mattwisconsin
Well-known member
Hopefully things will continue to improve. It always helps when they figure out what the problem is. Hang in there.
Alan B is out of surgery
- Thread starter Simon Booker
- Start date
Help Support Valve Replacement Forums:
Continued prayers for your dad Simon. I pray that when you see him today you will be pleasantly surprised. Please keep us updated on his progress when you can!
Best wishes!
Best wishes!
Tbone
Well-known member
Sorry I didn't see this post sooner. I hope all goes well for your father. I will say a prayer. Good luck & God Bless.
I'm just now reading this so I'm sending out a quick prayer for your Dad and his family. Keep us posted
Earline
Earline
Simon Booker
Well-known member
update on dad
update on dad
thanks for your support and prayers. I was so happy this morning that Dad had been taken off the ventilator and put on a positive pressure mask - this was a little more comfortable for him but he is still struggling a bit to adjust to it. He has some fluid on his lungs and hopefully this will help him to clear this a bit more than the ventilator.
But he also has a new problem - his kidney function is very low. We are told that he might need a bit of help to take some load off the kidneys (where they filter his blood for him - sorry we are all a bit tired and have lost the plot with all the terminology). The doctor said we are still a long way away from failure and they will do a test tomorrow. It just feels like we sort one problem out and another comes up to take its place.
I just want to be able to say that he is better or at least has got the major stuff behind him. He is a young man (relatively) and he was only on by-pass for less than two hours - I just had not expected this problem.
I'll let you all know what happens tomorrow. I so hope to be giving you good news.
update on dad
thanks for your support and prayers. I was so happy this morning that Dad had been taken off the ventilator and put on a positive pressure mask - this was a little more comfortable for him but he is still struggling a bit to adjust to it. He has some fluid on his lungs and hopefully this will help him to clear this a bit more than the ventilator.
But he also has a new problem - his kidney function is very low. We are told that he might need a bit of help to take some load off the kidneys (where they filter his blood for him - sorry we are all a bit tired and have lost the plot with all the terminology). The doctor said we are still a long way away from failure and they will do a test tomorrow. It just feels like we sort one problem out and another comes up to take its place.
I just want to be able to say that he is better or at least has got the major stuff behind him. He is a young man (relatively) and he was only on by-pass for less than two hours - I just had not expected this problem.
I'll let you all know what happens tomorrow. I so hope to be giving you good news.
Simon Booker
Well-known member
A better day
A better day
Thanks so much. Dad has had a better day and is on a pressure mask - his ventilator is out. He is still having problems with his breathing and cannot maintain his o2 saturation without the mask. No-one is sure why this is - he has never been a smoker, or had any respiratory problems. He does have some fluid in his lungs which is hard for him to cough up with the pressure mask, so a bit of a catch 22 situation. But there is not enough fluid for the doctors to want to drain out yet, so they are sitting him upright and trying to get him working harder on his breathing by lowering is O2 support through the mask.
But today has been a good day on this rollercoaster. He has had a restful day and looks very peaceful, although exhausted after fighting everything (including the mask) yesterday. And, perhaps most importantly, his kidneys are now less of a concern as his urine output is up past 50-75ml or more (in spikes) so I hope this means that whilst his kidneys took a hit on by-pass, that they are now recovering.
Thank you for all your support - and sorry for overloading you with detail, it somehow helps to share the issues with people that have been through this.
Thanks again
Simon
A better day
Thanks so much. Dad has had a better day and is on a pressure mask - his ventilator is out. He is still having problems with his breathing and cannot maintain his o2 saturation without the mask. No-one is sure why this is - he has never been a smoker, or had any respiratory problems. He does have some fluid in his lungs which is hard for him to cough up with the pressure mask, so a bit of a catch 22 situation. But there is not enough fluid for the doctors to want to drain out yet, so they are sitting him upright and trying to get him working harder on his breathing by lowering is O2 support through the mask.
