Thursday, December 4, 2008

Day 4 update

(Mike writing...) We arrived this a.m. and found Whitney sitting in a bouncy seat, wide awake on top of her bed. She has had several more tubes and wires removed. Her chest drainage tube, her left and right arterial pressure lines, her IV, her catheter, all have been removed since yesterday. The only thing left in her is her central line and some monitoring electrodes on her, as well as her NG feeding tube and oxygen in her nose.

We both got to hold Whitney in a rocking chair today. It was a good feeling to finally be able to hold her. She did get awfully upset/feisty later on in the afternoon when she had to have her NG tube reinserted and taped back down to her cheek after she yanked it out. She also seemed to have withdrawal from her sedatives as she writhed around and shrieked like a very mad little baby. After Whitney's hissy fit she slept VERY hard.

If all continues to go well with Whitney, we may get to move her out of the ICU and into the heart center tomorrow. Today was a very good day. Here are some pictures that show Whitney's latest progress.
Whitney with breathing tube (above)
Making progress... NO BREATHING TUBE :)

10 comments:

Jill said...

Way to go Whitney! Leave that feeding tube in though, so they can stop bugging you. Keep on getting stronger.

Ellen said...

Wow, she looks so great.

This is like the fiftieth time I've checked your blog today. I think you guys need to get on Twitter!

Laurie said...

Absolutely amazing! I have very similar pics of Dylan. I think the removal of the vent is a HUGE step!! WTG Whitney!

Anonymous said...

Whitney is doing so well!! I'm not surprised at all. Your blog has become my nightly ritual before I go to bed. I love reading everything and looking at your pics! I CANNOT believe the day you guys had with the xanax and the towing mishap. UNBELIEVABLE! We are still sending prayers your way!
Love, Angie & Andrew

RDKLEIN said...

I can tell from the photos how great it must have felt to hold her again! We are all pulling for you!

Anonymous said...

Dear Michael and Laura,
The pictures of you holding Whitney
are priceless..it says it all..
Love .Love ..Love and More Love.
God bless you.
Love, Aunt Kathy
So happy things are going better and
better!

EllenB said...

Hey guys I just found your blog. I am thinking about all of you and am so happy that Whitney is doing so well. Grandma Lynne has been keeping me posted. My love to you all. Ellen Bernstein

Rebecca said...

What an amazing feeling that must have been to get to hold her close again! I'm thrilled for you guys and for her wonderful progress. Children are amazing! I pray that things keep going on track for you all!

Anonymous said...

Glad things are humming along. The hospital has a way of making days seem eternal, so keep up the good work. We are praying for all of you.

Mervis said...

Great news guys... it must be so exciting to see more of her beautiful face. Keep clear of the Xanax and parking garages! xo The Gramelspachers