Day +23 Post Transplant, Efforts to Ween

It's been 2 full weeks in ICU now, and the graft from our donor has taken.  Clif's WBC count yesterday was 6.3 (thats normal range) oxygenation is 100%, platelets are 23 and his hemoglobin was 9.7.  The WBC and hemoglobin counts are very strong indicators that our German donors dna has grafted and not rejected.  

Currently, attempts are being made to reduce sedation and bring him slowly and gently out of his deep sleep.  The sedation level for most of his stay has been set at level 6, today it is at level 2.  The type of sedation Versed is one that takes a while to work its way out of the system.  The Respiration settings are being gently manipulated to allow Clif to exercise his diaphragm, not only is his body week, but his respiratory system is week as well.   The Respiration Machine was adjusted such that he was breathing on his own for 4 hours, it was than reset back to the assisted 12 breaths per minute and later adjusted down to 8 breaths per minute.  I am told this is like a gentle workout on the lungs.

During this time Clif has been opening his eyes, responding to commands to wiggle his toes or squeeze hands.  He has clearly communicated he is in no pain.  

His heart rate has been tackicardic (spontaneously fluctuating between 110-120) sinus rhythm is what we want.  He does have good periods of time where his heart rate slows to a normal pace.  But, he also has had 2 incidences where for a short period of one minute it dropped below a safe number.  For this reason the cardiologist on our team has set up a sort of external pace maker (a small leather pad about 6" in size that lays ontop of his chest) to monitor his heart while we continue attempts toward removal of intubation tube.  This is a safety measure to keep a very close eye on the heart activity.  They believe this inconsistant activity in the heart rate has occurred due to unbalanced electrolites caused by dialysis.  The electrolites are measured daily and watched closely as well.

The kidneys have not been inviited to ween yet.  I will keep you posted.

Because Clifs blood counts are in a range that is safe for him, some visitors have been allowed to come in his room.  Currently, anyone who enters is required to wear a yellow robe, mask and gloves due to previous C Diff diagnosis, a bacteria in the intestinal system.  For the duratioin of his stay, all guests will be required to suit up.   Dr Snyder our head oncologist/hemotologist shared this because It's a vey transferable bacteria for low immune persons.   I do ask that all visitors check in with me before coming.  Some stimulation is good, too much can be dangerous to him.

Thank you all for your prayers.

“Even though I walk

THROUGH the valley of the shadow of death,

I will fear no evil,

for you are with me;

your rod and your staff,

they comfort me."

Psalm 23:4  (Day 23) 

"Please note, I emphasize the word through, because we are not called to stay in the valley but to walk through the valley."