But today has been a good day on this rollercoaster. He has had a restful day and looks very peaceful, although exhausted after fighting everything (including the mask) yesterday. And, perhaps most importantly, his kidneys are now less of a concern as his urine output is up past 50-75ml or more (in spikes) so I hope this means that whilst his kidneys took a hit on by-pass, that they are now recovering.
Thank you for all your support - and sorry for overloading you with detail, it somehow helps to share the issues with people that have been through this.
Thanks again
Simon
kfay
Well-known member
Simon, glad to hear your dad is doing better. It's all a bunch of baby steps from here. Do they have him using a spirometer? If so, have him do it frequently, it will help clear up his lungs.
Don't worry about overloading us with details. Most of us have lived through this at least once in our lives and are happy to be here to offer support. I hope all of his support "team" is able to get some rest. He will need all of your help when he leaves the hospital.
Kim
Don't worry about overloading us with details. Most of us have lived through this at least once in our lives and are happy to be here to offer support. I hope all of his support "team" is able to get some rest. He will need all of your help when he leaves the hospital.
Kim
MissMelis
Well-known member
Glad to hear your dad's improving. And Kim's right, don't worry about overloading us, we are here as a support system!
Keeping fingers crossed that he continues to do well.
Melissa
Keeping fingers crossed that he continues to do well.
Melissa
Simon Booker
Well-known member
Surgery +4 days: Thanks - and a quick question
Surgery +4 days: Thanks - and a quick question
Dad has a problem breathing - he cannot maintain his O2 saturation for more than one minute without a high pressure mask (hooked up to a ventilator). His saturation falls to 80% after 1 min without the mask. The doctors now say that the x-ray shows fibrous tissue in his lungs and that they are waiting for an infection to appear so that they can target it with anti-biotics. He is now surgery +4 days.
Dad has some fluid in both lungs but not enough to need draining. Because he is on the pressure mask and cant' be taken off it I dont' think he can use a Spirometer or easily cough up the fluid. I'm worried this is a vicious circle.
Ha anyone else had this? The doctors seem to think that an infection should be allowed to develop and then targetted. He's only had broad spectrum anti-Bios so far. They also seem reluctant to use Steriods (say that they never do).
Apologies but I'll also put this as a new question thread since I'd really like some views. It is really hampering Dad's recovery. He has so far not really had the energy to wake up (although he can ask for things).
Thank you so much again
Surgery +4 days: Thanks - and a quick question
Dad has a problem breathing - he cannot maintain his O2 saturation for more than one minute without a high pressure mask (hooked up to a ventilator). His saturation falls to 80% after 1 min without the mask. The doctors now say that the x-ray shows fibrous tissue in his lungs and that they are waiting for an infection to appear so that they can target it with anti-biotics. He is now surgery +4 days.
Dad has some fluid in both lungs but not enough to need draining. Because he is on the pressure mask and cant' be taken off it I dont' think he can use a Spirometer or easily cough up the fluid. I'm worried this is a vicious circle.
Ha anyone else had this? The doctors seem to think that an infection should be allowed to develop and then targetted. He's only had broad spectrum anti-Bios so far. They also seem reluctant to use Steriods (say that they never do).
Apologies but I'll also put this as a new question thread since I'd really like some views. It is really hampering Dad's recovery. He has so far not really had the energy to wake up (although he can ask for things).
Thank you so much again
Simon,
I'm sorry I don't have advise on the infection question. But I would hope that the doctor's come to a decision soon. I am praying for your dad and your family. I know this must be a truly trying time. Hang in there everyday will bring a little improvement. Give your dad my best wishes.
I'm sorry I don't have advise on the infection question. But I would hope that the doctor's come to a decision soon. I am praying for your dad and your family. I know this must be a truly trying time. Hang in there everyday will bring a little improvement. Give your dad my best wishes.
Simon Booker
Well-known member
Thanks all: end of Surgery+4
Thanks all: end of Surgery+4
.. and thanks Chris.
Dad is taking small steps towards recovery each day. Today he came off the pressure mask for half an hour and went onto only an O2 mask, plus the level fo support that he is receiving from the ventilator is reducing. He also asked for some ice cream and creamed rice - and wondered what the football scores were so I am pleased at what he has achieved today. Chris - you are so right, this is all about taking small steps day by day.
