Monday, June 7, 2010

The one where we have a rough night...

Again I'm sitting here on the wrong side of midnight, keeping vigil. Tonight he is resting well, finally comfortable. I am watching the monitors which tell me his vital signs. I have learned what every line, every abbreviation means and what the allowable deviations are. Currently, they are all looking good. But I'm waiting on the Doctor's call about lab results we just received. You see, last night was not so peaceful.

Last night was rough. His breathing was very labored. His oxygen sats were low. His heart rate was way above where it should be and he was complaining of pain in his back. The nurse was worried about a possible heart problem. She kept the vigil from her station (right outside his room, she can see everything from her window into his room). Around four AM I finally dozed off. I was awakened by a sound I couldn't place. It was wheezing. I got up and put my head closer to his mouth to listen. Sure enough, I heard the tell tale sound. Wheezing and I are old enemies. But I'd only once before heard him wheeze. I checked his forehead. Yep, running a fever. I poked my head out the door and conferred with the nurse. I suggested that perhaps the back pain was pleurisy. She took his temp. 101.6- not good. She called the doctor. They administered Tylenol in a most unconventional way. They also took blood and did a chest xray. The xray showed some possible lung congestion. He was switched to a broader spectrum antibiotic. That seems to be working.

Unfortunately, the labs told a story of their own. His hemoglobin had dropped overnight. Not in a severe range, but not good. The surgeon ordered a an abdominal ct scan. The scan showed that one of his adrenals had been nicked in the crash. It was still bleeding a bit. A urologist was called in. He wants to wait and see if the nick will clot on it's own so they don't need to do further surgery. He has labs drawn every six hours and reported to the doctor. His hemoglobin continues to drop. He is also now confined to bed. No more trying to get him up. He will be in ICU for several more days.

His arm was unwrapped today. I was mistaken on the sutures. They used surgical staples. 53 of them in his arm and shoulder. The palm of his left hand and fingers have regular sutures. Lots of them. The chest tube is bothering him. We found tons of new bruises today. The pain is still bad.

The midnight labs are back, the numbers are still dropping. A call to the doctor calls for a transfusion of blood. He sleeps on and for that I am thankful. I will explain when he wakes up.

I must give a special thank you to all of the doctors and nurses we have had. His surgeon is amazing and doesn't mind hugs. His nurses have been caring and compassionate and on top of things. The nursing supervisor for tonight rocks my socks. She got me a chair that actually lays down. I may get some sleep tonight after all. I'm going to include a couple of pictures of the truck he was in, so you can see how lucky he is to still be alive.







Thank you all,
♥Spot

20 comments:

  1. You're both strong. Things will get better.
    Love
    Tina

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  2. Stay strong Spot, Hub and family...you will get through this.Breaks my heart thinking about the physical damage to your poor hub...but you've always given the impression that he's a strong one...I think it's going to be ok. Sending more hugs and love!

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  3. oh no. I wish there was something we could do to help. Hugs!

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  4. Thank you for the update. I'm glad you didn't leave us hanging and am hopeful things will getting better everyday for him.

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  5. Stacey,

    You guys are made of tough stuff. He's going to be fine. Just a few hiccups and hopefully tonight will show some positive changes.

    I so totally wish I could help in some way ... any way - I am sending you my positive thoughts and prayers.

    Hang tight.

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  6. Wow, I hate it that he had a bad night and pray the complications will be fewer and fewer.

    Thank you for keeping us informed as you can because you are like family here.

    I can't believe the looks of that truck, you have a tough man right there.

    Still have you in our prayers

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  7. I wish there was more I could than just read your blog and comment. Stacey, if there is ANYTHING at all you need seriously, just let me know. Or any of your other followers for that matter. I'm positive we would all like to help in some way.

    Keep strong, you will get through this. =D

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  8. Thank you for updating us Spot. My thoughts are with you and your family. I too wish there was something we could do for you. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are heading your way!

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  9. Oh wow, I am so sorry. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers for sure.

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  10. Sweetie,

    I'm sitting here, tears streaming down my face...and I am sending you every conceivable cyber hug you can imagine...

    You be strong....(you ARE strong!)...and you remind him over and over that he does NOT have permission to do anything but get better.

    He's got people from all over the world praying for him...that's gotta count for something, right?

    Try and get some sleep...I'm off to check your facebook page...

    xoxo

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  11. Hey tough lady, you hang in there and keep your chin up - lot's of good ol' cliches, I know - but we've all got your back, and he's going to recover quick, we all know how great he is.

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  12. Oh, my God....Sorry, haven't checked the ol' blog for about a week and missed the post that you first were talking about your hubby's accident.

    I know to you it probably doesn't seem like he's in that great condition, but considering those pictures it really is. God was definitely watching over him...

    Praying for you and your family. Hope he gets out of the hospital soon!

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  13. Stacy and Mike - please know the both of you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I am in Sprinfield, so if there is anything you need - a break - a coffee, shoulder - you name it, I am here for ya.

    Love to you both and I pray for a full and speedy recovery.

    Jen

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  14. Mia Cory and I are sending lots of happy thoughts your way!!! We love you!!! Please let me know if there is anything you need or just want to get away for a couple of hours, Cory is home with Mia and you are more than welcome to come veg out at our new house. Molly and Shawn are welcome too!!!

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  15. Still praying. I know you are his vigilant Angel by his constant side. Thank God for the fine nurses, doctors and surgeons that have made his repair possible. I can't believe that truck. Oh girl, I'm so sorry. Lots of hugs to your family and hospital staff.

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  16. Theres not much more that I can say that hasnt already been said, I just wanted you to know that you are still in my thoughts and prayers.

    You haven one strong man there and as Kathryn said you tell him he's not allowed to do anything but get better!

    I cant believe the state of the truck, I am left totally speechless!

    Much Love
    Sparky

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  17. Oh my God, I have been away a few days and am just catching up. He is a very lucky man in spite of his current complications. Sounds like he is in good hands and they are keeping the vigil that will be required for quite a long while I am afraid. You stay well and rested in spite of this, he will need you to remain strong later for sure. Know I am sending good wishes your way and am here if I can help anyway from a distance. Deep breath, one moment, one hour, one day at a time is all you can do girl!

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  18. HOLY SHIT STACEY! OMG! I'm so sorry! I've been away from my computer for a couple of days and was just going through facebook and saw your blog post! I'm so sorry all of this has happened but I'm happy to hear that he is going to be OK. I'm thinking about you and praying for you guys. I wish there was something I could do, if there's anything I can do from long distance then let me know!

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  19. Love ya girl and my heart and thoughts are with yall.

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  20. Oh man, those pictures.... I'm thanking the lucky stars that he's alive. I'm so sorry he had a hard night, and I'm praying harder than ever that you'll all make it through this. Sending all the positive thoughts and mental hugs I can!

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