The bronchoscopy showed that David's lower airways are floppy and the stent isn't in the best position. The plan now is to take him back to the OR on Monday or Tuesday (hopefully Monday) and replace the first stent with a shorter stent and then insert a second stent as well. They will also do a tracheostomy at the same time.
A tracheostomy is when they put a tube through his throat into his trachea. The tube can be connected to the ventilator so that he no longer needs the tube in his mouth. The advantages of a trach. is that David will not need to work as hard to breathe and will not experience the gagging sensation. He can also be easily connected and disconnected from the ventilator as he readjusts to breathing on his own.
They are decreasing the paralytic medication today, but will keep David sedated until after the next procedure(s). The pulmonologist is expecting him to need some time at a rehab. hospital after he leaves here.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Sat 10:10AM
David was stable through the night and into this morning.
A bronchoscopy is scheduled for this afternoon to check stent placement. We do not yet know the specific time for the procedure.
If the stent remains in the correct place, they will start the wake-up process after the bronchoscopy.
Please give thanks that all has gone well so far after the surgery.
Please pray for good news in the items mentioned above, scheduled for this afternoon.
A bronchoscopy is scheduled for this afternoon to check stent placement. We do not yet know the specific time for the procedure.
If the stent remains in the correct place, they will start the wake-up process after the bronchoscopy.
Please give thanks that all has gone well so far after the surgery.
Please pray for good news in the items mentioned above, scheduled for this afternoon.
Friday, January 29, 2010
2:45pm
He is back from surgery and it went well. The stent is in the appropriate place.
They did find some more weak or "boggy" areas in the airway, in addition to where they put the stent. They will be watching to determine if further intervention is needed.
They are planning to keep him sedated for the rest of the day. A bronchoscopy is planned for tomorrow to see how everything looks. They are hoping to decrease the sedation and paralytic medications tomorrow.
They did find some more weak or "boggy" areas in the airway, in addition to where they put the stent. They will be watching to determine if further intervention is needed.
They are planning to keep him sedated for the rest of the day. A bronchoscopy is planned for tomorrow to see how everything looks. They are hoping to decrease the sedation and paralytic medications tomorrow.
Friday 10AM
David, once again, had a stable night. Temp was normal to 99. They were also able to decrease the ventilator settings even more.
Please join us in giving thanks!
Tentatively, his surgery to place the (removable) stent is set for 1PM this afternoon.
Please join us in praying
-for continued "coming together" of the variables in preparation for the surgery
-for Dr. Johnson, who will be doing what he calls a unique and infrequent surgery
-that the post-surgery weaning from the ventilator will go smoothly
-for the antibiotics to continue to be effective
-for the stent to be effective in assisting David's breathing and allowing his airway to heal
Thanks so much!
Please join us in giving thanks!
Tentatively, his surgery to place the (removable) stent is set for 1PM this afternoon.
Please join us in praying
-for continued "coming together" of the variables in preparation for the surgery
-for Dr. Johnson, who will be doing what he calls a unique and infrequent surgery
-that the post-surgery weaning from the ventilator will go smoothly
-for the antibiotics to continue to be effective
-for the stent to be effective in assisting David's breathing and allowing his airway to heal
Thanks so much!
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Thursday 9PM
We received news a few minutes ago that David's surgery to place a stent is likely to occur tomorrow afternoon. They have not given a specific time. They are still waiting on a necessary "part" to arrive tomorrow morning, but are quite certain things will work out. Meanwhile, aside from a slight temp, David's condition remains stable. He has had a couple of "good days," according to his nurse. As you offer your petitions, please join us in giving thanks that the preparations for surgery are working out.
Sam
Sam
1pm
Karen just checked in with the nurses. They are having "no problem ventilating." All is stable. They continue to plan for placement of the stent tomorrow. No time yet on the surgery. - Sam
Thursday AM--Sam
Thursday 9 AM
David had a good night. The Chest x-ray looks good. The white count this morning does indicate an infection, so they are starting him on an antibiotic. It looks look like all the equipment and personnel will be available for the stent to be placed tomorrow. No specific time has been mentioned yet.
