After several days of discussion, today Shirley received a Tracheostomy - which is both the procedure known as a tracheotomy and the placement of a tube into the windpipe there the incision made in the neck. She remains on the ventilator, but she no longer has the intubation through her mouth. This means that as she regains her strength, she can begin eating solid foods, speaking, brush her teeth, and -- oh yeah -- close her mouth.
For most of the last three weeks, she has had a tube shoved down her throat and has had to keep her mouth open. When she did close her mouth, she'd cut off the air flow and in a matter of seconds, an alarm would sound. When she was first extubated after nine days, it took more than a day before she could work the muscles to close her mouth. This time, it has happened much faster--she came back from the OR with her mouth closed.
Work now will focus on her regaining her strength. Prior to this afternoon's surgery, Shirley spent four hours sitting upright in a chair. This was the longest single stretch that I can recall, but hopefully, to soon becomes commonplace.
Tomorrow, Shirley will have a dialysis session and will be the first time using the new tunneled catheter. Assuming it goes well, they will remove the inter-jugular catheter as well.
BTW--I am tickled that the blog continues to broaden readership from around the world. Welcome to our newest readers in Morocco, Brazil, Saudi Arabia and Latvia.
1 comment:
Greg I am impressed by your broad readership I think this attributable in part to the fact that you are a good writer. One day when this is all behind you and you and Shirley are having cocktails on the porch you really should incorporate her thoughts and publish it. The fact that you now have readers from all over the world is telling you that there is an interest in your experiences. Shirley now has people praying for her that have never met her! Amazing!
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