Today has been a very busy day for Lee. It started at the change of shift 7:00 a.m. The usual routine with the report being passed from nurse to nurse does not allow time for sleep and that is usually followed with rounds consisting of many doctors. Lee's lung surgeon was in early and he told Lee to cough two or three times. The nurse said Lee did very well. After he left two of the four chest tubes were removed. This was followed by a chest x-ray, which was immediately followed by a breathing test. Not long after that the speech therapist came in to examine Lee and to determine his swallowing functions. (This is very important post lung procedures to prevent any aspiration contents from entering the respiratory tract thus into the lungs.) Fortunately, he passed the water and ice chips and she was to return later this afternoon to have him swallow some applesauce.
I arrived at the hospital around 10:00 but was not allowed to see him until about 11:30 because there were many procedures to be done today. Good that I remembered to bring his razor and toothbrush because he was asking for that. He really looked better after the shave, facewashing and brushing of teeth that I did. He even wanted me to comb his hair. Personal appearance concern is always a a good sign! I could not stay long because an I.V. specialists arrived to establish a pic line in his Left upper are. This is a long-term I.V. site to be used for meds and blood samples over the period of the next few weeks. Once this line was done the subclavian vein was discontinued. He was so tired after that, I suggested he try to sleep for a while. Within 15 min (and he was napping) the physical therapist came in to get him out of bed and into a chair.
I left and returned when they called and was able to see him sitting in the chair. He looked very good. His color is excellent even though he was sitting very gingerly due to the discomfort. As I was leaving, the speech therapist had returned to test his swallowing with applesauce. I was told that he will probably stand and walk tomorrow.
More Later.............................Brenda
Ask for some dumplings to go with that applesauce! He'll be ready for pie in no time!
ReplyDeleteDebbie and I are so pround of both of you. We're praying for speedy recovery and word about his walking progess. Each step and each breath he takes in the Air-Eze to extend his lung capacity will increase in coming home. Remember I told Lee to use the Air-Eze as often and as long as he can when he gets it. We're praying for you each day. Bill & Debbie
ReplyDeleteThanks be to God. Hang in there. My love to you both. I couldn't sign in and then I had to have Audra get me started. Wow, so much has happened so quickly. I am so happy for you both. Will try to call in the next day or two. I would so hate to interrupt an opportunity for you to rest. Love you both.
ReplyDeleteCarol