Pete is completely exhausted because he still hasn't been able to stay asleep for any decent length of time and once again the sedatives don't seem to help him. He could not even manage to do physio today.
They have moved Pete to a private room, hoping that this will help him sleep. He is now in 3G2-02 at the University of Alberta Hospital - (thanks Ginny for reminding me to mention which hospital Pete was in) :)
Today they did a couple of procedures: They had to put the drainage tube back in the right side of his chest and they inserted a picc line up the arm and into the chest. Now they can draw blood and also give medications through this line. The plan is to have it in for about 3 months which will be much nicer than getting needle poked several times per day.
Mabel arrived this evening and will be spending a couple of days here. It's pretty special to have the company of my sisters.
Monday, March 30, 2015
Friday, March 27, 2015
Regular routine
Pete is doing really well and basically concentrates on exercising, resting and sleeping. Physio is a very important component of the healing process.
As care giver I also have to be taught along with Pete about the many changes in his life. But, we will take this all a day at a time.
My sister Mabel Roukema from BC will be arriving on Monday evening for a few days and we really look forward to her visit too :)
Seeing as the days from here on will be very similar, I think that maybe it's time to do a post every two or three days, rather than each day. Please feel free to just say "hi" or to add a comment for Pete to read.
We really appreciate the prayers,love and concern shown by so many.
Feeling very grateful for the many blessings received from our Heavenly Father.
As care giver I also have to be taught along with Pete about the many changes in his life. But, we will take this all a day at a time.
My sister Mabel Roukema from BC will be arriving on Monday evening for a few days and we really look forward to her visit too :)
Seeing as the days from here on will be very similar, I think that maybe it's time to do a post every two or three days, rather than each day. Please feel free to just say "hi" or to add a comment for Pete to read.
We really appreciate the prayers,love and concern shown by so many.
Feeling very grateful for the many blessings received from our Heavenly Father.
Thursday, March 26, 2015
Settled in
Pete's been busy this morning. Physio has him walking the hallways already (not an easy task) and if that isn't enough, Ena and I couldn't wait to wash his hair.
The nurse thankfully removed the feeding tube from Pete's nose and now he can enjoy eating once again.
Ena's time here is over all to quickly and this evening she is on her way back to BC. We had a wonderful time "sister bonding". Thanks Ena for keeping me company and for giving Pete some nursing care :) We even managed to get a Costco trip in!
7.00 pm
Finally Pete is in the ward where he belongs and will get the specialized care that he needs.
He is in the University of Alberta Hospital, "inpatient transplant unit" - 3G2-24 #1. This is the same room he was in when we first came in.
The amazing thing is that sharing the room with Pete is another fellow transplant patient Al and his wife Cheryl, whom we met in the gym back in May of 2014. Also in the ICU along with Pete was another person from our group, Ron who just received a lung transplant too. Quite the re-union!
Pete feels really good and feeling very grateful.
All praise, honour and glory to God Alone.
The nurse thankfully removed the feeding tube from Pete's nose and now he can enjoy eating once again.
Ena's time here is over all to quickly and this evening she is on her way back to BC. We had a wonderful time "sister bonding". Thanks Ena for keeping me company and for giving Pete some nursing care :) We even managed to get a Costco trip in!
7.00 pm
Finally Pete is in the ward where he belongs and will get the specialized care that he needs.
He is in the University of Alberta Hospital, "inpatient transplant unit" - 3G2-24 #1. This is the same room he was in when we first came in.
The amazing thing is that sharing the room with Pete is another fellow transplant patient Al and his wife Cheryl, whom we met in the gym back in May of 2014. Also in the ICU along with Pete was another person from our group, Ron who just received a lung transplant too. Quite the re-union!
Pete feels really good and feeling very grateful.
All praise, honour and glory to God Alone.
Wednesday, March 25, 2015
The move...
3.30 pm
Pete has left the ICU and now has a bed for a day or so on the cardiac ward, because they are still waiting for a bed to open up in the transplant unit.
He is doing well and enjoying the relaxed atmosphere on the ward. Just a few less bells and whistles surrounding his bed and he's planning to have a good sleep.
Pete enjoyed the time with his two brothers Gary & John. Gary's already on his way back to Ontario.
Ena & I enjoyed the day just being together at the apartment and spending time with Pete. Being a nurse, Ena couldn't help but aid the nurses in Pete's care. The fun part was watching Pete's reaction.
Pete has left the ICU and now has a bed for a day or so on the cardiac ward, because they are still waiting for a bed to open up in the transplant unit.
He is doing well and enjoying the relaxed atmosphere on the ward. Just a few less bells and whistles surrounding his bed and he's planning to have a good sleep.
