Friday, September 19, 2008

We're slowly become less "high maintenance"

The tubes are coming out! Well, one did anyway...3 chest tubes to go! And the epidural pain control is history as well! But don't worry, Donovan says the pain is not too bad.

There's also a big cental line into a vessel in Donovan's neck (I call it his necklace), that will be changed to a "Pik-line" in his arm soon, maybe tomorrow, which incidentally may be moving day for Donovan...out of ICU! Yay!

So, the physical healing is definitely on track, but we need some prayers tonite for all the emotional healing. As we all know, recovery from surgery always has peaks and valleys, and today was kind of a valley day. Some of the drugs in use are known for mental confusion and anxiety, and that double-edged sword was being felt today. Much reassurance was needed, as well as re-orienting to time and place. We finally made a calendar for Donovan, so he could see the timeline of his journey through the health system. I hope it will help. Donovan didn't sleep a wink last night, so this made today extra-hard. Let's all pray that today was his last in the 24-hr. marathon of the ICU.

Blessings today include praying with our son, hearing his voice thank God for his new lungs and pray for the donor family. We also felt God's peace descend on us in that little room, and, incidentally found out that his nurse today, a young fellow, was also a believer. He shared some stories of his mission trip to Africa. God is so good!

Katie was able to come this afternoon bearing ultrasound photos of "uncle Donny's" soon-to-be little niece or nephew! what a boost!
Chocolate pudding made its way into today's ever-expanding menu, as well as a cream soup. That put a smile on our son's face!

Well, it's once again way past bedtime. Thank you for all the wonderful emails and comments. You are all very special to us!

till next time.....Beth

4 comments:

A. M. A. G. said...

Glad to hear about the ups and downs. Sounds very normal. You know what they say about the "third day" after surgery, giving birth or heavy physical excercise. It's the worse day..so, no worries, this seem to be going as they should.
Auntie Alice

lannie mugleston said...

I am so very happy and extremely excited to hear this wonderful news. My thoughts and prayers are with Donovan and your entire family during this difficult but exciting time. I don't think there is anyone as deserving as Donovan to be given a new life. I look forward to the day when I can see Donovan again. All the best to you all and keep me posted on Donovan's recovery.
Lannie Mugleston

Kit said...

So...new "Mom" and soon-to-be grandma, how's it going? Mom sends her support and good wishes. Take care,
Mary

ruby said...

Beth, I became a Yahoo after all. I had to in order to blog here. It was good to talk to you tonight. You sound more like yourself now....this is good. So glad that Donny is out of ICU and into the 'bridal suite'. Well, a semi-private one.
Love Jan