Dear Family and Friends,
Today has been a quiet day. David did not sleep real well last night and so spent a couple of hours sleeping this morning. All his energy seems to be going into his breathing at this point.
The nurses and doctors feel that they may have had him overdo things yesterday and today he is exhausted. They are giving him a rest day and plan to resume Physical Therapy tomorrow.
David had to have another bronchoscopy at 2 PM today to remove secretions. The bronchoscopy revealed that the stents remain in good position. The secretions are a result of having stents, having a sore and irritated wind pipe and inactivity. All these give him more secretions than normal and he does not have the strength yet to cough them all up. The nurses feel this is pretty normal after being on the ventilator for 17 days.
David has not been communicating much today. They feel this is due to the exhaustion.
David has still not been using his right arm and hand at all.
We are thank ful that his white blood count is back to normal (elevated count often indicates infection) and his blood gases (indicates the effectiveness of his breathing) are also normal.
We have recently reached the point where the following tubes are not needed: one chest tube, the arterial line, and the central line. It is exciting to have progress in de tubing this young man!! Let's see.....we have four tubes left....
Praise for David's ability to breathe on his own, for no known infections, for the stents being in in the same place, and for some communication.
Pray for increased strength and his right arm to improve.
Karen
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Friday, February 5 @11pm
David had a good and a hard day today. He started physical therapy and occupational therapy. They got him up in the chair - the first time he was so weak he couldn't hold his head up. He did better the second time. They also stood him up briefly, although he needed support to stand.
He was able to breathe on his own, with just a little bit of oxygen, for most of the day - which is amazing. But they put him back on the bi-pap mask (that he hates) tonight because he was getting tired. He is having a lot of secretions and is needing suctioning because he can't cough them up yet.
Lydia mentioned her day at school and then left to get some coffee. When she came back, he asked her about it. He also asked to watch a little TV and gave input on what he wanted to watch.
He seems to be having a really hard time sleeping. He doesn't sleep much during the day (and it seems like it would be better if he did) and he was having a lot of trouble sleeping tonight as well, even though he appeared just exhausted.
Please pray that he is able to get the rest that he needs. And also that he doesn't get too discouraged. We are definately seeing him make progress, but that progress is probably a lot harder for him to recognize.
He was able to breathe on his own, with just a little bit of oxygen, for most of the day - which is amazing. But they put him back on the bi-pap mask (that he hates) tonight because he was getting tired. He is having a lot of secretions and is needing suctioning because he can't cough them up yet.
Lydia mentioned her day at school and then left to get some coffee. When she came back, he asked her about it. He also asked to watch a little TV and gave input on what he wanted to watch.
He seems to be having a really hard time sleeping. He doesn't sleep much during the day (and it seems like it would be better if he did) and he was having a lot of trouble sleeping tonight as well, even though he appeared just exhausted.
Please pray that he is able to get the rest that he needs. And also that he doesn't get too discouraged. We are definately seeing him make progress, but that progress is probably a lot harder for him to recognize.
Friday, February 5, 2010
Friday, Feb 5 10:30AM
David did well during the night on the bi-pap ("face mask"), which provides positive airflow.
This morning, they have removed the bi-pap and he's doing ok; he's currently receiving oxygen through a nose tube.
When Dr. Gangahar walked in this morning David said, "How are you doing?" Dr. Gangahar smiled and said, "I'm doing ok; how are you doing?" After the brief exchange, David did very slightly move his right arm, as well as his other extremities. On his way out, Dr. G said, "The plan is the same--nutrition and physical therapy."
David's Uncle Ray called this morning and asked to speak with David on the phone. After Ray spoke a few words David said, "Raymond!" (his familiar greeting). I got the impression Ray was quite thrilled at the sound of his name.
Physical therapy and Occupational therapy from Madanna Rehab Hospital are coming twice a day to work with him. This morning he sat on the edge of the bed for 10 minutes, improved in holding his head upright, lifted his legs, and worked on strengthening his voice.
