Saturday, June 11, 2011

Hopkins - Post-Op Day Four

The theme for today was "status quo"....sort of. Max looks great and seems very comfortable although still very sleepy. We have asked them to back down a bit on the pain medication to see if that helps with the grogginess.

Although Max looks so good his chest x-rays tell another story, his left lung is collapsing again. Each of the three or so x-rays taken in the last 24 hours show that although better than where he was yesterday, Max is progressing in the wrong direction. Unless tonight and/or tomorrow morning's films look better they will have to do another bronchoalveolar lavage. Once that's done we will have to wait at least another 24 hours to see if the lung remains inflated. If not there's another less than fabulous theory as to why Max's lung cannot remain open on its own. After speaking with the cardiac surgeon this evening he explained that it is not unusual for patients having repeat cardiac surgeries to have issues with their diaphragms. This is mostly due to the amount of scar tissue produced by the body each time the chest is opened and closed for surgery. It is possible that while they were carefully working through this tissue on Tuesday either a small nerve or the diaphragm itself was nicked. If this is the case it will mean a second surgery to alleviate this problem. As I said, less than fabulous.....

Tonight's prayers are for Max's left lung to open and remain open on its own or at least after a second lavage and therefore a second surgery will not be necessary. Stay tuned....

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

God, thank you for your healing hand upon Max. Thank you for inflating his lung and repairing any imperfections that may have occured during the surgery. We speak healing, peace and comfort to Max and the entire family. Thank you for providing for their needs in every way. In Jesus name Amen!

Mary Lou said...

My prayers, faith and love are with all of you every second of every moment. May God continue to bless you Max,with his love and healing.