The Family is doing well. Last night we prepared pictures of those David has admired, along with bubble quotes. For example:
-Johnny Cash says: "You sure walked the line."
-Edgar Martinez (former player for the Seattle Mariners) says: "Just try to make contact." (This was a saying of his after a come-from-behind victory in the playoffs).
-Barak Obama says: "You can do it."
-Martin Luther King Jr says: "You had a dream; a LONG dream."
-We're also looking at posting a picture of Karen (to be the largest one) saying, "David, it's time to wake up!!
There are a host of others on the wall who will welcome David back; but you get the idea.
We also continue to have community gatherings in the waiting room, adding three new people last evening.
Thanks again for your interest, concern, prayers, and expressions.
David had a good night. The Chest x-ray looks good. The white count this morning does indicate an infection, so they are starting him on an antibiotic. It looks look like all the equipment and personnel will be available for the stent to be placed tomorrow. No specific time has been mentioned yet.
The Family is doing well. Last night we prepared pictures of those David has admired, along with bubble quotes. For example:
-Johnny Cash says: "You sure walked the line."
-Edgar Martinez (former player for the Seattle Mariners) says: "Just try to make contact." (This was a saying of his after a come-from-behind victory in the playoffs).
-Barak Obama says: "You can do it."
-Martin Luther King Jr says: "You had a dream; a LONG dream."
-We're also looking at posting a picture of Karen (to be the largest one) saying, "David, it's time to wake up!!
There are a host of others on the wall who will welcome David back; but you get the idea.
We also continue to have community gatherings in the waiting room, adding three new people last evening.
Thanks again for your interest, concern, prayers, and expressions.
Thursday, January 28
David had a really good night. They were able to turn down his vent settings this morning and he is basically on room air (through the vent, of course).
He does have an infection (WBC's up from 14 to 23, for the nurses). It's possible that it is in the lung, but preliminary results of cultures are not definate. His chest xray, however, looked "pristine" per Dr. G - so that is encouraging. They are watching him super closely for evidence of infection and they are starting antibiotics this morning. Everything else is pretty much status quo from yesterday.
It looks like they are probably going to be able to get everything they need to place the stent tomorrow, so we can be very hopeful for that.
He does have an infection (WBC's up from 14 to 23, for the nurses). It's possible that it is in the lung, but preliminary results of cultures are not definate. His chest xray, however, looked "pristine" per Dr. G - so that is encouraging. They are watching him super closely for evidence of infection and they are starting antibiotics this morning. Everything else is pretty much status quo from yesterday.
It looks like they are probably going to be able to get everything they need to place the stent tomorrow, so we can be very hopeful for that.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Wednesday, January 27, 11:15am
They seem to have found a cocktail of sedation /paralytic/BP medication that is working. He had his best night so far. The pressures on the ventilator are down (a very good thing) and his labs are good.
Balencing the fluids - what goes in and what comes out - is a difficult balence for anyone who has been on a ventilator for this long (about 9 days now). And he start running a low-grade fever this morning. They are doing some tests to determine possible sources of infection. Those results may not be in for 2-3 days.
We don't know yet how they are doing with finding all the parts and machines needed to place the stent. WE're still hopeful that they will be able to do this on Friday. (Otherwise we may be waiting until Monday.)
Balencing the fluids - what goes in and what comes out - is a difficult balence for anyone who has been on a ventilator for this long (about 9 days now). And he start running a low-grade fever this morning. They are doing some tests to determine possible sources of infection. Those results may not be in for 2-3 days.
We don't know yet how they are doing with finding all the parts and machines needed to place the stent. WE're still hopeful that they will be able to do this on Friday. (Otherwise we may be waiting until Monday.)
Jonathan and David 11PM Tuesday
Their names were Jonathan and David.
They traveled together on the pathway of life--in the land of Israel a long time ago.
They bonded--even made a covenant together.
They were true brothers, though not by blood.
They would come to each other's defense in the conflicts they faced.
They were separated by death--an untimely death.
While one became king, the other entered heaven.
Now they are together.
Their names are Jonathan and David.
They've traveled together on the pathway of life--Wisconsin, Washington, Nebraska, Denver, Kansas City.
They have bonded--even more deeply over troubled heart and lung.
