SATURDAY EVENING ICU UPDATE: Rhonda started out having a good day. The goal was to extubate her from the vent if possible. The respiratory therapists did a series of spontaneous breathing trials to see if she could sustain her own respirations. She failed the initial trial as I reported in the mid-afternoon update. However, she did well in the two ensuing trials, maintaining a healthy arterial blood gas. Hence, the vent settings were lowered to the point just before an extubation is initiated. After remaining in that setting for about an hour with another strong AGB meeting the protocol for extubation, the respiratory therapists removed the breathing tube. I was present for this procedure. What transpired from that point forward made for one of the most emotionally grueling afternoons in my 50 years of living. It quickly became apparent that Rhonda was not ready for extubation. The CO2 levels began to rise to unsafe levels in her body as she simply was unable to adequately oxygenate and ventiliate her body so as to safely exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide. Her thoracic surgeon, Dr. Jay Isbell, acted quickly to instruct the respiratory therapists to provide a bipap mask and machine as a bridge measure to see if she could sustain normal respirations. She quickly tired, demonstrating her inability to keep pace. So, a team was assembled and Rhonda was reintubated again bed-side. Needless to say, she was exhausted physically, leaving me emotionally vulnerable as there is no feeling like seeing your beloved spouse struggling to breathe and unable to inhale and exhale as a healthy person. I am realizing just how much we take for granted in life. I am reminded that it is the Lord who gives breath and life. He has graciously provided breath and life to Rhonda once again. She is stable, but guarded. The CO2 levels in her body have returned to a normal range. But her white blood count has risen to 28K. She has received another bronchoscopy in an effort to help clear the bronchi in her lungs of any lingering fluids. Her condition is tenuous with many decisions to be made as we move into the Lords Day and a new week. The medical team was gracious to allow me stay by her bedside, holding her hand in mine, for most of the procedures that had to be engaged this evening. I write this update as a broken man with tender sentiments as my wifes life literally hangs in the balance; yet, I know that my Redeemer lives and that He has the power and the authority to heal. So, with a companion who reassured me just moments ago that she is still fighting, and with a God who is for us and not against us, I am still praying and believing that Rhonda shall yet come through this valley of death onto the other side of abundant life here on this earth by my side to fulfill the purpose for which our God brought us together and made us one. Thank you for every remembrance of us on tomorrow, the Lords Day, as you gather with other believers of like precious faith. We love you and thank God for your commitment to stand with us. We shall overcome!
Posted on: Sun, 17 Aug 2014 02:12:59 +0000
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