This is a summary of Dad’s condition and progress in the ICU
Presented by Dr Nina Civil, last night (Wednesday)
Background
Dad was admitted to the ICU on 29 July 2008 following heart bypass surgery.
He had surgery because of a heart attack in July 2007 which was followed by regular angina pain, and investigations showed that he had sever disease of the blood vessels to the heart
He some bleeding during the operation and also had to go back to the operating theatre because of bleeding from the sternal bone in the chest. This is not unusual.
He has been slow to recover from the operation and many parts of his body have been affected.
Brain
He is awake and able to communicate with us. He cant talk because of the breathing tube. He responds to medical staff and moves his arms and legs when asked to. He seems bright and happy today - I think it is because he is surrounded by his mokopuna (Wednesday 6th).
Lungs
Dad needs assistance to breathe and is hooked up to a breathing tube and ventilator machine - he also needs extra oxygen. Oxygen is required because of the fluid on the lung (pulmonary oedema), because his heart is not beating as strong as it might.
There are three (3), which help drain the build up of fluid:
1. Medication – Frusimide
2. Suction using the ventilator
3. Dialysis – to help the kidneys to its job
According to reports, Dad is choosing when to breathe – the machine ‘puffs’ and extra bit of oxygen into his lungs when he breathes in and out. Dr Civil suggested that if Dad needs the ventilator for much longer he may be better off with a tracheostomy tube attached to his neck.
Heart
Dad’s heart is not beating as strongly or as rhythmically as it should. This is partly and old problem, with some recently complications. This is also the cause of his lung problems. He is receiving some medication to help the heart mend itself – now medical staff is waiting to see if the heart will mend itself.
His blood pressure is good and he does not required medication to keep the blood pressure up
Kidneys
His kidneys are making some urine but is not working as well as it could. Dialysis machine is being used to assist in its function. Medical staff are unsure at this stage whether his kidneys will recover.
Overall
Dad has not recovered as quickly or as smoothly as we or the medical staff have hoped. He has had many setbacks while in ICU. At the moment he is making progress. According to Dr Civil, things can change at any time for ICU patients and there is still a possibility that Dad could die from all his problems.
There is a small window of hope
2 comments:
Tena koe Hauiti
Only just hooked up to your blog page and glad to hear the latest update. Despite all the complications your dad is experiencing, his mokopuna seem to be the shining light and that is a good response. Kia kaha mai koutou.
God bless
Aunty Nola & Uncle Jim
Kia ora e te Whanau!
Well snow has appeared and dusting itself upon Mt Cargill, thus its chilly and wet but we are keeping ourselves warm in doors.
I have popped into Kohanga to do a few things along with checking out this blog and catching up on whats been happening up there.
The tamariki Ripeka, Punawai, Whitikaupeka and Te Matapihi-o-Rehua desire so much to be there with you all, they are forever asking "when are we going?" "Taihoa, not yet!" is not an answer they want to hear or accept but nevertheless we are still here in Dunedin. They are envious of you all and are full of questions and thoughts of you all. I think I'll give Ripeka my phone to text Tereinamu so that they can all catch up.
It is heartbreaking not to be there but it is also good to know that slowly and surely dad is improving.
Our love to you all, especially to you Dad, Koro.
Arohanui
Toni, Ripeka-Lee, Punawai, Whitikaupeka and Te Matapihi-o-Rehua
Post a Comment