If you have ever seen the movie Steel Magnolias perhaps you recall that scene where Sally Field, the mother, is trying to get Julia Roberts, the daughter to wake up from a coma. She never does. As you all know I have wanted to see Ken's eyes and some kind of response - I did!!!! -Thursday. The nurse turned off the sedation and the hiccups did not return -PRAISE GOD - so she left if off longer and longer and then there they were - those brown eyes. There was no excitement in them though, only a look of confusion and worry. I tried to reassure him he was OK but he just stared at me. I knew he was not thrilled at all to still be on the ventilator, he kept trying to push the tube out with his tongue. He tried to answer questions by blinking his eyes but sometimes I could not determine his answer since he was still somewhat drowsy. He could not move his limbs which was also a source of frustration. I am not sure what was going through his mind when a lot of the medical staff came running to his room when word spread he was awake. One of the P.T.'s he had worked with before the surgery knew what the "real" Ken was like and she was devastated by what had happened. She was suppose to pick Ken up on Sunday to take him to church with her - he had told me about this on Thursday after he had gone to rehab - he was so excited. She came to workout Ken's joints yesterday morning before he came to and she kept telling the nurse what a character he was and how they had just talked and talked or maybe it was he had talked and talked - oh, and that Thursday was the only time she had worked with him. When word went down the hall he was awake she came running into the room so excited. Every time I looked up there was someone else looking in and smiling or giving me a thumbs up - guess you could say there was a party on 6-W again.
I stayed late last night and when I left he still looked lost. He had some problems with his oxygen again last night when they were cleaning him up. They had to go up on his oxygen level and put him back on the meds for his blood pressure to keep it up. He only slept a couple of hours the nurse said.
Today he is more coherent than yesterday and he has been able to answer questions better with his eyes and has even tried to nod his head a little. He's hands are still swollen but he has been able to move them some. I have explained some of what has gone on and keep telling him he is getting better - all of the steps are moving forward. Some doctors are in his room right now looking at the heart to see if there is a problem with blood flowing between the sections before being oxygenated in the lungs. One of the doctors also talked to me about the possibility of them putting in a trech on Monday. It will be easier to get him off the oxygen plus will add a level of comfort to him. We will see what the findings are from this procedure they are doing now.
Friday, March 7, 2008
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
WEDNESDAY - HUMP DAY
Make it through Wednesday and it is all down hill to the weekend for those who work a Monday thru Friday schedule. For the Tin Man, two more days will make it two weeks since he received his new heart. It's hard to believe. I think the hardest thing for me has been not getting here in time to see Ken before he went into surgery. It wouldn't change what happened, I just could have seen that excitement in his eyes that I heard in his voice. There has only been a few times those eyes have been open since I arrived here, and it was not excitement I saw.
Not much has changed - the dialysis is hooked up and running, and the ventilator is assisting his breathing. They continue to run blood test and make adjustments as needed and I continue to thank God for His faithfulness and trust in His timing. Perhaps Ken will take a big swing towards recovery tomorrow - I would love to see some life in those brown eyes - and I guarantee everyone would see excitement in these green eyes of mine.
Not much has changed - the dialysis is hooked up and running, and the ventilator is assisting his breathing. They continue to run blood test and make adjustments as needed and I continue to thank God for His faithfulness and trust in His timing. Perhaps Ken will take a big swing towards recovery tomorrow - I would love to see some life in those brown eyes - and I guarantee everyone would see excitement in these green eyes of mine.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
WHAT DAY IS IT?
Tuesday - March 4, 2008. The day to pay bills if you have not yet done so - for our household anyway - BOTH OF THEM. It's always helpful too if you remember the password for on-line banking. I don't know why the world doesn't stand still when it seems your world has. The doctors and nurses tell me more than likely Ken won't remember these last twelve days - for him I guess it is standing still.
