Today was a good day. Not much really happened, but she did get to rest! And that is what she needs. We found out that the lungs were preserved for 4.5 hours yesterday. When they are out of the body and preserved they begin to collect fluid. That is what is taking so long. The doc said that it will just take time, but they are doing everything they can to optimize the situation. He also said that we were doing the right thing too by being there! I appreciate Teresa being there! The nurse or doc will ask me a question about a medicine, reaction, or the dose on the medicine and she knows! Kinda nice to have that brain of hers around:)
Jen is still pretty sedated but she is responsive and will do sign language (yeah, it’s stuff that we made up, not ASL), and the nurse finally trusts her enough to take the bed restraints off. They put ventilator patients in restraints so they don’t mess with the tube. Pulling it out can cause massive amounts of damage. Well her nose was itching today and she slowly takes her hand lifts up her arm. She holds her hand about a foot from her face and you can tells she’s focusing in on it (yeah, they are pretty good drugs), the. Once she’s focused on her hand she slowly moves in for the scratch. The nurse thought it was funny to watch. Of course, she was high alert cause Jen’s hand was close to that tube!
Another example of her being with it…she has a hard time with the drug vencomycin and has to take Benadryl with it or she itches. Well she gave the “I want to write sign” so we got her the pad and she spelled Benadryl correctly. And her hand writing was better than mine. Before I left, she gave the sign again, so I got her the pad…she wrote blog? I said, of course! And I got a thumbs up.
I feel bad that I’m not staying at the hospital. I really do t want to leave her room, but I also know that if I wear myself out and get sick…I would be in trouble. Got some rest last night and will get some more tonight.
I asked Jen if she could tell the difference yet and replied no. I said you will, and got a good head nod. Tomorrow brings a new day. Hopefully she make progress. I think she will. Getting the tube out would be awesome, but getting the ventilator to pressure support would be a victory. Pressure support means she initiates each breathe and the machine offers support. Baby steps!
Tomorrow is her birthday the big 31! Interesting fact 101: she’s never been in the hospital on her birthday.
She’s coughed today, and she is coughing up bloody junk! To be honest it freaked Teresa and out when we saw it. Turns out that is good to clear the excess fluid from surgery.
Finally, my parents and I met a realtor to look at a house to rent. Strike 1. I’m certain that Jennifer would shoot me of she went home to that. Neighborhood was neat, big lake with a bike path and lots of shops…just not a house I want to live in for an extended period of time..
Sorry I’m not the best blogger!
Kerry
Great post tonight! So happy to hear she’s communicating so well! I’m sure once she starts breathing fully on her own, she’ll notice a world of difference. Thank you for keeping us all updated. Please tell her Hi for me 🙂
Thank you Kerry for the updates! FYI you are doing just fine filling in on the blogging, just don’t go an make a career out of it. Get some rest and tell her Happy Birthday tomorrow for Kylar, my mom, and I
Kerry thank you for carring on the blog. There are so many following it and praying for all of you. Some of my facebook friends and family that don’t know either of you are reading it and praying for you. The love s3nt is far reaching. Take care of yourself and tell the family hi for me . BIG HUGS TO ALL.
Glad to hear things are going well. Hang in there and contiuen to grind away and stay the course. You guys are in my thoughts!!
I LOVE your blog posts! I love hearing the updates and hearing about the “baby steps”…you are taking pics of these potential houses right?!?
Thank you so much for the updates! We are all and will continue to be praying for Jen! You guys are so brave and I know everyone is so excited for her and you to be able to start a new healthy chapter! We look forward to hearing more on her progress! God bless!
Thank you Kerry for all the great information and keeping all the hundreds of people praying and thinking about Jen’s progress. This will be good for Jen to see later AND it is very therapeutic for you. ( I did this with Rex’s heart surgery). Keep up your strength, and, it’s good for you to get out some, to find a house. Helps to clear your mind. 🙂
Keep up the positive vibes…only good things to come!!! So very true about the rest you will be no good to anyone if you are worn down. I am so happy to be able to read the blog and stay updated…prayers are with you both♡
Love the updates…….Get some rest…..you and your family have been through so much….
Dear Heavenly father I lift Jennifer up to you this morning. I pray for continued healing and strength. I pray for her family also that they would continue to stay healthy and get the rest they need to go through this journey with her. Father she has been such an inspiration to all of us. I thank you for what you are doing in her life and the continued healing. I pray that she would be able to feel you holding her up at this time. Also that she would feel your presence. Lord we ask this in the Name of Jesus Amen May God Bless And Take Care
Kerey, you are a wonderful blogger and we all appreciate the updates on our precious Jen’s progress. Thank you. Make sure Theresa is getting some rest too – both of you need to stay healthy. Give Jen our love.
Thank u Kerry. It’s nice to hear updates on our strong friend!! And don’t worry you’ll be a natural at blogging in no time!! Sending prayers your way for a speedy recovery and that Jen will be back to her old self in no time
Happy Birthday Jen! Great job blogging, Kerry! I have a few people I know who live in the Seattle will touch base with them on possible rentals.
Thank you Kerry your doing great! Plus your spot on about you all staying healthy for her and yourself….big hugs to you, Greg and Teresa…..if you need anything at all….we will be on it…let us know
Keep it up. Appreciate the update. We are all with you praying for strength.
Happy Birthday, Jen! We are all keeping you in our prayers for a quick recovery. Thank you, Kerry, for sharing this experience with us. Although a very unpleasant experience, your blog is filled with love, caring, and faith. We are very proud of you and your dedication to your lovely wife. We look forward to your next blog.
Doing a great job Kerry. Many of my friends that don’t know you guys are following Jen’s story. So many people care. Happy Birthday to a very brave lady. Just think how wonderful your next birthday will be!!! I think some (fast) dancing will be in order! Take care.
Thank You Kerry.
We are praying for ALL of you…. please keep updating.
Big hugs to all of you….. and
Hau’oli la hanau~~~~ (Happy Birthday)
to Jen!!!!
Thanks for the update Kerry, great to hear Jen is progressing nicely. We miss you both around here. Every meeting I go to, people want an update on how y’all are doing. I enjoy telling them about her amazing progress and the fantastic support you provide. Hang in there and get some rest. You are correct, this is no time to get run down and sick 🙂
We’ve been with you since day 1, thanks for the great updates. Happy Birthday to Jen, and many more!!!
Nice to read about the baby steps and progress, in general. Everyone wants to know how she’s doing…even the McGovern kids were asking yesterday, telling me about the fundraiser they helped with! The cough is a good sign. Hope you find something to rent that’s not far from future dr. visits/treatments as the driving can be somewhat intense. Wishing you both blue skies! What a miracle.
I’m glad to hear things are looking up! Keep up the good work, both of you!
HAPPY TEARS, HAPPY TEARS, and more HAPPY TEARS!!! (You know me!)
Oh Jen you know I’m THRILLED and can’t wait to see your beautiful face with your gorgeous smile!!!! It’s now time to order a new pair of Nike “CELEBRATION” shoes girlfriend!!! LOL! =)
Kisses and Hugs,
Kimberly