kayaking on Loch Leven near Glencoe, Scotland, 2018

kayaking on Loch Leven near Glencoe, Scotland, 2018

Monday, May 4, 2009

Discharge Imminent

A better day today. Eric woke up feeling well, but before too long, he had some stomach discomfort. This lasted only a couple hours, no vomiting. And he's been fine the rest of the day. He ate a little lunch. A little dinner. And we'll see how he tolerates his tube feedings this evening and overnight. If there's no more nausea, we're going home tomorrow! It's now almost 6:30 PM, and Eric has been on his trach mask (off the vent) since 9:00 this morning. His venous blood gas this AM was "textbook," the pulmonologist said; pH 7.45, PCO2 45. His SpO2 remains in the high 90s on 27% O2.

There was no prospect of going home until mom demonstrated she's capable of the dreaded trach change. Every 30 days, the old trach comes out and a new one goes in. Manufacturer's recommendations. But it's extremely uncomfortable. It hurts. Eric's stoma bled and he coughed a lot for several hours after the procedure. Very sad. But despite the trauma, he managed to get a little PT in this afternoon. Then Ms. DeFelice came for a visit, on her way back to Lake Charles after a trip to Pa. Also on the pre-discharge agenda . . . I have to take a CPR class 8:00 AM tomorrow morning. This could have happened anytime during the past month. Seems to have been overlooked. Anyway, we're hoping to pile in the ambulance around 10:00.

Pray for a comfortable no-nausea night!

13 comments:

Vicki Loucks said...

Home tomorrow - what wonderful news. Praying that there are no interruptions to that plan!
Vicki

jess said...

Great news, Angie. Praying Eric has a good night.

Lynn Ramser said...

Angie - you are all in our prayers. Your updates are truly inspiring and heartwarming. Looking forward to hearing you are back home with your family. Love you. Lynn

Unknown said...

Praise God! I will hopefully read your next blog written from your sofa at home. Best wishes for safe travel and restful nights in your own beds. Love from Maryland, The Ettengers

Anonymous said...

just the news I was hoping to read!!!
God be with you on the journey home, and the journey to wellness.
The Steelers jingle "Here we Go!!" comes to mind,,,
love
Anne

Common Household Mom said...

I will personally go dance in the street when I hear that Eric is at home. Praying and praying again for a good night and uneventful discharge.
- Carolyn

Anonymous said...

I am so glad to hear that you are headed home. We've been in KY visiting Jim's mother and only tonight got to read Fri-Mon blogs. My prayers have been with you and will continue to be. We will keep up with Eric on the blog until it is safe for all of you to have company. God is good and I pray he will protect your journey home.

Love, bev

Anonymous said...

Such wonderful news! Hope you both are back in the comfort of your own home soon! You are in our prayers!

Kelli Schell and Family

Anonymous said...

I don't know you, but have been keeping up w/ you since March. It has been such a blessing to pray for Eric and your family. Thank you so much for keeping us updated. I believe that I saw you husband and son Andrew in Wal-Mart this evening. I thought about saying something, but didn't want to weird them out. I recognized them from the pictures you have posted. I smiled and told my husband that that was the father and twin brother of the boy our family has been fervently praying for. I love how our great God works--today was such a hard day for me, as I have chronic physical problems of my own, and seeing your loved ones gave me the smile I desperately needed--it was a beautiful reminder of how He works in our lives, even when we can't see what He is doing! My prayers are with you again this evening, and I am so excited for your family. Being home, alone, is bound to lift Eric's spirits and encourage that body to heal quickly. Please continue to keep us updated. I've so enjoyed getting to get to know you and your family through your blog. We moved to Moss Bluff approximately the same time as your family and homeschool. We know of Eric and your family through one of my 8th grade daughter's Sunday School classmates...she came home telling us about a boy that our family needed to be praying for, and thus here we are! God is good! Have a great night and God bless....

Angie said...

The prayers of strangers are truly treasured. If you ever see me in Wal-Mart, please don't hesitate to say Hi.

Shannon said...

Great news! I will be hoping for a restful night and safe travels tomorrow. Quentin really wants to come visit once Eric is settled in and feels up to some company. Hopefully that won't be too much longer. I am sure just being home will lift everyone's spirits.

Anonymous said...

right on!!!

Paula said...

We'll be praying for you this morning. I'm in the Bluff too and will pray for clear weather, clear traffic, and a nice peaceful welcome home.