If everything continues to go well, they are talking about a possible transfer to Madonna Rehab (here in Lincoln) the early part of next week.
Please give thanks for progress in several areas; and pray for continued patience and strength (including on the right arm) on this journey to a full recovery.
Sam and Karen
This morning, they have removed the bi-pap and he's doing ok; he's currently receiving oxygen through a nose tube.
When Dr. Gangahar walked in this morning David said, "How are you doing?" Dr. Gangahar smiled and said, "I'm doing ok; how are you doing?" After the brief exchange, David did very slightly move his right arm, as well as his other extremities. On his way out, Dr. G said, "The plan is the same--nutrition and physical therapy."
David's Uncle Ray called this morning and asked to speak with David on the phone. After Ray spoke a few words David said, "Raymond!" (his familiar greeting). I got the impression Ray was quite thrilled at the sound of his name.
Physical therapy and Occupational therapy from Madanna Rehab Hospital are coming twice a day to work with him. This morning he sat on the edge of the bed for 10 minutes, improved in holding his head upright, lifted his legs, and worked on strengthening his voice.
If everything continues to go well, they are talking about a possible transfer to Madonna Rehab (here in Lincoln) the early part of next week.
Please give thanks for progress in several areas; and pray for continued patience and strength (including on the right arm) on this journey to a full recovery.
Sam and Karen
Thursday, February 4, 2010
9:00pm
The bronchoscopy today showed that the stents are in place and everything looks good. They took David completely off the ventilator soon after (fully extubating, or removing the tube)!! We finally got to hear his voice!
A little later in the afternoon, however, his labs were less than perfect and they put him on the
c-pap - a machine that is kind of a cross between a ventilator and an oxygen mask. So he is now wearing the mask and talking isn't quite as easy, but still better than when he was on the ventilator.
David has been restless and uncomfortable for most of the evening. It has been more difficult at this point than we thought. Dr. G, however, said this is just part of his coming off the sedation and it just takes time. "He is ok."
David is still not able to move his right arm. At this point, they think there was probably some damage to the nerves and that he will regain use with time.
Time, time, time. You would think that we would be getting used to this matra by now!
A little later in the afternoon, however, his labs were less than perfect and they put him on the
c-pap - a machine that is kind of a cross between a ventilator and an oxygen mask. So he is now wearing the mask and talking isn't quite as easy, but still better than when he was on the ventilator.
David has been restless and uncomfortable for most of the evening. It has been more difficult at this point than we thought. Dr. G, however, said this is just part of his coming off the sedation and it just takes time. "He is ok."
David is still not able to move his right arm. At this point, they think there was probably some damage to the nerves and that he will regain use with time.
Time, time, time. You would think that we would be getting used to this matra by now!
Thurs 2PM
The physical therapist began working with David this morning. As part of the therapy, he sat on the edge of the bed for 5 minutes.
David has breathed for 6 hours with the ventilator turned off and a bronchoscopy shows the stents are still in place. They plan to take David off the ventilator in a half-hour.
Please pray that he will continue to be strong enough to continue to breathe on his own.
The neurologist saw him David, too, this morning. There is concern because David is unable to move his right arm. Please pray that further testing will not reveal anything serious; and that soon he will have the use of that arm.
Karen
David has breathed for 6 hours with the ventilator turned off and a bronchoscopy shows the stents are still in place. They plan to take David off the ventilator in a half-hour.
Please pray that he will continue to be strong enough to continue to breathe on his own.
The neurologist saw him David, too, this morning. There is concern because David is unable to move his right arm. Please pray that further testing will not reveal anything serious; and that soon he will have the use of that arm.
Karen
Thursday, Feb 4 at 10:00AM
We have had some people ask if there is anything they can get for David. As family and friends we decided it would be nice for David to have a laptop computer. We think he would enjoy the use of this during his recovery and we feel he would find it useful afterward also.
