January 8, 2017: Day +50

Yesterday, I finished the blog early while Doug was sleeping, little did I know that the night would turn as it did,

When the night staff came on, I was concerned that Doug's heart rate was high and his blood pressure was rising.  He had been sleeping for some time and that concerned me as well.  When Wayne, Doug's nurse took his temperature it was 102.5.   This all happened shortly before 8;00 P.M.  From then on things became a whirlwind.  Dr. Bench was called, blood was drawn, urine samples, chest x-rays, ice packs for fever, I.V. antibiotics,  and respiratory therapy.  By 3:00 in the morning, the temperature was down, and the danger for the night was over.  Doug was responding to the treatment.

Before treatment was begun though, Dr. Bench wanted to know how I wanted to proceed.  She said that Doug might not be able to survive the night.  How should they proceed if Doug does not respond? Do we want to reconsider intubation? How long would we consider intubation for? If Doug is not responsive do we just want to make him comfortable?  What does Doug want?  They remind me that this is probably not the only time he will go through this if he survives this time.

But, by 3:00 in the morning, Doug was responding, we were clearing some of the mucus from his throat and it was clear he wanted to live.  He said, I am a fighter.  I spent the rest of the night with him, in a recliner, next to him.  We held hands.  He can now ever so lightly grip my hand.  We talked about our life together and how thankful we both are for having found each other. And then we slept.

Morning was busy with more tests, the daytime doctor was surprised by how well Doug looked.  My sister went to pick up my daughter Angie, so that she could stay at the hospital with Doug while I went home for a nap.  It is very difficult to sleep in the hospital.

While I was napping the daytime doctor and surgeon came to see Doug and I.  Angie said they mostly talked to Doug.  They informed him that they found blood in his stool likely caused by the feeding tube.  They are recommending that they put a feeding tube directly into his stomach.  There may be complications because of his weakened condition and general anesthetic can be hard on the lungs.  If he does not regain breathing they may need to consider a tracheotomy.  Angie called me with all this news.

I don't like to the doctors to talk to Doug directly.  I want things to go through me first and then I can explain them.  It is a lot of stress for him.  I let the nurses know I was not happy that the doctors met with Doug with such difficult information.  I let them know that I will talk to them alone in the morning. Angie sent the information out to all of the family. We have more big decisions to make. Our roller coaster continues.

God of Light, we thank you for Doug responding so well to his treatment for pneumonia.  We ask that you continue to be with him as he heals from this new infection.  And Lord if it is your will strengthen Doug and his swallowing so that he will not need a feeding tube, and allow him to begin eating on his own.  God of Light, protect Doug, give him space to heal and time to heal.  We pray that you will send your angels to protect him. In your name we ask it.  Amen