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.
16 April 2013 at 9:16 am
May there be only continued inprovement and smooth sailing from here. <3
16 April 2013 at 9:47 am
I don’t pray but it sounds like she’s improving, and I will keep her in my thoughts.
16 April 2013 at 9:51 am
Glad to hear she’s doing better – I know how scary this sort of thing can be, and hope things continue improve.
16 April 2013 at 9:54 am
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
16 April 2013 at 10:01 am
That sounds super encouraging! Yay!
16 April 2013 at 10:21 am
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
16 April 2013 at 11:22 am
That’s, if not exactly good, better. Better is good, at least as a trend.
16 April 2013 at 11:25 am
All very good to hear. Thanks for keeping us in the loop.
Hoping for continued improvement.
(yes I will be praying too)
16 April 2013 at 12:18 pm
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!
16 April 2013 at 12:24 pm
May all news from here on be good news…
16 April 2013 at 12:34 pm
Welcome news, indeed; I hope that your sister continues to improve, and will continue to keep my fingers crossed on her behalf…
16 April 2013 at 12:40 pm
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!!
16 April 2013 at 3:01 pm
Hoping it’ll all be good news from now on.
16 April 2013 at 4:34 pm
Agh, sorry things have been so frightening. No rejection has to be a good thing. I’m thinking of you all.
P.
16 April 2013 at 4:41 pm
I’m glad things seem to be improving. My hopes are with her.
16 April 2013 at 6:36 pm
So glad to hear that. Thinking of you and your sister, wishing for the best.
17 April 2013 at 9:12 am
Now that the problem has been pinned down, I hope it’s all recovery for her from here.
17 April 2013 at 1:32 pm
Keeping your sister, you and the rest of your family in my prayers.
18 April 2013 at 11:36 pm
Good thoughts coming your way
19 April 2013 at 8:45 pm
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.
25 April 2013 at 12:07 pm
My condolences. It really sucks to have a sibling in the hospital for something so severe. I hope everything goes well from now on.
29 April 2013 at 5:31 pm
How is Cynthia doing?
29 April 2013 at 10:22 pm
Really, really well. Out of the hospital, doing physical rehab, everything looks great.
30 April 2013 at 6:42 am
That’s good news, may she get well quickly!
Ed
30 April 2013 at 9:23 am
Whew
Really good to hear
thanks