If anyone would like to donate toward this group gift you are welcome to send the money to Sam and Karen at 1730 Meadow Lark Circle, Lincoln 68521. Any extra money received will go to help David with his medical expenses and/or lost wages.
We do not want anyone to feel obligated or that we are suggesting a donation. This is just for those who have asked or are interested.
Thank you to all for your faithful support and for your prayers.
If anyone would like to donate toward this group gift you are welcome to send the money to Sam and Karen at 1730 Meadow Lark Circle, Lincoln 68521. Any extra money received will go to help David with his medical expenses and/or lost wages.
We do not want anyone to feel obligated or that we are suggesting a donation. This is just for those who have asked or are interested.
Thank you to all for your faithful support and for your prayers.
Thursday, February 4, 7:30am
David had a good night. He breathed on his own for 3 hours last evening, and then they had him rest for the night. He is back in wean mode this morning and is doing really well. They're letting him go for a little longer in wean mode, so hopefully he's able to maintain good oxygen levels (and all the other labs that go with breathing).
He gets restless at times and it's 21 questions to figure out of there is something we can do for him.
Dr. G was here this morning and was very positive. David indicated that he recognized him. Dr. G is very encouraging and says he doesn't think there is anything that would keep him from obtaining full recovery.
Rumor has it that David really responded to one of the young ladies working last night and tried extra hard to respond to her commands. She came in this morning and said a special goodbye when she got off. Hmmmmm!!
David wanted to use a pen and paper to communicate with us last night, but he is too weak. Please pray for patience for us and him as we try to communicate and also for him as he works to regain his strength.
-Rachel
He gets restless at times and it's 21 questions to figure out of there is something we can do for him.
Dr. G was here this morning and was very positive. David indicated that he recognized him. Dr. G is very encouraging and says he doesn't think there is anything that would keep him from obtaining full recovery.
Rumor has it that David really responded to one of the young ladies working last night and tried extra hard to respond to her commands. She came in this morning and said a special goodbye when she got off. Hmmmmm!!
David wanted to use a pen and paper to communicate with us last night, but he is too weak. Please pray for patience for us and him as we try to communicate and also for him as he works to regain his strength.
-Rachel
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
6:30pm
David was awake a lot of the afternoon. They are doing weaning sessions where they have him breathing on his own through the vent for small periods of time. The labs from the second trial period of breathing on his own were better than the first. After he breathes on his own for a while, they change the settings and have the vent do the work so he can rest.
He appears very uncomfortable at times and we are constantly trying to figure out what he needs - if he needs pain medication or suctioning or peace and quiet from his very eager and talkative family.
But we are so thankful that he is able to breathe through the vent and isn't fighting it. And his other vital signs and labs have been good as well. Hopefully we have turned the corner!
He appears very uncomfortable at times and we are constantly trying to figure out what he needs - if he needs pain medication or suctioning or peace and quiet from his very eager and talkative family.
But we are so thankful that he is able to breathe through the vent and isn't fighting it. And his other vital signs and labs have been good as well. Hopefully we have turned the corner!
Wednesday, February 3, 11:30am
Dr. Johnson did another bronchoscopy this morning and was very pleased with how everything looks. He is pretty confident on the placement of the stents and doesn't think the stents will move at all.
They have turned off the sedation and David is awake, although groggy. He seems to be in that just-waking-up confused state. But he is looking around and responding some.
He is breathing really well on his own, using the vent tube! This is the first time he has not had breathing difficulties when he is woken up.
They have turned off the sedation and David is awake, although groggy. He seems to be in that just-waking-up confused state. But he is looking around and responding some.
He is breathing really well on his own, using the vent tube! This is the first time he has not had breathing difficulties when he is woken up.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
2:25pm
The surgery is over and appears to have been successful! Both doctors seemed very pleased when they came to give us the news. They feel that the stents are in the proper place and they think there is little chance of them moving.
