9/22 Morning Rounds

Ethan had a really great night. His sats stayed stable and rebounded fairly quickly after respiratory therapy (RT). The fluid/secretions/blood being suctioned out of his lungs is a better color. I posted pictures on IG/FB that shows the swelling improvement. He's sitting up now and it is helping his sats, for sure. His PEEP was increased to 14 from 12, but his O2 was decreased down to 40% and his sats are 97.

So, what was discussed during rounds? First, let me say how pleased I am at the respect being given to me for involvement in Ethan's plan of care. The nurses or residents come to get me when rounds are about to begin and I am referred to for specific questions. I was even asked to inform some nursing students about what AAI is. I kinda love our current attending. She is unapologetically kick ass and feisty, which I love. But, she has a sincere heart- not just a bull. She entertains any questions I have, any crazy suggestions I have, and explains everything to me as to why we can or can't do something. Ok, back to rounds...

He did really well overnight. He also had some significant movement from his bowels (God bless the nurses- they told me to sit back and relax while they took care of it). Our attending was adamant that we needed to get him to poop. Enter LOTS of Juice Plus and Mag-Go Kids with a side of enema and we had success! But, she wants MORE. Shewwwweee!

We still need to get into the prone position, but because of the recent x-ray showing AAI we are waiting to hear back from the neurosurgeon on if/how we can actually do that. I wondered if we could use an inversion table to help move him around where he could almost be upright. They didn't think it was a bad idea, but no inversion table at the hospital. Darn.

X-ray shows fluid around the lung. An attempt to see how much fluid was difficult, but it's not enough to have to put in a chest tube so they are going to up the lasix in hopes to get that fluid off of his lung. He also definitely has a collapsed lung that they are diligently working to repair.

Ethan still has a fever of 102 degrees which is keeping his heart rate elevated. Blood pressure is most definitely better.

Speaking of heart rate- his HR could also be elevated because of the stress he's under. Makes sense.

Physical therapy came in this morning. He is going to be needing lots of therapy as he already started losing muscle mass after 24 hours. So, I'll be doing his "Jane Fonda's" like M'Lynn in Steel Magnolias to keep his muscles moving.

I have music playing for him and I have some books to read to him, too.

Ethan has been very well loved during this time, thank you all so very much. <3 p="">