October 5, 2008

ICU day 3

Can it be? Today we are halfway through our hospital stay. We hope. Last night was the worst yet. Sally's developed a tolerance for her pain medications and wasn't on oral medications yet (which last longer). She spent a good part of the night moaning, crying, and chanting something in a language I couldn't understand. I told the nurse she was singing an Ethiopian mourning song and he thought I was serious. Nevertheless, she was upset, we were upset and there wasn't a thing we could do. She wanted to move, move, move and finally moved herself out of her splint to the point of screaming with discomfort. Neither the nurse nor I (in my cognizant state) could understand right away what she was so upset about. Once we saw what had happened I almost lost it. I keep picturing these precariously positioned ribs getting jarred by a false move. We managed to safely manuever her into the splint and she fell asleep.

She got rid of all tubing from her nose yesterday (joy, joy!). Today, she starts eating again. After last night, the doc has started her on codiene by mouth in addition to the IV meds. She took that (with much pleading and prodding) and then had a popsicle. Life is good. She's been waiting for popsicles since Thursday. We haven't heard nary a moan for at least 2 hours. Where was the peace last night?

Still waiting on the chest tube to come out tomorrow (if she keeps up with her great progess) then we can get out of ICU. Not that I'm terribly anxious to get out of here. We've scored the biggest room. We have extra beds so Seth and I can stay in the room all night. The big kids have come by daily to visit with Sally and it's uplifted her spirits to see them. She's trying really hard and so are they. The child life specialists have an activity room and library for the hospitalized kids and siblings. We take turns with one or two kids in ICU while someone else plays in the activity room. That has been a blessing. I probably wouldn't get to see the kids at all if we didn't have that room. They can only sit in a hospital room for so long before anxiety kicks in. Josiah, for obvious reasons, has only been in for a few minutes to see Sally. I took a picture of Sally yesterday with Ella, when she looked at it she made me take another so she could smile. It looks like a grimace, but I'll post it when I get a chance.

ICU doc just visited. She's "doing beautifully". I'm trying not to think about the 'what might have been' and just thank God for what is right now.

10 comments:

Amanda said...

still praying for your little one!

Anonymous said...

we are still praying, hang in there!!!!You'll be home soon:-)

Anonymous said...

Thank God for "what it is" and thank God for good pain medications. Woo Hoo! Are you saying Salomae wanted the picture re-taken? Wow! That's cool!

Vicki

Unknown said...

I woke up from a sound sleep last night (this morning) at 3:43 a.m. and didn't know why, but thought perhaps Salomae needed some prayer. Could this have been about the time she was struggling with the splint? I prayed for her, and you and Seth, until I fell back asleep. Hope today has gone smoother. We will keep praying for you all, and can't wait to see you back at church.

Sue

Anonymous said...

You continue to be in my prayers. I am so glad that Sally is doing well. Many times we give our kids that we do spine surgery on a form of muscle relaxer...Vistaril in addition to the oral pain medication. Sometimes that helps them to relax. Also, there is a medication out there called Capital with Codeine. It does not have an alcohol taste to it. Once she is eating if she can maybe switch to pill form of meds and you can crush them and mix them with chocolate pudding or ice cream etc...Thanks for keeping us posted.
Kristy P

Rob and Candy said...

Apryl, So glad to hear that she's on an oral pain killer. I continue to pray for all of you. My prayer tonight is a peaceful sleep for you and Sally.
xxoo
candy

Anonymous said...

You guys are such an amazing example of the grace of God - He will continue to give you and sweet Sally grace to overcome it all! So happy to hear that she's medically doing wonderfully...we continue to pray for her rest, peace and healing to come quickly!

Anna said...

We are some of your AWAA YG friends and we are praying with you!!! We are praying for small (yet BIG) goals to continue to be accomplished, for Sally and you to have peace and understanding as you go on and for the encouragement of the Lord to meet you at every bend. with so much love and continued prayers...Steve & Anna

Danielle said...

Apryl,
I just wanted you to know we are now a part of your prayer team as well. Praying for that stomach tube removal and getting out of the ICU tomorrow. May the peace of God give you exactly what you all need...sleep, I'm guessing, for one. I'm also praying that the "what might have been" will bring joy, love, and a realization of God's goodness instead of pain and torment. Love, Danielle

Anonymous said...

Apryl,
So glad to read that Sally is doing well. I can't imagine having to see my child go through all that! Just to let you know - Ella did amazingly well yesterday in JR Church. Didn't even have to talk to her :) Keep up the good work and we're still keeping you all before the throne!!
Sarah K.