They are waiting with the tracheostomy at this time. On the off chance that the stents do move, they need to be able to access things and reposition them. In the meantime, they will probably start weaning the sedation tomorrow.
They are waiting with the tracheostomy at this time. On the off chance that the stents do move, they need to be able to access things and reposition them. In the meantime, they will probably start weaning the sedation tomorrow.
12::30PM Tuesday, Feb 2
David has been transferred to the OR, where the plan is to place two stents (They have decided not to do the tracheostomy at this time). The size of the stents this time will be a bit larger than the previous one, so as to be a snugger fit in his airway.
David had a good night and morning. All his cultures have come back negative. He also had a couple of key "awake moments," following the nurse with the turn of his head and giving a few smiles. We also got a slight smile when we talked about the pictures on his wall, just prior to surgery.
Please join us in giving thanks for the good signs; and in asking the Lord for a successful surgery.
Sam
David had a good night and morning. All his cultures have come back negative. He also had a couple of key "awake moments," following the nurse with the turn of his head and giving a few smiles. We also got a slight smile when we talked about the pictures on his wall, just prior to surgery.
Please join us in giving thanks for the good signs; and in asking the Lord for a successful surgery.
Sam
Monday, February 1, 2010
Mon Feb 1 6PM
There has been a change in the timing for tomorrow's procedures (placing the stents and the tracheostomy). They are being planned for noon instead of later afternoon.
David's condition has remained stable throughout the day.
Sam
David's condition has remained stable throughout the day.
Sam
Monday, Feb 1 8:45AM
David had a good night and is resting comfortably this morning. The high white blood cell count, indicating an infection, is down; his temperature is back to normal. He is breathing comfortably after the stent they had place became dislodged and subsequently was removed.
They plan to place two stents and do a tracheostomy late Tuesday afternoon. If this procedure does not work, they are looking at the possibility of transferring David to another part of the US, to get even more specialized care.
Please give thanks for the stabilizing of all vital signs. Please continue to pray for God presence and power to be made known. We would love to have the healing take place without the "inconvenience" of a transfer. God knows best and he is not baffled.
Sam
They plan to place two stents and do a tracheostomy late Tuesday afternoon. If this procedure does not work, they are looking at the possibility of transferring David to another part of the US, to get even more specialized care.
Please give thanks for the stabilizing of all vital signs. Please continue to pray for God presence and power to be made known. We would love to have the healing take place without the "inconvenience" of a transfer. God knows best and he is not baffled.
Sam
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Sunday, Jan 31 5:15 PM
Dear Family and Friends,
Dr Johnson did another bronchoscopy this afternoon to confirm what he suspected from the chest x-ray. The stent had migrated almost to the throat area and had to be removed.
We are thankful that even though David is no longer receiving the paralytic medication, he is still allowing the ventilator to breathe for him without fighting it. He is resting quietly under sedation and is to remain so until the two new stents arrive Tuesday morning for placement.
We are of course disappointed and remain concerned about the high White Blood count which indicates a probable infection. (At this point they do not know where.)
Please pray that we continue to focus our eyes on Jesus and remain steadfast in our faith that God is able and willing to do miracles.
Karen
Dr Johnson did another bronchoscopy this afternoon to confirm what he suspected from the chest x-ray. The stent had migrated almost to the throat area and had to be removed.
We are thankful that even though David is no longer receiving the paralytic medication, he is still allowing the ventilator to breathe for him without fighting it. He is resting quietly under sedation and is to remain so until the two new stents arrive Tuesday morning for placement.
We are of course disappointed and remain concerned about the high White Blood count which indicates a probable infection. (At this point they do not know where.)
Please pray that we continue to focus our eyes on Jesus and remain steadfast in our faith that God is able and willing to do miracles.
Karen
10:40am
We are so encouraged to interact with David!
