ICU Day 34 - The Conference

Today the road map became clearer as to what Shirley needs to do to get out of the ICU and what the next step will be after she is released.  We had a troop of doctors and other hospital staff join us for the meeting in Shirley's room.  The congregation included three doctors from the Surgical ICU unit, two from Nephrology, two from Pulmonology/Lung Transplant; three from Palliative Care; her nurse, a social worker and the hospital chaplain, whom has visited her several times each week.

The conference started by Dr. Sats Bhagwanjee recounting the recent victories:

• The General Surgery team has signed off that Shirley's abdominal issues are fully resolved
• The Neprhology team is delighted with the progress Shirley's kidneys are making and do not expect that she will need another dialysis treatment.  This in turn means that both her dialysis and Foley catheters will be taken out in the next few days.
• Shirley's lungs continue to do well.  She did go back on the ventilator early this morning, but the Pulmonologists said this is to be expected over the next few weeks and is nothing to worry about.  They attributed the need to a combination of recent nights of sleep deprivation; a very busy day yesterday; and some additional fluid build-up around her lungs.  And with her kidneys now functioning, they were able to prescribe a diuretic to help with the fluid issue.

Sats then listed the things Shirley needed to do to get out of ICU.  

1. Spend at least 12 hours per day off the ventilator for several consecutive days.
2. Get out of bed and begin taking a few steps.

Please note that there is no more disease to treat or issue to resolve. These are about getting stronger.  And the expectation is that she will be out of the ICU in between two and seven days.

And where to from here?  Stay tuned for my next posting...