Day 13. Cynthia had the ventilator removed at noon but a hour later they had to put it back in. She was struggling too much to breathe so they had no other choice. They said they would try again in four or five days. Joe
Merry Christmas Joe & Cynthia! You both are in our thoughts and prayers on this special day and every day.
Day 14. Merry Christmas to everyone. Cynthia was awake when I got to the hospital early this morning. When I kissed her on the forehead I noticed she was sweating so I asked her if she wanted me to remove the blankets and she nodded yes. They did an EEG earlier this morning and will do a CT scan around 3:00pm. It was great to see her alert. Joe
Day 15. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers, they are working!!! Cynthia is awake and responding to everyone, the results of her testing is good and x-rays of her chest show the fluid is most of the way gone. They may try to remove the ventilator in the next couple of days. Joe
When I go home tonight to feed the dogs will bring the Ft Smith Depot project with me when I return to the hospital. It will give me something to do to help pass the time. Joe
That is great news Joe and also a good idea to take something for you to work on. You can best take care of her by also taking care of yourself, Sumner
Praise God and Jesus!!! Cynthia broke free of the restraints and pulled out the ventilator, they have an oxygen mask on and she is breathing on her own with no problems. She is tough and decided that she had enough of the ventilator. Haha This is a major hurdle and everything should be better from here on out. Joe
Day 17. There has been a new development in Cynthia's condition they have put the ventilator back in. Her blood gas was bad and she was getting agitated and a lot of pain. I'm bummed out but I know she will pull out of this eventually, it's just going to take time. Joe
Amen and amen. Patience is one of them virtues He tries to teach us, as we so impatiently try to learn. Constant knee time and praying for both of you!
Absolutely ! Glad to hear Cynthia has strength- it's important, but not rushing recovery is too.. Don't forget to look after yourself - a few minutes of modelling distraction wouldn't hurt, but regular eating ,drinking too. It's all to easy to focus on the other half when they are ill and neglect yourself. God bless you both.
Day 18, Cynthia is asleep and resting peacefully. No change in her condition, they have the pain meds turned up so she will be out for awhile. Joe
Day 19, Cynthia is awake and responding, they are starting to wean her off of the pain meds so they can remove the ventilator sometime soon. It's possible that they will do a tracheotomy since she didn't do very well before. The last time they removed the ventilator her blood gas was bad. At least she was free of the ventilator for eight hours and I could talk to her and she could whisper back. I know it will get better soon, just a matter of time. Joe
Thanks for the update, Joe, and know we're pulling for ya both! And don't forget to take care of yourself too...
