Dear Friends: They did a tracheostomy on Adam Sunday morning. X-rays showed he did indeed aspirate some of the vomit (sorry, hope you are not reading this around meal time). Since then he has had two x-rays showing his lungs improving. He is more comfortable without the big breathing tube going down his throat and is a little more alert. Since the trac bypasses the vocal cords Adam is unable to "speak." He does move his lips and we are starting to get the hang of lip reading. The nurses are fantastic about being able to do this, so be careful when you are talking across the room when nurses are present.
They do believe having the trac will make the weaning off the ventilator more successful. Obviously, the bit of levity indicates Adam has had a good day. His numbers are good and his blood gases are mostly within or close to the normal ranges. When the nurse was explaining the blood gas information to Dave, he said, "It's kind of like checking the chemicals in the swimming pool." The nurse thought and said, "Yeah, there are some similarities to that." Please remember to pray for Adam in that he does not develop any infections, his lungs continue to heal, and he regains his strength. Remember to pray for the staff there, especially his nurses: Justin, Tasha, Julie, Roy, Meghan, and Ashley, asking God to bless them. Today the physical therapy people told us they are preparing a list of rehab centers for Adam after he leaves University of Maryland Medical Center. He will be admitted to one of these which will be closer to our home. We don't know when that will be but like hearing them say, "When Adam is discharged..." It is amazing how good reports buoy one's spirits and we are thankful for each step Adam takes to getting out. Proverbs 15:30 (NIV) says, ...good news gives health to the bones. We confirm the truthfulness of that. Thanks again for your prayers and thoughtfulness, Dave and Lisa also Conor ************** Plan your next getaway with AOL Travel. Check out Today's Hot 5 Travel Deals! (http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/100000075x1212416248x1200771803/aol?redir=http://travel.aol.com/discount-travel?ncid=e mlcntustrav00000001)
