7/29 - PM Update
"If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion." --- Dalai Lama
Good afternoon for those of us on the west coast and good evening for those on the east. Stacey is steady and strong today and Amy got on her flight and should be back in the Bay Area shortly.
When I talked to my parents tonight, they said that Stacey continues to do well and the doctor's are pleased. They are planning on her staying in the ICU unit for probably another week, but in 'step down' care which means not 1 to 1 care, more like 2 to 1, or 4 to 1 for the patient to nurse ratio. We believe she is on the 2 to 1 step down program right now.
Today the physical therapist worked with Stacey, standing up and doing some basic exercises. There will be physical therapy every day, we think tomorrow may include walking.
Also, Stacey still has the trach tube in her neck to help with breathing, but basically she has been breathing on her own with support from the machine, when needed. The respiratory therapist had her off of the machine completely for 45 minutes in the morning and 1 hour later in the day (100% breathing on her own). They supplement her breathing more at night so she can get a good night sleep and build her strength.
In closing, I wanted to mention that she was able to eat ice chips today. I know for her, this would be equivalent to a drink of the finest wine (if anyone knows my family!) or eating a fine steak or dessert. My sister had her mouth open wide for over 5 days with a respiratory tube down her throat, so being able to close your mouth or feed yourself ice chips and feel something besides tubes down your throat is huge. It's the little things that she is appreciating now, I'm sure...
We will hopefully get another "Doug" update later, that I will include in tomorrow's message.
In closing, I wish everyone a beautiful night to end this beautiful day. Please keep feeling Stacey's healing in your heart and know that blessing her is blessing ourselves.
Have a good night!
Marcey :)
THANK the gods!! Thats fantastic news!!!Ice chips are a HUGE deal in ICU. Man when I was in there ALL I wanted was someone to wash my hair and a few icechips to moisten my tongue. Small things sometimes have the greatest effects.
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