It has been a LONG day. Owen has been nothing but BRAVE all day. It has been an emotional day with plenty of tears and fears. Extubation went well around 3pm and the first words out of his mouth were "I'm starving!" The hardest day of the entire post op process is Extubation day. It's so hard to tell them they can't eat or drink for HOURS when all they want is food. We did some sucking on the pink sponges, and he licked a dum dum. Just when he was ready to get a bite to eat at 7pm, we had to bump him from a regular oxygen cannula, to high flow. We can't eat or drink on high flow. It was not fun explaining that.
It has been an emotional day. Owen does not like narcotics and can't wait to get them out of his system. He gets emotional and everything makes him upset. His nurse and he were not meshing well towards the end of the day and he requested never to have her again. He has been communicating well and letting us know what he needs.
We removed his foley catheter, two PIVs in his feet and his breathing tube. He had dressing changes tonight on his PICC line, ART line and Transthoracic line in his belly. None of these things are fun and we are both exhausted. His nurse tonight is so calm and patient with him. He had a dose of Ativan to help with the emotional breakdowns and to help him relax before all his dressing changes. He is now resting peacefully and we are hoping for a good, quiet night.
His blood sugars have come down significantly, so that is good news. His blood gasses look great. It appeared on xray that he had a plueral effusion in his right lung, but the surgeon did a quick ultrasound and said we could diurese it off. We increased his diuretics and he is peeing like crazy. Tonight should bring lots of pee, clear lungs (no pneumothorax or effusions), and increased sats. He is on high flow at 9 liters.
Prayers continue! Tomorrow is another big day. Lots of rehab and we'll be decreasing some of his drips (inotropes) It's almost midnight and I'm just waiting for the evening rounds before heading into my closet for some rest.
We miss our kiddos at home and they are finally kicking their nasty viruses. We'll plan a time for them to join us up here. We got a room at the RMH tonight and we will be staying there for a couple months post transplant.
Good Night from the CVICU.
Wednesday, March 15, 2017
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6 comments:
Sounds like a roller coaster of a day for Owen! Wow, I sure hope that nurse's feelings weren't too hurt by Owen saying he didn't want her to ever to take care of him. How long does Owen have to remain in the hospital post transplant? I'm keeping him in my prayers as well as the wonderful donor family. Can't help but think they are now grieving their child's death and planning a funeral. How heartbreaking to think of. :(. But what a selfless gift to give to another child's family during such a difficult time! Do they tell you much about the deceased donor? What an amazing miracle for their child's heart to now be beating inside your son!
What a busy day. Highs and lows. Owen hang strong, you got this little man. You work so well with all your nurses, if this one didn't mesh with you than so be it. I'm glad the night nurse was so good with him.
Hang in there little buddy and Mom! Definitely sounds like a hard day for your superhero. Prayers continue. I'm glad he let you know that the one nurse was not working for him and that the night nurse was a much better fit. I've experienced that myself, and the right or wrong nurse can make a big difference for better or worse. Hoping today is less emotional for your sweet boy. It's been such a long journey and he deserves a rest!
Bravest guy i know of....you are doing great Owen! A superhero for sure! Praying for you to continue to do so well on recovery and for your family too!
Ugh. Never fun when you don't mesh with your nurse. But it definitely makes you appreciate the good ones all the more. Good for Owen for speaking up! You hang in there buddy. Spicy chick wings are on the horizon!! ❤
You and Owen continue to amaze me! Prayers your way!
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