This was a long day for Margaret. She was still having some bowel pain in the morning. This morning they got her up and WALKING! It was a short walk but took a lot out of her so a nap was in order. After lunch she was able to get some relief from the bowel issue and it has helped a lot. She still has some discomfort but it is much improved. All is still going well, they are still trying to wean her from her heart med (isoprotenal) that is used to keep her blood pressure at a normal level. It takes 48 hours or sometimes longer to stop it and let her body take control of that. Once they can stop that IV they can take a lot of the IV's that are in her neck catheter out. They will still keep the catheter in but most all of the lines will be taken off. I looks like there is some plumbing code that is being broken by all the branches going into that one catheter. I have a picture of it but at this time have no way to upload the pictures....yet.
At about 3:30 she was moved to another room in the ICU, she was in a really big room that was the size of two rooms but was moved to a normal size room. Apparently there was someone new who needed lots of room for machines to help them.
Overall she is doing very good which is great news. She had a little chest pain tonight when using the 'facilities' but they said that was normal since she had just spent a long time in bed. She was sitting in a chair for a longer period today than yesterday which is great. There is no longer a nurse or two in her room at all times which I take as a good sign.
The doctor stopped by this morning and thought everything was going good. When she is bumped out of ICU she will go to a cardiac floor for some period of time and then we will move to the Gift of Life Transplant House. The Gift of Life is a house that you can stay at if you have had a transplant of some kind. We have talked to many people from the support group that we participate in for Amyloidosis who have stayed there and they have great things to say about it. Among other things it is sanitized for your protection. More on this later when we move there.
I just left her since she is really tired and she is about to get a bath then off to sleep for her. I am guessing tomorrow may be another long day for her, more walking.
I would also like to thank my kids, they are a tremendous help whether they know it or not! They make things easier so thank you two!!!!
Thanks for checking in!
Jim
Jim,
ReplyDeleteyou guys are in our prayers if you or the kids need anything let us know!!
Harry
Hi Jim, It's nice to hear about the great progress Margaret is making. We are all praying and cheering for you. And your blog's great !!!
ReplyDeleteHi Margaret,
ReplyDeleteIt's great to have a site to visit with updates. I'm delighted with the news of your ongoing recuperation. I've never known anyone who has had a heart transplant (am old enough to remember the wonder of that first artificial heart, and it's just amazing to me). As always, I pray for you each time I pass your house (twice already this morning on way to and from water aerobics)and will continue to do so. Looking forward to seeing you upon your return.
Here's a book you might enjoy: Thanks for the Memories, by Cecelia Ahern. Do you know of her as an author? She wrote PS I love you (made into a movie) when she was about 18 ?? Anyway, she's written several very good books (Rosie Dunn; there's a great CD version) -- this one isn't her best, but because of its plot line, you might find it intriguing (blood transfusion rather than heart transplant, but still...)
Carol Kennett
Thanks so much for keeping us all informed, Jim. I can only imagine how draining this all must be for your whole family.
ReplyDeleteYou're all in our thoughts and prayers. Best wishes for a quick (whatever that means) and complete recovery.
Dennis Galion
Congratulations Margaret! Jim you continue to be a role model for caregivers! Kym Hodge
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear that everything is still going well. Can't wait to see some pictures.
ReplyDeleteTell Margaret to keep up the good work!