Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Wow, what a day!!

I don't know if I should say today was a good day or a bad day. I stayed with Evan all night and he slept very well and in the morning he seemed to be doing great. I left him in the care of our daughter while I escaped to go home for a quick shower and a sandwich. While I was out, it got a little scary for her because Evan started coughing (which is a really good thing) but it made her a bit nervous. The floor doctor came in and said that he was not breathing deep enough because he was giving himself too much pain medicine with the medicine pump he got last night. If he didn’t start breathing deeper then he would be on his way to getting pneumonia so the doc took his med pump away. (silly boy) So, when I returned, we took him for a walk and then sat him in a chair to stimulate his breathing. While he was sitting there I noticed that his heart rate was up really high (150) and the alarms were going off. No one seemed to be concerned about it because no one came so I thought it was okay. (dummy me) After sitting there for about 3 hours, Dr. Ott came in and ushered everyone out of the room so he could check Evan. He noticed Evans heart rate and pressed the nurse button but of course no one responded (as usual). The doctor ran down the hall and the next thing we knew, every nurse and floor doctor was trailing after Dr. Ott and into Evan’s room. Words like “fibrillation” and “shock trauma” were being used. They were going to admit him back into ICU but Dr. Ott gave Evan an injection of some kind that slows down the heart rate and that seemed to do the trick. His heart rate quickly lowered down to 100 and now that he is sleeping it has lowered down to 74. He took another walk just before bed and sat in his chair for a bit and seems to be doing great again. They have changed his pain meds to a non-sleepy kind which should help him to breath deeper and not get so relaxed. I will stay the night again tonight to keep an eye on him.

5 comments:

Laura Rose said...

We are so glad that he had a good day. Also remember to keep that bp down or make sure someone knows. We love you guys so much and want you to know we are praying for you all. Let us know if there is anything we can do for you.
Love you
Wayne and Laura

Anonymous said...

My very best to Evan and the family. You truly are 4 fighting hearts! And never be afraid to get a nurse when you think Evans needs one.

Marion Donnelly
Kennecott Utah Copper Corporation
and Def Leppard fan with Evan

J said...

We are so sorry for what is happening to you and your family. Jer went through the same thing with his heart when he was in ICU and it was really scary. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and we will continue to read about your progress! Please take care!! Love, the Shields Family

Aaron Frazier said...

Evan, I just found out today from JoEllen what was going on. I had no idea of your struggles. I will keep all 4 hearts in my thoughts and prayers. I am confident that you and your family will be able to navigate your vessel through the rough sea!

Aaron Frazier
Arbor Park IST

Rana said...

This blog spot is such a great way to keep track of what's new and what's going on, and hopefully you'll let us know what we can do, if there is any thing we can do.

Julie, we have the deepest respect for you and your family. Keep your chin up, Heavenly Father is watching over you and walking this road with you. Much Love, Rana