Happy Thoughts

Ever since the last post nearly three hours ago, this room has turned from one of anxiety, to one of peace.  After giving us a couple eye rolls as encouragement that she is indeed okay (and still sassy), our patient then slept deeply and peacefully.  Then, when the nurse came in to take blood, Mom opened her eyes, grabbed my hand, and smiled for the first time today.  She kept her eyes open and I could tell that she was listening and comprehending as I explained to her that we wanted her to rest so that her kidneys could help filter out the excess fluid in her body.    She responded appropriately with head nods and shoulder shrugs and shows all signs of being in good shape.  Finally, the doctor said she could have the oxygen mask off for a bit so we stayed after hours to be here when it came off.  She was alert for a few minutes, ate a few ice chips, and cracked a few jokes before she fell back asleep. Praise the Lord!

The kidney doctor came and checked Mom a few hours ago and said that they are going to back off the IV fluids for a while to give Mom's body a chance to catch up with the over-saturation that is causing her high blood pressure, swelling, and low oxygen.  Although they were initially concerned for her kidneys (and still are), and thus infused her with fluid to help jumpstart the kidneys into functioning, they are now more concerned with her oxygen and want to give her lungs a fighting chance before they bring the focus back to the kidneys.  The doctor seemed to think that the kidneys would still have a chance to kick in once her lungs have sufficiently recovered.  So, as the kidneys continue to slowly drain the excess fluids from her body, we should start to see improvement in her blood pressure, swelling, and oxygen levels.  


And, on that note, her urine output has increased significantly in rate during the past hour.  It also looks a lot cleaner and healthier.  Go kidneys!  Go lungs!  Aunt Teri and I are very relieved and happy to see some positive signs before we head home.


Tonight Aunt Teri will stay with Mom.  I am praying that they will both have a restful night and wake up refreshed for some good progress tomorrow!   I'll be in to check on Mom first thing in the morning.


"But You, O Lord, are a shield for me, my glory and the One who lifts up my head." Psalm 3:3