Guess he was a quart low.
The cardiologist ordered a unit of blood this morning. Not due to blood loss, but to provide a boost in Phil's hemoglobin count. His levels were deemed within range for a trauma patient, but a little lower than the cardiologist wanted given his heart condition. Yet more proof that the needs of the heart trumps all.
Phil was fairly alert for both the 1pm and 5pm visitations, a result of the continued reduction in sedation that helps him breathe more on his own. His fever seems to have subsided, but is not gone, indicating some infection remains. Still no official word on the cultures taken yesterday. He was on the CPAP mode for over 11 hours today, which is a good improvement. But he's going to require ventilation support for several more days, so they will be performing the tracheostomy tomorrow morning. Healing is a slow process.
As the weekend approaches, several of you have asked if it would be OK to come visit in person. While the family deeply appreciates the thought, the reality is Phil is still in critical condition and still in ICU. The best possible protection against infection (which is his greatest enemy at this point) is to limit his exposure to the public. And with ICU visitation limited, it's important to minimize the family's exposure as well.
Rhonda reads your comments and messages in-between visitation times (her and that darn iPhone!) and they definitely lift her spirits. So, for now, we respectfully ask that you keep sharing the love here and not in person. As soon as it is safe (and practical) to begin receiving visitors, I'll post the invite here.
We're all anxious to celebrate that day!
Kim and I have been praying for each of you. Thank you so much for keeping all of us in the loop. When I heard about the accident, I was stunned. Then had a flashback of a moment when Phil came to Jacksonville and had to make a run to Lake City, FL to get an appraisal for a loan that had to close that month. As Phil's luck would have it, he got into an accident on the way back from Lake City. As he started to climb in the ambulance, he remembered what he drove to Lake City to get. So he stumbled back to the mangled car on the side of the road, blood pouring from his forehead, and retrieved the appraisal he left in the car. He got in the ambulance was transported to the hospital. He shows up in Jacksonville later on with the blood-stained appraisal in hand. We got the loan closed on time...What a guy!
ReplyDeleteRhonda and Phil, Coppell ISD is praying for you constantly. We are muddling though but know your place is right there beside Phil's bed until he is completely healed. Remember to let me know if you need anything.
ReplyDeleteErin
Rhonda- praying for you morning, noon, and night. Sending nothing but positive, healing thoughts to you. Take care.
ReplyDeleteBecky Rainbolt
Rhonda, I'm not sure if you goy my message the other day or not but I wanted you to know you, Phil and the kids have been in our thoughts and prayers daily since the accident. I know you're strong but know if you need anything or just want a shoulder to lean on to let us know, we'll be ther for you. Love you, Sharon Steven and Jess
ReplyDeletePhil, Rhonda, Ashley, and Sean,
ReplyDeleteMy heart is with all of you. Radar is doing a wonderful job keeping everyone updated and allowing us all to see Phil's personality shine through even when things are so difficult. Mom and I know Phil will pull through this with relative ease...how could he not, given the wonderful support system and love his family and friends are providing him with. I am beyond thankful for the angels that were sent to watch over him that day, and continue to do so now...God is gracious.
All my love-
Shannon