Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Day 19

Emma is still sedated and is very stable but still has persistent fever (though manageable). She is healing well from the surgery and the feeding direct to the blood stream has been removed because she is now getting all that she needs via the stomach. The Dr's have been trying to find the infection source and so Emma had a 3rd CAT scan a few days ago which gave them much more detail and showed the abdomen was looking good. The scan and X-rays have also been showing a fluid build-up and pneumonia on her lungs. Last night the fluid was drained and today she is breathing a lot easier. She is now following a protocol to try and wean her from the ventilator. If she is strong enough by tomorrow then they will extubate again but if she is not then the time has come for a tracheostomy (as the breathing tube has been in for long enough). Her central catheter is being changed today as well. This is the second change of central catheter as these are also potential infection sources.

We are heartened by the improvements we have seen today and pray that those improvements continue.

4 comments:

  1. We are very pleased to hear Emma is heading in the right direction. Every day will be a gradual improvement, we know Em is strong and will win the battle. Heaps of hugs and kisses from us all.

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  2. Stay Strong Emma
    I love you and am so proud of you.
    Can't wait to see you!!
    Lots of hugz and kisses and wishing you
    a speed recovery.
    Love you lots my gourgeous sleeping beauty x0x

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  3. Dear Emma,
    We are thinking of you and praying that you continue on an upward swing. One of Dr. Cantu's famous quotes is: "Small steps...huge advances". We know that you are a very strong young woman and you will continue fighting and taking those "small Steps" towards recovery!
    Nikki & Julian,
    Prayers to you both as you watch over and care for your lovely daughter. With your strength, God's love, and Dr. Cantu, you will all make it through and up to the 8th floor!
    All our love,
    Sarah & Jessica(Coma patient #23)

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  4. I love the words to this song. I play it over and over. It has helped me heaps so I thought I'd share it...

    I'm your Angel - Celine Dion

    No Mountain's too high, for you to climb
    All you have to do is have some climbing faith
    No rivers too wide, for you to make it across
    All you have to do is believe it when you pray
    And then you will see, the morning will come
    And everyday will be bright as the sun...
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1nV_p6cvr2A&NR=1

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