Late addendum: Further detail on Luke's "respiratory condition" - Monday evening the oxygen concentration in the blood, which optimally is 100, had dropped a little. I noticed when we left him it was down to 93. It continued to drop through the night, so the oxygen percentage in the ventilator was increased. That is what led to the x-ray and brachioscope done today. They were able to decrease the oxygen percentage through the day and when we left this evening it was at 65%.
This afternoon his blood pressure took a dive and they stopped his ativan (sedative) and fentenyl (pain medication) and increased the IV saline solution. He responded and by this evening it was back up to around 100/65. He was resting comfortably during our visit.
Luke begins week three with another trip to the O.R. but it was a brief one and not a lot was accomplished. The doctor said that his respiratory condition wasn't good enough to fix everything on his hand, but they did put pins in his thumb to keep those bones straight.
They took x-rays of his chest and his lungs appeared cloudy so they did another brachioscope and found some lesions in his right lung. These are probably from an infection so he'll be getting more antibiotics to clean that up. The scope also showed some plugs and they removed those.
The kidney doctor stopped in this afternoon and told us that his kidneys are doing better.
Luke will be going back to surgery on Thursday for his left leg. The muscle tissue must have retracted more than expected and they are going to have to remove a little more of the bone in order to be able to get a good covering of muscle over the end.
They keep fine tuning his pain medication and sedative up and down to meet his needs at the time. He remains pretty much sedated with some movement and responding to voices and occasionally partially opens his eyes, but not enough to focus or make eye contact.
After two weeks he has come a long way and of course we would like to see giant leaps forward every day. However, some minor steps backwards must be expected and the Lord is giving us a good exercise in patience as we wait for the next forward leap.
---Bill
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
6 comments:
Bill, Paula and family,
First of all I want to take the time to say thank you so much for keeping all updated during this most difficult time. We know that you have really been through alot and having to relive it by updating this blog must be difficult, but know that we love you and appreciate all of you.
Luke, we pray for continued healing and remember that God will not give you more than he thinks you can handle. We also pray that your lungs and the bacterial infection clear up quickly and that you remain strong.
Thanks again.
Mike, Bonnie, Andrew and Morgan
I also want to thank you for the constant updates...and reiterate that God won't give you more than you can handle. I know from personal experience with my Uncle's accident (my uncle is like a second father to me) that seeing a loved one in a condition like this tries your patience beyond words. We all contribute daily to your faith and prayer that Luke will continue to experience progress in fighting his infection and the doctors continue to give you positive news.
I am sorry to hear about Luke taking some minor steps back, but as you said you have to expect that and keep what is important in your mind...that is the amazing progress he has made so far. Luke is so strong willed and I know everyone misses talking with him and making eye contact but I believe the Lord will give us that gift back soon. We all love him very much and are anxious for his recovery but as you said patience is necessary, I would once again like to thank you for keeping us updated and remember we are all praying for all of you back here. Please give Luke all my love and let him know that when he recovers he should expect many hugs and kisses...he is an amazing person and it sickens me that somebody's ignorance took so much from him and therefore from all of us. Stay strong and let me know if you need anything.
-Jess Rossey
"Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD."
Psalm 27:14
"Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him…."
Psalm 37:7
Dear Luke, Bill and family,
Our family continues to lift you up in our prayers daily. We have experienced personally the amazing healing power of our Lord Jesus. We attend church with your Aunt Patty and Uncle Mike in Redmond and know our entire church is praying for you.
Our prayer for you today is from First Peter 2:24 "Who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness-- by whose stripes you were healed."
Prayerfully,
The Pengra Family
Still praying. As much as it is possible, we are on the roller coaster with you through this. Faith is being sure of what is hoped for and certain of what is not seen. I am praying, asking in faith, that God will fight this battle for Luke. GIve yourselves a hug for me.
Post a Comment