Pete enjoyed the time with his two brothers Gary & John. Gary's already on his way back to Ontario.
Ena & I enjoyed the day just being together at the apartment and spending time with Pete. Being a nurse, Ena couldn't help but aid the nurses in Pete's care. The fun part was watching Pete's reaction.
Tuesday, March 24, 2015
Good news
8.00 am
Pete has made enough progress to be transferred from the ICU to the transplant ward as soon as a bed is available.
We give thanks to the Lord for this blessing.
11.45 am
Pete is having issues with his breathing and they decide to do a chest x-ray because they figure he has fluid in his lungs.
As it turns out the problem was caused yesterday when they put the drainage tube in his chest. Air had gotten in and was pressing against the lung and had caused it to partially collapse. This also shows that Pete isn't breathing deep enough yet and filling the lungs.
But they took care of it, gave Pete a major dose of oxygen for a few hours along with some good rest.
Meanwhile I had gone to the airport and picked up my Ena. Since then we have gone back to Neerlandia, dropped by to see the children, did some laundry and picked up some things I liked to have for the apartment. We just got back.
It's kinda of special that Pete's brother Gary also arrived this evening. I was out "gallivanting" and he spent time with Pete.
Pete has made enough progress to be transferred from the ICU to the transplant ward as soon as a bed is available.
We give thanks to the Lord for this blessing.
11.45 am
Pete is having issues with his breathing and they decide to do a chest x-ray because they figure he has fluid in his lungs.
As it turns out the problem was caused yesterday when they put the drainage tube in his chest. Air had gotten in and was pressing against the lung and had caused it to partially collapse. This also shows that Pete isn't breathing deep enough yet and filling the lungs.
But they took care of it, gave Pete a major dose of oxygen for a few hours along with some good rest.
Meanwhile I had gone to the airport and picked up my Ena. Since then we have gone back to Neerlandia, dropped by to see the children, did some laundry and picked up some things I liked to have for the apartment. We just got back.
It's kinda of special that Pete's brother Gary also arrived this evening. I was out "gallivanting" and he spent time with Pete.
Monday, March 23, 2015
Doing well
This morning they noticed that Pete's breathing was a bit laboured, so using a local anaesthetic they re-inserted a drainage tube into the right side of his chest and it's draining nicely.
The physio therapists come in each day and work on exercising Pete's limbs.
Pete continues to just rest and once in awhile wakes up, smiles and asks what we are up to. Then it's off to la la land again.
Dennis is on his way to visit and to take Rob back home.
Couldn't ask for a more wonderful day.
The physio therapists come in each day and work on exercising Pete's limbs.
Pete continues to just rest and once in awhile wakes up, smiles and asks what we are up to. Then it's off to la la land again.
Dennis is on his way to visit and to take Rob back home.
Couldn't ask for a more wonderful day.
Sunday, March 22, 2015
Prayers answered
4.45 pm
Pete has finally fallen asleep. This is so awesome and the most important thing that he needs at this time. So thankful for that blessing. Just imagine, awake for a week after what he went through!!!
I tip toed out of the room and headed to the apartment, so Rob & I could have our supper and simply relax.
Physically Pete is healing quite well.
It felt like we were riding a roller coaster this past week, not really knowing what to expect around the next corner. We pray that this new week will be one of restful healing.
Was good to tune into the Chilliwack church service this morning.
My sister Ena Bontkes from BC will be here from Tuesday noon till Thursday evening. Quite excited about that :)
9.00 pm
Spent some time this evening reading in Pete's room, while listening to the soft rhythmic breathing of my husband still sleeping peacefully. Found myself smiling as I was walking to the apartment :) Thankful for the little things we so often take for granted.
Goodnight to all!
Pete has finally fallen asleep. This is so awesome and the most important thing that he needs at this time. So thankful for that blessing. Just imagine, awake for a week after what he went through!!!
I tip toed out of the room and headed to the apartment, so Rob & I could have our supper and simply relax.
Physically Pete is healing quite well.
It felt like we were riding a roller coaster this past week, not really knowing what to expect around the next corner. We pray that this new week will be one of restful healing.
Was good to tune into the Chilliwack church service this morning.
My sister Ena Bontkes from BC will be here from Tuesday noon till Thursday evening. Quite excited about that :)
9.00 pm
Spent some time this evening reading in Pete's room, while listening to the soft rhythmic breathing of my husband still sleeping peacefully. Found myself smiling as I was walking to the apartment :) Thankful for the little things we so often take for granted.
Goodnight to all!
Saturday, March 21, 2015
It's been a week already
Pete will remain in the ICU for a bit yet.
