Wednesday, April 1

10am report: Overnight dad continued to do well. The plan today is to remove the intubation tube as dad has remained stable on low oxygen support. They have already began to reduce his sedation medication. He will continue on the Lasix as that is a diuretic (water pill) that prevents your body from absorbing too much salt. This allows the salt to instead be passed in your urine - which helps to stabilize the kidneys and flush his system. These are signs that we are moving in the right direction, however, remember we are not yet out of the woods. Fingers Crossed today - more to come…..

3.30pm report: A bit of good news but not much detail they are super busy over there in ICU but……..he has been extubated. The tube is out and his oxygen is at 97%. This is good news…. More details to follow.

7pm report: So the tube is out.. has been since 2pm. Dad is breathing with the nose oxygen tubes and appears to be comfortable and calm. He is off sedation, however it stays with you for a while so he is still quite out of it. The lungs are creating thick mucus that they are working with him to cough up - this is expected with this virus. So if the breathing continues along this path and the tube is out for at least 24 hours - they are able to transfer him to a step down unit. Of course, i was told that some people are finding it difficult to maintain oxygen levels off intubation and are having to be re intubated.. this is a possibility and of course, we are prepared for that.

10.30pm report: Dads is holding steady off of the intubation tube. With the decrease of sedation medications his heart rate is up a smidge, no concern, however they have moved him to an oxygen mask for comfort and to ensure to open up the lungs more. All oxygen levels have remained stable and are ‘beautiful’, said Nurse Diana, since the tube came out. When told that he had a tube in this morning he responded with ‘Oh i did?’. Nurse Diana said he was a bit feisty and animated while asking for ‘Joan’ and for ‘Water’. He is not ready for an orals yet as after intubation it takes a while to swallow and get your gag reflex back. This also, is all normal. His mucus has lessened and has thinned out, making it easy for them to suction and even help him spit it up when needed. Tonight they will give him bits of Ativan to help him rest comfortably overnight and tomorrow will lessen those dosages once again. The nurse suggested she bring the phone to him tomorrow so we can chat with him… We cant wait!!!

My dog Jessie got a new Avocado plush toy today - she loves it..