kayaking on Loch Leven near Glencoe, Scotland, 2018

kayaking on Loch Leven near Glencoe, Scotland, 2018

Sunday, February 22, 2009

Sleepless

Have you ever tried to sleep in an ICU? It's quite a noisy place! IVs beeping, alarms bleeping, vital signs monitor dinging, ventilator rhythmically swooshing, drug aerosol nebulizer misting, chest tube suctions gurgling, ICU doors banging open and shut, nurses and therapists flipping on lights to tend to their patient. Even when Eric has a good night, it's tough to get a good night's sleep. Cool about this hospital is that they give the parents of pediatric ICU patients a "hospitality room" which has a private shower, toilet, sink and bed. A comfortable bed, unlike the lumpy pullout bed in Eric's room. Bob and I trade off, alternating sleeping in the two rooms, so that on any given day, hopefully at least one of us has had a good night's sleep. One of us might go home once in a while, I think we've each been home twice in the past two weeks, but it's too stressful to be away from the hospital. We want to be near Eric, watching over, guarding, praying.

Eric had a good night last night and a good day today. Good meaning relatively uneventful. He spiked a temp today, so he likely has an infection somewhere. They sent blood cultures. And he has pseudomonas growing in his sputum, which is a common bug in ICUs. Hopefully neither of these things will be a major problem. We were able to make a little change on the ventilator in the right direction today. Baby steps. But hopefully we'll get there.

5 comments:

Laurie Kolp said...

You and Eric are in my prayers.

Cheri said...

I wanted to make sure that you got the gift basket for Eric that I had left from Bob's co-workers. You are all in our prayers. I know it is difficult to get help in a place where you don't know many people. Have Bob call us if you guys need anything. I heard that you might move him to Houston. Anything to that? Houston is the best if you were thinking in that direction.
Cheri Ardoin

Shannon said...

Angie, Eric and all of you are in our thoughts and prayers.

The Cavells

Anonymous said...

emachHi Angie & Bob,
Brad & I & the kids are praying for
Eric's recovery & blessings & God's comfort for all of you.
Love from the Zewes
Tracey, Brad, Joel & Greta

schellka said...

Hi Angie,

I was so sorry to hear about Eric's illness. He is in our thoughts and prayers. I called everyone I know and he is on prayer lists in West Virginia and Colorado as well as here in PA. Please let Eric know that Frankie says "hello" and sends get well wishes. He is thinking about him and asks how he is doing often. If there is anything I can do, please let me know. I will continue praying. God bless Eric and you and your family during this time and always.

Kelli Schell and Family