Today Madeline had multiple attempts at breathing trials which didn’t go as well as we would have liked, so she is still on the ventilator and using a breathing tube. There are a few different things that could happen on the road to weaning her off the ventilator. One option is to wait and see if her breathing without the ventilator improves. Another option would be to go back into surgery and perform a tracheotomy. Basically, the trach would also be hooked up to the ventilator and would perform the same function as her current breathing tube. The downside is the surgery that a trach would entail, but the postive side would be greater comfort for Madeline and an increased ability to use her mouth. We have been told that most lung transplant patients require a trach so it’s not the worse thing in the world, but obviously we would prefer that she need to undergo as few procedures as possible.
There were many positive steps as well. Madeline is off the continuous IV drip of pain medication that was sedating her and is now receiving her pain meds intermittently. Because of this Madeline was more alert today than she has been all week. She also had four chest tubes removed, so hopefully she is more comfortable with only two drainage tubes -- one on each side of her chest. Most of the day was spent sitting up in a reclining chair with her legs elevated with Madeline still sleeping most of the day. But when she was awake, she got a workout! In addition to the 4 breathing trials, Madeline also had sessions with the physical therapist and the occupational therapist. The PT had her bending her legs and even standing up for a minute or so! With the help of the occupational therapist, Madeline worked to put on a hospital gown. We were all impressed with Madeline’s core strength and her ability to sit up straight during this activity after lying down for almost a week. We continue to share all of your messages with Madeline each day, so keep them coming!
9 Comments
Cumberland (and Narragansett) Reillys
1/26/2017 09:03:52 pm
Way to go Auntie Mad !!! Thoughts and prayers for all !!!
Reply
Donna Kavanagh
1/26/2017 09:56:07 pm
I know every day is a struggle for all of you. No one will ever know the struggles that you are all going through as a family but stay strong and positive Look at the good things that happen every day. The Rick Kavanagh family are sending prayers to all of you
Reply
Andy Robinson
1/26/2017 10:10:46 pm
Let's focus on the progress, not the setbacks. That is the way that Madeline would see it. Our prayers go out to MADELINE...and also to Jim, Michael, Colleen, and WALTER as you go through the ups and the downs.
Reply
Rosemary Simpson
1/26/2017 10:25:54 pm
Please let Madeline know that Terry and I are following her progress and are so proud of her and her courage through this entire process. You all remain in our thoughts and prayers. So happy to be able to follow her progress.
Reply
Amie and Jorge Carreira
1/26/2017 10:35:28 pm
Dear Reilly Family - If we have learned anything in our own journey...they fix one thing and another new obstacle presents itself....but it will be ok.....just par for the course in recovery. We continue to pray for all of you every day. XO
Reply
Mary Beth Flynn
1/27/2017 07:11:01 am
Glad to hear that you are standing and sitting; that is wonderful news. Keep up the great work.
Reply
Joan and Pat
1/27/2017 07:56:26 am
Madeline, today dig deep to your core strength and do the best that you can just as you have done every day of this journey. You've got this, Girlfriend! With all the POSITIVE thoughts and prayers being said for you, your family and your medical care team, whatever decision is made will be the right one. Hope today is full of progress!
Reply
The Matt Colliers
1/27/2017 08:22:23 am
We're rooting for you! You can do it!!
Reply
Pat & Diana Murphy
1/27/2017 08:31:09 am
Prayers,prayers,prayers...your doing great Mad!,and you've got a lot of support headed in your !direction
Reply
Leave a Reply. |
Keeping CurrentAs often as possible, we'll try to update this page to let you know how Madeline is doing and where she is in her fight for new lungs. Visit often! Archives
August 2018
Categories |