Evening Update

As you can tell updates are starting to get a little fewer and farther between. This is definately a good thing. Updates I got from MA:

The pulmonologist said the most recent X-ray showed the lungs looking a little bit better. The vent settings are being tweaked, mostly in a good way. The pressure is down but the O2 level up. What this does mean is that it is easier to take TJ off the vent but keep the O2 up via a C-PAP or BiPAP. At any rate, TJ is mostly breathing on his own despite still being on the vent.

The doctors are also trying regulate TJ's blood gases. As my mom didn't get any details this means pretty much nothing beyond what it says, e.g., what eactly they want to regulate and why, etc.

I'll update when I know more, there may not be anything to add anytime soon.

Friday Afternoon in Bangkok

TJ was not extubated today. The pulmonologist explained that he does not want to be in a situation where he has to re-intubate. He is satisfied with TJ's progress and explained that TJ's lungs are becoming more pliable. Part of ARDS is that lungs get stiff so they don't work well. His chest x-ray in unchanged which is fine. Once again the pulmonologist explained that this is lagging indicator, behind improving symptoms. I asked the pulm. to order morphine to help with the pain of suctioning and the drowning feeling that TJ has had. That has been successful today. He has been able to sleep a short time after receiving the morphine. He told me (via his legal pad) a couple of minutes ago that he cannot believe he rested even for a bit. I will go back to the room in just a minute and he is planning to get up in the chair. TJ's temperature remains normal.

The endocrinologist came by and explained the insulin regime- it is basically what would be done in the states. She said that she will consult with the endocrinologist in the US about not using the insulin pump speculating that it could have been the source for MRSA. That leaves some questions-how could such a small port of entry that only goes into subcutaneous tissue cause the infection, and is it MRSA???

Staffing was better this afternoon, sadly because of a crash cart for the room across the hall and grieving family.

Chip has a migraine after basically being up all night in TJ's room. The RG family with the baby who was ill are planning on flying "home" this evening.

Much appreciation to all!

MA