Wednesday, March 11, 2015

Update # 184

8 Years

Not only did the nurses work their regular 12-hour shift, Jeff worked one, too.

The pulmonary doc felt Jeff should be able to do the trach collar with moist air for 12 hours today. Jeff started his breathing work day at 8:30 this morning and just ended at 8:45 PM. He coughed a couple of times this morning and we all learned about trach suctioning depth. When Jeff’s suction was too deep, he vomited. The big sign above his head reminds everyone to go to a certain point to suction Jeff. Jeff had a great breathing day.

Jeff had another pretty restful night. But this morning, the BMT doc noticed Jeff’s belly was distended. Jeff has been running a low grade fever on/off the last couple of days so it was decided that Jeff should have a CT Scan. Mid-afternoon Jeff was taken down for the scan. The respiratory tech said Jeff did very well breathing on his own and was only connected to the vent when he was flat on his back.

Just to be sure they find what might be causing this fever, Jeff had Doppler's on his arms and legs. No results yet.

Jeff has been lethargic today and took a couple of good naps.

The CT Scan showed some thickening in the intestines and bowels which is a sign of a possible infection. So Jeff is back on some meds for a bacterial or viral infection.

Also seen on the CT Scan, Jeff’s NG tube had moved a bit from the stomach into the small intestines. It was then pulled back into proper place.

The cardiologist stopped by when Jeff was gone for the CT Scan. He said the last Echo showed improvement in Jeff’s heart. (the BMT docs always thought Jeff’s heart situation was really part of the RSV) Of course, since he did have the AFib, Jeff will continue on heart med.

Overall a good day with fair news about the gut. Hopefully, these meds will clear up whatever is trying to hide.

Two wonderful packages and some cards were delivered. Lots of goodies and plenty of good wishes. Thank you. We truly feel your love and concern.

Please continue your prayers. We know Jeff is improving, slowly but surely.

love,

Marcia