Just visited Neil. When we called this morning, the nurse said he had a lot of secretions. This is when the nurse has to suction the trach. The nurse said Neil's heart rate dropped but they were able to work through this. This is a case of Neil grounding us instead of the nurses. (You know he would never do this if he had any choice.) His medical condition is still fragile (that is my word). We know he is still critical, but not very, very critical. He still is not stable but more stable that he was. We are continually reminded that the ventilator is life support and his lungs are not well enough to support his body. The doctor's physician assistant came by. We asked her to talk to Neil about the order of him transitioning off the ventilator. ( He wanted to know this.) She said the pressure and PEEP would be decreased a little each day. The PA said a change would be made in the ventilator setting and then the next day would be a day of rest for Neil. She then said Neil might be moved to the Long Term Hospital (2 floors at Jackson Hospital) here in Montgomery. Neil possibly would still be on the ventilator for this move. This facility would be able to provide physical therapy, occupational therapy and the other services Neil would need. This is being discussed as Neil will still need skilled nursing care. Following this placement would probably be a "Health South" facility. The PA is thinking this move might be in about two weeks. We are all very clear this is an educated guess and we are not holding anyone to this date. The two weeks would start today. Neil is responding well to the ventilator setting. However, we thought so yesterday also. His blood pressure is up a bit and he is getting medication. Having said all of this, we must quickly add we are sooooo very encouraged by his progress. Please pray for Neil's lungs.
Please remember the family that was with us last night. Their loved one went to heaven early this morning.. We know he was a father, brother and boyfriend. Our prayers are with them.
Please pray for the full recovery of Sue Shelton, Shannon Jones, Christine Paulk and our other friends here. Christine was in a car accident Friday night in Selma. She was flown here Sunday. She is making some progress.
Thanks so very much for your love and support. Please know we share your prayers and love with the families here with us.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
2 comments:
Lucia and family,
We continue to pray for all of you as you push toward recovery. Neil's body continues to fight and will recover. Hang in there and we will continue to lift you all up. Love you dearly
angie and betty
I've been out of the loop a bit and glad to read the blog and learn that Neil is better though not at his best. While all of you continue to wait patiently, things outside are busy busy. Lucia, I wish you could be at the Montgomery Unit meeting tomorrow. I'll take a breath tomorrow about 2:00 p.m. and will try to stop by to visit. Keep your spirits up.
Tony
Post a Comment