Surgical Intensive Waiting Room

Doug, Todd, Julia and I have been in the waiting room most of the day.  We have had to wait longer for short visits today because there have been many procedures today.  This morning the heart balloon was removed.  This was a balloon that was introduced to the heart via the femoral artery and was already in place during the surgery.  It was left in place to assist his heart during the critical post-operative period.  He has experienced some irregular heart beat and @ times the defibrillator had to be used.  We have been asked not to stimulate him and to keep our visits short because that may contribute to another episode.  We visit in two's and we just want to reassure him of our presence whether in this room or in the waiting room.  We have been told that he must continue to lie flat until the six-hour period post balloon removal has expired. We are now anticipating the time when respiratory therapists will be able to get him off the vent as that is supposed to happen today.  I'm sure Lee will be more comfortable then.  Passing a feeding tube is another procedure that will be done.  They have tried several times but it causes his heart to become overstimulated and that causes an atrial fibrillation which in turn requires defribillation.

I know all this sounds very complicated and believe me it is.  They do, however, have this down to a fine art.  There are monitors and medications already connected that can be utilized at a moments notice.  The medicines are already drawn and in place connected to many tracks and stopcocks f or ease of on and off.  He has stationary defib pads on his chest already connected to the defibrillator and can be fired in a matter of seconds.  As you can see, no time is wasted in any emergency  or crisis that may arise.

I will say that he looks better today.  His color is good and he does not appear as swollen as yesterday.  When we ask how he is doing the answer is usually, very good, great, or he is really a good sport or a good fighter.  We take these remarks as encouraging words for now.

Just thought you might want to know about the power of your prayers for Lee getting a lung.  We have been told by many, many people that Lee received his lung the fastest of any they can remember.  Our thanks to all of you for that very special requests.  We appreciated all your prayers and for your love.   More Later....................Brenda