It has been one week since TJ was pulled off the plane. Chip reviewed some of the story for DaveR and me last evening. The plane was taxiing for take off and Chip, who was sitting a few rows behind TJ, noticed some passengers pointing at TJ and calling for the flight attendant. Chip went up to check on things. TJ was sort of jerking, not conscious, then puked and came around. Chip checked his blood sugar (OK) and then things started moving fast to get him off the plane. Chip did an amazing job in those first critical moments and hours.
In talking to the Infectious Disease Doc today I was pressing him for why he was ruling out MRSA based on negative cultures and not every other bacteria. He said that if it were MRSA it would have caused some inflammation of the heart and been circulating throughout TJs blood stream. The cultures have shown "normal throat flora"- or the normal critters that live in all of our throats, which would be consistant with aspiration pneumonia- or choking on puke which would pick up the normal flora on it's way down the wrong pipe. The ID doc is satisfied with his progress.
I did a little reading today on ARDS and found an article from NIH (National Institute of Health) in the US and they are following all the recommended protocols as well as being on the top of the curve for recent recommendations. For you medical types this includes ventilator settings of peep and tidal volume, acid base balance in blood, albumin for pulling fluid off the lung and back into the blood vessels, and enteral nutrition support (formula via NG tube).
TJ observed today that once you get on a ventilator it seems hard to get off. Indeed. Please pray for patience and stamina for him- it is a very taxing position to be in.
Last evening DaveR (a good friend from a creative access country) took Chip and I to an Outback Steakhouse for dinner. It was good to get out of the hospital for a bit and have a change from the cafeteria selections.
That is all the news from Lake Wobegon for now.
MA
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Sunday Morning Medical Update
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5 comments:
We agree with your eval. 100% of dkness in Thlnd. - the blckst of all countries we have ever served in. 2 Cor. 4:4-6 comes to mind:the thing about light is that dkness can't overcome it or ever swallow it. In spite of the mean spirited blinder, you are not proclaiming yourself but Jesus Christ as Lord - our prayer is that the God who said 'Let light shine out of darkness, and shone in your hearts to give you light - will punch holes in the dkness in soul, spirit and body! v. 8 and 9 are worth reading too! You ARE the light on a hill. Praying against the dknss. E and G
I am brought to tears by the fingerprint of God through this.
Taxiing on the runway...
Chip being a trained first responder and walking medical log for TJ health in the last year....
Praying that his light shines in the darkness. I wonder what nurse will be joining this time!
Press on...
maegan
thank you for the incredible insight and grace in your statement
please know that we are continuing to pray that He will be glorified by the example and situation. we also pray for protection in all areas.
the prayers of a righteous man are powerful and effective (James 5:18)
by His grace this will be conquered
Dear [TJ],
I pray that you will be extubated today or tomorrow! Young-ly and I lift you up to the Lord everyday!
May our Lord Jesus comfort you in this challenging time!
[original post by:]Stephen
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