Angela walked a total of about 10 feet today, with a walker. She is getting stronger. Her cough is also stronger, and she is coughing up lots of gunk. One of her doctors believes strongly in positional percussion and drainage, meaning she is put on her side with her head down slightly and for 10 minutes the respiratory therapist moves this vibrator/percussor machine over her back, and the secretions drain out. It has worked very well. In fact this evening she is breathing oxygen at a flow rate of only 1 liter per minute and her saturation levels are in the high 90's. Before she got sick she was using 2 liters per minute and her sat rates were in the low 90's. I'm hoping we can learn some similar techniques that she can use at home.
Her diet was advanced to include solid food. She still can't have thin liquids like water until Monday. They get into the lungs easier than thicker foods. She is learning to eat slowly, finish one bite before starting the next, and stop frequently to cough. It isn't easy for her but she's trying hard.
The doctor said she doesn't have to stay in ICU any more, but when I left there were no immediate plans to move her. Her nurse this evening said that for some reason, people in the hospital seem to move around midnight. So, I'm not sure where I'll find her in the morning.
God is so good to us. The hospital staff are saying they love to see miracles like this. Of course, we won't argue. Many of them also believe that God answers prayers.
1 comment:
Oh Angela I love answered prayer. So great to hear you are doing so good. In one of the other posts your Mom told us that you wanted to take those several steps yourself without help. Thought to myself, that sounds like Angela. You are an inspiration. God Bless.
Love,
Monica
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