In the MICU

Yesterday's echo was about the same as the prior one. We're glad it wasn't worse, but we are getting the idea that the cardio team is more "cautious" as to what they think his heart will be capable of after all of this. He is back on the Lebofed (bp medicine). His blood pressure is unstable without it. They are trying to titrate it down. We'll wait to see how it goes.

Yesterday's bronchoscopy showed no further pulmonary bleeding and no obvious new infection. The early stains from the cultures do show bacteria that should be covered with his current antibiotic treatment. We'll wait to see what the cultures grow. We are probably are dealing with a sepsis picture and continue to try to combat that. His hemoglobin still remains low.

Jerry will be trached later this week. This means long term vent dependency. How long? We don't know. The trach is reversible and will probably make him more comfortable.

The dialysis seems to be functioning better. Because his blood pressure is unstable, we have not been able to remove much fluid in the last day or so. We'll wait to see when they will attempt it again.

The move to the MICU has been a stressful one for Debbie. It has definitely ramped up the intensity of his care and her stress level. But it is a necessary step.

As for Debbie: She feels like she is in hell, with no end in sight. She is frustrated and afraid. All of these "steps" seem to be with no choice and uncertain outcome, which is scary. The medical professionals tell her that all of these items are reversible, but no one can guarantee the outcome or estimate how long this will take. She is taking it day by day, but with each day that gets harder.

So we wait and pray for mercy, relief and an end to all of this.