Very Slow Recovery

I know I promised that no news would be good news. But sometimes no news means there is just too much crap going on to be able to blog it. I am typing this one on my iPhone and will probably be too tired to edit it so please forgive it’s brevity and possible typoes or incorrect word usage. The baby steps Maddy keeps making toward recovery keep being shortened by new setbacks. The easiest way to get it all "on paper" is just to list them.

Still on vent because...

1. Lungs were too wet

2. Breathing too shallow

3. Want to be sure they won't have to intubate again

4. Who knows why else, it's always 'aiming for tomorrow'

If she can't get off the vent by this weekend they will have to put in a tracheotomy to avoid permanent damage to her vocal chords.

Culturing CDiff. This is an intestinal bug that people get when they are on heavy doses of antibiotics. See past blog entries on both kids for more info about this stupid bug.

Too much fluid all over. Giving multiple courses of lasix to deal with fluid retention.

Now she is showing small signs of rejection. A bad rash on her chest. They found antibodies in her blood so they have ordered Apheresis. They take her blood out, spin it to separate the platelets from her blood. Replace the platelets with new ones that have no antibodies and put it back. It's a lot like dialysis. When they placed the line to start this process they used the placement in her neck where they already have an arterial line. The old line got nicked so they had to access her port again to run her meds through.

Now as I sit with her during the night shift her tummy is nauseous and she keeps retching but can't puke of course because the vent tube is blocking everything. Poor kid just keeps retching and retching.

I really wanted to keep as complete a journal of this whole process as I could but honestly I have run out of energy to do so. Hopefully she will begin improving soon. She is a tough kid but having a VERY rough time of it.

More to come...

Transferred Comments:

tom and flo

Said extra prayers last Sunday. We can tell the toll it is taking on you, Davis. Will add some prayers for you. Do not know how I could handle it with the slow recovery since the last surgery. All of our love to both of you. Tom and Flo

Thursday, June 23, 2011 - 09:16 AM

Nancy Lail

Blogging at a time like this must be awfully tedious but please know that it is a gift to the rest of us - thank you. Still praying.
Nancy

Thursday, June 23, 2011 - 09:41 AM

Josh and Lori

Hey Davis Lori and I are praying for you both. Thanks for keeping us updated. I know how hard it must be. Stay strong and perservere. Gods hands are wrapped around you both. God Bless, Josh and Lori

Thursday, June 23, 2011 - 12:18 PM

Judy Jones

I know Maddy feels the support from everyone around her but there are people that she has never met (like myself) that have her in their thoughts and prayers. I have gotten to know Maddy through the blogs. My prayers are not just for Maddy but her support family too.
Judy Jones - Kevin (K.C.'s) Mom

Thursday, June 23, 2011 - 01:25 PM

T.J. and Ariel

Thank you for the update we have not stoped praying and have faith that God will protect her she is the strongest person i have had the pleasure of knowing and deep down know she is going to beat this thing please tell her we are here everyday with her praying and supporting her as much as we can without being at the hospital but if we were aloud we would be we miss and love her and baby steps are better then no steps

Thursday, June 23, 2011 - 01:37 PM

Michele Menendez

Davis, I think about Maddy & you every day. I admire and respect the courage and faith you both have shown during these difficult times. When adversity hits it is then we find out what we are really made of. Both of you are made of the 'right stuff'. I continue to pray for Maddy’s speedy recovery and your continued strength. Hope to see you all back with us at our Wednesday night family dinners in the near future. Thank you so much for keeping us up to date with this blog.

Sending love, hugs and prayers.

Thursday, June 23, 2011 - 02:19 PM

The Purple Shark

What an ordeal, for all of you, but of course especially Maddy. I hope she's back on the road to recovery with nothing but forward motion from now on. As Nancy said above, your blogging is very much appreciated to all of us who are wishing for the best for you all.

Thursday, June 23, 2011 - 05:44 PM

Linda Smith

Those along the side-lines have heard your story - when strangers are touched by emotion we bind our hearts together and offer prayers hoping to encourage you in the truth that you are not alone - may God gift your mind peace, your body strength and your mind courage beyond your ablities.

Thursday, June 23, 2011 - 07:48 PM

carol taylor

hang tough davis, prayers are for you not to wear yourself out before her recovery really takes off an she needs every last ounce of you + big huggy blanket of God's peace covering you all.

Thursday, June 23, 2011 - 09:24 PM

Niki

Thank you so much for taking the time to write these, especially with so much going on and being so tired.
My prayers are with Madds and your family, and please send her my love and tell her that I think about her every day and I'm rooting for her.

Friday, June 24, 2011 - 01:16 AM

Aunt Toni

Davis we do appreciate the time you take to keep us informed on Maddy's condition. She has so many people pulling for her. We are going to have the biggest and best Wednesday night dinner as soon as she can get here..so let's make it soon! Give her our love and best wishes for a speedy recovery.

Friday, June 24, 2011 - 08:45 AM

Jenn, rn

Hey mads. I'll be back to work mon and tues and can't wait to see you. Hang tough and remember all of life's challenges have some sort of meaning. Even if it's to others around you. You've been dealt a very difficult challenge but many are learning a great deal about life right at this very moment. I'll see you soon sweetheart ! Xoxo

Friday, June 24, 2011 - 10:58 AM

the matos'

hey maddy its alex and alana matos we cheered with you at lutz . we really hope your doing okay and that you get better . we are all praying for you .

Saturday, June 25, 2011 - 12:56 PM