I ask a question. They vaguely answer. Even the good nurses. I ask again in a different way, because I really want to understand. Information they feel is elementary, might as well be calculus to me.
I ask and ask and ask... I secretly record conversations so I can play it back. Me and Hannah try to decipher the code. Just when we ‘think’ we understand, we don’t.
Today I got the chance to talk to the Doctor that is currently on call again. Dr. Long. Do you know that feeling when you ask questions to someone more knowledgeable than you and they sometimes answer condescendingly. (Like, don’t you know anything, dummy?).
Normally, I would be intimidated, and shy away from asking the same question over and over in a different way to get to the truth if it all. But this is my man; and it’s his life we are talking about.
From the Doctor’s mouth to my ear, let me correct the things we have said for the last few days.
Although we were told that it is not in the patients best interest to have a trach over three weeks because of problems. CORRECTION: a trach can be worn as long as need be. It does not put you in grave danger. It’s not ideal, of course, but if it is necessary in assisting someone to relearn how to breath, it is essential.
So, trach collar is fine, indefinitely. It only needs to be replaced and cleaned every two or three weeks.
Yesterday, David struggled so much to breath, he was finally put back on the vent. And even that didn’t help for a good two hours, until they readjusted and readjusted the numbers before they found a good place to settle. A number higher than normal, but he finally got a break.
Today, he was in better spirits. Although the picture I sent his mom made her think he looked so tired. But compared to yesterday he looked 100% better. And they just took him off the trach collar around 10pm, having begun at 7am. A good day in the breathing department.
He has a leak in both lungs, which is why he has chest tubes. They would very much like to remove those tubes, but he is not ready.
They will be taking him off steroids in the next day or two. Which is good. It may make a difference in allowing his lungs to heal on their own. The Doctor wouldn’t commit to that either way. But a girl can hope.
The surgery they would have to do if the lungs dont heal themselves, I discovered, after talking with the Doctor, is minor surgery and they do not have to remove any damaged lung, just repair the leaks.
It is so frustrating asking questions, not being able to talk to the Doctor, getting completely wrong information....
You will understand why I would not leave last night when I thought his lung drainage from the chest tubes was not working properly. I know how they are supposed to look. The right side did not look right. I asked five different ways until finally the nurse listened to his chest with a stethoscope and called the respiratory therapist to give him a breathing treatment. After about ten minutes, all was well. His numbers were good and the lung regulator was again working as it should.
What if I did not ask five times in different ways? But I have to tip toe around as to not make enemies, and be a ‘squeaky wheel.’ Ha
Squeaky wheels get the grease? Is that the saying? Well, I got it.
Baby steps, baby steps... trying to see things from a weekly perspective, but sometimes it is so hard. Up and down. Up and down.
He needs to breath on his own. His lungs need to heal those leaks. He needs to keep moving and practicing his little exercises. The Doctor said more than once today, it’s up to David at this point. I get it. He’s got to keep plowing forward to get stronger and stronger.
I visited him today with smiles. I FaceTimed Jeremiah so he could talk to his Dad. I called his mom so he could hear her voice. I FaceTimed Hannah, Matt and Jono for David to see. They were bubbly and energetic. No sad faces on camera. We take care of that behind the scenes.
That was his motivation for today. Family. I think I wore him out just by those three things. He was a little feisty at the end. I am glad for it. I left him to rest. Adorably, he mouthed loving words when I said I would go now so he could get some rest. He wanted to make sure his feisty self didn’t get me down. He was worried. I could tell. But I made sure he knew all was well.
I drive home with no music. Just silence. Happy sad happy sad melancholy hope.... and other things. But it was a good day.
Love,
his Shelli
Happy picture for his momma.
Almost annoyed.
Rolling his eyes. Ok. It’s time for me to go.
He was so annoyed with me taking pictures today. I didn’t realize it until he told me to stop. Yup. He’s in there, waiting to burst out and boss everyone around.
https://www.gofundme.com/whileyouweresleeping
When you step back and look at it week to week, it is obvious that David is improving! So are you!! Thanks for the update. Love and prayers from us...
ReplyDeleteI love these pics. I agree with Randy. You both are looking better!!! Love you so much. Mom
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