Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Shannon's waking up!!

Nothing but good news from rounds today.

Not only is Shannon continuing to cough spontaneously from time to time, but this morning she turned her head while the nurse was suctioning out her nose. Her pupils have become more reactive albeit sluggish. Then on rounds she moved (withdrew to pain) her right leg and shrugged both shoulders! These are the first signs that not only is the sedation wearing off but also giving us a picture of her neurologic function and slow recovery. As the sedation wears off and she begins to recover, we would expect her to first withdraw (or move away from painful stimulus), then localize (move toward the pain), then move spontaneously, and then follow commands. On rounds they turned down her versed and fentanyl medications to lighten up her sedation. Hopefully her ICPs will stay down and we will begin to see more motor functions.

Everything else is going well too. She is maintaining adequate blood pressures so they have stopped the BP medication (norepinephrine). They are also going to begin to increase her tube feedings as she is having more signs of bowel function. They are starting to wean her off the ventilator support and hopefully as the sedation continues to be weaned, we will begin to see spontaneous breathing. She did have a fever last night which is not unexpected as she has multiple reasons to be febrile. All her cultures have been negative except the lungs and she is on appropriate antibiotics for that. All good things. Baby steps, small miracles, tender mercies....

9 comments:

  1. This is so great!!! Get better Shannon!!!

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  2. Robyn and I read daily and are very encouraged by the progress. Shannon and your entire family are in our prayers each and every day!

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  3. Way to go Shannon! This news will keep me smiling all day! I believe in miracles!

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  4. Had to call Nephi at work and tell him the news! We are so excited. We can't stop thinking about all of you.

    Clare and Nephi Moon

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  5. So good to hear great news :) You're all in our prayers! Love you all.

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  6. First I do in the mornings is check the "blog". So good to hear things improving. Way to go Shannon. Judy

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  7. It is all up from here. So happy to hear the news. Those meds really are very valuable for a time but when you can get her off them safely, she will be herself again, I know it. I am praying everyday for Shannon and for you, her parents. I feel like I know Shannon. There will be brighter days from here on out, I promise. She will make it, I know. If you want to talk, my phone # is 801-486-1794.

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  8. YEA SHANNON!!!! I am so happy! Before you know it, you'll be fingerpainting and shopping for cheap stuff again. YEA! Keep up the good work. I believe in miracles!

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  9. Shannon girl, I see Waterskiing in your future! I just so happen to know a good boat driver waiting for you. Keep fightin'!!

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