Second update on my sister’s condition

Things were scary–terrifying–48 hours ago.  It was looking like multiple-organ failure (or, possibly, there was a game of “telephone” making it sound like that by the time I got the news–I’m still not clear).  In any case, things are worlds better.

It was not a matter of rejection; it was a blockage in an artery.  We’re still waiting for the biopsy, which will tell us how healthy the heart muscle is (thanks, Bets), but, in the meantime, here is her state:

A device to help her heart beat has been removed.

A device to help her breath is running at 75% instead of 100% (ie, she requires less assistence).  There is hope that this device could be removed entirely as soon as today (although I’ve been cautioned not to worry if that doesn’t happen).

Pulse and blood pressure are exactly in the target zone.

She is intubated and has an ng tube for nourishment and she is heavily sedated, though she partly comes out of it from time to time enough to recognize and respond to us.  If it were me, I’d rather remain sedated until the tube is removed (can you imagine me unable to talk?), and that is, I believe, what they plan on doing.

The University of Minnesota medical center has provided wonderful care and (with a couple of possible and minor exceptions) done a great job of keeping us informed.

We have to remember that there could still be a turn for the worse, but, for now, we have reason to be hopeful.

 

 

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I play the drum.

25 thoughts on “Second update on my sister’s condition”

  4. yay for improvements! I love the U of M medical center as well. they are not perfect, but I have found that they are the most responsive place I have ever been to trying to get better. My hope is that your sister continues to improve, it sounds like she is receiving great care. hugs to you and yours

  6. My prayers are with you.
    It all sounds like she is on the mend and improving.

    It seems to me that we live our lives when things are “normal” and then when illness, infirmity or disaster strikes we tend to look anxiously towards
    the time that things return to “normal”.

    I hope that your sister heals quickly and can get back to enjoying life,

    Ed

  8. All very good to hear. Thanks for keeping us in the loop.
    Hoping for continued improvement.
    (yes I will be praying too)

  9. I just want to extend my best wishes for your sister and all those who love her. I hope she recovers as completely as possible and as quickly as possible!

  11. Welcome news, indeed; I hope that your sister continues to improve, and will continue to keep my fingers crossed on her behalf…

  12. Thanks for the update, Steve! I hoping things continue to look up. She, you, and the family and friends are in my thoughts and best-wishes!!

  14. Agh, sorry things have been so frightening. No rejection has to be a good thing. I’m thinking of you all.

    P.

  17. Now that the problem has been pinned down, I hope it’s all recovery for her from here.

  20. Good to hear/read. Having been intubated for three weeks (was out of it most of the time, thankfully), it’s not as bad as it seems. Got very good at the etch-a-sketch. What you don’t want if you can help it is being really with it when the tube comes out. Still don’t have good memories of that, and it was almost forty years ago.

    Thinking positive thoughts, vibes headed up your way for all concerned.

  21. My condolences. It really sucks to have a sibling in the hospital for something so severe. I hope everything goes well from now on.

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