The bad news at the moment is that his white blood count is high, indicating some kind of infection. We really appeciate your prayers in this area.
The bad news at the moment is that his white blood count is high, indicating some kind of infection. We really appeciate your prayers in this area.
January 31, 2010 10:39am
Hello there friends,
Last night was a really good night for David. Lydia and I saw very purposeful responses to commands, and they were the sort of responses that we haven't seen in a long time. When I walked in the room, sometime around 11:30pm Lydia told David that I was entering the room and David followed me with his eyes in a very intentional manner. She also asked David if he would be willing to shake his head to show me that he is responding well, and he made a clear motion with his head that he was understanding what she was saying. We tried to get him to squeeze her hand, but at this point, we couldn't expect anything like that given the amount of time he's spent on a paralytic and the nurse confirmed this. He seemed very peaceful when this was going on, and his numbers remained stable; The overall vibe was very positive. At this point, they're not going to allow him to come completely off of sedation until the two new stents are put in, but these sort of responses have been the glimmer of hope that will reinstate the much needed patience needed for this situation. I woke up today feeling much more positive about David's recovery.
Matthew Keyzer
Last night was a really good night for David. Lydia and I saw very purposeful responses to commands, and they were the sort of responses that we haven't seen in a long time. When I walked in the room, sometime around 11:30pm Lydia told David that I was entering the room and David followed me with his eyes in a very intentional manner. She also asked David if he would be willing to shake his head to show me that he is responding well, and he made a clear motion with his head that he was understanding what she was saying. We tried to get him to squeeze her hand, but at this point, we couldn't expect anything like that given the amount of time he's spent on a paralytic and the nurse confirmed this. He seemed very peaceful when this was going on, and his numbers remained stable; The overall vibe was very positive. At this point, they're not going to allow him to come completely off of sedation until the two new stents are put in, but these sort of responses have been the glimmer of hope that will reinstate the much needed patience needed for this situation. I woke up today feeling much more positive about David's recovery.
Matthew Keyzer
Sunday 8:30AM
David had another good night last night, with all his vital signs being stable.
They are weaning him partially from paralytic meds, so he is showing some signs of "waking up." Lydia (one of his sisters) claims that he is responding to some commands; and that he smiled at her. When she asked David, "Are you smiling? He responded with an even bigger smile, says Lydia (I do believe that this is more than attempt to outdo her siblings--and her mother--in getting responses from David; plus it is probably more than just gas).
Medical staff will keep David under sedation until his surgery to place a second stent on Tuesday, so his responses will be limited.
David's next surgery (Tuesday) is partly due to his pulmonary doctor being uncomfortable with the location of the 1st stent. He says "we can do better." It is also intended to address the issue of the collapsing of additional airways.
Please give thanks for David's partial waking up; it gives us a lot of joy. Give thanks, too, for his stability and for his excellent medical care. This is surely God's gift.
Please continue to pray for God's miracles; and for his glory to be be made known throughout this journey.
Sam
They are weaning him partially from paralytic meds, so he is showing some signs of "waking up." Lydia (one of his sisters) claims that he is responding to some commands; and that he smiled at her. When she asked David, "Are you smiling? He responded with an even bigger smile, says Lydia (I do believe that this is more than attempt to outdo her siblings--and her mother--in getting responses from David; plus it is probably more than just gas).
Medical staff will keep David under sedation until his surgery to place a second stent on Tuesday, so his responses will be limited.
David's next surgery (Tuesday) is partly due to his pulmonary doctor being uncomfortable with the location of the 1st stent. He says "we can do better." It is also intended to address the issue of the collapsing of additional airways.
Please give thanks for David's partial waking up; it gives us a lot of joy. Give thanks, too, for his stability and for his excellent medical care. This is surely God's gift.
Please continue to pray for God's miracles; and for his glory to be be made known throughout this journey.
Sam
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