We thank each and everyone for keeping Pete and our family close in your hearts and prayers.
Not sure if I mentioned it or not, but we have rented an apartment right behind the hospital. Rob is spending this week-end here with me.
We know that the Lord is watching over us and helping us to remain strong. Psalm 121 is such a comfort, reminding us that we are not alone.
Friday, March 20, 2015
A long day
Two steps forward, 1 step backwards...
Hopefully Pete will get his much needed healing rest tonight.
Till tomorrow!
Hopefully Pete will get his much needed healing rest tonight.
Till tomorrow!
Thursday, March 19, 2015
The next phase
Last night at 10.00 they removed the breathing tube and Pete's expression was one of relief and thankfulness. But this morning he said he'd had a rough night.
Pete only remembers having to work really hard to breathe for many years and now it's difficult for him to relax and allow his new lungs to do the work for him. They have a new rule in place now, that after coming off the ventilator, every patient has to be aided with oxygen for 24 - 48 hrs.
Frustration, hallucinations and other factors all come into play, be it from medication or lack of restful sleep. Tonight they'll be giving him something to help him get that much needed sleep. I must say that the care given in the ICU is excellent.
We continue to give thanks and praise to our heavenly Father.
Pete only remembers having to work really hard to breathe for many years and now it's difficult for him to relax and allow his new lungs to do the work for him. They have a new rule in place now, that after coming off the ventilator, every patient has to be aided with oxygen for 24 - 48 hrs.
Frustration, hallucinations and other factors all come into play, be it from medication or lack of restful sleep. Tonight they'll be giving him something to help him get that much needed sleep. I must say that the care given in the ICU is excellent.
We continue to give thanks and praise to our heavenly Father.
Wednesday, March 18, 2015
Getting stronger.....
.......and the healing continues. The bronchial check that they did this morning found some blockages, cleared them and now Pete is doing most of the breathing himself and the ventilator is helping him minimally, just giving some extra help here and there :) So, he remains intubated for a little bit yet.
Peter always was better at playing Charades than me, so it takes me awhile to catch on to what he's asking for.......but, we manage!
They also have removed a number of chest drains today, which is a good sign.
Pete's retaining a lot of fluid yet and that's partly due to his kidneys having taken a bit of a hit during the surgery. Ex-rays this morning showed that they are coming around.
Our daughter Suzanne could not be here with her dad because "baby" is due really soon and Brad left for home again this morning.
So long for now.
Peter always was better at playing Charades than me, so it takes me awhile to catch on to what he's asking for.......but, we manage!
They also have removed a number of chest drains today, which is a good sign.
Pete's retaining a lot of fluid yet and that's partly due to his kidneys having taken a bit of a hit during the surgery. Ex-rays this morning showed that they are coming around.
Our daughter Suzanne could not be here with her dad because "baby" is due really soon and Brad left for home again this morning.
So long for now.
Tuesday, March 17, 2015
A New Day....
This morning Pete was in good spirits and seemed a bit more alert.
The physio therapists are starting with the exercise routine already.....which is a very important step in the healing process. It's a bit difficult yet because of the fluid retention, plus Pete was able to sit up at the side of the bed for a bit which helps in getting things moving in his chest.
Pete remains on the ventilator because he simply doesn't have the strength to breathe deep enough on his own yet. This could take some time yet and is to be expected.
All in all, so much to be thankful for. We are very grateful to you all for keeping Pete and our family close in your thoughts and prayers.
Have a blessed day
The physio therapists are starting with the exercise routine already.....which is a very important step in the healing process. It's a bit difficult yet because of the fluid retention, plus Pete was able to sit up at the side of the bed for a bit which helps in getting things moving in his chest.
Pete remains on the ventilator because he simply doesn't have the strength to breathe deep enough on his own yet. This could take some time yet and is to be expected.
All in all, so much to be thankful for. We are very grateful to you all for keeping Pete and our family close in your thoughts and prayers.
Have a blessed day
Monday, March 16, 2015
It's a beautiful sunny day......
.....and when we walked into the ICU this morning, Pete greeted us with a smile.
We have so much to be grateful for and at the same are prepared for the bumpy road ahead.
Will post updates as we get them.
Take care
We have so much to be grateful for and at the same are prepared for the bumpy road ahead.
Will post updates as we get them.
Take care
Sunday, March 15, 2015
A 2nd surgery
The very busy staff forgot to tell us that Pete was back in ICU so all in all the surgery took about 1.5 hours and it was just as they thought. The area on the ride side of Pete's body where the lungs had adhered them self, was bleeding from the scraping needed to release them.
