It's been a very eventful and exciting day. Carlos came out of the cath lab with a new technological toy. He's got a big blue machine attached by a tube in his groin. He's in the ICU now, chilling. Not that he has much choice as he can't get up or sit up even right now. He also gets to experience his first urinary catheter....an experience I think he could live without. I'll refrain from putting up a picture. Haha. He also got a new Swan-Ganz catheter that continuously measures his cardiac output and oxygenated blood supplying the heart.
They started him on another IV medication called Nipride. So with all the new interventions, his status is now 1A...top of the list aside from people who are 1A and have been waiting longer. This means a call for a heart could come tonight, or in the next couple days, or whenever.
Dr Arabia, who is one of the cardiothoracic surgeons, came by to say hello. He said if Carlos doesn't get a heart by Friday, then 'we' will make some decisions about more long term mechanical devices. The balloon pump is only a temporary stopgap.
Carlos' numbers are lloking a bit better but he is so tired. I came home to try and getvsome sleep. I will write more tomorrow
Showing posts with label swan-ganz catheter. Show all posts
Showing posts with label swan-ganz catheter. Show all posts
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Monday, January 30, 2012
Post Cath
Carlos had the cath this morning and as we suspected, he was admitted for further treatment. I haven't talked to the doctor but he told Carlos that his pulmonary pressures had worsened and that he wanted to try intravenous medication to bring them down. I guess he said if that didn't work they would try another medicine. I don't know what meds but the nurse will tell me when she gets the orders.
They inserted a Swan-Ganz catheter to track his pulmonary pressures while they are playing around with these medicines. So what's the first thing I do? Start googling...lol. I know what the catheter is but have no experience with them at all so I wanted to know what normal pulmonary pressures are so I can look at his monitor and see what's up :)
His pressures are only mildly elevated at rest (meaning right now while he is sleeping) . When he stood up to get on the scale earlier and to pee, they went way high and set off alarms all over the place. Nice.
He's in good spirits though for now. I did prepare the kids last night that he may be admitted. Libby always gets the most upset. I thought they could visit tonight but unfortunately, they have a restriction of 12 and under. So we will plan to skype with them tonight. Thank god for technology!
They inserted a Swan-Ganz catheter to track his pulmonary pressures while they are playing around with these medicines. So what's the first thing I do? Start googling...lol. I know what the catheter is but have no experience with them at all so I wanted to know what normal pulmonary pressures are so I can look at his monitor and see what's up :)
His pressures are only mildly elevated at rest (meaning right now while he is sleeping) . When he stood up to get on the scale earlier and to pee, they went way high and set off alarms all over the place. Nice.
He's in good spirits though for now. I did prepare the kids last night that he may be admitted. Libby always gets the most upset. I thought they could visit tonight but unfortunately, they have a restriction of 12 and under. So we will plan to skype with them tonight. Thank god for technology!
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