
Chat soon
Amanda
Thursday, October 8, 2009
a long day
Today has been very long. it started out with an appointment for the kids and i and just went from there. yesterday and today for Chris were about the same he is at a point that i call semi-stable. he is not crashing badly every time someone touches him but he is nowhere near out of the danger zone. For the lat 48 hours he has been ,
-at about 65 or so on the life support machine.
-at a peep of 15 now down to 10. good
-oxy consistently in the low 90's
-on a lasix drip
-on an insulin drip
-his pulse is slower now. around 105. much better.
-increase in sedation meds because he is building a tolerance.
-he has developed a small sore the size of a nickel on the back of his head, of all places.
-his glucose was in the 100's
the nurses are doing a really great job at keeping up with Chris's personal hygiene, including great dental care. his skin is a bit dry in a few places like his feet but that is it. that is a big relief for me.
Dr.G indicated today it is very possible but no guarantee that Chris will continue to be on life support for a few more weeks.
Chris got a trake consult today. The nurses managed to catch the Trake Dr for me on the phone just before the Trake Dr left the hospital. i was unable to get to the hospital in time to meet the Trake Dr in person. The Trake Dr said that because Chris is a big guy and he may have a particular vein in the way it may not be safe to do a trake. the trake Dr will know more tomorrow after looking at some tests and possibly ordering more tests.as i understand it, IN GENERAL it is considered healthier for very ill patients on long term life support, like Chris to have their life support through a trake instead of their mouth if possible.
today for just a moment when the nurses were refilling some of Chris's IV sedation meds he came to just a micro smidgen and looked right at me. it was good to have him look at me again even if only for about 5 seconds.
to all my family,extended family, friends and 4-H
Thank You all so much for being their for me and the kids, and all the offers of help in any form especially childcare. Thank you all so much. You all make such a difference.
To The Girls: See you tomorrow. and Thanks for dinner Soto.
To Mike And Tom: wow, the jeep runs awesome. THANK YOU
Goodnight
The 3 of us
-at about 65 or so on the life support machine.
-at a peep of 15 now down to 10. good
-oxy consistently in the low 90's
-on a lasix drip
-on an insulin drip
-his pulse is slower now. around 105. much better.
-increase in sedation meds because he is building a tolerance.
-he has developed a small sore the size of a nickel on the back of his head, of all places.
-his glucose was in the 100's
the nurses are doing a really great job at keeping up with Chris's personal hygiene, including great dental care. his skin is a bit dry in a few places like his feet but that is it. that is a big relief for me.
Dr.G indicated today it is very possible but no guarantee that Chris will continue to be on life support for a few more weeks.
Chris got a trake consult today. The nurses managed to catch the Trake Dr for me on the phone just before the Trake Dr left the hospital. i was unable to get to the hospital in time to meet the Trake Dr in person. The Trake Dr said that because Chris is a big guy and he may have a particular vein in the way it may not be safe to do a trake. the trake Dr will know more tomorrow after looking at some tests and possibly ordering more tests.as i understand it, IN GENERAL it is considered healthier for very ill patients on long term life support, like Chris to have their life support through a trake instead of their mouth if possible.
today for just a moment when the nurses were refilling some of Chris's IV sedation meds he came to just a micro smidgen and looked right at me. it was good to have him look at me again even if only for about 5 seconds.
to all my family,extended family, friends and 4-H
Thank You all so much for being their for me and the kids, and all the offers of help in any form especially childcare. Thank you all so much. You all make such a difference.
To The Girls: See you tomorrow. and Thanks for dinner Soto.
To Mike And Tom: wow, the jeep runs awesome. THANK YOU
Goodnight
The 3 of us
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Baloon Gloves
Yesterday was good.Chris was at 65 on the life support with an oxy level of 95. all other levels were good as well. last night around dinner time the right side of Chris's chest swelled up. the Dr thinks it is a simple air leak from the chest tubes,none of his stats changed. he did a lot of productive coughing yesterday as well. Chris managed to get a lot of junk out of his lungs. The RT was very pleased with this.
Last night after dinner and jammy's we went to say goodnight to daddy again. this time Connor also hugged and kissed daddy's arm. the nurse gave them glove balloons too. that makes 2 nurses they have sweet talked. thank you for the balloons, they really love them. the kids want to see daddy again today so we will.
It seems that Chris is turning that corner, so keep your fingers crossed.
Amanda
Last night after dinner and jammy's we went to say goodnight to daddy again. this time Connor also hugged and kissed daddy's arm. the nurse gave them glove balloons too. that makes 2 nurses they have sweet talked. thank you for the balloons, they really love them. the kids want to see daddy again today so we will.
