Neil has continued to respond well to the ventilator setting for a full 24 hours. His oxygen sats were 98 during the 8:30 visit. I wanted to share that before I share the "bump" in the road so you all would know how well he was able to recover. At about 7:45 as we were sharing with friends how well Neil was continuing to respond, a nurse came looking for DeAnn. She explained Neil had a pneumothorax. As a social worker I had to ask our two "visiting nurses" to explain. The bottom part of his right lung had collapsed. (We had been cautioned when they had to go back to the bi-level vent setting that this was a potential problem as the lungs are being forced with higher volume to expand.) The nurse said the doctor had been contacted and had conferred with the local physician on call. He was able to successfully complete the procedure to insert a chest tube. The bottom part of the lung reinflated and the tube was able to allow more drainage from the sac around the lung. YEA!!!!!! Neil's oxygen sats quickly returned to the 98 level. (This oxygen recovery was grand as that has been so very hard for Neil. Another wonderful indicator of his responding well to this setting.) The night nurse, said he would not be surprised if they do not have to add a second tube as it is very probable this one will clog. My question to this was if the other lung hit similar problems would this procedure be as effective for the left lung. His response was "Absolutely".
This event got us off guard. It was very scary for a short period of time. My, my when they cautioned us that Neil's recovery would be long, hard and a marathon, we had no idea what that really meant. With the prayers, love and support from all of you, we continue to be able to meet these challenges head on. With sincere gratitude, I am asking you all to continue to pray for Neil's lungs.
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I couldn't go to bed until I got the last update for the night. I am so glad they were able to do the procedure with success. That was good news that his sat level recovered. I smile as I sit here and read the positive things. You are all so strong to be able to focus on the positive. That is what Neil needs. DeAnn is really a trooper, too. Please tell her I send my love and prayers. Hope all of you can rest tonight. Tomorrow is a new day! Melanie
I, too, wanted to get a last update before going to bed. So sorry to hear about Neil's lung collapsing, but glad to hear the quick recovery.
Dear Lord, please Heal Neil's Lungs.
You guys stayed strong for Neil, during the recovery from the lung collapse. I think it's time for the family to start focusing on resting whenever you can. Lucia, Kenneth, DeAnn, and Jan have to be pretty drained by now talking to a constant string of visitors all day long over 10 days straight. So please make time for yourselves, or minimize the length of visits to preserve some of your energy. When we visit again, I promise to make it a real short one. Love to all, Judy K. and V
Liveoak gang checking in, please tell Neil I remember when they put that chest tub in me, scary, but such a relieve at the time!! We continue to be pouring Neil and each of you with prays of thanks for Neil's healing and your strength. I always check in with Ann, she sends her love and of course you know she is praying!!! Love, Patsy and David
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