Two hard nights in a row have led to hard days.
But, the good news is that vital signs are still good, and the chest tube, which drain fluid from around the lung, may come out tomorrow. One tube down, lots to go!
Most of our "some less than stellar nursing care" led to Kevin being unnecessarily uncomfortable the last two nights, and with the anesthesia wearing off, he's feeling the discomfort. Also, the pain medication along with sheer exhaustion has resulted in some confusion and disorientation--for Kevin, too! ;-)
Kevin needs 24/7 care, and I've been "sleeping" on a cot in his room. I sleep lightly, and awaken when he stirs. Last night in the darkened room I looked up with my glasses off to see him scratching his nose, I thought. Next thing I know, he's looking in the tangle of sheets and tubes for his NG tube (tube that goes from his nostril into his stomach to suction fluids out). He hadn't been scratching his nose after all, but pulling his NG tube out. It feels awful in, but even worse getting PUT in, and he had to endure the nurse replacing it. From then on, a dim light stayed on and I wore my glasses in bed.
In spite of all this, he managed to sit up for one hour this morning as well as increase the level of his breathing exercise. He even managed humor. Those who know Kevin know that he is the master of the one-liner. Now he's found ways to "say" his witticisms with gestures, as talking hurts his throat and takes too much energy!
Please pray for good sleep for Kevin at night and increased activity during the day. These are what he needs most now to speed his recovery.
Thanks for the emails conveying support and concern. We are grateful.
Love,
Roni
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