Mom Update 1-14-10

Some good news to report tonight! Mom has shown some improvements today. They decided not to begin dialysis today because her kidneys are showing signs of starting to work. She is producing more and more urine as time goes on and seems to be shedding some of the fluid that had built back up. She is still pretty much sedated. They have not given her any sedation medicine since the night of surgery but this is because her kidneys have not been strong (functioning) enough to completely remove the sedative from her body. But, the surgeon seemed please with her urine output today.

Mom did show signs of knowing we were there today. It was quite hard to watch because she was fighting and gagging on the ventilator, trying to pull her arms up (which are currently tied down so she doesn't pull the tube out), moved her legs, opened her eyes and looked up, and shook her head. But, she still didn't respond to any commands per say. She knew we were there and talking to her, but she couldn't communicate in any way (other than wanting that tube out!). We really couldn't talk to her and try to calm her down. It just seemed to make it worse. So, we would just kind of step away or quit talking so she would relax.

They have also lowered the amount of the medicine they were giving her to regulate or raise her blood pressure up which is great! It seems to be coming up a little on its own.

They are going to try to take her off the ventilator again tomorrow. They tried yesterday and said she didn't pass the "test". Basically she couldn't breathe deep enough or often enough to take it out. So, they said they will try the "test" (which takes about an hour) again tomorrow.

While she is in ICU, we can go in about every two hours. So, Hayden and I went yesterday morning and stayed at the hospital last night in Dad's hotel room there at the hospital. We came home this afternoon so Hayden could get some rest and we will return tomorrow! I am hopeful and optimistic that we will see a change and more alert Mom tomorrow. I am anxious to see her again.