Two Steps Forward, Two Steps Back
Unfortunately today hasn't gone as hoped in Amacker's care. At my 4PM visit Nurse Anna (a new one) explained to me that Amacker has not responded well to the steps to remove her breathing assistance. Specifically, when they disconnected the hoses that lead to her mouth, she became extremely agitated, had a very high breathing rate, and became tachycardic, meaning her heart rate shot through the roof. They tried to let her adjust for a few minutes, but wound up reattaching the breathing tubes.
On top of that, Amacker soon thereafter developed a fever. They're not sure what's causing the fever, but they've sent every fluid she's got to the lab for tests. It can take as little as a day or as much as three days for cultures to reveal what's causing the fever.
They won't try to remove the breathing assistance again until the fever is under control. She's on a general antibiotic for now, and that might just take care of it.
In the meantime we wait, which is less than ideal for Amacker's Father and Sister who both boarded planes headed this way with hopes of seeing Amacker wake up tomorrow. Maybe it's some consolation that they can watch me wake up if they want to.
On top of that, Amacker soon thereafter developed a fever. They're not sure what's causing the fever, but they've sent every fluid she's got to the lab for tests. It can take as little as a day or as much as three days for cultures to reveal what's causing the fever.
They won't try to remove the breathing assistance again until the fever is under control. She's on a general antibiotic for now, and that might just take care of it.
In the meantime we wait, which is less than ideal for Amacker's Father and Sister who both boarded planes headed this way with hopes of seeing Amacker wake up tomorrow. Maybe it's some consolation that they can watch me wake up if they want to.
2 Comments:
Sorry to hear that Richard, but it is part of the ups and downs of critical injury like that. Just remember to try and focus on how far she has come, not on the bad stuff....
The higher heart rate and breathing rate may also be a sign of pain. As she works harder to breathe on her own, it's going to be more difficult and painful with those broken ribs. She might not be ready yet, either due to her lung status or pain status, or even from whatever this new infection may be. Having an infection takes a lot for a body to fight and wipes you out!
(Is her abd closed yet?)
I know it sucks that she can't be extubated and wake up yet. But better to make sure she's absolutely ready than to extubate too soon have have to put the tube back in later. Would be especially sucky for Amacker to have to experience it.
She is still recovering at a remarkable pace overall.
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