Today they continued to run blood test and work with the ventilator. They viewed the heart functions and started dialysis. I stood there today by Ken's bed and again marveled at what can be done to the human body. My technical terminology is lacking as you have noticed before - the "fluid removing machine" - but I'm just guessing that unless you're in the medical field or have been in a situation where you have seen it in action you would still not know what I am talking about. Even "Googling" would be difficult because I have not a clue how you would spell them. Beside, I think the doctors and nurses have their own names for them. This particular machine has blood passing through it and as it does there is clear liquid that falls into a bag. Red blood going in and red blood coming out but clear liquid falling down into the bag - I am amazed. The heart and lung by-pass machine was fascinating to watch and learn how it sustained life in Ken's body for that time. And now there is a dialysis machine hooked up - just to even see how it is set up with tubes running in and out and encircling parts of the machine is mind boggling for me. Here again is a machine that Ken's blood runs through. It removes excess fluid from his body along with toxins. Ken's kidneys are producing lots of urine, it is just not quality urine at this time. Running the dialysis will just give some needed assistance. (Ken will be so excited I am telling you all about his "pee-pee")
I had to laugh the other day when the nurse was opening a kit for setting up the "fluid removing machine" and said to her, "So I take it some assembly is required" - she laughed and let out a big yes. Call an ICU nurse on Christmas Eve if you are having problems with a gift that needs 'some assembly' - THEY ARE GREAT!!!
Our Sunday school class was discussing one Sunday after we came to Baltimore how some of them had re-thought organ donation and were going to change the information on their drivers license and tell family members of that decision. Sometimes that's what happens when you know someone who is going through a life changing situation; your perspective changes. What once we might not have given a second thought to, we now look at with a different understanding. I definitely look at blood and it's life giving force differently. All of the machines I mentioned are taking out the blood - treating it for what is needed - and then giving it back to the body. Ken has had to have so many units of blood and blood products (platelets, plasma) that I have totally lost count. That blood was needed to save his life as well. SOMEONE GAVE THAT GIFT OF LIFE. I am not able to give blood because of past hepatitis - I wish I could - if you can, please do. Someone may not need an organ transplant but they do need blood - it could save their live.
Our bodies did not come out of some big bang happening or evolution. "Then the Lord God formed man of dust from the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being." Genesis 2:7 The body is so complex and wonderfully made - look at yours with different understanding today and don't take how it works for granted.
Thank you God for the gift of life!
Today they continued to run blood test and work with the ventilator. They viewed the heart functions and started dialysis. I stood there today by Ken's bed and again marveled at what can be done to the human body. My technical terminology is lacking as you have noticed before - the "fluid removing machine" - but I'm just guessing that unless you're in the medical field or have been in a situation where you have seen it in action you would still not know what I am talking about. Even "Googling" would be difficult because I have not a clue how you would spell them. Beside, I think the doctors and nurses have their own names for them. This particular machine has blood passing through it and as it does there is clear liquid that falls into a bag. Red blood going in and red blood coming out but clear liquid falling down into the bag - I am amazed. The heart and lung by-pass machine was fascinating to watch and learn how it sustained life in Ken's body for that time. And now there is a dialysis machine hooked up - just to even see how it is set up with tubes running in and out and encircling parts of the machine is mind boggling for me. Here again is a machine that Ken's blood runs through. It removes excess fluid from his body along with toxins. Ken's kidneys are producing lots of urine, it is just not quality urine at this time. Running the dialysis will just give some needed assistance. (Ken will be so excited I am telling you all about his "pee-pee")
I had to laugh the other day when the nurse was opening a kit for setting up the "fluid removing machine" and said to her, "So I take it some assembly is required" - she laughed and let out a big yes. Call an ICU nurse on Christmas Eve if you are having problems with a gift that needs 'some assembly' - THEY ARE GREAT!!!
