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Post by Blossom/Jackie W. on Jul 3, 2007 17:17:09 GMT -5
Hey Cheryl; I wouldn't know, but I suspect he's been on a vent...that might explain it.
It sounds as if though he's doing just GREAT! That's a blessing. A dbl lung tx is no small feat by any stretch of the imagination....
Good for him!
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Post by morningstar on Jul 3, 2007 21:27:36 GMT -5
Cheryl,
I didn't know it either. But, what Jackie said is true. The vent is more than likely what they had him on and then it would make sense. Please tell all the family they are still being thought and prayed about.
Rose
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Post by cheryl on Jul 7, 2007 18:49:25 GMT -5
I heard a bit more about Ken. They are still waking him up very slowly. He wakes up for a few moments, looks around and then falls back asleep. BTW Ellen, I think it is Dr. Waddell. He told Ken's wife that the reason they wake them so slowly is because if the patient is to wake fully all at once, he would panic seeing all the machinery he is hooked up to. Waking them slowly gives them time to adjust. They want to take the tube (vent maybe?) out of his throat and give him a traech because the tube is irritating his throat. If something is going to go wrong it will happen in the first 4 weeks. He is sharing a room with a gentleman that had the same operation. So far he is doing well.
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Post by Blossom/Jackie W. on Jul 7, 2007 19:44:19 GMT -5
It sounds very good Cheryl....GOOD FOR HIM! Keep us posted as he progresses please....
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Post by cocojax on Jul 7, 2007 21:01:52 GMT -5
What good news Cheryl, when Harry and I meant Dr. Waddell I had a really good feeling about him, he really cares, very nice man...thanks so much for the updates Cheryl...
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Post by cheryl on Jul 13, 2007 18:43:17 GMT -5
My MIL called the hospital to ask how Ken is doing. The nurse said that he is doing much better than last week. He is still on the vent (I'm assuming they have that hooked up to the traech) Anyone know how that works? He's off the blood pressure medication now, so that's good. He's awake a little more often, but still is sleeping alot. The nurse said that he still has a long journey ahead of him.
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Post by morningstar on Jul 13, 2007 18:50:59 GMT -5
Cheryl,
Sounds like he is doing fine. I pray he continues on the same path.
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Post by Blossom/Jackie W. on Jul 13, 2007 20:21:37 GMT -5
Those are positive signs Cheryl. Thanks you for letting us know. All the best to him and your family.
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Post by cocojax on Jul 13, 2007 20:35:58 GMT -5
That is really great news Cheryl, day at a time. He is doing so well..my best to you and your family...
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Post by cheryl on Jul 18, 2007 12:21:05 GMT -5
Another update: Ken had some company today and he was concious while his company was there and seemed to be fine. When the people left his heart started to race very quickly and the nurses had to give him a sedative and start him on steroids. (Not sure how accurate the info is, because it's not coming directly from the nurses this time). The thinking is that he may be rejecting the lungs. My thinking is the doctors must come across this all the time. Surely they must have a battle plan for this occurance.
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Post by cocojax on Jul 18, 2007 12:55:23 GMT -5
Cheryl I will think positive thoughts for Ken, hopefully they will get on top of it, I am sure they will have a plan of attack for this...Take care...
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Post by morningstar on Jul 18, 2007 13:19:43 GMT -5
Cheryl,
It might have been no more than him getting nevous knowing his company was leaving. Think good thoughts till you know for sure. I am sure the doctors have been through this before. And maybe the company was just afraid he was rejecting the lungs. I would think with rejection would come a temp and thy would place him back on the vent. Try not to worry. Till there is a reason. We are all here if you need us.
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Post by cheryl on Jul 18, 2007 20:26:33 GMT -5
Rosemarie -- He's never been off the vent - He's still on it. I just found out that they are going to grow a culture from his mucus, so they'll know what is attacking his lungs and better how to fight it.
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Post by morningstar on Jul 18, 2007 20:51:56 GMT -5
All ok I thought you had told me they were wining him off of the vent. I hope they find the problem my thoughts and prayers are still with you all.
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Post by Blossom/Jackie W. on Jul 19, 2007 8:03:36 GMT -5
Cheryl; we'll be right here.
Ken's in a GREAT hospital that specializes in transplants and I'm confident that yes they've run into situations before so they'd have back-up plans. It's also very possible that this has also been a bit "overwhelming" for him. Especially the up and down emotional stress in the few days preceeding. Heck they were about to even do the tx once; then stopped bcasue the donor lungs had a problem. All of this has got to have had an impact.
Here's hoping this is just a big bump in the road.....
Let us know; if/when you know.....
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Post by Blossom/Jackie W. on Jul 23, 2007 15:14:02 GMT -5
Any updates on your Uncle Ken Cheryl?
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Post by cheryl on Jul 23, 2007 18:06:22 GMT -5
Jackie, A couple days ago, I heard that they were giving him medication hoping to combat what is attacking his lungs and were hopeful that it would help. Thank you for asking.
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Post by cocojax on Jul 23, 2007 19:32:01 GMT -5
Keep us posted Cheryl, sending positive thoughts your way for your Uncle Ken and his family...
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Post by Blossom/Jackie W. on Jul 24, 2007 6:00:39 GMT -5
Here's hoping Cheryl....
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Post by LindaNY on Jul 24, 2007 8:10:04 GMT -5
Continued good thoughts and prayers for uncle Ken.
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Post by cheryl on Jul 26, 2007 19:02:43 GMT -5
Uncle Ken sadly lost his battle today. He developed swelling of his brain and was diagnosed as brain dead. We won't know why this happened until an autopsy is performed. Thank you all for your prayers, support and good wishes.
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Post by cocojax on Jul 26, 2007 20:03:00 GMT -5
Oh Cheryl, I am so sorry, my deepest sympathy to you,and please pass on my condolences to your Uncle Ken's family.
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Post by cheryl on Jul 26, 2007 20:07:41 GMT -5
Thank you Ellen, I'll do that.
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Post by morningstar on Jul 26, 2007 20:18:03 GMT -5
I am so sorry Cheryl. Thoughts and prayers to all of you.
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Post by cheryl on Jul 26, 2007 21:30:05 GMT -5
Thank you Rosemarie
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Post by Blossom/Jackie W. on Jul 27, 2007 8:50:15 GMT -5
OMG Cheryl.....I am so, so sorry. He did such battle. I can't imagine what happened; his brain? not the lungs as the problem? Dang!!! (I'll move this over to Loving Memory)
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Post by cheryl on Jul 27, 2007 9:34:07 GMT -5
Thank you Jackie and thank you for moving this to the appropriate section.
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Post by Joyce7 on Jul 27, 2007 13:34:42 GMT -5
Cheryl--I just now read about your Uncle Ken's death. I truly am so very sorry. He fought a hard and long battle. He is at peace now and breathing well. ..Joyce
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Post by LindaNY on Jul 27, 2007 17:04:21 GMT -5
I'm so very sorry to hear that Ken lost the battle. May he rest in peace. Condolences to the family.
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Post by muffin on Jul 27, 2007 17:04:55 GMT -5
Cheryl I am so sorry to hear that, but God knew when he had enough and took him home where there is no more struggle, and he will enjoy Jesus, enjoy the loved ones that went before him and await the loved ones coming. Please take care of yourself and you and your family are in my prayers. God bless and keep you warmly in his arms.
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