Update
Alright, here's the update. Not a ton of new to report, but here goes...last night when Natalie and I went to say goodnight, the drain bag was raised to the level of her head. Any ICP less than 20 is good - with the clamp open, the numbers were staying around 16-18. As you may recall, the day before, the "clamp-closed" numbers were only going up to 16-17. Well, last night when they clamped it, it was going up to 21-22 again. I try to tell myself we're still in that 5-7 day range where they said it could get worse, and really, it's not all that bad. Otherwise, she looked just as peaceful as she has, and there were no other changes. They did take the tube that went in through her mouth to her stomach to feed her out, and instead put a smaller, more flexible one in her nose to her stomach to feed her, which is nicer for her. This will be in until they put in the PEG tube I described before.
This morning, the ICPs were down to 8-10 with the bag still at the level of her head, which is better. They hadn't done a clamped test so far today, so we're not sure how that was, but this is better. They plan to do a CT scan at some point today to check on things since they haven't done one for a couple of days. When the respiratory therapist came in to suction out her mouth and lungs, she opened her eyes way up (both of them, and more than ever before), and she was moving that left arm again! I love to see her eyes! The trauma doctors stopped by and told me they are still comfortable with her status, and that she has remained very stable. As I said before, the next step will be controlling her ICPs enough to be able to remove the ICP monitor, and to place the tracheostomy and PEG.
I will let everyone know how the CT scan goes today, and what that shows (keep your fingers crossed!). Please, keep sending love and prayers. Thanks everyone for your support.
This morning, the ICPs were down to 8-10 with the bag still at the level of her head, which is better. They hadn't done a clamped test so far today, so we're not sure how that was, but this is better. They plan to do a CT scan at some point today to check on things since they haven't done one for a couple of days. When the respiratory therapist came in to suction out her mouth and lungs, she opened her eyes way up (both of them, and more than ever before), and she was moving that left arm again! I love to see her eyes! The trauma doctors stopped by and told me they are still comfortable with her status, and that she has remained very stable. As I said before, the next step will be controlling her ICPs enough to be able to remove the ICP monitor, and to place the tracheostomy and PEG.
I will let everyone know how the CT scan goes today, and what that shows (keep your fingers crossed!). Please, keep sending love and prayers. Thanks everyone for your support.
Comments
This is Dr. Hustoles. Your missive was forwarded to us here at Minnesota State University, Mankato and we are all sending our best wishes to Bev. Thank you so much for sharing this detailed information. We know how hard it must be for you and we know that you know how much Bev is counting on you to help pull her through. Even though we are not physically there with you, we are certainly with you in spirit. Keep up the great work—we send prayers and best wishes from the great north! Lots of love, Paul
I just want you to know that my heart, thoughts and prayers are with Bevy and you throughout each day.
Please give Bev hugs and kisses from me, and please tell her that I love her. Please tell her that Cameroni (my son), says HI ;) too.
Love, Jeannie
love-stef
I have the highest hopes for Bev and I felt her fighting when I was in the room with her. Amanda, the strength you've shown is inspiring and I think of you and Bev constantly. I'll be stopping by once a week to check Bev and yourself.
Tiffany
I'm thinking and praying for your mom all the time. I was thinking back on all the fun things we did in hs with her. I wish I was closer so I could see her and you, but tell her that I'm thinking of her and I hope you are holding up ok.
Love you,
Devon
I just got this news. Absolutely astonishing...I can hardly believe it. Your entries are so helpful to us and so eloquently stated. Thank you. You are truly one gem of a daughter--something Bev always knew and raved about.
I can hardly wait to hear of the day that she gathers the strength to squeeze your arm good and hard, just for old times sake! You both are so strong--hang in there. Lots of love and prayers from all of us here (Curt, Chloe, Naomi and me)
Jessica