A little fresh air and love

Sunday Paul had a remarkable day and I have to share it as I am overjoyed with the progress. I requested that Paul be taken outside for some fresh air.  I knew it would not be an easy task as Paul is still on the ventilator and has not been out of bed for over a week.  The ICU doctor said it could be done and the surgeon agreed that even though it would require a bit of work it may be just what Paul needs.

A little fresh air..........

 

The blood cultures are negative to any infection in the blood.  More fantastic news…. Paul has gone more than 24 hours without a fever.  The changes in antibiotics are finally working.  

 

 This morning the doctors did a bronchoscope and cleared out the phlegm that builds up inside of him because he is unable to cough while being on the ventilator.  In clearing it out the decision was made that he should have one at night to help relieve the hard breathing while he sleeps thus making his sleep and rest better.   For now Paul will have a bronchoscope in the morning and at night.  We know there are risks involved with having this procedure done so often, but for now it is the only way to keep the lungs from getting a build up that can cause damage to the parts that need healing.

 The doctors are reluctant to take him off the ventilator and Paul agrees to take it very slow and try to do small slots of time of being unhooked to help get the lungs back into working mode.  This weaning may take some time and right now we do not want to rush anything.  Paul has traveled some very rough roads over the last few weeks and the journey on this road is still a long way from being over.  We will cross the bridges as we get to them. 

 

Right now, we are celebrating the baby step achievements.  If nothing else, we are learning to live in the moment and not have any expectation of tomorrow.

 

and Love!

 

 

Thank you for your prayers, comments and love.

Jo