Day 18

1/19/08

We arrived at the hospital today to find that Laurie had had a CT scan without contrast dye.  We believe this was to determine if she will get a permanent drain placed in her head.  The nurse also told us that they had clamped the EVD to see if her body could manage the intracranial pressure.  The had also increased her oxygen to 100% which was keeping her Licox oxygen level at 20 (20 and above is good).  By noon they had lowered the incoming oxygen to 90%.  All of her other vital signs are good.

We talked to the doctor today.  They are planning to take out the EVD and all of the Licox leads from her head because she is able to manage the intercranial pressure on her own.  The are starting to wean her off of all medications and sedations to see how her body will mange to take care of itself.  We were reassured that her heart has not shown any ill effects being at elevated heart rate and pressure.  Laurie is over the hump of concerns of vasospasms.  This is a step forward in her recovery.

The doctors removed the EVD and Licox connections.  Laurie is no longer wearing her party hat.  The only leads coming off of her head are for the EKG machine monitoring her brain waves.

Both of her feet were responding to pinching.  Her arms are posturing which is a result of her strokes a week ago.  Her right eye remains half open.  We wonder if she sees movement while she is sedated.

Later in the day, Laurie received 2 units of blood to give her more hemoglobin to carry oxygen to the brain.

Day 17

1/18/08

Today the nurse increased the oxygen level that Laurie was receiving to keep the oxygen level up in her brain from 50% to 70%. She also increased the External Ventricular Drain (EVD), which is the rate that blood and fluid is drained out of Laurie's cranium.

This morning a nurse practitioner tried to install a new intravenous PIC Line, used to withdraw blood and inject medications needed by Laurie. It can be used over and over for a long period of time and it will keep them from trying to find a vein over and over. However, since she is so full of fluids, her veins were narrowed and they could not insert a ware into her vein. They will consult and determine what to do next.

Her vital signs remain in a good range. Her right eye is opened slightly, but not far enough to see anything.

While Laurette and Katie were in Laurie's room, they took her off of sedation and tested her limbs for a response.  Both of her feet responded.  Her arms responded, but they are not sure if that is from pinching or if her body is just posturing.

Thanks Laurette for taking me out to dinner.  It was a nice break for me.

Laurie had several visitors today that read to her and some noted an apparent response from her. We also appreciated the pizza from Jim.

Day 16

1/17/08

Laurie's status today is about the same as yesterday.  She is receiving 50% oxygen and her oxygen level in the brain is 30.  Her heart rate is about 80 and they are still keeping her blood pressure elevated.  They have lowered her sedation a little, and she feels warmer to the touch than last night.

There are no procedures scheduled for today.

Laurie had lots of visitors reading to and praying with her.  We also prayed in the waiting room.  Thanks to Donna and BJ for the food.  Also, thanks to Jeff for being here almost every evening with Jessica and Craig to visit and play games.

When Brad was saying goodnight to Laurie, she seemed to respond when he said "I love you".  She half opened her right eye and appeared to mouth 3 words back.

Day 15

1/16/08

Today has started out as a good day for Laurie.

Laurie's oxygen level in her brain was at 40 in the morning.  The nurse had lowered the oxygen she was receiving through her breathing tube from 100% to 90%.  Her TCD (Transcranial Doppler) levels were still high, but had decreased a little which is also good news.  The TCD level is related to the vasospasms, and the lower the better.

The nurse reminded us that Laurie has a long road ahead.

Later in the afternoon, the oxygen level was down to 25.  This is still a good number and is lower because she is now receiving 50% oxygen through the breathing tube.

A special thanks to Pastor Ken for stopping by to visit and pray with Laurie.  Sorry nobody was around when he stopped by.  Laurie also had visits from Chuck and his family, Patti, and Susan.

Day 14

1/15/08

Laurie's oxygen level to the brain appeared to be fluctuating downwards, so the doctor ordered another CT scan with contrast dye.  The CT scan would see what has changed since the last scan and determine if the oxygen probe had shifted and was giving proper readings.  After the scan, they determined that the probe was probably not working properly.  Also, the probe over the part of Laurie's brain that had suffered a stroke.  The doctor placed a new probe back over a part of her brain that was still active and we waited to get new readings.

Jessica notified us late that night that the oxygen sensor was reading 40, which is a very good and encouraging number.

I know Laurie also enjoyed Nina's visit and readings.  The family also really enjoyed Nina and Terry's card.  We love you too!!   We also love all the well wishers, family, and friends that are praying and visiting with Laurie.

Day 13

1/14/08
Another day of rest for Laurie. The nurses just monitored her and kept her sedated and cool. Her heart rate fluctuated between 85 and 115 (the lower number being better for her).

We have noticed a lowering of her heart rate and a change in her breathing when friends and family read scripture or just talk to her. I want to believe that this means that she is hearing us and is comforted that so many people love her and care for her. So many people are praying for Laurie, and I know she senses this through her connection with God.

Craig and I enjoyed visiting with our HOW friends that visited and called.

Day 12

1/13/08

No real change in Laurie's condition today.  Her heart rate remains high, between 100 and 105. She is receiving a drug to keep her blood pressure elevated to push oxygen to her brain.   They are still keeping her sedated and cool to minimize brain activity and swelling.  She received a chest x-ray this morning, and when they took her off sedation, her heart rate went over 140, and the oxygen level in the brain went down.  So they immediately put her back on sedation and left her sedated for the rest of the day.

Laurie and the family had many visitors today.  We appreciated all of the well wishes, love, and food.  Thanks Betsy and Melissa for bringing pizza.  Laurette spent a long time talking to Laurie, and I am sure she heard every word.  Jim came in read scriptures to Laurie.   Wende said that Laurie's heart rate went down about 25 beats while he read to her.  Thanks Jim!

Katie and Wende are headed back to their respected universities. I know they will miss seeing their mother, and hopefully they can concentrate on their studies.