Mainframe needs ALL your prayers

[Bill B]

Update - Tuesday, 12/1:

I visited Chris today; first time since last Friday. All good news. He is off all IV cardiac support drugs. In fact, he's close to off all IVs. He is functioning a bit better than Friday, although with still rather labored breathing and quickly waning energy. BUT this is w/o the inotrope/pressor support -so, he's doing it all himself. Physical Therapy was there, getting Chris to stand (with aid) for about 4-5 minutes. He only tolerated 10 seconds a few days ago. So, that is major progress. He no longer has a fever or elevated white count, as he did for about the first 2 weeks. That and a number of other problems have resolved. Dr. Miller was encouraged and told Chris's wife he may get out of the ICU "soon", but, as she observed, "soon" could be another week or so to a surgeon.

 

[kfay]

All very good news. Thanks for keeping us up to date and please pass on to Chris that we are all here thinking of him and wishing him well.

Kim

 

[halleyg]

Thanks for the updates, Bill, so encouraging to hear the progress he's making. Hoping he continues in that direction, no matter how slow. It's all good!

 

[Danny]

Thanks for the info Bill... Im glad that he is making progress, and also glad that you are able to relay information to us here. Thank you. Please pass on to him that he is and will continue to be in our prayers.

 

[Bina]

Bill, that is a GREAT update.

 

[ottagal]

Thanks for the encouraging update, Bill. Wishing Chris all the very best!

 

[Ross]

For all he's been through, it sounds right on Par. He and I could write a book on experience.

 

[skeptic49]

Glad to read the latest encouraging update, Bill.

Jim

 

[Superbob]

Will keep praying for steady progress. Glad to hear the encouraging news.

 

[catwoman]

Bill:

Thanks for the update.

Chris is a real fighter, and he's got lots of guardian angels Up There and lots of friends praying Down Here.

 

[Jkm7]

He keeps moving forward and that is outstanding. As long as he continues to improve, it is all good.

Thanks for the updates.

 

[Cris N]

Sounds encouraging! Sometimes folks take giant leaps, sometimes they take baby steps. As long as they keep moving forward they eventually get there. Keeping Chris in my thoughts & prayers.

 

[Star54]

Good news...I will keep the prayers coming....

 

[hensylee]

I just found this and read every single part of this thread. What a story. Chris has been on a journey these three weeks. I am so sorry he has had such an awful time, but all sounds good now. He is in my thoughts and prayers. Chris, everyone here is pulling for you. God bless and keep you.

Bill, you are so precious. Thank you for standing fast with Chris' family. And thank you for being our rep and keeping us updated. This sounds just like what we went through with Ross some yrs ago. so touch and go and someone checking on him and reporting to the rest of us so we could all 'be there', too - holding his hand. As you are doing. You won't ever forget this. Blessins........

 

[Bill B]

MAJOR PROGRESS REPORT: Thursday, 12/3:

I visited Chris today, only 2 days after my last visit, and was stunned by the progress he made. Yesterday the docs converted Chris's heart from Afib to sinus rhythm. I learned a few days ago Chris was in Afib, but I didn't appreciate the impact it was having. There was some delay in doing the cardioversion based on some other concerns, but now that it is done, Chris is like a completely new man.

- Breathing MUCH easier w/o the constant labored breathing.
- Off O2 and now just on room air with excellent (96-100%) sat! Chris joked he's shooting for 101%.
- Fluid retention in his hands and forearms is COMPLETELY gone in just 2 days.
- Able to sit in a wheelchair for 1.5 hours.
- Talks easily for extended periods.
- Able to move his extremities with ease.
- Foley catheter FINALLY gone (not related to Afib, I suppose, but another major step).

Everything about Chris is FAR better today than just 2 days ago. He's in good spirits, cracking jokes and looks FAR better than anytime in the last month. His days stuck in the ICU are now numbered.

I will be visiting again early next week and hope to see him then in the step-down unit!

 

[Ross]

He should be out of ICU in 48 hours or less.

 

[ShezaGirlie]

Oh Happy Day...!!!

 

[ottagal]

A wonderful update, Bill. What progress Chris is making! Look forward to the next post that he is out of ICU.
Continuing the positive thoughts,

 

[Mileena46]

YAY! I love good news!

 

[bvdr]

What a wonderful report!!! Thanks so much Bill.