We told you about the bacterial infection in Dean's pik tube. Now he has contracted two other infections: vancomycin resistant enterococcus , VRE, in the blood and pseudomanas in his urine. As a result, Bill and I have to suit up to enter his room - we don yellow gowns, masks, and disposable gloves. Then we leave them in the trash before we leave the room so that we don't take the bacteria with us. That means a pit stop before you enter his room.
This evening Dean had a broncoscopy which showed the new lung is doing well and the other lung is okay. This really is good news. Bill watched as the camera wend its way down both lungs. I couldn't watch. I finally confessed to Dean that Frazier and I had watched the exploration of his intestines and colon a few weeks ago. That was enough for me.
Dean's lucidity (Is that a word?)is really improved. I still have to adjust the window shades but he asks us about our day and listens to our stories. Today he asked what the criteria is for him to leave the room. His nurse, Carolyn, did such a good job of describing how he has to be able to stand for a short time, has to be able to march in place, have balance (which is made difficult by the edema in his legs), walk to the door and back to the bed. These are just a few examples.
We also had a serious discussion about the vent with Carolyn. During Dean's previous heart surgery he was determined to get off the vent as soon as possible. With the transplant he had that goal again. It is a matter of pride for him how quickly he sheds that vent. We've told you Dean has been off and on the vent during the last few weeks. Today we discussed how a patient can be on a vent because they are dependent on the machine for breathing - or, in the current case for Dean, he goes on the vent to rest. That's why it comes off and on frequently. Particularly when the nurses want him to sleep. Being on the vent now has a totally different purpose from the one he immediately thinks of. I hope that assuages his fear of the vent.
For me personally, the fact that the infections that Dean is experiencing do not have "staph" in the names eases my mind. That doesn't make it better. It just doesn't make it worse.
In the meantime, the birthday cards are rolling in. Thank you!!!
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6 comments:
Thanks again for the updates. More thoughts and prayers coming your way...
David Jensen
Wow - he has been through so much - and so have all of you. We look forward to the day we can give all of you a big hug! Thanks for the continual updates. We think of you constantly and hope that soon the news will be all good.
Love,
Muriel and Sue
Hi Dean,
Dave and I are so glad to hear that your new lung is working great. We know you will continue to improve as those pesky infections fall to modern medicine. Our thoughts, prayers, and good wishes continue to wend your way. We know your recovery will be due in part to your wonderful family and caregivers. Our love to you all,
Sharon & Dave
Dean--
So glad to hear the positive result of the bronchoscopy! That is welcome news after a long two months. One day at a time, my friend! --Jon
You all continue to be in our thoughts. So glad to hear the new lung is doing well. Sounds like Dean is getting excellent care and continues to be surrounded by such a wonderful support system.
Love,
Jennie, Kevin, Emma
Linda and Bill, thanks for your persistence and love. So glad to hear Dean's getting better! Love, Carla
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