Monday, February 23, 2015

Update # 168

8 Years

Jeff remains on the ventilator.

He had a quiet rest of the evening and night. At 5:45 AM today, the sedatives were stopped. Around 7:00 AM, Jeff began waking up. Of course, he immediately tried to lift his head and cough. He listened to the nurse and was pretty cooperative. One of the pulmonary docs happened to come in shortly after this so decided to go ahead and do the breathing trial. The ventilator was stopped for one minute to test how well Jeff responded to breathing on his own. The doc felt Jeff’s numbers were not quite right so Jeff was put back under sedation. Even though this was a short trial, the doc said it was hard on Jeff’s body. So a 24-hour waiting period means another trial tomorrow morning. During the trial, Meridith and I stayed on our side of the room but we did have a chance to go to Jeff and speak with him/touch his hands before he was put under sedation again.

Now today’s sedation has been decreased to half of the previous days. When another pulmonary doctor came to see Jeff later, he responded to each of her requests. There have been times today we’ve seen Jeff attempt to open his eyes.

This morning’s x-ray shows improvement in Jeff’s lungs. Good news after 2 days of “the same”. Doctors and nurses are pleased to hear how better Jeff’s lungs sound.

Noon resumed nutrition for Jeff through the feeding tube. His “old” anti-nausea med, Zofran, was given first just to help Jeff tolerate the feeding. Jeff did well with “lunch” and so far “supper”.

The lighter sedation that Jeff received the other day and began showing agitation shortly getting it, was also started again. But it’s been several days and also Jeff is no longer on the breathing treatments so Jeff has done okay.

And during all these things today – trial, lower sedation, feeding, renewal of one sedation – Jeff’s levels have been great. No spikes in heart rate, blood pressure, or issues with the oxygen. All very good signs. Jeff has been resting well.

Ken and Meridith are leaving soon for Hope Lodge. They will do the orientation at 7:00. Meridith will stay there tonight. Ken will head back home. He plans to work 3 days and return to us on Friday.

Thank you for your prayers for today. Maybe Jeff’s not off the vent but still a step forward. We had been told it could possibly take a day or two to get Jeff off the vent. No reason to rush when the real goal is for Jeff to function properly on his own. We’ll appreciate your same prayers for tomorrow. You are terrific supporters. Thanks.

love,

Marcia