Our Sunday school class was discussing one Sunday after we came to Baltimore how some of them had re-thought organ donation and were going to change the information on their drivers license and tell family members of that decision. Sometimes that's what happens when you know someone who is going through a life changing situation; your perspective changes. What once we might not have given a second thought to, we now look at with a different understanding. I definitely look at blood and it's life giving force differently. All of the machines I mentioned are taking out the blood - treating it for what is needed - and then giving it back to the body. Ken has had to have so many units of blood and blood products (platelets, plasma) that I have totally lost count. That blood was needed to save his life as well. SOMEONE GAVE THAT GIFT OF LIFE. I am not able to give blood because of past hepatitis - I wish I could - if you can, please do. Someone may not need an organ transplant but they do need blood - it could save their live.
Our bodies did not come out of some big bang happening or evolution. "Then the Lord God formed man of dust from the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being." Genesis 2:7 The body is so complex and wonderfully made - look at yours with different understanding today and don't take how it works for granted.
Thank you God for the gift of life!
Monday, March 3, 2008
WHAT A SUNNY DAY IN BALTIMORE
Not only outside - even if it were dark and rainy outside - it is a SUNNY Day in Ken's hospital room. The room is much larger now - could be that a large piece of equipment is GONE!!!!!!! Dr M was smiling - such a beautiful smile - when he told me Ken was off the by-pass machine. I was doing cartwheels - not literally but on the inside - and THANKING GOD for His continuing healing touch on Ken's body.
In the O.R. they were able to take Ken off the by-pass machine and a plastic surgeon closed up his chest. They did not pull his sternum together, but used muscle and tissue to close up the chest cavity. That surgeon said everything was real tight since it had been open for over a week but he felt like it would hold. Removing more fluid from his body will help as well. The "fluid removing machine", I am fascinated with it, has been hooked back up. He remains on the ventilator for now and the oxygen going through it has been raised back up to 80%. He is still fairly sedated. The nurse is trying to wake him up some to check his neurological functions.
If you have ever spent much time in the hospital with a patient - especially in ICU - you are aware of how you become the cheering squad and support group for other patients' family members. On '6-W', I'm telling you we had a little celebration today!! We are always ready to give thanks regardless of how big or small that accomplishment is.
I'm not sure what tomorrow will hold - but just like the song goes, "I KNOW WHO HOLDS TOMORROW!" We still have a long way to go on this journey but at this mile marker, I am so GRATEFUL for some SUNSHINE.
Thank you for the continuing prayers and support you offer. I am looking forward to telling you a waiting room story - GOD IS AMAZING!
In the O.R. they were able to take Ken off the by-pass machine and a plastic surgeon closed up his chest. They did not pull his sternum together, but used muscle and tissue to close up the chest cavity. That surgeon said everything was real tight since it had been open for over a week but he felt like it would hold. Removing more fluid from his body will help as well. The "fluid removing machine", I am fascinated with it, has been hooked back up. He remains on the ventilator for now and the oxygen going through it has been raised back up to 80%. He is still fairly sedated. The nurse is trying to wake him up some to check his neurological functions.
If you have ever spent much time in the hospital with a patient - especially in ICU - you are aware of how you become the cheering squad and support group for other patients' family members. On '6-W', I'm telling you we had a little celebration today!! We are always ready to give thanks regardless of how big or small that accomplishment is.
I'm not sure what tomorrow will hold - but just like the song goes, "I KNOW WHO HOLDS TOMORROW!" We still have a long way to go on this journey but at this mile marker, I am so GRATEFUL for some SUNSHINE.
Thank you for the continuing prayers and support you offer. I am looking forward to telling you a waiting room story - GOD IS AMAZING!
Sunday, March 2, 2008
WEEKEND UP-DATE
Could someone tell me why weekends in Baltimore, MD are longer than in Franklin, TN? Is it that time zone difference or what? It sure would be nice to have a Saturday and Sunday this long when you're trying to get the weekend chores finished before Monday morning.
It was nice to have David, Ken's brother, here for a few days. I must have forgotten since the last time I was around him, orneriness runs through him as well. We had a good visit and he made sure I ate - thanks.
