And a step back

Jadon had a restless night.  He was awake every hour to be repositioned.  He just could not get comfortable.

I was worried about his respiratory status.  His heart rate and respiratory rate were still high and he still required oxygen.  When I asked the ortho resident about it, I was told it was because they took some of his rib to graft to his spine.  I was told earlier that his normal breathing many not return for a week or two.  I was not really happy with these answers and asked that a pulmonary doctor see him.  Dr. White came a little later and took one look at him and agreed.  

We had a quiet morning and early afternoon.  We had visits from Masumi, Jenine, Julie and Alayne.  Jadon was happy to see everyone.  Masumi video-taped part of the Woodmoor Veteran’s Day assembly.  Jadon liked watching that. 

We got some of his pain medicines changed and that seemed to help him some.   He was more alert and with-it.  Early in the afternoon a chest x-ray was done.  A little while later two pulmonary doctors came to see him.  The x-ray showed something on the right side of his lungs, most likely blood.  It was significant enough that they had already arranged for a transfer to the ICU and general surgery to place a chest tube.  We quickly packed our belongings and headed back to the ICU.  Luckily, Andy had come to the hospital early and Kalina and Frank had also arrived from a fun morning playing and a good day at school.

After a short time in the ICU, Andy, Kalina and Frank went home.  They had a quick dinner and Andy returned.  He is spending the night with Jadon since I have not had much sleep the past two nights. 

Kalina was sad to see Andy go but was just fine a little later.  She and Uncle Frank were having a good time.  They spent some time at home this morning before school (they came to the hospital with Andy but returned home early to play).   I think they are enjoying each other’s company.   

It is now 11 PM and we just saw the surgeon.  The procedure went well.  He had a combination of blood and fluid in his chest cavity.  The surgeon does not think there is any damage to the lung.  He thinks this was just the result of his back surgery.  The tube drained around 700 mL of fluid.  That is the equivalent of (2) 12 oz soda cans.  It is no wonder he was struggling to breathe.

We called Uncle Frank earlier and he and Kalina had a fine night.  She was really trying to stay awake to see me but fell asleep on his lap watching Blues Clues.  Considering how late it is, I am really glad she was able to stay home tonight.

More tomorrow.