I feel like a plane that is circling an airport waiting to land…. we are literally hovering here due to chest tube output for the gazillionth day in a row. The chest tube that’s draining is the same one we put in over a week ago in the ICU and has been putting out roughly the same amount (give or take 200ccs) per day. Other than that, there’s really not that much going on. Literally ever other thing connected to Ryan is protocol as opposed to necessity.
His IV blew sometime between night shift and morning shift – – we will need a new one at some point, but I’m in no hurry to remind the nurse.
His leads monitoring his respiratory rate and heart rate on on him, but more often than not, we aren’t hooked up to the monitor during the day. His pulse ox – – same thing… It’s hanging out beside the bed for when they take his vitals every four hours. He just isn’t in need of a ton of support other than monitoring the dang chest tube.
Obviously we are praying that his body would heal enough that it would stop sending fluid to the surgical site! We would like the chest tube to be unnecessary and soon.
We are also watching his surgical wound which was draining a little yesterday… praying it doesn’t get infected.
Ryan’s spirits are a little better this week. I’ve noticed him smiling a little and making a face where I know he’d typically smile, but he’s trying not too. He’s definitely being ornery and pushing to see how much he can get away with in terms of refusing medicine and refusing to get up and play. We’ve had a few conversations about how all this stinks but we have to do certain things (preferably with a good attitude) to get well enough to leave. It’s hard being the tough mom, but I don’t feel guilty one ounce since I know it’s for his best.
He’s had several visitors and Face Timed a few friends this week. I notice having little people around does wonders for his morale. Henry and the girls are driving in tonight so he’ll be excited to see them tomorrow.
I’m hanging in there… trying not to get too discouraged by the chest tube drainage numbers. I mentally psyched myself up for a three week stay and as we approach that timeframe, I’m now trying to psyche myself up to not be disappointed if we aren’t out of here in the next week. The trick is not to look too far out in the future – – we know things happen in their own good time in the hospital and really the best way to get through it is one day at a time. We are back to daily plans instead of long-term planning.
So for today, we are watching Aladdin, again. Eating leftover pizza (Ryan, not me!) and hashbrowns from breakfast.
Hope to have some pictures of the girls’ visit over the weekend. Until then, good night!
Comments (6)
Continued prayers for healing and ’emotional stability’ for you!
Continued prayers for complete healing for Ryan. Ryan’s daddy and his sisters are sure to put a big smile on that boy’s face! Take a breath, Leighann, refuel, and enjoy your family’s visit this weekend. ((hugs)) from on the road.
The visit from daddy and the girls will perk you both up! Praying that the healing will continue and no infections or set backs…and that you’ll both be going home before you know it!
Praying for you all!
Hope all went well this weekend. Do they not have a “noncontagious playroom” where you might take Ryan and there be other kids? Keeping you all close in prayer
Hope all went well over the weekend, and that the excessive heat didn’t bother you or Ryan too much. Prayers continue. Thanks for the updates.