They are true brothers, by blood, heart, and action.
They have come to each other's aid as they've faced the transitions of childhood.
Now, in an unwanted environment, the one looks from the bedside, wondering what it would be like to reconstruct his life without the other.
Then upon reflection, more information, and renewal of faith, he has greater assurance that they, Jonathan and David, will continue to walk the pathway of life together.
May it be, dear God!
(Sam)
They traveled together on the pathway of life--in the land of Israel a long time ago.
They bonded--even made a covenant together.
They were true brothers, though not by blood.
They would come to each other's defense in the conflicts they faced.
They were separated by death--an untimely death.
While one became king, the other entered heaven.
Now they are together.
Their names are Jonathan and David.
They've traveled together on the pathway of life--Wisconsin, Washington, Nebraska, Denver, Kansas City.
They have bonded--even more deeply over troubled heart and lung.
They are true brothers, by blood, heart, and action.
They have come to each other's aid as they've faced the transitions of childhood.
Now, in an unwanted environment, the one looks from the bedside, wondering what it would be like to reconstruct his life without the other.
Then upon reflection, more information, and renewal of faith, he has greater assurance that they, Jonathan and David, will continue to walk the pathway of life together.
May it be, dear God!
(Sam)
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
1pm
Just had a meeting with the doctor, nursing staff and respiratory team leader. It was encouraging to know that they really are doing everything possible.
There is now a fair chance of getting the removable stent placed on Friday. We are hopeful that will be able to happen. They are trying to gather the parts and pieces needed (some of the equipment is not here in Nebraska).
There is now a fair chance of getting the removable stent placed on Friday. We are hopeful that will be able to happen. They are trying to gather the parts and pieces needed (some of the equipment is not here in Nebraska).
January 26, 10:30am
The sedation medication that was restarted last night is helping, but blood pressures are still up and down. We seem to be caught in a cycle. They have to give him the sedation and pain medication to keep him calm, but then his blood pressure drops. If he gets agitated, however, his airway starts to collapse making ventilation a challenge.
The removable stent that everyone wants for him probably can't be placed until Monday. We can't do a tracheostomy (to remove the very large ventilator tube that probably makes him feel like he is choking) until after the stent is placed.
Please pray that somehow we can get that stent sooner.
Please pray for his sedation and that blood pressures will stabilize.
We are so thankful that he has not developed any infection or pneumonia. Dr. G said this morning that his chest xray is "pristine."
Please pray that, as a family, we will learn how to wait on God.
The removable stent that everyone wants for him probably can't be placed until Monday. We can't do a tracheostomy (to remove the very large ventilator tube that probably makes him feel like he is choking) until after the stent is placed.
Please pray that somehow we can get that stent sooner.
Please pray for his sedation and that blood pressures will stabilize.
We are so thankful that he has not developed any infection or pneumonia. Dr. G said this morning that his chest xray is "pristine."
Please pray that, as a family, we will learn how to wait on God.
Monday, January 25, 2010
10:25PM (Posted by Sam)
Prayer is a most effective way to tell God we love him and trust him; it is a powerful tool to have Jesus take my burdens and forgive my sins; when combined with listening, it is the best way to receive guidance in life; at times, miracles are the result of our honest discussion with the Almighty Savior. Prayer is all these things and more.
It has become apparent to me at key times in my life that God does things that seem cruel, but in doing so brings me to a prayer-ful place where I've never been before. Sometimes he takes me there with family and friends. Together, we go deeper, like divers in the ocean of God's love. When we come to the surface, we will freely speak of what we have seen and heard. Now is the time to go to that place; soon will be the time to speak.
Prayer is a most effective way to tell God we love him and trust him; it is a powerful tool to have Jesus take my burdens and forgive my sins; when combined with listening, it is the best way to receive guidance in life; at times, miracles are the result of our honest discussion with the Almighty Savior. Prayer is all these things and more.
It has become apparent to me at key times in my life that God does things that seem cruel, but in doing so brings me to a prayer-ful place where I've never been before. Sometimes he takes me there with family and friends. Together, we go deeper, like divers in the ocean of God's love. When we come to the surface, we will freely speak of what we have seen and heard. Now is the time to go to that place; soon will be the time to speak.
