FRIDAY
Thom was off the vent for 12 hours! From 10am - 10pm. Natalie, the Respiratory Techs and all of us are so proud of him!
In the afternoon the medical team opted to put in a pick line in a large vein in his right bicep. This large IV is able to handle the volume of fluids and antibiotics he is receiving, allow them to draw blood, and will last until he is discharged. Up until now, they have had to put a new IV in his hand or wrist every couple days. No more sticking! :)
SATURDAY
Thomas had a quiet Saturday. Lack of sleep from the night before left him pretty sleepy and he rested most the day. Despite the sleepiness, he did another 12 hours off the vent. He is feeling better and better breathing off the vent, so they will continue to add hours each day! Rumor has it the next goal might be 16 hours! Thom also used his speaking valve for about an hour to visit with 2 friends who came by - so great!
Natalie said the most exciting part of their day was being able to put Thom's wedding ring back on his finger! And yes, she recited the words once more :)
They ended the day with a movie together.
Join us in prayer!
That is such a lovely story. Thom, don't get discouraged! God sustain you and Natalie through the coming days- and good for you that they are giving the "sticking" a break. I remember the nurses missing the vein a couple times on mine. Not a very pleasant thing! Speaking of sustenance, I just got back from a camping retreat focusing on the universal call to holiness, and proved to be very illuminating and a chance to reconnect with God. Natalie, I will continue to lift you and Thom up in prayer. Peace!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the updates. So happy to hear of Thom's improvements! Jimmy and I continue to pray for him daily.
ReplyDeleteJust for medical clarity for those who care: it's a PICC line. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peripherally_inserted_central_catheter (I have several friends who are transplant patients, and I know more about this than I wish I did!)
ReplyDeletePrayers continue for Thom and Natalie.
Please give my love to Thom and Natalie, and tell them to look for a package from Aunt Sue toward the end of the week. And thank you for the updates; they do much to ease the concern by minimizing the unknown. All our love!
ReplyDeleteSounds like he will be much stronger going into the surgery than he was when it was first considered! I am continuing to pray for you, Thom and Natalie. ~ Rosemary in Ohio
ReplyDeleteI'll continue to pray for Thomas, especially with the picc line. My brother had one and when they removed it, it dislodged a clot that went to his lungs. Happily, he is fine now, but he was on blood thinners for quite a while. It's great to see that Thomas is making progress.
ReplyDeletePrayers.
ReplyDeleteAwesome developments! Thank you for the continued updates as we think of Thom and Natalie everyday! Our prayers continue!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful, moving photo. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteMy prays are with Thomas and with his family.
ReplyDelete