Page 41 - Journey of Hope by Raymond Moldenhauer

DAY73

NOT AS WELL AS HOPED FOR

Just before we left on Friday night, the Radiology Technician
took an X-ray of Alyssa’s chest to make sure that the tube to her
lungs was in the right position – it wasn’t. So two nurses pulled
off the tape again and repositioned the tube. Alyssa’s oxygen
levels fell at first, but then gradually increased to the high 90’s,
where they are supposed to be.

During the night, Alyssa began to develop fluid in her left lung.
By morning, she was de-saturating and her blood gas levels were
not good. Another X-ray showed that the tube was still not in
the right position - the ventilator was sending most of the air to
the right lung. This caused the left lung to partially deflate and
build up fluid. So the tube was repositioned yet again.

The Surgeon came by this morning to check on the wound and
Alyssa’s abdomen. Everything related to the surgery was fine.
There was no discoloration or swelling and the tummy was soft.
While the surgery seems to have gone well, Alyssa is not
recovering as quickly as everyone would have liked. So we need
your continued prayers for Alyssa during her recovery.

Alyssa was very sleepy and lethargic most of the day today. The
nurse practitioner cut back the morphine to see if that would
help. Heidi spent most of the day right at Alyssa’s bedside –
watching her, but seeing little more than a sleeping doll, and
worrying about her lungs. And, until she is able to assist with
the breathing, she must stay on the ventilator. The blood gas
levels were a little better this afternoon and Alyssa’s heart rate Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but
finally reduced from the high 180’s to 137 or so. Alyssa was also we will trust in the name of the Lord our God!
awake for a brief period this evening – enough time to look at
Heidi and grab her finger before falling back to sleep. Since it Psalm 20:7
must hurt to breath, it is better that she sleeps.