Thursday, September 20, 2007

Extubation


A big word for taking out the breathing tube. It's an even bigger step, though, because Tyler looks much better. Now he's on high-flow oxygen at 35% (air is 21%), and the high-flow is to pump up the alveoli. He's breathing at a normal rate, so today, they'll wean him from the high-flow oxygen to a regular oxygen machine. One of his thoracic drains was removed, and the others aren't filling up as much, so they'll remove those soon too. Apparently, he's been in some drug withdrawal since morphine and fentanyl were stopped, so they'll give him methadone to help him cope. I think they give heroin addicts methadone. In medicine, you never know anything for sure, but it looks like we may be in the home stretch of the pediatric cardiology intensive care unit. Yeah! Ah, and they mentioned that he might not be able to cry because of the breathing tube. I asked if his larynx was damaged, and the nurse acted like it may or may not be permanent. I thought, "Great! Now I'll have to learn sign language in Spanish too!" But he whimpers now and then, and I think he'll be alright.


They are hoping to to wean him from epinephrine, a cardiac contractility drug. Scott is okay. I worked on Heidi's root canal yesterday, the upper left second molar, way at the back. Woof. Heidi went back to work on Monday and is enjoying it. Everyone, thanks for your kind words, prayers, and support. Bye.

15 comments:

Kerry Hoaglund said...

Good to hear he's starting to get to the final stages! Congrats!

Heather said...

Glad to hear that Tyler is doing better and everyday taking big steps to recover. I can't wait til we can all hold him and just rock him in comfort and shower him in love.

Linda said...

I was watching images go by on play.blogger.com and saw this image of Tyler.

You'll be in my thoughts, and I wish you and your family all the best. It sounds like he couldn't have a better family.

Heather said...

OK...hope there isn't a rule that you can't post twice in a day. Yes, I know I'm a freak!

I just saw the blog update with Tyler's picture. He looks amazing and it is such a relief to see him breathing on his own. Your pictures paint such an amazing story, nice work Danny! He looks more and more like the little Scottie Dog.

Ashley said...

I can't tell you how happy we are to hear of Tyler's amazing strength and recovery. It's amazing how the lord hears and answers ALL of our prayers. Take care Mcmillan Family, we look forward to seeing you all together very soon! Love always, Ashley and family

Unknown said...

It was wonderful to hear how much better Tyler is doing. Every small step adds up to a stronger baby. We think of all of you continually. You must be exhausted, but you both have such an amazing attitude and inner strength. Give Scotty a hug from us!
Love from Betty an Bob
P.S. The message says "Bob said" but that's only because Betty isn't computer literate enough yet to figure out how to add her name.

Unknown said...

It was wonderful to hear how much better Tyler is doing. Every small step adds up to a stronger baby. We think of all of you continually. You must be exhausted, but you both have such an amazing attitude and inner strength. Give Scotty a hug from us!
Love from Betty an Bob
P.S. The message says "Bob said" but that's only because Betty isn't computer literate enough yet to figure out how to add her name.

DCRomney said...

Yahoooooo! So glad to hear that it seems the worst is over - hopefully no more surprises, just a handsome little boy recovering well. Thanks for taking the time to keep us all updated - it helps us be more specific in our prayers!
Hermana, you're my hero, out there back at work already! :)

Liz said...

hi guys- totally been thinking about your family for weeks and weeks, hope you don't mind me following along on the blog (cindy sent it to me blame her!).

1) CONGRATULATIONS! Tyler is darling and adore his dark hair and perfect lips!

2) So glad things sound to be going well with his recovery- totally been praying for Tyler and your whole family.

3) dang he is so freaking CUTE!

liz fuller

Ron and Lynn McMillan said...

I love checking in and seeing how well Tyler is doing ! I am glad to hear that tubes are coming out (that is always a great sign). All my years as an ICU nurse and we were always happy when someone starting losing tubes and urinating! I'll be in Livermore in early December and I would love to see the family !

Mom and Dad McMillan said...

Thank you so much for the picture and update. They speak wolumes to us! We are at the airport on our way home with a very very long flight ahead of us. We are anxious to see little Tyler and so so happy for his continual improvement. We love you and still are so amazed at how you are so faithful. Love Mom and Dad McMillan

Unknown said...

Hooray! It is so awesome to see every little improvement and to see prayers answered every day! God does provide miracles even today. I am thrilled I got to pray with Heather on Sunday and I am convinced Tyler will join you all at home very soon. God is AWESOME!

Bless you all,

Sharon, Bo and all the Stirms

Fenima said...

We're haapy to hear the great news. You guys are almost in the finish line, what a joy to see Tyler's pic. He is a tough little boy.

Victory said...

I can't believe how good Tyler looks! Congratulations!
You're still in our prayers.

The MacMizzles said...

What an absolutely beautiful little boy. And Tyler is a beautiful name. Your strength is very admirable, you have taken such great notes for all of us to learn from. It must be the medical mind that you all seem to have in your family. I am so happy that you are feeling good about the past few days. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Cheers to a beautiful boy!

-Ryan and Aubrey