Thursday, October 05, 2006
We have just returned from the Hospital where the day started out on quite a low note--but ended with the Hallelujah Chorus!
The Doctor had a consultation with the Viere family, announcing his grave disappointment that after two days of heart medication (to help the heart work more effectively) the condition of Sally's heart was grim. As today was the day to take the balloon (pump) out of Sally's leg artery....his prognosis was very distressing. Because Sally's heart had not responded to the medication and the aide of the arterial pump, the Doctor believed that Sally would very probably experience heart failure as they weaned her from the pump. He put her on a blood pressure medication to help raise her blood pressure....it was very low, 60/20.
At 2:00 p.m. he gave the order for the nurses to begin the weaning of the arterial pump. For two hours the pump was turned down--Sally's vital signs increased. At 4:00 p.m. the Doctor was consulted and gave the order to put the pump on "flicker" meaning that the pump would go on from time to time over the next two hours. Sally's vital signs continued to rise. At 6:00 p.m. the Doctor gave the order to take the balloon pump out of her artery--unfortunately--the two RN's that were skilled to do this procedure were tied up in another surgery--so that wasn't done until 8:30 p.m. Still, after the 45 minute procedure, Sally was able to draw her legs out of a prone position and rest comfortably in her bed for the first time in three days. Her vital signs remained at unexpectedly good numbers. While she slept throughout the day, she woke while they were doing the procedure and was in very good spirits. She announced that she felt she could maybe go home on Saturday!
This is a remarkable turn-around of events. From 11:00 a.m. this morning, the family was wrestling with the news that Sally's damaged heart may not perform on it's own. While we know she still has a long road ahead of her--we are rejoicing for this more-than-great-unexpected-turn of events. She has been given a sedative and was resting comfortably (with her legs curled up in a sleeping position!) when we left.
Please continue to pray for her healing. Her heart is beating and circulating her blood supply on its own tonight; however, we believe that the hand of God is gently aiding it's journey! For this we are amazed.....and grateful!
Thanks for your prayer support!
The Doctor had a consultation with the Viere family, announcing his grave disappointment that after two days of heart medication (to help the heart work more effectively) the condition of Sally's heart was grim. As today was the day to take the balloon (pump) out of Sally's leg artery....his prognosis was very distressing. Because Sally's heart had not responded to the medication and the aide of the arterial pump, the Doctor believed that Sally would very probably experience heart failure as they weaned her from the pump. He put her on a blood pressure medication to help raise her blood pressure....it was very low, 60/20.
At 2:00 p.m. he gave the order for the nurses to begin the weaning of the arterial pump. For two hours the pump was turned down--Sally's vital signs increased. At 4:00 p.m. the Doctor was consulted and gave the order to put the pump on "flicker" meaning that the pump would go on from time to time over the next two hours. Sally's vital signs continued to rise. At 6:00 p.m. the Doctor gave the order to take the balloon pump out of her artery--unfortunately--the two RN's that were skilled to do this procedure were tied up in another surgery--so that wasn't done until 8:30 p.m. Still, after the 45 minute procedure, Sally was able to draw her legs out of a prone position and rest comfortably in her bed for the first time in three days. Her vital signs remained at unexpectedly good numbers. While she slept throughout the day, she woke while they were doing the procedure and was in very good spirits. She announced that she felt she could maybe go home on Saturday!
This is a remarkable turn-around of events. From 11:00 a.m. this morning, the family was wrestling with the news that Sally's damaged heart may not perform on it's own. While we know she still has a long road ahead of her--we are rejoicing for this more-than-great-unexpected-turn of events. She has been given a sedative and was resting comfortably (with her legs curled up in a sleeping position!) when we left.
Please continue to pray for her healing. Her heart is beating and circulating her blood supply on its own tonight; however, we believe that the hand of God is gently aiding it's journey! For this we are amazed.....and grateful!
Thanks for your prayer support!
# posted by Diane Viere @ 11:01 AM 
