Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Update on Dad #4: One Step Forward, Two Steps Back

Yesterday they had reduced the sedation and we were able to catch him intermittently waking up and he seemed to realize we were there. They've had him so drugged that it's been frustrating for us because we just want to communicate and let him know he is safe and being cared for here. As the day wore on he was waking up more often but began to spike a significant fever around 103 degrees. The day nurse he has had since Saturday was awful and we never left him because we kept having to keep an eye on her all day. Later in the evening he woke up more and I was talking with him and letting him know I was there. When I moved out of his line of sight he started moving toward me and setting off his alarms. I moved back in so he could see me and talked to him letting him know we are all right here. He calmed down and a tear fell from his eye. A few minutes later my brother was talking with him and wanted to let daddy know we were going to let him sleep for a bit and without thinking said, "We're going to take-off now." Suddenly his eyes flipped wide open and he began to raise himself up out of the bed. Mom and my brother had to calm him down. My brother felt so bad but at least we know he understands us, knows it's us and does not want us to leave him alone.

This morning when the doctor's rounded they told us that his lungs had gotten worse. They are doing a bronchoscopy of his lungs to make sure they are using the right antibiotic. The neurologist changed his sedative and he has been responding much better. I spent most of today at his side, holding his hand and talking to him when he wakes up for a few seconds. This afternoon he began coughing and the nurse came in and suctioned him. I went over afterwards to calm him down, stroking his hair and telling him it was OK. His face got all scrunchy and I thought he was in pain but instead he began to cry and this time it was big alligator tears. I continued to stroke his hair, wipe away his tears and let him know it would be ok. I know that my daddy is in there and understands what is going on. I just pray so much that the doctors find out how to treat this pneumonia so we can work to get him off the vent and feeling better. I know this will be a long process but I just can't wait to have my daddy back.

I have to keep reminding myself that God has been by my daddy's side from the beginning and will continue to be there for him. Please pray that we find the right drug to treat my daddy's lungs.

5 comments:

Mandy said...

So sorry to hear that you are still going through all of this. I know that God is giving your family the strength they need to get through this and I am still praying for a complete recovery for your dad.

Kerri said...

I keep checking your page for updates. I'm glad to hear that your dad is somewhat alert and knows who everyone is, but I'm sorry to hear that his lungs have gotten worse. I really hope they find the right medication for him. This must be such a scary time for your family. I'll be thinking of you and please keep us updated.

Shannon said...

I keep looking for updates, Im sorry your Dad and your family are going through this. I will pray they find the right meds.

Emily said...

I'm so sorry to hear your father and your family are still dealing with this. I will continue to pray for him, and I'll keep checking back for any updates. Please let us know as soon as anything changes.

Meant to be a mom said...

Wow, I am crying! You are such great kids, Your dad feels good in your presence and your there for him. That's wonderful that you can be there by his side and support him when he needs you the most. God is with you all and I believe in the power of prayer. God will take care of your family in whatever way he feels he needs to. I will keep praying for your dad. I know it has to be hard to see him this way but your strength is whats keeping him going. God bless you and your family.