Thursday, September 15, 2011

Still in the ICU but improving

Peter extubated two days ago.  His CO2 was high so he needed bi-pap to help him breathe off the CO2.  Yesterday he went to just an O2 mask, and today he is on room air.  He was playing a little bit in bed today, blowing bubbles and doing a little coloring with markers.  It was good to see him smile. 

He is going through a little bit of withdrawal from the narcotics he had to keep him sedated while intubated.  His pupils were huge yesterday morning and he was quite fidgety, but today he is much more at ease, not needing any narcotics for pain or agitation except once for his dressing change. 

He still doesn't realize that the fistula is gone.  I tried to tell him today, but it didn't sink in.  His abdomen is covered by an abdominal binder, so he doesn't see that there is a dressing there instead of a bag.  As he lies down for ostomy bag changes, lying down for a dressing change doesn't seem to be anything different either.  He is agitated during the dressing changes post surgery, unlike at home, but othewise, I suppose it all seems the same to him in his current state of mind.  It will be interesting to see his reaction when he realizes that the fistula is finally gone. 

1 comment:

Catholicfitmom said...

We are still praying for your little guy and the whole family! Today you are very close to Our Lady for she too saw her son suffer, Our Lady of Sorrow. May She wrap her arms around you and give you the strength to carry on!