It was an emotionally difficult morning visit for Mom today. Dad has been sedated a bit more, as his heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, etc. had risen due to his increased consciousness...and he was getting anxious. His heart beat became a bit irregular again. Also, he was in the middle of a 4-hour dialysis session during our visit, which was discouraging to Mom too. The nurses said his kidneys are working, just not filtering the toxins as well as needed in his condition (this is not new news). Kidney damage takes months to repair, so it could be a long road.
The pulmonary doctor came in during the visit, and said he is wanting to do a tracheotomy on Dad, as it will be LESS invasive than the current breathing tube, and more comfortable / less stressful when he is awake. He said he has been improving, and doesn't want him to have a recession...and believes a trach is the way to go. Said it heals itself once removed.
Continue to pray for Dad's LIFE! Mom is so concerned that people have gotten "good news" that they don't understand he is in ICU, and in critical condition. We are also hoping a few people continue to visit each day, as the longer this lasts the less visitors arrive...and your presence has been a HUGE boost to the family. Also pray for Dad's emotional well-being, and for all of our health during this physical, spiritual, and emotional stress.
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4 comments:
What is the best way to contribute financially to help the Tim Telge family?
Elizabeth,
If the doc sees the need for the ventilator for more than another week, the trach is a good idea. If, however, he sees the possibility of Tim breathing on his own within the next week, it should not be necessary. Have you asked him how long he sees the need for the ventilator? If he sees this as being long term, does he see Tim not needing it in the near future (ie by the first of the year)? If that is the case, a trach makes sense. It's not gag producing like the tube is and he can eat around the trach where he cannot eat or drink anything with the tube down.
It seems that he has not lost his swallow or gag reflex from times you have described when he wakens and seems to be fighting the tube. That is a hopeful sign. If that reflex was gone, the need for a trach might be long term or permanent.
I would be prepared for them asking for permission to put a feeding tube in his stomach (surgically) as well. With this much damage and this long a haul ahead, he needs good nutrition to heal and that step will probably come within the next couple of days if he continues to show signs of improvement.
Have you all talked about what Tim's wishes are for things like this? He may well have been on the brink or to the other side during that 10 minutes without heart rhythm and breathing. If so, what he has seen is glorious and it may be a real struggle for him to stay here for all of those who love him (this may be why the tears and head shaking).
If he is able and you all believe his mind to be intact, it would be a loving thing to ask him what he wants to do about trach and feeding tube. He may welcome this as it will free him to verbally communicate while gaining strength and allow greater mobility. Or he may be asking for permission to go home to the Father.
It sounds as if things are serious enough that this could be playing into things. Honesty, openness, lovingly shared is owed to him and I know he would appreciate that consideration whether or not he chooses to buckle down and fight hard to recover or is hanging in to say farewell. Both scenarios are very hard for him. I know. I've been there. I pray for all of you to embrace this time of trial with grace and wisdom.
Blessings,
Cherie Binns
I really want to come and visit but I don't want to bring Tyler (being just 4 weeks old) into the hospital. I would love to bring a meal to your family. When would be a good time to do this. (Maybe take it to your mom's) Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help you guys! Much love to you guys!
What wisdom Cherie speaks with! The only experience I had with a ventilator was with my dad and pneumonia. After being on one for a week or so and seeming to recover, he was removed from it. Then a few days later he took a turn for the worse. During those days when he could talk, he expressed to mom that he did not want to be put back on a ventilator. Not doing so was the hardest discussion we ever had with the doctor, but we knew it was not dad's wishes and that it was time for him to see that Glory! I'm not at all saying that Tim is at that point, but I do think Cherie's comments were very good advise. We'll continue to pray for God's guidance in any decisions that have to be made.
I expect the day today of seeming to regress is typical. I would think you could expect some days with steps forward and some days with steps back.
We'll keep praying for forward days!
Love you all -
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