The Tent

When I talked to Lee early this morning I could tell that he was either still sleepy or just beginning this day with just a bit of the "grouchies"!  This was due to his having to sleep in a tent from 10:00 p.m. until about 5:00 a.m.  I reassured him that at least he only had four more nights to go and the treatment would be finished.  I did not get a very favorable response with that and assured him that I would be there shortly after lunch and would bring some snacks and a few othere things he requested.

I caught the shuttle to the hospital and finally arrived at Lee's room around 12:00.  It was at this point that I could certainly understand why the "Tent" was not a good thing to try to sleep in.  It is reminicent of the old oxygen tents of thr "dark ages" of medicine.  It is made of plastic and hangs at the head of the bed from a type of metal T-bar.  The T-bar extends longitudinally across the top of Lee's bed.  Attached to this T-bar are metal rings connected to see-through plastic that may be extended the entire length if the T-tube in order to surround and enclose lee completely down to the middle of his body, thereby ensuring that his ventilation areas are covered.  Hanging high enside the plastic tent is a huge air-exchange box that measures about 2x4 feet.  This box does not go gently into the night as it is noisy.  This is responsible for a continuous air exchange without loss of the medication that he has to enhale through a face mask!  So in addition to the "Tent", he also has to wear a face mask that is connected to a pump that works like a nebulizer to administer the inhaling medication!
It is also during this time that he is receiving special I.V. medications (type of antibodies) that must be closely monitored.

IS IT ANY WONDER THAT HE CAN NOT GET ANY SLEEP?!!!

This has to be repeated each night for a total of five nights.  One down and four to go..................so I am asking you to think of Lee tonight when you get all cozy in your beds to remember that he is one uncomfortable fellow.  Please remember him in your prayers and pray for his ability to rest and perhaps get some sleep along the way.

More Later........................................Brenda