Saturday, August 30, 2008

A Red Letter Day!

I have been writing a day behind, but not tonight. I'll write about Friday after this. Lots and lots of big changes today.

We got rid of some big equipment late this afternoon. The ventilator has been evicted and one of the infusers is gone too. Pete has been mostly breathing on his own since sometime yesterday with the vent only kicking in to make sure he didn't have a problem. And they have been weaning the propofol off since Thursday afternoon.

They sent us out for the extubation and the doc came after it was done. I have to say, what came next was a good bit more traumatic to me than the entire idea of his having a stroke in the first place. Watch them stick a piece of plastic tubing down the nose of the man you love and then do it again, and you'll know what I mean. Obviously, they were doing this to get all the fluid out of his lungs to keep him from getting pneumonia and to be honest, I was glad I was there to hold his hand. It's just tough. This is the part that is way complicated by his being a smoker. So, if you're reading this really fast so you can run outside to have a smoke, quit, now, and do it for your spouse so they don't ever have to watch such a thing.

The propofol has kept him sedated for several days and it is nice to have Pete back. My sisters Nicole and Susan were there and Nicole's husband John was there too. Pete flipped both John and Susan the bird so, he's doing just fine.

After they got the bulk of the yuck out of his chest, he was finally able to say something helpful, you know, "I love you". Gosh darn good thing, you know?

Oh, and his head has a little dent in in right on top. That means the brain swelling is starting to reduce. Dr. Volpi said he might be in a regular room on Tuesday kind of depending on how he does, and based on what I've seen over the last several day, how long it takes to find him a room.

See, I told you it was a good day. Tomorrow may be different, but today was good.

10 comments:

Kitty said...

I'm so glad to read about so much improvement. I know we're all hoping that once he's in a normal room he can start some physical therapy and start getting his strength back.

The Nicks Family said...

Kristy it was a good day, I am so glad to have come here and read this. You are such a strong lady, I don't know if I could have been in there when they sucked him out. But like you said you were glad to be there to hold his hand. YAY for the possibility of a regular room and so soon, that is awesome! I continue to think about Pete, Anna and you as well, and pray for you daily. Thanks for updating. Love ya!

Wheels and Lollipops said...

That was a good day ! Continuing to keep you all in our prayers.

Linda said...

Yay for a good day! Steve and I got a good chuckle about him flipping the bird because that is how Steve's family knew his Dad was OK after his surgeries. The medical staff would always try to jump in explaining sometimes folks aren't quite themselves when they first wake up, but that was truly my FIL.

Continued prayers for you and Pete!

Ramona said...

I'm so glad that things are going so well! I know it's such a step by step process, but at least they're all steps in the right direction.

Still praying!

Tricia said...

Kristy - Yeah for progress! And for a fiesty attitude! That's how we knew Gram was good years ago when she came around after a rough recovery from heart surgery! She had a bad attitude and that was just normal! LOL

We'll keep praying for continued progress!

Navasha said...

YAYAYAY for good news. I'm glad Pete has an attitude. He's my kind of dude.

Isa said...

Great news Kristy. I'm so happy for you all and can't wait to read more about these kinds of days! :)

Rozzie said...

Keep 'em coming! Pete's going to be flipping everyone the bird in no time!

Diana from Dallas said...

YAY for signs of the real Pete. I am so happy to read this.
I pray for you all constantly through the day.