I'm guessing most of us take breathing for granted. Respiration is instinctual. We don't have to think about it. We just do it. But as I've sat here these past five weeks, watching my son work for every breathe, I've become increasingly aware, and thankful, for the miracle of breathe. I'm conscious of air passing through my nose, down my windpipe, into the furthest reaches of my lower lobes, and back out again in regular, rhythmic sine waves. Instinct. Yet easier for some than others.
They're continuing to wean Eric through the night. He's at PSV (pressure support ventilation) 10, FiO2 .45. (When we arrived here last Sunday, these were at 35 and .80.) In 25 minutes, at 3:00 AM, they'll take one more step, PSV to 5, then they'll turn off his NG tube feeding (so he doesn't vomit) in preparation to take the endotube out in the morning. Perfect timing, as his brother Andrew, Bob's mom Pat, and our pastor are coming to visit tomorrow. So as I sit here in this darkened ICU room, listening to Eric breath, I pray for his strength and continued healing.
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Adventures of a Yankee in Cajun Country
kayaking on Loch Leven near Glencoe, Scotland, 2018
About Me
- Angie Kay Dilmore
- Lake Charles, Louisiana, United States
- In June 2007, Angie Kay Dilmore and her family moved from their hometown of Pittsburgh, Pa. to Lake Charles, La. The transition from Steeler Country to Cajun Country has been an ongoing adventure. Follow this freelance writer as she continues her journey in a new state, a new town.
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4 comments:
When I take notice of my own breathing, I use that as an opportunity to pray for Eric. And I am noticing the process of breathing much more often!
- Carolyn
Oh Angie, the picture of you sitting in a dark room praying for your son breaks my heart, but on the other hand, thrills my soul. Thank God, you're a praying mother...so many aren't. That's a visual I'll always have and makes me want to sob and hit my knees in prayer for all of you. You all seem so brave to me--so much braver than I think I would be in your position. I know God is with you and keeping you strong, holding you up. What a testimony you all have.
I walked with my husband in Memorial Park there in Houston-- in the heat of summer. Over did it, I guess because afterwards, I hyperventilated or something. Couldn't catch my breath. Felt as though I were suffocating and it scared me to death. The panic I felt was horrifying. I use that experience to imagine what Eric has gone through.
I love and miss you. Enjoy the visit with Andrew and your mom and your pastor. I'll pray for their safe travel.
j
Good Morning All, I think of you often and wait for each update on Eric. I check my computer at least 3 times a day. Thanks for the updates. I pray everyday for Eric's speedy recovery. Enjoy your time with Andrew, Mom, and pastor. Take care.
Love you, bev
I ALSO CHECK MY COMPUTER ALL THROUGH THE DAY TO SEE IF THERE IS AN UPDATE AND IF THERE IS SOMETHING SPECIAL FOR ME TO PRAY FOR AND SEND TO MY STUDY GROUP.AS MOTHER'S THE LAST THING WE WANT IS FOR ONE OF OUR CHILDREN TO BE SICK NO MATTER HOW OLD OR YOUNG THEY ARE. YOU ARE A TROOPER AND THAT COMES FROM GOD'S LOVE AND HIS STRENGTH.PRAISE GOD FOR YOUR FAMILY AND PASTOR.
JOAN
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