December 27, 2016: Day +38

It is the 3rd Day of  Christmas.

This morning I called the hospital to see if the pulmonary intensivist doctor had evaluated Doug yet and determined if he would be taking the tube out today.  It is day 10 since the intubation.  Our nurse Lorraine said that he had seen him and that they would be removing the tube and that it would happen sometime between 9 and 10.  I quickly finished getting ready and notified the rest of the family so that we had people to take care of the kids and also to allow anyone who wanted to be at the hospital enough time to get there. Corinne and I left for the hospital.  She was also ready to leave for the airport because her flight was leaving at noon.

When we arrived at the hospital, Doug was still minimally responsive.  He could not squeeze my hand or follow me very well.  I explained to him what was going to happen and then after anointing his head we all prayed for him.   Minutes later the team that was going to remove the tube arrived.  It took only a few minutes to remove the tube and then suction some of the mucus from his mouth.

He was so happy to have the tube out.  For 10 days he has had the tube down his throat.  He has been paralyzed, sedated and given pain medication.  He has been unable to control anything that has happened to him.  They regularly give him injections, draw blood, listen to his vitals, and move him. They shine lights in his eyes to check his pupils and swab out his mouth. He has had absolutely no control  When you think about it, it is really like torture.

His first words over and over that were garbled were "Help Me, Help Me".  For the first few hours he said this time and time again.  It is somewhat heartbreaking to me to realize how afraid he was.  The doctor had warned me that many people experience PTSD after such treatment.  I now understand more fully what he was saying.

Everyone in the family, the staff and Fr. David were all really glad that he was breathing on his own. That was most important and our biggest concern. He is getting oxygen through his nose, but he is breathing unsupported with his own lungs.

He has not been able to move his body at all yet.  He could turn his head somewhat and move his fingers a little bit.  But he is not moving anything else.  His speech is very garbled, but he tried to talk all morning and into the early afternoon when he became very tired.  I am sure his throat and tongue are all very swollen and sore.  It will take a little time for him to speak clearly.  Also he is still very swollen with edema all over his body.   He even has blisters on some areas of his body, because the fluid is trying to escape his body any way it can. On the other hand as his kidneys have improved over the past couple of days, they have been able to take more of the fluids off his body.

He is still very sick and he has a long way to come back to where he was.  He must be very overwhelmed not being able to move his body at all.  But I know he feels better being able to talk a little.  He very clearly told the nurse that he did not want a bath! :)  I think he is sick of having people do things to him.

More good news is that his heart rate is down to below 100 and was often in the 70's today.   His oxygen levels have been good.  His brother Dan arrived today and will be able to stay with us until Friday.  Doug was glad to see him.

We were sorry to have Corinne leave.  She has been such great help. However she has her own job to get back to.  Nikki and Taylor are leaving in the morning. We wish they too could stay longer too.

The days ahead are uncertain, however the fact that he could breath on his own after the extubation is amazing and a wonderful  relief.

Please pray that he now will get back the use of his muscles and will be able to control his muscles.  His doctors say it could take several months.  Please pray that it will take a much shorter time.  He really wants to come home.

And so we pray:

Gracious most giving Lord, hear the words of your servants.   Heal our fears and give us hope and light in the darkness.  Heal Doug's tired body and make it new.  Give him confidence in his healing. And Lord we thank you with being with us today. We thank you for listening to our prayer and saving Doug's life.  Give his doctors the tools, knowledge and skills they need to support his continued healing. And most of all dear Lord, thank you for listening to prayers of your people!  Amen