Post-Op Day 16

Today has been pretty quiet overall.

She's been tachypneic (fast breathing) again.  Her heart rate was increased this morning (her pacemaker is set at 80 bpm and should not be higher than that when just laying in bed). So, her nurse took her temp and she had a low grade fever.

So, no sprints to CPAP today. So frustrating. Oh, and her oxygen requirements increased overnight. This is not progress.

They wanted to get her to take a few steps today, but the timing with physical therapy didn't work out. They did get her in the chair again. And I'm told she stood and supported her own weight for a bit while transferring to the chair.

I went to get a haircut, so I was out for a bit. When I got back she was already in the chair.

She seemed fine, still breathing fast, but looked okay. Then, like five minutes later she looked terrible! She was pale and sweating and her breathing got so labored. Her mouth was opening with every breath (like a fish out of water) and all of her numbers on her vent were terrible. It was like the past respiratory distress episodes I've seen this admission.  I was stressed. I do NOT like seeing her look like that. It is awful.

A few docs came in to check on her.  One of my fave docs, Katie, came in and talked to Harlie and told her she was sorry she felt so bad and that they were working hard to make her feel better. It was really so sweet.  The respiratory therapist had to increase her oxygen and rate on the vent. So, he and her nurse lavaged, suctioned and bagged her.  At first, they didn't get anything. But after they worked at it for a bit, they finally got a huge plug out. They sent it for culture. But, her lungs are full of that stuff. And the vest would be so good for her. The vest is normally used for Cystic Fibrosis patients to help them clear mucus from their lungs. But we have one at home for Harlie and it really helped when she would get pneumonia a lot. But she can't use the vest with her abdomen issue and bleeding from her trach site because it shakes her too much.

Nothing with Harlie is easy. Nothing.

So, she is finally breathing easier and resting. She is exhausted. She is hardly sleeping at night. The night nurse told me that she only slept from 11pm to 12am and from 3am to 5am. Ugh.

So, unfortunately, I would consider today a setback. Hopefully tomorrow will be better.

Thank you for all your kind words, love and prayers.

Much love,
Christy xoxo