Friday was a very long and difficult day. Earlier in the day I thought we were making some headway. Early in the morning Doug was talking without a lot of coughing. However by mid morning the cough was back with a vengence and his vitals were all elevated. His heart rate and blood pressure were both high. He was running a temperature over 100 most of the day. The constant coughing was literally wearing him out.
He continues to get IV fluids and antibiotics. He is receiving respiratory treatments every 4 hours. He is also getting cough medicine. Dr. Bowman has been his daytime hospital doctor since Thursday morning. He has been great to work with. Today he was asking me about some of the medications Doug received in Mexico. I told him I had all of his records from Mexico, including all of the test results and a day by day description of the medication and procedures that were done. He asked if I could bring them in and I said of course. I had brought them with me the first night, but no one was interested in seeing them at that time.
Yesterday, my daughter asked me if they were humidifying the air. She found that most helpful for Cole our grandson who was premature and had lots of problems with his lungs. Doug has not had a humidifier. I asked Dr. Bowman about humidifying the air and he thought it was a good idea. He ordered oxygen with moisture. Immediately Doug's cough diminished and now he is getting some rest. It is making a huge difference
Dan, Doug's son flew in from California last night.. He got here around 9:00 p.m. and will stay until Monday morning. It has been good to have him here and of course Doug is glad he is here although he is not feeling well enough to
visit or interact.. Dan has a Ph.D in molecular biology. I appreciate having him here to help me think through the treatments that might be best for Doug. It is just good to have him to share the care and concern as well.
The lung specialists thinks that it may take them a couple more days to figure out exactly what is going on. But I am hoping that we may now have turned the corner for his recovery. Having the coughing slowed, is allowing him to rest, and this is bringing down his blood pressure and heart rate a little. This calming of his system, where he is not gasping for air is allowing his body to heal I think. He really has not slept any substantial amount of time for more that 3 days. So I am praying he can sleep this tonight.
Doug is still in Intensive Care, step-down unit at St. Alphonses in Nampa. He is being monitored constantly. I also continuing to communicate with my daughter-in-law, who is an internal medicine doctor. She has been really helpful in helping to understand the tests he has been given and offering ideas for tests he may need and recommended treatments. Dr. Bowman has appreciated her thoughts.
Doug, is tired and tired of being sick. With struggling to breath he is somewhat anxious. And of course it is hard for me to watch him suffer. It is worrisome and scary since it is taking so long to figure this out. Everyone's prayers make this journey easier. Having Dan here makes it easier. Thank you everyone for your continued concern, prayers and notes. You all help us keep the faith.
And so we continue to watch, and hope for Doug to respond and recover.
Mighty God, as the sun is setting, and the quiet darkness is settling across the valley, be with us. Quiet Doug's cough, reduce his temperature and give his doctors and caregivers guidance in how best to treat his illness. And as the darkness of the night is upon us, allow him to fall into a deep and healing sleep. In your name we ask it. Amen
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