🫀 12/5 11:30 am

I was glad I went to the apartment this morning. I had a proper shower with out hair in the drain from strangers.  It was so nice. As I made my way back to the hospital, I shared the elevator with a man and his Pitt bull.  This dog was grey and white and shaped like a sweet potato. He had the happiest tail and I practically sat on the ground and he came into my lap. I loved him. It was the perfect start to my day.  When we got to the first floor, he leaped out of the elevator so excited to go outside. His owner was trying to be nice and hold the door for me but the dog was pulling him. “Don’t worry about me, I can get the door.  He has very important things to do outside.” 

I got back to the hospital and Ethan was still cooperating.  They had suctioned his lungs and one side of his nose and removed a whole bunch of yuck.  The infectious disease team came by and said his culture still hasn’t grown any additional bacteria from his broncoscopy.  That is good news.

During rounds, all the doctors were pleased with Ethan’s progress. They are going to decrease Ethan’s paralytic drug because the neurology team is concerned about his brain activity. He is super zonked. I can understand why they want to decrease it, however, I suggested to time neurology to when it wears off in case they need to give him another dose.  If he gets agitated his heart rhythm gets funky, his pressures get whacked out and his oxygen drops.  It may be an interesting afternoon.

I did overhear the cardiologist say that Ethan will be on blood thinners for at least another 6 months. Some people spend their whole lives on them so I am not too worried.

They have his heart paced at a steady 130. This is to avoid atrial flutter. They suspect that will go away after the right side of his heart gets a little stronger. Another doctor asked if it is normal to see atrial flutter after transplant. His cardiologist didn’t even try to sugar coat it. “No. But this kid is proving he is not normal.” That’s my boy.  He’s special.

Ethan’s nurse today is funny. She is very dry and monotone. I really like her and she does a great job. She sort of reminds me of Eeyore, but not as pessimistic. I find satisfaction in cracking her up. She makes me work for it though. This keeps me mentally stimulated. It just feels good to share a smile.

Ethan is getting his enrichment with a car show called Fastest Car.  Seems right up his alley.