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.
Comments
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.
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.
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.
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.
Hermana, you're my hero, out there back at work already! :)
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
Bless you all,
Sharon, Bo and all the Stirms
You're still in our prayers.
-Ryan and Aubrey