The really good news (that I am SO pleased about) is that his kidney function is now much improved and is no longer a concern according to the doctors.
He is still very tired and sleepy but taking steps to getting better day by day.
Thanks all: end of Surgery+4
.. and thanks Chris.
Dad is taking small steps towards recovery each day. Today he came off the pressure mask for half an hour and went onto only an O2 mask, plus the level fo support that he is receiving from the ventilator is reducing. He also asked for some ice cream and creamed rice - and wondered what the football scores were so I am pleased at what he has achieved today. Chris - you are so right, this is all about taking small steps day by day.
The really good news (that I am SO pleased about) is that his kidney function is now much improved and is no longer a concern according to the doctors.
He is still very tired and sleepy but taking steps to getting better day by day.
I guess if he is asking about football scores that is for sure a good sign. So glad that
there seems to be a significant improvement in kidney function, that is really important.
We certainly do not mind you sharing, that is what I believe this site is all about, support!
Laura
there seems to be a significant improvement in kidney function, that is really important.
We certainly do not mind you sharing, that is what I believe this site is all about, support!
Laura
Simon Booker
Well-known member
Dad's improvement continues
Dad's improvement continues
Thanks for all the advice and support you've given over the past days. Dad spent today on just an O2 mask for much of the day and stood up twice, having sat in his chair for four or so hours. Kidney output is good.
His breathing difficulties are easing - thanks so much for the helpful advice. Your experience has been invaluable - I've pushed and 'stretched' dad's doctors to consider everything that you have said and it has been a valuable process. In some cases, they have told me to 'get lost' (but politely), in others (spirometer) they have said good idea and they might consider. They are expanding his lungs gradually using a humidified C-PAP and dyretics now that his kidney function has improved. This has helped a lot.
He is a different person again from yesterday. Another good day. He is eating a bit (ice cream) but retaining a bit of fluid on his feet and hips but I'm told this is normal. Once he gets going a bit more he should pass this through.
Thanks again for your indulgence and support.
kind regards
Simon
Dad's improvement continues
Thanks for all the advice and support you've given over the past days. Dad spent today on just an O2 mask for much of the day and stood up twice, having sat in his chair for four or so hours. Kidney output is good.
His breathing difficulties are easing - thanks so much for the helpful advice. Your experience has been invaluable - I've pushed and 'stretched' dad's doctors to consider everything that you have said and it has been a valuable process. In some cases, they have told me to 'get lost' (but politely), in others (spirometer) they have said good idea and they might consider. They are expanding his lungs gradually using a humidified C-PAP and dyretics now that his kidney function has improved. This has helped a lot.
He is a different person again from yesterday. Another good day. He is eating a bit (ice cream) but retaining a bit of fluid on his feet and hips but I'm told this is normal. Once he gets going a bit more he should pass this through.
Thanks again for your indulgence and support.
kind regards
Simon
MissMelis
Well-known member
Simon, so glad to hear this!
Good for you for talking to his doctors and making them think.
Keep us posted, but I'm really happy to hear of his improvement in his breathing and kidney function.
Hang in there!
Melissa
Good for you for talking to his doctors and making them think.
Keep us posted, but I'm really happy to hear of his improvement in his breathing and kidney function.
Hang in there!
Melissa
Simon,
I'm so very happy to see the progress your dad is making. Yes, the fluid retention will likely go down once he is able to move around a little bit more, but it's baby steps first...Again, give him my best and I will continue to pray for him and your family until he is safely home and has a strong grip on a good recovery.
I'm so very happy to see the progress your dad is making. Yes, the fluid retention will likely go down once he is able to move around a little bit more, but it's baby steps first...Again, give him my best and I will continue to pray for him and your family until he is safely home and has a strong grip on a good recovery.
