The physical therapist took Cathy for another stroll around the unit yesterday. This activity has become such a treat for Cathy, you can see the sparkle in her eyes when she tells you about it.
Yesterday Cathy started to produce blood again in her mucous secretions. Cultures have been taken to ensure that this is not being caused by an infection. It is likely being caused by trauma from the suctioning she receives. Also, the respiratory therapist left the Bi-Pap's humidifier off overnight on Thursday. This may have dried out her airways.
During the night, while she was receiving a treatment from the respiratory therapist, a clot of this blood/mucous secretion came loose and blocked Cathy's airway (trach tube). The respiratory therapist froze, she did not react. Cathy pleaded with her to remove the inner cannula from the trach tube. Cathy was gasping for a breath and writhing from the pain. After some prompting from me (I must have been a little loud, the nurse came running down the hall into the room at that time) the RT removed the cannula. It was completely clogged with a clot. Besides the immediate scare to Cathy, this event made her fearful of falling asleep and another clot blocking the cannula. It was a long night for the both of us. Not really a fiesta.
3 comments:
David, I think it's time that you apply for your M.D. :-)
To Cathy I give my love. I am amazed at your strength and courage. You are a symbol to all who go through adversity. You're my hero. Keep up the fight ... that lung is coming soon.
Love, Norma
What a scare...thank God David was loud enough to alert a nurse! Cathy is very lucky to have you David.
Cathy, I pray for you to receive your new lung, for the pain to go away and for you to find peace and joy again.
I Love you
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