We're talking a major comeback here. Her ventilator was turned off for three hours yesterday evening with no decrease in blood oxygen levels, a major accomplishment considering just a few hours earlier, she could only breathe on her own for 20 minutes. Then when they turned the ventilator back on, they left it at 8 breaths per minute, meaning she was taking every other breath on her own.
Today, they put the ventilator into CPAP mode which means it's functioning just like it would for a sleep apnea patient. This is nearly the last step before removing the breathing tube entirely.
Her blood pressure and kidney output remains strong and she's finally getting rid of the 2.5 gallons of fluid she's been retaining since the surgery.
She may be off the ventilator entirely by tomorrow, or Monday at the latest, barring a set back.
Posted by Rich at April 28, 2007 11:51 PM | TrackBackWonderful news!
I know how this mother thing works...my mom had lung cancer and part of her lower bowel removed about 3 years ago. It was a tough year on her and us.
Posted by: Mushy on April 29, 2007 4:51 PM