Friday, November 06, 2009

Day 14

Well, as how this seems to be the way this illnesses is running, it's two steps forward and one step back. Or actually you could say it was 5 steps forward and one step back, so we're not panicking. The docs put Big Kid on the bi-level vent yesterday, because the regular old vent just wasn't cutting it. His lower lungs needed some more pressure to stay open for oxygenation.

The new sedation is working wonderfully. As I said in a previous post, we were really worried that maybe he was having a panic attack every time he woke up and that's why his heart rate and blood pressure were all over the place because he was coming out of the paralytic every hour. This med is somewhat new, and works somewhat the way clonopin (anti-anxiety med) does. When he wakes it's pretty smooth without all the fighting of the vent. A blessing.

His white blood cell count is up, so that means his immune system is finally kicking in to help fight this. Another blessing.

They've been trying to dry the boy out because of all the fluids they originally pumped in him to keep his blood pressure up when it bottomed out from the septic shock. He peed out 14---yes 14 liters---in one day and lost 6 pounds. Holy smokes.

On a related note, it seems like his kidneys are working just fine. ;-)

We saw his xrays for the first time yesterday. They're horrific. Absolutely just----I can't put it into words. 2/3s of his left lung is a solid mass of white. The right one is much better. They put two xrays side by side---the one from when he was admitted, and the latest, so we could see the progress. It didn't seem like much to us, but the nurse pointed out the areas of improvement.

I simply cannot grasp how this could have happened so fast. So very fast. Seeing his xrays has been a shock.

And I can't believe it's been two weeks.

Thanks again so much for all your kind wishes and prayers. Sharing this with you has helped lighten an unbearable load, and I really appreciate your encouragement and support.

25 comments:

Willoughby said...

Any improvement is great, even if it's only a little. And if his immune system is getting stronger, that's a fantastic sign!

Keep it up, Big Kid!

yorksnbeans said...

Scary, very scary....but it sounds like he's been through the worst of it now. Just try and keep your health through all of this!

St Jude said...

Good to hear that he is still making encouraging steps. Carry on talking hun, we're still listening.

AmyMcD said...

I'm very happy to hear he is doing well!! I hope the nurse who pointed out the improvement was one of your favourites that you trust!!

Still praying for Big Kid and everyone at your end!

Amy :)

Rootietoot said...

(((BIG HUG!)))

The body's ability to recover from stuff is phenomenal, and he's a big strong kid.

*virtual casserole*

Beth said...

Things are sounding so much better.
Stay strong - all of you.

litzi said...

A little knowledge is a dangerous thing could be applicable in regards to your having seen Big Kid’s chest X-rays…however, playing ostrich (burying your head in the sand) and not being informed on the exact extent of damage this horrendous illness has created isn’t a viable alternative. It sounds like your son is progressing, albeit not as quickly as you’d like. You’re in a Catch 22 situation because ignorance is not bliss but the medical facts aren’t pleasant to cope with either.


H1N1 is pernicious because it creates such havoc in a relatively short time.


Stay strong…(((hugs)))

Kim Ayres said...

So glad he's continuing to head in the right direction ((hugs))

Ashley's Mom said...

These are all good signs. Big Kid is doing a wonderful job of fighting, and you are doing a wonderful job of staying strong yourself.

Once BK is back to normal, we all need to have a virtual adult beverage together :)

You pick the time and place and we'll all be there. Maybe we could try one of the new-fangled GOTO Meeting things...

Unknown said...

So glad there's improvement. That has to be encouraging! Hang in there. Perhaps he's turned the corner. Hugs.

stinkypaw said...

Nice to read he's improving, that's great! Hang in there. *hugs*

Heather said...

Thank you for posting daily about your son. I don't know you, but think about you every morning and your blog is the first thing I read when I turn on my computer. I am so happy that he is doing better. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Tracie Nall said...

I'm glad to hear that the new medication is working better!!!

Still praying!

Boozy Tooth said...

Still here. Still praying.

Thanks for keeping us all posted.

cloudy said...

COME ON IMMUNE SYSTEM!!!!

Two weeks must seem like an eternity, but he is getting really good care. Sending more love.

Chicago Mom said...

Sounds good to me! Go white blood cells, go! Hugs & prayers to you.

Anonymous said...

thanks for keeping us posted--I am so glad to hear things are continuing to progress in a good way. Still praying for all of you.

Jeanie said...

Glad to hear of a bit more progress in the right direction. Looking forward, along with many others, to more good news.

Anonymous said...

It sounds like he is turning the corner. I'm so glad to hear the progress. These are all very promising signs!

Hugs and best wishes!

Anonymous said...

Stay strong. Two weeks is such a very long time for you all. What a vicious virus! So unfair.

Brenda said...

Continuing with prayers for you and your sweet family. Hang in there!

The Quacks of Life said...

oh lord I hadn't checked any blogs for a while. I'm so sorry to read of all you've gone through.

Attila my thoughts are with you.

Debbie said...

Two weeks is a long time. You're still in my thoughts and prayers. I imagine you're a great inspiration and comfort to others at the hospital who are going through sicknesses of loved ones.

Debbie said...

Two weeks is a long time. You're still in my thoughts and prayers. I imagine you're a great inspiration and comfort to others at the hospital who are going through sicknesses of loved ones.

prashant said...

I'm glad to hear that the new medication is working better!!! Work from home India