Status quo. Since last night she's had a lot more sedation and has been asleep or groggy most of the day. Lung function is stable at this point, with high O2 levels in blood on about 55% inspired O2, and modest ventilator support (e.g. PEEP=10). At this point it is a challenge to find a level of sedation that leaves her reasonably calm and comfortable without bradycardia (HR 48-60), depressed respiratory drive, and marked constipation. The plan is to see if those problems can be fixed enough that by Monday she is able to breathe on her own.
It occurred to me this morning, after watching this case study of sedative benefits versus side effects, that letting you breathe means allowing the possibility that you can cry. A good sermon probably lurks somewhere in that observation.
2 comments:
Just wanting to let all of you know that I'm still sending lots of positive thoughts and prayers to Lydia and your family. I've been thinking of all of you. Please let me know if there is anything I ca do to help.
Love,
Ellen, OT
Thank you, Ellen. That means a lot.
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