So they clotted that area and while they were inside any ways they took the opportunity to give the chest a saline cleaning. That can only be a good thing :)
They also have said that Pete is oxygenating very well.
The children came this morning and when we went into the ICU the monitors became just a bit more active. A good sign. Pete even managed to open his eyes and move his feet.......and then proceeded to fall asleep again. We think......maybe he was still able to hear us.
Right now he is having a bronchial scope done to check and clean the lungs.
Pete's brother John and his wife Yvonne spent the morning with us too........thanks!
Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
So they clotted that area and while they were inside any ways they took the opportunity to give the chest a saline cleaning. That can only be a good thing :)
They also have said that Pete is oxygenating very well.
The children came this morning and when we went into the ICU the monitors became just a bit more active. A good sign. Pete even managed to open his eyes and move his feet.......and then proceeded to fall asleep again. We think......maybe he was still able to hear us.
Right now he is having a bronchial scope done to check and clean the lungs.
Pete's brother John and his wife Yvonne spent the morning with us too........thanks!
Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
7 hours later....
At 10.15 pm Pete is out of surgery. At this point the doctor's said that it had gone well and that Pete had received a good set of lungs.
We go into ICU for about 1 hr. They are very busy trying to stabilize Pete and are keeping him in a induced sleep. So we head off to have a normal sleep in the out patient dorms.
This morning at 6.00 I get a call saying that they are taking Pete back into surgery at 7.00.
Pete keeps bleeding from his right side and they keep pumping new blood into him. This in turn makes it difficult to keep his blood pressure under control.
Surgery should just take a couple of hrs.
We go into ICU for about 1 hr. They are very busy trying to stabilize Pete and are keeping him in a induced sleep. So we head off to have a normal sleep in the out patient dorms.
This morning at 6.00 I get a call saying that they are taking Pete back into surgery at 7.00.
Pete keeps bleeding from his right side and they keep pumping new blood into him. This in turn makes it difficult to keep his blood pressure under control.
Surgery should just take a couple of hrs.
Saturday, March 14, 2015
It's happening.....
Pete is in surgery. They came for him at 3.00 pm and we left Pete at the operating theater at 3.15 pm.
The estimated time for surgery is 8 - 10 hours.
Brad arrived this morning from Chilliwack, BC and is staying here with me.
The other children have gone home to be with their families.
We give praise to God alone that this is possible and that He will watch over Pete and guide the hands of the doctors and all who are caring over Pete.
Pete got the call
In less than a day, Pete has already received the call. We arrived at the hospital at about 7.30 pm and they are busy preparing Pete for surgery. At this point the surgery is scheduled for this afternoon.
We still have to be prepared that at the last minute as they retrieve the lungs from the donor, that the lungs are not acceptable. This is called a "dry run".
I will let you know at that point what is happening.
Friday, March 13, 2015
The time has come......
......and yes, Pete has made the decision to activate and is now ready to receive a double lung transplant.
Pete flew to Ontario at the end of February to celebrate his brother Gary's 65th birthday and visit with his family and especially to spend time with our daughter Suzanne and her family. He felt pretty good when he was there, but by the time he arrived back in Edmonton he had gotten the flu and from there everything just spiralled downward.
A visit with the family doctor and the usual prescriptions of steroids and antibiotics along with oxygen gave him some relief, but his oxygen absorption continued to stay very low and his color was not good.
Thankfully he was due to meet with the Lung Transplant Team for his regular review. The Pulmonary Function test was done and the numbers weren't good.
Before we went into the city, Pete had already decided for himself that it was time and the doctors didn't hesitate to agree with him.
Now as I've mentioned before, we have to stay close to home and the waiting begins. The call can come tomorrow, in a week, a month or a year. Pete is at peace with the decision and we continue to leave everything in the Lord's hand.
Pete flew to Ontario at the end of February to celebrate his brother Gary's 65th birthday and visit with his family and especially to spend time with our daughter Suzanne and her family. He felt pretty good when he was there, but by the time he arrived back in Edmonton he had gotten the flu and from there everything just spiralled downward.
A visit with the family doctor and the usual prescriptions of steroids and antibiotics along with oxygen gave him some relief, but his oxygen absorption continued to stay very low and his color was not good.
Thankfully he was due to meet with the Lung Transplant Team for his regular review. The Pulmonary Function test was done and the numbers weren't good.
Before we went into the city, Pete had already decided for himself that it was time and the doctors didn't hesitate to agree with him.
Now as I've mentioned before, we have to stay close to home and the waiting begins. The call can come tomorrow, in a week, a month or a year. Pete is at peace with the decision and we continue to leave everything in the Lord's hand.
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