It seems that Chris is turning that corner, so keep your fingers crossed.
Amanda
Monday, October 5, 2009
It's Monday
It is Monday and Chris had a good weekend. Chris is continuing to have good blood sugars and is still at 60 to 65 on life support and getting an oxy of 90 to 100. Still heavily sedated but occasionally responsive. the Dr. explained that he wants Chris to do just a little bit of breathing on his own and let the machines do the rest. Sort of like a very gentle physical therapy for his lungs. The Dr said it will still be several days before they even consider taking life support off. His temp was normal yesterday and his color was great.
In talking with the nurses it is a suggested rule of thumb for someone that has been so ill for so long that it takes 3 days of recovery for every day of illness. Today is day 26 in the ICU and day 13 on life support.
The kids saw daddy twice yesterday. one in the afternoon, then again last night before bed. they wanted to say goodnight to daddy. Bailey hugged and kissed and talked to daddy, Connor asked about 75 questions and touched daddy's hand, they are doing very well with understanding that daddy is sick and and it is going to take a long time and a lot of work for daddy to get better.
Bailey just sat on my lap and asked if we could go see daddy today. We miss him so much
Amanda
In talking with the nurses it is a suggested rule of thumb for someone that has been so ill for so long that it takes 3 days of recovery for every day of illness. Today is day 26 in the ICU and day 13 on life support.
The kids saw daddy twice yesterday. one in the afternoon, then again last night before bed. they wanted to say goodnight to daddy. Bailey hugged and kissed and talked to daddy, Connor asked about 75 questions and touched daddy's hand, they are doing very well with understanding that daddy is sick and and it is going to take a long time and a lot of work for daddy to get better.
Bailey just sat on my lap and asked if we could go see daddy today. We miss him so much
Amanda
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Some relief
in the past few days there has been so much happening i left out the bit that on Fri, the scary day, Chris's heart stopped for about two min. the nurses did compressions and used meds, and he restarted.
but on a happy note, there is some relief this morning. The DR turned the life support machine down in small increments from 100% to 75% and Chris is still holding his Oxy levels in the low 90's. Hooray.
I think i have accidentally started a small trend. i had been wearing Chris's wedding ring on a piece if elastic on my wrist. a few days ago i got some turquoise blue glass beads and made a nice stretchy bracelet with his ring on it. now my whole family is wearing turquoise bracelets to show their support for Chris and i and the kids. I think its awesome.
Chat soon
Amanda
but on a happy note, there is some relief this morning. The DR turned the life support machine down in small increments from 100% to 75% and Chris is still holding his Oxy levels in the low 90's. Hooray.
I think i have accidentally started a small trend. i had been wearing Chris's wedding ring on a piece if elastic on my wrist. a few days ago i got some turquoise blue glass beads and made a nice stretchy bracelet with his ring on it. now my whole family is wearing turquoise bracelets to show their support for Chris and i and the kids. I think its awesome.
Chat soon
Amanda
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Rough couple of days
It has definitely been a rough couple of days. Chris is still in a medicine induced coma, and his whole body is paralyzed by medicine, both of these are on purpose. Chris received one chest tube yesterday morning due to a neumothorax ( his right lung collapsed and there is a tear). after everything calmed down and got cleaned up I took the kids in to see their dad. in doing this i made sure i had plenty of help and support with me in the room. they were a bit startled at first, but then did really great and want to see him again. Chris struggled with his air for a bit during the day but by the evening he was in the low 90's. The Dr. has also ordered a proning bed. a last result item, its a bed that turns the patient over on their belly to help open up their lung space. The DR is also discussing the option of sending Chris to Stanford.
Last night around 9pm my body finally said enough is enough and my epilepsy took over. at that point Rena and Amanda took me downstairs to the ER. i got some meds and I'm fine now. i was ordered by the family to rest today and limit my time in the hospital. i actually listened and only spent an hour in Chris's room today.
today the tube in Chris's chest was not functioning fully so they put in a second tube on the right side. this tube is getting better results. the also removed the pic line from Chris's right arm and put in a jugular pic line in his neck. they have also added a few more specific monitors. so there are even more tubes and wires attached to him.
tomorrow I plan to take the kids in again for a few minuets. its much easier now that the quarantine(droplet precautions) have been lifted. meaning no more gown, glove, and mask to go in Chris's room.
time for sleep now,
Good night all.
