Wednesday, September 2, 2009

The Vent is OUT! (no, really!)

I hesitated to post earlier today because of my experience on Sunday. But, the tube is out! She had a bit of a rough 'go' this morning . . . labored breathing and lots of wheezing (she was totally off vent support). They gave her LOTS and LOTS of albuterol over the 2 hours before extubation and seemed to be ready around 10 am. They took out the vent tube and immediately put her on a Bi-pap machine. This is giving her pressure with every breath, as well as 40 percent oxygen. After a lot of tears earlier, she is resting comfortably.

I was concerned that when they extubated Sumana, they would send us out to the 'regular' floor. However, she is considered high-risk, so they're going to keep a close eye on her before they send her out. I have even requested that they keep her here til she goes home. As long as there is adequate nursing staff, they will honor the request and just drop her level of care to that of a normal floor. Please pray that she would be able to stay here. I really feel the doctors understand the complexity of her pulmonary issues and I'd hate to try to have to go through the 'learning curve' with another set of doctors when she's already on the road to recovery.

And, FYI, I got to stay in my Ronald McDonald House room another night. I haven't heard if I will still have it tonight, or not. Actually, I'm not sure if Sumana will let me leave her. We'll have to wait and see. At any rate, I have an unrestricted pass to the House til September 10 (I hope we're long gone by then!!)

6 comments:

  1. Praise the Lord! I'm so glad that the vent is behind you! That is such a big, ugly hurdle:)
    I think you plan for trying to keep her where she is sounds like a great idea! Just keep going on and on about her pulmonary issues during rounds every morning, reminding them of the seriousness!! I'm so glad you are able to take advantage of the Ronald! We got day passes every time Brady was inpatient. It is a good thing to be "kicked out" of a room (that means you don't have the sickest kid anymore) but it's so hard to say goodbye to those beds! The bright side is the free coffee and food only one flight of stairs away!! Still praying...

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  2. Congratulations! God IS good!

    Congratulations on the vent removal, and
    congratulations on your assertive maternal protection over your girl. You go--

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  3. I am rejoicing with you guys!!! Awesome news. Thank you, Lord!! May the healing power of our Great Physician be upon Sumana and give her a huge healing quickly!! His will be done.
    Deb Smith

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  4. Awwwwww!!! Happy tears here for both of you! It is late tonight so know that you're still prayer protected well into the night! ;) Shoot, you're prayer protected all day and night, but it is still nice to know that we're still at it when you're asleep (I hope). We will continue in prayer for quite a while yet, even after it seems like things are going well! I don't want to get lazy about it and need another reminder to keep on keeping on! Love you all!

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  5. Glad to hear that they were able to remove the ventilator. I pray that she will continue to progress and be home soon.

    Pam

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