One step back......

At about 5:30 this evening, Paul's breathing had become more labored and he felt that he was not getting any air.  We let the respiratory technician know that Paul wanted an oxygen mask.  Paul continued to take deep breaths but felt like he wasn't getting any relief.  Within 30 minutes we had a bunch of doctors rushing in and out.  They told us they thought the best thing was to do a quick bronchoscope to look at the trachea repair and put him on the ventilator.  Paul agreed.  His breathing had become extremely labored and he struggled to even say words.

It is 10:30 PM and Paul is back on the ventilator.

The doctors have said as far s they can tell, at the moment, it is not a blood clot in the lungs.  There is fluid in the lungs and his white count is elevated.  He is resting and not fighting the ventilator.  They will keep him relaxed.  I asked that they do not paralyze him again.  The doctors said they would only do that if he becomes too agitated with the ventilator.  

The doctors will do another bronchoscope in the morning.  They did the one tonight just to make sure that the repair in the trachea was intact.  It is.  They will check deeper to look further inside the bronchioles

The ICU doctor  and I talked at great lengths this evening before he left.  He was outside this afternoon when we made our trip to enjoy the fresh air.  He said it was so good to see Paul sitting with his legs crossed and smiling.   He realizes how much Paul has struggled over the last two weeks.  He and Paul actually talked the other night about about how far Paul had come since the second surgery and how determined Paul was to recovery enough to go home.  He assured me that he will do whatever needs to be done to help Paul  get better and back home.

Sitting and watching him..... Holding his hand.... Praying....

Jo