After almost a half-day of breathing with CPAP support, Phil rested comfortably last night.
They performed the tracheostomy procedure this morning and all went smoothly. He will experience discomfort in his throat for the next couple of days while it heals from the intubation and adjusts to the trach. He'll sleep most of the day and they will resume trying to wean him off the ventilator tomorrow.
Nothwithstanding the procedure this morning, he's still relatively immobile from the sedation, plus he has a neck brace and wrist restraints which keeps him from accidentally (or knowing Phil, purposefully) pulling the breathing tube out. They are performing passive physical therapy to keep him flexible and help provide muscle comfort.
When he's alert, Phil sometimes gets frustrated with communication. He thinks pretty clearly (acknowledges understanding), but is basically limited to facial features, nodding his head, and slight movement of his wrists and fingers - so it's like playing charades, flat on your back, with your hands tied to your side. Ever the teacher, Rhonda is great at anticipating questions and bought an 8x10 marker board and pen to allow him to draw or write. So I guess one could say they're now playing Pictionary. His wrists and fingers are still stiff, so it usually comes down to Rhonda posing 5-10 questions before she guesses the one he's really asking.
He remembers some conversations between visitations, but not all. The meds are inhibiting his memory, but can't completely mask the pain peaks. After a coughing spell this morning, he asked what happened to his stomach, not recalling that his spleen had been removed. He also comes up with some off the wall stuff - like asking Rhonda to bring him some underwear.
How Rhonda got that one out of him, I'll never know.
Phil will be playing Balderdash before long and that can really get him into trouble, laughing just thinking of him trying to draw the definitions he comes up with! Rhonda, ever the teacher making modifications! You go girl!
ReplyDeleteHugs again, Robyn
Love you guys. Thinking about you a lot! Lifting you all up in prayer!
ReplyDeleteRhonda,
ReplyDeleteI wanted to take a moment to let you know you and your family have been on my mind a lot this week. I know that we do not know each other well yet but will in the very near future. I couldn't have anticipated that I would get to know you in this manner prior to getting to know you on a professional level but it is very evident that you, your husband, children and friends are strong in your faith of God as well as your love and support of one another. I will continue to have you all in my thoughts and prayers, all the time knowing you are all already in good hands.
Hi Rhonda - Just wanted to let you know that you, Phil and the kids are in my thoughts and prayers. Everyone at work is so concerned and just wishes that there was something more we could do.
ReplyDeleteWe're all keeping up with Phil's progress through this blog. Judging from the things Radar writes, I've decided that Phil is a lot of fun. Be sure and tell him that he's got to get well real fast, because you're new Intervention Services family are a bunch of fun loving people!!! I'm guessing he might not be up to the end of the year party (this year)! But I'm counting on him to be at the back to school party! He can help Montie and Paul flip burgers:)
I know that you've got lots of people supporting you. Just wanted to let you guys know - if there's anything I can do. Just let me know. Take care and I can't wait for you to get back to work BECAUSE that will mean that Phil is all better!!! All the Best - Julie B