Still Knocked Out and On the Vent

During rounds this morning, they decided today was not going to work to get Izzy off of the vent. She is not breathing over the vent as much today as she had been. Her PD drain is still dumping lots of fluid, so they upped her lasix. They tried to up her dabutomine to help with the excess fluid, but it caused her blood pressure go up too high. Her feeds are as high as they want to go (22 cc per hour---30 cc is an ounce), so that is very good. She still looks great and they are going to pull her pacer wires after the next dose of chlorohydrate has some time to sink in. They continue to ween her fenitnol and versed drips and hopefully she will be able to be extubated tomorrow. If it doesn't happen tomorrow, I can see them trying to wait until Monday. I don't want to wait that long, but Izzy will do everything at her own pace.

It is really hard on Dale and I with the vent in and them cutting back on sedation. Izzy wakes up more with the lower sedation and Dale and I have been instructed not to stimulate her. So, she is either completely knocked out or when she wakes up, we can't talk to her or touch her because if we do she will want to fight to get to us. We know it is best for her that we stay back, but it is so incredibly difficult. I just want to hold my baby again and all I can do is look at her lying in the bed.

Please keep Izzy in your thoughts and my paternal grandmother. She was admitted to the ICU last night. She has pneumonia and had tachycardia after being admitted for the pneumonia. Please also send positive thoughts to my parents who are taking care of Phin, trying to keep things as normal as possible for him, and taking care of things at the hospital with Grandma. Thank you all!
Mel

13 Message(s)

Posted Apr 16, 2009 10:48pm

by Tamara Recker

Love and Hugs to you and Dale. It must be a very difficult time. Praying eveyone is well.

Posted Apr 16, 2009 10:47pm

by Char Mazeppa

I'm so sorry, Mel...I know you don't need the extra stress in your life. Our prayers include your grandmother and your parents as well. Prayers continue for you and Dale and for McKenzie, God bless you all, I know that He has...Good things are coming!!!
Lots of love and hugs...Aunt Char xoxoxoxo

Posted Apr 16, 2009 8:56pm

by Kathleen Angeli-Voyt

Love, prayers, positive thoughts and well wishes for all of you are continually being sent your way!

Posted Apr 16, 2009 12:07pm

by Sheryl Pescor

Praying for all of you. May you feel the love and comfort of our Heavenly Father surround you. He will carry you through.
Love and continued prayers, Sheryl

Posted Apr 16, 2009 11:32am

by Laura Davenport

So glad she is still making progress, even if it's baby steps. Hang in there, she will do things on her own time. I know it's difficult to not be able to hold your baby, but she will come around and this is just one more step closer to being "fixed." Still praying for you!!
Laura and Lily
cp: lilygrace2

Posted Apr 16, 2009 11:29am

by Traci Lisa

Hi guys- hold tight. Cassidy has NEVER gotten off the vent before day 3. She is always a day 4 or 5 girl and then she really takes off. Every little thing that comes out brings you 1 step closer to home. Cutting back on sedation means you have one foot out of the ICU. Hope those pacing wires come out today too.
So glad she's tolerating feeds and her color is great- that's all important stuff. She's doing great, as are you guys. Slow & steady wins the race.
Thinking of your Grandma too and sending good thoughts and prayers.

Posted Apr 16, 2009 11:17am

by Kerri Testement

We know how tough those days are when you can't hold your child, touch them or even talk to them after heart surgery. Izzy still needs that time to heal, although I know it is tearing you apart. She'll keep moving forward -- even if it is at her own pace.
Keeping y'all in our prayers,
kerri testement
cp: katietestement

Posted Apr 16, 2009 11:01am

by Liz Munroe

My thoughts and prayers are with you as you watch your sweet little baby continue to get stronger and heathier. All my love, Aunt Lizzy

Posted Apr 16, 2009 10:54am

by Hannah White

Praying for YOU ALL!! God Bless each of you!!
Dedie White
cp: HannahWhite

Posted Apr 16, 2009 10:47am

by Bonnie Russie

Hi Melonie and Dale,
Thank you for keeping us up to date; a status e-mail is sent to the entire firm shortly after your updates so everyone here can track McKenzie's progress. Robert and I are praying for all of you.
Bonnie and Robert Russie

Posted Apr 16, 2009 10:46am

by Kristy Taxson

My thoughts and prayers are still with you and with your family during this difficult time!
Hang in there..
Kristy

Posted Apr 16, 2009 10:46am

by Terri Gonzalez

Best wishes for everyone!!!!

Posted Apr 16, 2009 10:45am

by Mike Reynolds

Mel and Dale,
While Kathy and I have been relatively lucky with Shannon and Brigid, my experiences at the Prosecutor's Office taught me well how tough the illness of a child can be on parents and family, especially when most of it is olut of their hands. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you, Izzy, and your families.
Mike Reynolds