We're hoping this is our lucky 13 today. The doctors came on rounds and have determined that they can try to take the breathing tube out a little later this morning. They did an echo of the diaphram just to make sure it was not damaged, and it looked OK, so they think they can go ahead.
Before they extubate they are also going to try to take a couple of his chest tubes out. His post-op drainage seems to be fine. They can do this before his pain medications are lowered a little post extubation.
After they extubate I think they will work him pretty hard with his breathing therapy, and they will put him back on the BiPAP for a while which will support his own breathing. It's a big, clunky mask, so we'll hope that he'll tolerate it this time around.
I believe the next 24 hours will be fairly nerve-racking as we watch for signs that he's on the road to a more permanent recovery. Thanks for including us in your morning and daylong prayers.
We are constantly thinking of you and praying for Ben and the rest of the family and staff of the hospital. We are hopeful that this is going to be the lucky day for Ben and his breathing.
ReplyDeleteWe will be eagerly waiting for news.
Love to all. Mom (Grandma)
Tell Ben that my husband, David, and some other people at HACOB wear those big clunky masks at night to help them breathe, so now he is part of the club! Kim Ebersole
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