It was a weekend of progress for Ken - a little bit of a roller coaster at times - but there was progress none the less. His "new" heart has been able to hold the blood pressure up on its own a majority of the time - that is HUGE! The percentage of oxygen running through both the by-pass machine and the ventilator have been lowered - that is HUGE! The doctors and nurses were able to remove some of the lines in his neck and groin - "taking out" is definitely going in
the right direction. The heart has still been in "A-fib" at times and the hiccups continue to torture him off and on. The nurses can't believe he has the hiccups - they have not seen that before with someone who is incubated. As long as he is sedated they are not an issue; however, the nurses are trying to find more of what his neurological status is so they have to bring him to some of the time. His kidneys are still producing urine (a lot of it) - and that is HUGE!
Tomorrow, Ken will once again be taken to the O.R. and I pray I will be able to report that he has been taken off, at least, one of the machines. As I mentioned in a previous entry, this part of the journey never crossed our minds. We had pictured Ken running up and down the halls, harassing the doctors and nurses, and being well on our way to healing and the process of getting back to our home in Tennessee. As I've always heard, "Life is what happens when you're busy making plans".
Several years ago there was a young preacher, Ridley Barron, whose wife and and baby were killed in a car wreck only blocks away from their home when coming back from an out of town trip. He was interviewed by the paper and I have re-read a part of what he had to say so many times. "I don't want to miss what God has to show me. I don't want to get so wrapped up in feeling sorry for myself that I miss what God really wants to show me that's greater than that one event in my life. God didn't make this happen. We live in a world that's got bad in it. Bad things happen. Could God have stopped it? Yes. We have to remember that God looks at the world with the big picture in mind. God sees more than the 70-plus years I may be given on this earth or the 33-plus years Sarah was given. What God is more interested in is two things: No 1 - His Glory and No 2 - my character."
I know God has touched Ken's body and I can't wait until Ken is aware of that as well - To God Be The Glory, Great Things He Has Done.
It was nice to have David, Ken's brother, here for a few days. I must have forgotten since the last time I was around him, orneriness runs through him as well. We had a good visit and he made sure I ate - thanks.
It was a weekend of progress for Ken - a little bit of a roller coaster at times - but there was progress none the less. His "new" heart has been able to hold the blood pressure up on its own a majority of the time - that is HUGE! The percentage of oxygen running through both the by-pass machine and the ventilator have been lowered - that is HUGE! The doctors and nurses were able to remove some of the lines in his neck and groin - "taking out" is definitely going in
the right direction. The heart has still been in "A-fib" at times and the hiccups continue to torture him off and on. The nurses can't believe he has the hiccups - they have not seen that before with someone who is incubated. As long as he is sedated they are not an issue; however, the nurses are trying to find more of what his neurological status is so they have to bring him to some of the time. His kidneys are still producing urine (a lot of it) - and that is HUGE!
Tomorrow, Ken will once again be taken to the O.R. and I pray I will be able to report that he has been taken off, at least, one of the machines. As I mentioned in a previous entry, this part of the journey never crossed our minds. We had pictured Ken running up and down the halls, harassing the doctors and nurses, and being well on our way to healing and the process of getting back to our home in Tennessee. As I've always heard, "Life is what happens when you're busy making plans".
Several years ago there was a young preacher, Ridley Barron, whose wife and and baby were killed in a car wreck only blocks away from their home when coming back from an out of town trip. He was interviewed by the paper and I have re-read a part of what he had to say so many times. "I don't want to miss what God has to show me. I don't want to get so wrapped up in feeling sorry for myself that I miss what God really wants to show me that's greater than that one event in my life. God didn't make this happen. We live in a world that's got bad in it. Bad things happen. Could God have stopped it? Yes. We have to remember that God looks at the world with the big picture in mind. God sees more than the 70-plus years I may be given on this earth or the 33-plus years Sarah was given. What God is more interested in is two things: No 1 - His Glory and No 2 - my character."
I know God has touched Ken's body and I can't wait until Ken is aware of that as well - To God Be The Glory, Great Things He Has Done.
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