EEG results, spinal tap, other considerations...
Good news on the EEG from this morning! Even with the Atavan & morphine (given sometimes), her brain's still waving acceptably. The preliminary word on the spinal tap... uh... lumbar puncture (there's just no good way to name that procedure) is that things look good. Still waiting for cultures (another day or so) and professional word from the specialist.
As of coming home for a break today, her saturation was hovering 88-90% on 60% oxygen. So there's some decline from the morning. People have told me to take this day by day. We're going hour by hour (or minute, sometimes). Doctor says that there's a leak in a mechanical valve in the breathing tube. So plans are in the works for either replacing the tube, or more likely, going ahead with the tracheostomy for the long haul. They're also going to do another lung cam look-about (bronchoscopy) and maybe washing.
Protein's not going the way they want. There's been some feeding tube nutrition, some iv nutrition. What they're considering is placing a gastric tube right through her and into the stomach. If it gets to this point, hopefully that will get her fed better. Those of you that know us are practically screaming, "Phil, just get your mom over there! She'll feed Denise and the whole darn staff, too!" I know. But this is a little more intricate.
They started up a dose of Vancomycin, an antibiotic that I don't recall being used before. They're also going to run another set of cultures from blood, urine, sputum, etc. to make sure nothing else is going on.
Hemoglobin/red count was a little low, so a little blood transfusion is on the horizon, too. Many have asked (as have I) about doing a directed donation. The doctor thought that there was nothing that would make donating necessary at this point. It takes a couple days for whole blood & platelets to be processed. So there's not much point unless they know a few days ahead that Denise will need something.
A word about the hospital staff...
Pray for these folks. God has blessed them with an incredible amount of talent, knowledge, drive to work hard, and desire to help people. They are truly conduits through which God's blessings are flowing right now (Yup, in spite of all that's scary right now, there ARE good things). The hours are long. Their feet must be killing them. They should probably switch their paychecks with movie star paychecks (then each would get what they deserve). They see suffering day in, day out in the CCU. They are still expected to keep on their games. In spite of all the stress that the staff deals with in the CCU (and of course, in reglular life outside of work), we've seen excellent people skills and a level of caring & concern that matches that of Denise's family & closest friends. Staff from other parts of the hospital have come by to check & see how she's doing. Our hope & comfort comes from our faith through Christ that God is in control. The doctors and nurses are definitely His instruments.
If any of you at the hospital are reading this, know that you are VERY appreciated.
And there will probably be thousands of people all over the world praying for you tonight.
Thanks for taking care of my wife.
:O) Phil
As of coming home for a break today, her saturation was hovering 88-90% on 60% oxygen. So there's some decline from the morning. People have told me to take this day by day. We're going hour by hour (or minute, sometimes). Doctor says that there's a leak in a mechanical valve in the breathing tube. So plans are in the works for either replacing the tube, or more likely, going ahead with the tracheostomy for the long haul. They're also going to do another lung cam look-about (bronchoscopy) and maybe washing.
Protein's not going the way they want. There's been some feeding tube nutrition, some iv nutrition. What they're considering is placing a gastric tube right through her and into the stomach. If it gets to this point, hopefully that will get her fed better. Those of you that know us are practically screaming, "Phil, just get your mom over there! She'll feed Denise and the whole darn staff, too!" I know. But this is a little more intricate.
They started up a dose of Vancomycin, an antibiotic that I don't recall being used before. They're also going to run another set of cultures from blood, urine, sputum, etc. to make sure nothing else is going on.
Hemoglobin/red count was a little low, so a little blood transfusion is on the horizon, too. Many have asked (as have I) about doing a directed donation. The doctor thought that there was nothing that would make donating necessary at this point. It takes a couple days for whole blood & platelets to be processed. So there's not much point unless they know a few days ahead that Denise will need something.
A word about the hospital staff...
Pray for these folks. God has blessed them with an incredible amount of talent, knowledge, drive to work hard, and desire to help people. They are truly conduits through which God's blessings are flowing right now (Yup, in spite of all that's scary right now, there ARE good things). The hours are long. Their feet must be killing them. They should probably switch their paychecks with movie star paychecks (then each would get what they deserve). They see suffering day in, day out in the CCU. They are still expected to keep on their games. In spite of all the stress that the staff deals with in the CCU (and of course, in reglular life outside of work), we've seen excellent people skills and a level of caring & concern that matches that of Denise's family & closest friends. Staff from other parts of the hospital have come by to check & see how she's doing. Our hope & comfort comes from our faith through Christ that God is in control. The doctors and nurses are definitely His instruments.
If any of you at the hospital are reading this, know that you are VERY appreciated.
And there will probably be thousands of people all over the world praying for you tonight.
Thanks for taking care of my wife.
:O) Phil
posted by Phil and Denise Williams at 3:27 PM
3 Comments:
Phil.---I know how it goes with waiting. I have often said that it is harder on the ones sitting and waiting than on the patient. Sure hope the trach and feeding tube goes well. Am sure that it will help.
I think it was wonderful of you to put the comments you did on the page about the staff. I'm sure that they are appreciated.
Really appreciate your keeping us informed about Denise's condition.
Continued prayers for all. Shirley and Paul
I just wanted to let you know that
I am praying for Denise. God is in complete control. God is such a big God and Denise is in God hands.I hope she gets better. I am continuing to pray for you too phil that the lord will strenghten you and give you the rest that you need. i will continue to keep your family in my prayers. Your family is in the loving hands of Jesus.
Phil,
I've never met you or your wife but I've been praying along with others on many prayer chains. I'm a friend of Danielle Cannon who originally forwarded your request for prayer. I then forwarded your prayer requests to others. One friend I contacted has a dog who has battled VF for the past few years. She said you might want to check out this site if you were not already aware of it...
http://www.valleyfeversurvivor.com/
I've also printed out some of your previous e-mails and took them to prayer warriors at my church this past Sunday. We are all members of God's family!
Kay VanGundy
Post a Comment
<< Home