Awake & Extubated

McKenzie began to really wake up around 6:30 this morning. Her eyes were open and she was trying to figure out where she was, how she got here, and why. By 7:00, they had extubated. After 3 hours, her blood gasses look good and her sats are in the 90s. She has vomited a couple of times this morning---all mucus---which is good. Once she gets rid of the extra fluid in her body and lungs, she should do much better. I was able to hold her for a little while, but she was too uncomfortable and I couldn't handle her looking at me with those big blue eyes, pleading. I don't know what she was pleading for. I imagined it was pain, but she wasn't crying. She was probably pleading with me to make it stop. We are trying. She is sleeping now, much more comfortable now that the ventilator is gone.

We just have the last chest tube (PD drain), the foley cath, the central venious line, the artierial line, the normal IV, and the nasal canula to get rid of before she can go home. She is getting closer. They plan to turn off her last IV heart med (milirinone) by the end of today. Then, we just need her to pee on her own. I'm not getting any hopes up that she will go home soon, but she is making great strides.
Mel

10 Message(s)

Posted Apr 18, 2009 5:26pm

by Dorie Neuhaus

Hi Mel and Dale!
We're so excited Izzy is off the vent. As far as the rest of it, it's all in God's time. Between Izzy and the docs, they'll hear Him and know when. Meanwhile, keep your spirits up, eat well and rest. The rest of us will take care of the praying. Kiss Izzy for us!
Dorie
cp: MatthewNeuhaus

Posted Apr 18, 2009 5:13pm

by Mary Stefanides

I am so glad to hear that Izzy is progressing. I will continue praying for her to get stronger each day.
Love, Aunt Mary

Posted Apr 18, 2009 4:06pm

by Stefenie Jacks

I am so happy to hear how well she is doing. That is so great that she is off the vent and awake!
Always in our many thoughts and prayers,
Stefenie, Ryan, Wyatt and Logan Jacks
cp: Loganbear

Posted Apr 18, 2009 3:02pm

by Amanda Pennington

she just made me smile!!!

Posted Apr 18, 2009 1:45pm

by Liz Munroe

Good, Good, Good!!!!

Posted Apr 18, 2009 1:13pm

by Tamara Recker

Wow, it sounds like she is doing great! How nice you were able to hold her finally. Contiuing prayers and lots of positive thoughts.

Posted Apr 18, 2009 11:22am

by Traci Lisa

Wonderful, wonderful news! You made our day.
I'm sure you know this, but 7-10 days is the standard heart surgery stay. I know you want to go home- but don't make yourselves crazy. Just plan on it's at least going to be 7 full days. If you "settle in" it'll be a much easier trip. I always plan on 10- so I'm really happy if it's 7 and Vito always plans on 5- so gets "nuts" in the hospital :)
Still praying for you guys and some nice smooth sailing right out of there!

Posted Apr 18, 2009 11:16am

by Bonnie Hunter

So glad to hear that your precious baby is doing better. I cannot imagine how hard it must be for you, her parents, to not be able to do anything to ease her pain and stress. I hope she will be beyond all that this weekend. May God richly bless and heal her.

Posted Apr 18, 2009 11:11am

by Nicole Nauer

Yeah!! I am so glad to hear they took the breathing tube out. Still keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers.
Nicole

Posted Apr 18, 2009 10:52am

by Mike Reynolds

Outstanding news for you. Mike Reynolds