NSCIA Columnists
Katrine Seghetti-Mayhew
Saturday, July 26, 2003
Initially the neurological specialist said we'll take one step forward and 3
steps back. Unfortunately, we've found that to be true. Wednesday was such a
good day... Thursday and Friday have been extremely difficult. Thursday Clayton
had enough with the breathing tube and wasn't going to stop until he got it out
- to the point of fighting with the nurses. (Maybe someday I'll find that image
funny.) Early in the afternoon they put him on an IV drip that continually keeps
him deeply sedated. Later in the afternoon his oxygen levels dropped and they
had to increase the amount of oxygen they were giving him to 90%. At that point
it became doubtful that they would be able to perform the tracheotomy. It was
left that they would let us know in the morning.
This morning we weren't filled
with too much expectation, and when we were told that due to the amount of
oxygen they were having to give him they would not be able to perform
the procedure, we were heartbroken. This was the light at the end
of the week that has kept us going. We understand their concern...
the procedure takes 30 minutes and in case there are any delays
they want the assurance that Clayton has enough air in reserve
in his lungs. If his body is only producing 20% of the oxygen and
they're providing the other 80% - that isn't enough. On the good side, the
holes in his lungs have healed!
This evening Clayton began breathing very quickly. Clayton was
taking 3 or 4 breaths for every 1 breath that the machine takes
for him. Because he is out of synch with the machine, there is
a possibility of him actually hurting his lungs. Plus... this causes
undo stress on his heart and his blood pressure. What they have
just done is begin an IV drip of a drug that totally paralyzes
him. Horrifying thought isn't it? Our immediate fear... could there
be any side effects of this drug that are irreversible? Could it cause
him to fall into a coma? The drug produces a false sense of paralysis
which the body can break down and pass through its normal way of
getting rid of waste. Meaning... when it is no longer necessary
they slowly back-off of the drug and Clayton slowly returns to
his "normal" state (what's considered normal for the moment!).
During this time he will continue to be kept deeply sedated so he's unaware
of this. So now the machine will do all of Clayton's breathing for him.
This will eliminate any distress, allowing his lungs to fully recover.
Amazing how our life centers around watching the monitor behind
Clayton’s bed;
knowing that his life depends on those stats!
Again, thank you for all of the E:Mails, cards and prayers.
Your support, concern and prayers continue to lift us and touch
our hearts.
During all difficult moments in life, my thought has always been, "this too shall pass!" In another E:Mail I told Craig, "there can't be flowers without the rain!" ;-)
