The clog

Always ups an downs.  Last night in the early hours Laura's feeding tube clogged.  This is a significant issue as she is receiving all of her nutrients via this tube.  If the tube can't be cleared then they have to pull it and replace it.

The tube is over 2' long.  It is placed up the nose, down through the stomach and into the beginning of the intestines.  It is not a fun process.  Radiology has to be involved to make sure it placed correctly.  This takes sooooo long.

Here is a picture of us at 2 in the afternoon trying to break up the clog with Coke and a syringe.  This took over an hour of small push and pulls until it finally pushed through.  One of the NPs had a wire that he was using to rotor rooter the tube prior. CRAZY!



Laura's air flow was increased and in doing so her LAS is now 91.  We did learn today that they have had offers for organs but have turned them down, waiting for what they think are the right ones.  As hard as it is now, it can be worse and since it is not worse they are waiting for the better lungs.

As we enter week 8 (not counting the early September stay) hopefully our number comes up.  When we first checked in for this a nurse commented about people being in the hospital for months.  We had no idea that we would be one of them.  

The 10ICU team ROCKs.  Thank you for the support and care.  Same applies for the 10L team.  We are very lucky to be at the best hospital.

Thank you all for being here with us.

Cheers,
The Z's