Plans to move Shirley to Regional Hospital have been put off for one day. Some routine tests on Wednesday revealed a possible pneumonia from a hospital acquired bacteria. Also, a virus which lies dormant within most of us appears to have awakened. While cultures are confirming these, a course of antibiotics and antivirals have been started just in case.
Despite these indicators showing up, Shirley's health continues to improve overall. This is purely precautionary and is not seen by any of the medical staff as a setback,.
Meantime, the typing of ventilator weaning that will be the focus of her stay at Regional is going on how. Yesterday, Shirley spent four hours off the ventilator on what they call a "trach collar" where an oxygen masked is suspended near--but not completely covering--her trach opening. They push a 33% oxygen mixture that is humidified to keep her air pipe from drying out. Today's goal is to spend 5 hours off the vent. She is currently 2+ hours into that effort.
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