9:40 pm
Feeling thankful for Nurse Heather tonight. She conferenced with the doctors and changed his sedation medication. It will make him more deeply sedated (which is good because he won't fight the vent as much) and his blood pressures don't drop as much. It reminds me of how important it is to pray for the doctors and nurses, too.
8:00pm
David's pulmonologist called. He has been doing some research today. At this point, David is going to need a stent. (A stent is not a good thing - it's a foreign body, it can move down toward the lung, and he can feel it).
The pulmonologist is committed to finding a removable stent. Right now it looks like it could be placed Wednesday at the earliest, maybe as late as Monday.
David's blood pressures are up and down - up when he gets agitated, down with pain medications and too much movement.
Please pray for healing for his body and that he will somehow stop fighting the vent. We're still hoping for a miracle, but in the meantime, please pray that they find the right stent and that it comes sooner versus later.
The pulmonologist is committed to finding a removable stent. Right now it looks like it could be placed Wednesday at the earliest, maybe as late as Monday.
David's blood pressures are up and down - up when he gets agitated, down with pain medications and too much movement.
Please pray for healing for his body and that he will somehow stop fighting the vent. We're still hoping for a miracle, but in the meantime, please pray that they find the right stent and that it comes sooner versus later.
5:45pm
We have not heard about the CT yet....It's been a day of rest for David and a day of waiting for the rest of us....
12:48 p.m.
Daivid is currently in stable condition. They are currently doing a CT scan to get measurements for a stent. We will receive the results in several hours. His windpipe did collapse last night and at this point they believe it will be necessary to put a stent in. The family is doing well, considering the situation. David's friends continue to bring food and help cover night shifts. Two of them were also present this morning as (under Karen's direction) we had scripture readings, prayer, annointing with oil and singing. --Sam
Monday, January 25
He had an ok night. His blood pressures do go down when they have to move him around a lot. And they go up if he gets agitated or in pain.
We are waiting for this morning's bronchoscopy to happen. It was scheduled for 6:30 this morning, but the doctor isn't here yet.
We are waiting for this morning's bronchoscopy to happen. It was scheduled for 6:30 this morning, but the doctor isn't here yet.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Sunday, January 24, 2010 at 1230
From Sam and Karen: There is no change from this morning's report. David remains on the ventilator and is resting quietly. We're thankful for people who have dropped by for encouragement and food--not necessarily in that order. Please pray that
-DaVid will be able to breathe on his own
-He will not need the stent
-no infection set in
-wisdom for the Doctors
-patience for the family
Thanks so much for your continued interest and prayers!
-DaVid will be able to breathe on his own
-He will not need the stent
-no infection set in
-wisdom for the Doctors
-patience for the family
Thanks so much for your continued interest and prayers!
Sunday, Jan 24, 8:00am
David had a pretty good night. They were able to turn some of the vent settings down (a good thing), although he isn't quite ready for room air yet - they are keeping the oxygen level on the vent at 30% (room air is 21%).
He is resting quietly. They are giving him pain medication every hour.
No signs of infection at this time, so we are happy about that. His chest xray is clear - meaning no pneumonia - so that is awesome! Labs so look good - so kidney and liver fuction are good.
We need a miracle for the "kinked" area - the tube that goes from his trachea (in the center) to the lung was bent for so long that it is weak. A stent could be used to strengthen that area, but it is a foreign body and would always be a potential source of infection. We want a miracle so that he doesn't need a stent.
We are so thankful to God for all the positives. Please also pray for continued protection against infection, wounds (from not being able to move), ect.
He is resting quietly. They are giving him pain medication every hour.
No signs of infection at this time, so we are happy about that. His chest xray is clear - meaning no pneumonia - so that is awesome! Labs so look good - so kidney and liver fuction are good.
We need a miracle for the "kinked" area - the tube that goes from his trachea (in the center) to the lung was bent for so long that it is weak. A stent could be used to strengthen that area, but it is a foreign body and would always be a potential source of infection. We want a miracle so that he doesn't need a stent.
We are so thankful to God for all the positives. Please also pray for continued protection against infection, wounds (from not being able to move), ect.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)