Tuesday July 2, 2013

Paul is still on the ventilator. They did unhook the ventilator for an hour to monitor his breathing.  After a short while he became tired and the breathing labored.  The ICU doctors and the surgeon met and decided that it would be good for him to stay on it over night.  Paul asked (wrote) the doctor  for something to help him sleep and a small increase on his pain medicine.  All the doctors agreed that a good night sleep would probably do him some good.  Respiratory Therapy will be in at 11:30, but after that he should be able to get in a couple of hours rest. 

Overall it was an okay day.  He still continues to feel hot and asks for an ice pack at the base of his neck and a icy cold compress for his head.   The room is actually cold but if it keeps him happy we are all okay with it.  The Plastic Surgeon who assisted in the Operation yesterday came to speak with us.  He stated they used some muscle from Paul's back and some muscle from the front of his chest.  They also cut away at a few of his ribs so that they could get in his cavity to make the necessary repairs.  The Thoracic surgeon did a bronchscopy this morning and he stated the repairs looked healthy.  There may be a very small hole, but the muscle should heal over it because it is so small no air is escaping from what they can see.  They also sucked up some of the mucus in his lungs and a small bit of blood.  Paul will have another  bronchscopy in the morning on Wednesday to check on the repair and suck out any more mucus that may develop overnight.  If it all looks good they will again try to let him breath on his own and hopefully remove the ventilator.  I am not pushing them to hurry on anything.  I'd rather they take it slow, check and recheck everything.  We have had enough set-backs on this hospital stay.  I am praying for the road to recovery to stretch out in front of us and we can start walking on it!  One baby step at a time if need be, but it will be a start.

We have always focused on the positive and will continue to do so. 

We are both going to get some rest tonight.  Paul especially needs the sleep to rebuild his stamina, and  me?  Well I'm just plain tired.

Good night my family and friends.

Jo