During our visit today, we received more positive news sprinkled with some cause for concern. I'll start with the GREAT news . . . Since birth, he has been on the High Frequency Jet Ventilator. Basically what we were told is that the 'jet' gives very fast breaths by vibrating air into the lungs more so than helping him breathe. Lawson was getting 420 breaths per minute. It made a loud rhythmic sound and caused his chest to pulsate in a very unnatural way. Because of the 'jet' they have been unable to use a stethescope to listen to his heart/chest and he was unable to practice breathing, among other drawbacks. Early this morning he was switched over to the conventional ventilator, which is a HUGE step in his road to recovery! He will now be able to practice breathing on his own and receive more normal breaths per minute! Other exciting news is that the right chest tube, which was drawing the fluid off the right side of his chest, has been removed. The tube had not produced any fluid for several days, so they believe that all of the fluid is gone and therefore it is safe to remove the tube!
Now on to the causes for concern. He continues to have the 'episodes' and now neurology is involved. He has been hooked up to the EEG machine since last night and they were continuing to follow it. They wanted to let it go for a while so they would have even more data to compare. You know how we all love data! :) This afternoon when we were leaving the hospital, they were transporting him down for a CT scan. The neurologists felt it was important for him to get this test as soon as possible. This in itself is a little risky because he will be off the ventilator all together. One of the respitory technicians will be at his side 'bagging' him, squeezing the bag attached to his breathing tube at the same rate that the conventional ventilator was. The whole procedure should take about 2 hours. We won't have any results until tomorrow, but we'll hear tonight how he did during the transport. Hopefully we'll have more news soon.
Now on to the causes for concern. He continues to have the 'episodes' and now neurology is involved. He has been hooked up to the EEG machine since last night and they were continuing to follow it. They wanted to let it go for a while so they would have even more data to compare. You know how we all love data! :) This afternoon when we were leaving the hospital, they were transporting him down for a CT scan. The neurologists felt it was important for him to get this test as soon as possible. This in itself is a little risky because he will be off the ventilator all together. One of the respitory technicians will be at his side 'bagging' him, squeezing the bag attached to his breathing tube at the same rate that the conventional ventilator was. The whole procedure should take about 2 hours. We won't have any results until tomorrow, but we'll hear tonight how he did during the transport. Hopefully we'll have more news soon.
Mitzi...hope you are feeling better!
ReplyDeleteprayers continue. God bless you!
Jackie "Spot"