Arrived at the hospital about 8:30 to meet Leo my moms nurse with an arm full of donuts for the hard working ICU staff...they were all happy - and I learned that a bit of kindness for the nurses brings perks for the patient and us.....Leo went and got ahold of the surgeon so I could talk with him as I had not yet seen him since the surgery....when I thanked him he thanked me letting me know that it meant a lot to them...so perks for the nurses it is.
Today my mom was very comfortable and peaceful, she slept most of the time but would open her eyes when i spoke to her and even looked and smiled at a picture that my son Michael had made for her. She reacted with her sarcastic smirk when we would ask if she was comfortable and when asked if she was in any pain she shook her head no and put the OK sign up. I was told that she is on a ventilator weaning protocol so that at each visit of the respiratory therapist things are adjusted so that my mom is doing more and more....each morning they put her through a few tests to see if they should try to remove it completely and so far she is not completely ready. I asked the doctor and the RT and nurses about the amount of time that was safe and they said about 2 weeks but they were a long way away from any trouble. Her lungs sound good and they want her really comfortable so that she will tolerate the removal of the tube. I also talked to 3 outside people who are long time nurses and they assured me that this is NOT too long to be on the tube and that her body has sustained such trauma that time is good. So I have to trust that they know what they are doing. The doctor is thrilled with her pee out put and the #'s that matter in urine are where they should be so right now dialysis is seeming like it's not going to happen...let's keep our fingers crossed. Cards and pictures are great - the nurses let me tape them up so feel free to send cards if you like or have your kids draw a picture....you can mail them to me 4304 Vulcan Dr Sac, CA 95864 and I will make sure she gets them
Again I appreciate all your positive thoughts and well-wishes....my mom is a tough old bird and seeing her feisty personality today made me feel really good.
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