Amanda
Last night around 9pm my body finally said enough is enough and my epilepsy took over. at that point Rena and Amanda took me downstairs to the ER. i got some meds and I'm fine now. i was ordered by the family to rest today and limit my time in the hospital. i actually listened and only spent an hour in Chris's room today.
today the tube in Chris's chest was not functioning fully so they put in a second tube on the right side. this tube is getting better results. the also removed the pic line from Chris's right arm and put in a jugular pic line in his neck. they have also added a few more specific monitors. so there are even more tubes and wires attached to him.
tomorrow I plan to take the kids in again for a few minuets. its much easier now that the quarantine(droplet precautions) have been lifted. meaning no more gown, glove, and mask to go in Chris's room.
time for sleep now,
Good night all.
Amanda
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Some new ideas
Today brings some big things. this morning the new Dr. put in a line in Chris's wrist to draw blood from as often as needed. they put a scope into his lungs to check the position of the airway and tubes. They also put him into a medically induced coma. Last but not least they medically paralyzed him. Chris's room has three I.V. trees full of machines and I.V. meds. The Doc is trying some aggressive new treatment ideas. even with these great new ideas we are still probably looking at a few more weeks of life support. Chris seems to be responding well to these new ideas. Chris's oxy levels have been around 88 today
The kids got a wonderful surprise today. Grandpa Raynor went and picked them up and took them to the Paso Robles Children's Museum. I haven't seen them this afternoon, but they were so excited about going somewhere with grandpa.
I will be spending tonight with my kids. Last night Bailey had a meltdown. tomorrow i am going to bring the kids in to see their dad. i have discussed this with people i trust that have been in the same position Chris is in. It helped me decide that i want my kids to come see their dad.
I will try to blog again tonight
Amanda
The kids got a wonderful surprise today. Grandpa Raynor went and picked them up and took them to the Paso Robles Children's Museum. I haven't seen them this afternoon, but they were so excited about going somewhere with grandpa.
I will be spending tonight with my kids. Last night Bailey had a meltdown. tomorrow i am going to bring the kids in to see their dad. i have discussed this with people i trust that have been in the same position Chris is in. It helped me decide that i want my kids to come see their dad.
I will try to blog again tonight
Amanda
Day 21 ICU
Today is day 21 in the ICU and day 8 of life support. Chris has been doing about the same for the last 3 days. I spent last night with him. Chris has been maintaining in the high 80's to low 90's for oxy lately. The nurses explained to me that keeping a patients head up and doing good dental hygiene greatly helps prevent pneumonia from life support and other unpleasant things.
Yesterday they ran a new test on Chris and found he had a new fungus that is an airborne issue. they immediately put him on anti-fungal meds and that issue should be better in a few days.
Last night Chris got an ultrasound to help determine his kidney function. they were only able to get some of the info needed. they will be back this afternoon to try and get the rest.
the nurses have done a great job at keeping Chris moving. he requires a lot of attention. there are so many machines and gadgets in his room. the nurses have all been great about teaching me and helping me understand what is going on. even the ones who are not caring for him that day or haven't cared for him yet.
in the last 21 days i have discovered my mom Orlene knows almost every person in the hospital. there is a comfort in that. i have also come to realize what a tight knit community we live in.
I went to the grocery store yesterday with my mother in law Saunie. I'm not to sure why but it just threw me for a loop. i was very disoriented and just wanted to cry the whole time. I am not accustom to shopping for me and the kids only. it was also the first time in 20 days that i did a normal errand.
Connor seems to be doing better. Bailey woke up with a sore throat today. Last night she had a rough time. both kids are missing daddy so much, its really starting to show. It has been 10 days since they have seen their dad.
will blog again soon
Amanda
Yesterday they ran a new test on Chris and found he had a new fungus that is an airborne issue. they immediately put him on anti-fungal meds and that issue should be better in a few days.
Last night Chris got an ultrasound to help determine his kidney function. they were only able to get some of the info needed. they will be back this afternoon to try and get the rest.
the nurses have done a great job at keeping Chris moving. he requires a lot of attention. there are so many machines and gadgets in his room. the nurses have all been great about teaching me and helping me understand what is going on. even the ones who are not caring for him that day or haven't cared for him yet.
in the last 21 days i have discovered my mom Orlene knows almost every person in the hospital. there is a comfort in that. i have also come to realize what a tight knit community we live in.
I went to the grocery store yesterday with my mother in law Saunie. I'm not to sure why but it just threw me for a loop. i was very disoriented and just wanted to cry the whole time. I am not accustom to shopping for me and the kids only. it was also the first time in 20 days that i did a normal errand.
Connor seems to be doing better. Bailey woke up with a sore throat today. Last night she had a rough time. both kids are missing daddy so much, its really starting to show. It has been 10 days since they have seen their dad.
will blog again soon
Amanda
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