I had to use a saline syringe to put saline in her trach to help loosen the secretions. She hasn't much coughed in the last few days and so it was really thick. Well, after I did it once, Harlie wanted to squirt the saline in herself. And she wanted to help suction, too. She is just so funny, that girl!
Here's how things are looking today:
- Her white blood count was 20 today, down from 26 yesterday. So, that's great!
- She's back on trach collar now and they are going to let her stay on it as long as she can handle it.
- The oxygen was turned down to 40% from 75% yesterday (it was at 100% on Saturday). Room air is 21%.
- Her x-rays look better.
- Her chest tube -drainage is slightly less than yesterday.
- She went without Tylenol all night (first time since surgery), however her temp started to go back up this morning, so she had to give her some then.
- Her night nurse said that she slept for a solid eight hours straight last night. So, that is great!
Now I am heading back to her room to get her up and walking about. The doc said that she might have a lot of drainage after that, so to not be alarmed. He also said the median time to leave the chest tubes in is about eight days, give or take. We are on day six.
At this point, we will hope that the drainage stays serous in nature - and doesn't turn into a chylothorax. If the fluid coming from her chest tubes starts to turn white and milky looking - I will be very sad and will let you know. Basically, if that happens, we will be here for an undetermined amount of time, waiting for the chyle to stop draining. She had that happen after her second heart surgery, the Glenn, when she was six months old and it took eight weeks to stop.
So, all in all, a great day so far! She definitely looks better and happier. She is protesting more, which is a great sign. And she is sitting upright watching movies today.
Well, I have to run. Her nurse is probably wondering where I am.
Thank you for all your support!!!!
~Christy
15 comments:
So glad to read this update, Christy! I haven't commented yet, but I've been reading every day and keeping all of you in my prayers. And I have to say, you absolutely amaze and inspire me. Hugs!
And as per usual, Harlie does things her way. This is why I love the Diva.
Come home soon!
So glad Harlie is doing so much better today. Good news. We will keep up our prayers for Harlie and all the family. Love to all, Ann from California
That's so great to hear!
Fantastic!!!
Lisa B
Hampshire, UK
Another vote for a Yay button on the bottom of your posts for this post deserves a huge YAY!! So great to hear Harlie is doing better! Continued good thoughts and prayers coming your way!
What a great update! She is certainly doing well. I can't imagine many of us adults doing so well after such major surgery.
I hope the drainage remains serous ... we don't want anything milky or white coming out!
Fantastic news :-) So so happy for Harlie and for you. Prayers for continued improvement.
Yay! *happy dance
I have to ditto what Allie said. Harlie is definitely her own kind of girl. Prayers and hugs continue.
Wonderful news. I know it is so hard for you to update but I look so forward to hearing that she is getting better. Love and thoughts and prayers for all. Love Ron and Sue
We thank God for the good news and are grateful for the skill and compassion of the staff. We need to learn that happy dance but an Irish jig will have to do for now !! With our continued thoughts and prayers. Alex's MeMe &PaPa
What great news! Yay for you all! Have a great night!
WOOT!!!
Oh Christy.... that is wonderful news... I have been following you guys, although haven't posted, and praying that she turns soon. I hope it continues to get better!!
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