Update 11/25 8:00 am

 

This is his brain machine.  Things are working in there.

Ethan had a quiet night. They hooked him up to brain machine to be sure it still works. I know it does. Ethan was calm all night. He had a male nurse who was absolutely wonderful.  All the nurses here are excellent!  When Ethan did wake up, he was trying to communicate. It is impossible to read lips with a breathing tube in. 

I untied his hand so he could write after multiple failed attempts of trying to guess what he was saying. He wrote very clearly “who is that man?” I told him it was his nurse. His nurse and I both chuckled because this has been his nurse for almost 12 hours. Then Ethan wrote “thank you”.  

He also was able to write “did I have the transplant?” Which means the sedation they are using will offer him some amnesia and he won’t remember yesterday’s events. Phew.

He is getting uncomfortable since he has laid flat for so long. They have been moving him around to try and avoid bed sores. The first place the pillow was put was under his butt after some communicating, we moved it to under his back and he said that was comfortable.

I finally was able to get some sleep in longer stretches than an hour. I really very strongly dislike sleeping with a mask on. I am sick of my mask. I am also pissed at myself for eating a salad with onions on it last night.  I have brushed my teeth multiple times and used mouth wash and flossed and the onion has sunk in its mighty grip into every fiber of my mouth.  Live and learn.

They came in this morning to take his daily x-Ray. Rounds will be in a couple hours. I will find out the results of the echo then. That will determine if his right atrium is getting stronger. He has had a couple doses of rejection medication and has tolerated it very well.

Ethan is still getting blood product throughout the day which is normal when on ECMO. They were able to discontinue the insulin, which is good. He is trying to use his left side more so that is good. He also is moving both eyes in sync which is improvement. He seems to wake up a little more frequently.  

Again, I appreciate all the words of encouragement and people reaching out. We are so thankful for each and every one of you. Please know that this thanksgiving will be my most thankful one. I don’t feel like I am away from family and friends.  I appreciate all of you.