This has been a rather mixed day. TJ slept well much of the night except when his sats and blood pressure dropped. The staff suctioned him, got a lot of thick junk out, put him back on oxygen and he rebounded. He has needed to remain on oxygen all day rather than room air which he has been on the last three days. His white count is up to 13,300 from 8,500 (which possibly indicates a new infection, 8,500 is a good number, 13,300 is not bad, but going up is not necessarily good). Chest X-Ray is essentially unchanged.
I got to the hospital around 11 am and he looked like he was breathing harder but was awake and alert until I left around 5 pm. He is moving everything more, and tried to whisper a couple answers to questions.
Around 2 pm he rather suddenly started to breath at about twice the rate he had been and indicated that he had some right sided chest pain. His pulse has been over 100 all day up from the 70's and 80's yesterday. The pulmonologist was still on the unit and came in and checked him right away. By then the pain had faded. To be thorough he ordered a 12 lead EKG which showed "subtle, but not necessarily bad" changes from the previous 12 lead. (He is continually monitored with a 3 lead EKG).
They also drew cardiac enzymes which were normal (elevated would indicate heart muscle damage) and will do another EKG tonight and in the morning. There are many possible explanations to the pulse, respirations, and sat changes today from rather benign to having to compensate for a serious medical issue like a secondary infection or returning congestive heart failure. No one is jumping to any conclusions and they will keep in the the ICU for the time being to keep a close eye on things.
The pulmonologist would like to get more aggressive about getting him up in a chair (probably using a lift) to help clear secretions, but they won't do this until his breathing slows down.
Prayer requests would be:
- That everything gets "back on track" quickly. The internist told him that he is not following the script for the New Year.
- For complete healing of the mitral valve.
- For the health of Chip, Jon, and me. Chip has a cold and bad sore throat, Jon is super tired, and I feel like I am getting what Chip has.
Thank you so much for continuing to do battle on TJ's behalf!
Happy New Year and much gratitude,
Mary Ann
Posts
10 comments:
We will be praying that God would strengthen all of you and keep you healthy. "I can do everything through Christ who gives me strength! Phil. 4:13
We're still praying! Lots of love!
Thanks for all the information...the hardest rehab part lies ahead, it is very hard work, and TJ will need lots of encouragement as he starts and moves into the area...but until then these little steps are monster ones for him and I continue to pray for him, staff and family. GOD is faithful and will be glorfied in all things...
Dear Mary Ann, TJ, and family,
I am claiming II Samuel 22: 17 for TJ. "He sent from above, He took me; He drew me out of many waters."
That is my prayer, "Dear Father, in Jesus' Name, reach down from above and draw TJ up out of this "back and forth" battle. Set him on a rock of safety and heal his heart. Take away his chest pain. Reduce his white count. Hold him in the palm of your hand and let him breathe easy. Amen."
Love you all. Get your rest and get over these bugs you are all fighting. All the best on this New Years Day!
Pastor Rich Carlson, Supt. IWD
We're still praying for you all! Thanks for the updates. Love you.
Dawn and Jim
Praying for all of you!
I pray God's abundant blessings on each one of you in this new year. I pray that Jesus would minister His healing touch to Jon, Chip and Mary Ann as He continues in healing TJ. I pray for rest and a strengthening of your physical bodies, in Jesus name. Lord, keep them encouraged and send angels to minister to their every need. Thank you Lord in advance, Amen.
We continue to pray--take care of yourselves!
Praying for all of you. It seems like it could be challenging just to move and try to do normal things for TJ, especially as every function is monitored and evaluated.Praying God will supply your needs and bless you with His encouragment.
CL
"He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many." 2 Corinthians 1: 10-11
Lord, contine to deliver TJ for your glory. Thank you for allowing us to see Your mighty hand in motion. We rejoice in the progress made and look in expectation and awe at what is to come!
Post a Comment