Simon Booker
Well-known member
Update: day 6
Update: day 6
Thank you all, and thanks Chris and Melissa
Dad is being moved out of the ICU today and onto the general ward - this is great as he has made real progress in the last couple of days. He is now (as of last night) able to do without C-PAP altogether and is functioning well on a nose canula on limited O2. He has been out of bed and walked to the end of the ward with assistance, and has had all tubes removed other than the Oxygen. We are all delighted! It has been a draining week and time seems to have gone so quickly, but also stood still at times.
He is a bit depressed on occasions, as I don't think that he can see the progress that he is making to the extent that we can when we see him every day. He feels as though he will be an invalid for the rest of his life (asked me yesterday to buy him a motorised hospital bed as he will never be able to sit up on his own)! He's also very nervous about his chest incision and I think he feels as though he is made of glass at the moment and dare not move for fear of hurting his chest or dislodging his new valve in some way. He keeps asking the surgeon if he is sure it is stitched in well enough. But we try and keep him positive. It should help on the general ward because ICU is busy and noisy at night and he has not been getting much sleep because of this.
He is also having some nightmares and I think this is quite common from what I have read. He lost his Mum when he was a boy and I think this has brought back all the trauma and memories of her and what she and him have missed in life.
But these are all things that we can help him with as a family and I don't think that many people (from what I have read) go through valve surgery without having a period of contemplation and a little sadness initially on the other side.
All in all, (and considering how much improvement he has made) - he's doing great!
Simon
Update: day 6
Thank you all, and thanks Chris and Melissa
Dad is being moved out of the ICU today and onto the general ward - this is great as he has made real progress in the last couple of days. He is now (as of last night) able to do without C-PAP altogether and is functioning well on a nose canula on limited O2. He has been out of bed and walked to the end of the ward with assistance, and has had all tubes removed other than the Oxygen. We are all delighted! It has been a draining week and time seems to have gone so quickly, but also stood still at times.
He is a bit depressed on occasions, as I don't think that he can see the progress that he is making to the extent that we can when we see him every day. He feels as though he will be an invalid for the rest of his life (asked me yesterday to buy him a motorised hospital bed as he will never be able to sit up on his own)! He's also very nervous about his chest incision and I think he feels as though he is made of glass at the moment and dare not move for fear of hurting his chest or dislodging his new valve in some way. He keeps asking the surgeon if he is sure it is stitched in well enough. But we try and keep him positive. It should help on the general ward because ICU is busy and noisy at night and he has not been getting much sleep because of this.
He is also having some nightmares and I think this is quite common from what I have read. He lost his Mum when he was a boy and I think this has brought back all the trauma and memories of her and what she and him have missed in life.
But these are all things that we can help him with as a family and I don't think that many people (from what I have read) go through valve surgery without having a period of contemplation and a little sadness initially on the other side.
All in all, (and considering how much improvement he has made) - he's doing great!
Simon
MissMelis
Well-known member
Yeah! Out of the ICU!
Certainly, depression and nightmares are quite common, I think. OHS is a BIG trauma on one's body, and it takes a lot to get over, physically, emotionally and mentally. Alan is lucky he has such a family that recognizes this, and that you are all there with him and prepared to support him on his recovery.
Keep the good news coming. Glad to hear he continues to improve.
Melissa
Certainly, depression and nightmares are quite common, I think. OHS is a BIG trauma on one's body, and it takes a lot to get over, physically, emotionally and mentally. Alan is lucky he has such a family that recognizes this, and that you are all there with him and prepared to support him on his recovery.
Keep the good news coming. Glad to hear he continues to improve.
Melissa
Oh what wonderful news to learn your dad is out of ICU. Give him a hug for me.
Yes I think at first we all feel like we are made of glass, but with time our brains accept the fact that we made it and we will not break if we move. Depression is also something that you might expect and it is indeed normal. Just try to keep him positive. If the hospital allows bring him books or magazines on his favorite subjects that way he keeps his mind active. I am just so happy to learn of his progress.
Yes I think at first we all feel like we are made of glass, but with time our brains accept the fact that we made it and we will not break if we move. Depression is also something that you might expect and it is indeed normal. Just try to keep him positive. If the hospital allows bring him books or magazines on his favorite subjects that way he keeps his mind active. I am just so happy to learn of his progress.
