Tuesday, March 31

10am report: Nurse Jeff is working with dad again today. He said that things were pretty uneventful overnight. He did require a bit more sedation as on his current low dose sedation meds he is currently on, he gets agitated by the intubation tube, as anyone would. In order to keep his breathing in sync with the ventilator, a sedation bolster is needed and that does its job. His oxygen support has been dropped successfully and they will continue to work on that today. The x-rays show not much movement, however it is a slow indicator and can show a few days lag. It is relevant to show that all lines are in appropriate positions especially since they are working to suction out as much gunk as they can to help clear the lungs. Kidneys and heart still holding strong. The COVID-19 virus attacks the lungs.. so the main job here is to support the lunch function, clear up this new strain of pneumonia and keep the air flowing in and out. This time on the ventilator allows for the lungs to heal. Lets hope we continue to make progress today.

family update: They are thinking about putting dad on a low dose Ativan drip to help provide a bit more sedation in conjunction with the current sedation med (Precedex) which is a conscious sedation med - really allowing him to just relax. Goal is to limit his waking episodes when he tries to grab the tube. He is restrained and cant reach the tube, just as a precaution. I asked if they knew if the virus still was present and would they know that? He thought that there is no way to know an they will not test at all in the near future - primary goal is to maximize lung function damage as caused by the virus. The antivirals (med concoctions) have been extended from 5 - 10 days and as long as dad holds steady - they might assume it is working but there is no way to know exactly. He is so nice - he is sending me over a photo soon - not sure what of though… They LOVED the shake shack - was a hit…

This is Nurse Jeff Collins....

7pm report: Dr Mazo just got off the phone… good news.. they were able to decrease his ventilator support to almost normal breathing today. Tomorrow they plan to wake him on low sedation and with less ventilator support - they are ready for that trial - knowing we are not out of the woods. All other markers for time being holding steady. Lets go Dad. Fight this virus!!!