Well, it’s official. My Dad is off the respirator. They took out THE TUBE this afternoon after giving him another day to let his body recover from all the extra fluid he accumulated in his lungs after surgery. And let’s hope that extra day helped to improve his pneumonia with the antibiotics he’s been getting as well.
So far, things are looking great. When I visited him this evening, he looked ten times better (and happier) than he did when I came in earlier in the morning. I could tell he was better as he started joking around with us.
The next step is to transfer him out of the ICU. And if all continues to go well, he may possibly be home for the weekend. Woo-hoo!
Today at work, I officially started the paperwork to file for a Family Medical Leave. Although I know my Mom will be there to take care of my Dad once he gets home from the hospital, I want to make sure that I can take the time off from work whenever they need assistance.
While it might sound like I’m “babying” my Dad, I just want to make sure that the surgery to correct his heart was not in vain. I reminded him today that this surgery was not the “end all be all” fix for all his health problems. The surgery was just the beginning. Now comes the hard part … making sure he takes responsibility to keep himself healthy.
This means that there is no way my Dad will be going to any of his Doctor appointments alone for at least a year. I want to make sure either my Mom or myself is there so that ALL of us are aware of exactly what is going on with his health. And to make sure that my Dad will follow through with all his health issues.
Because honestly … I don’t ever wish that my Dad has to go through any major hospitalization again. But if he has to be, I want to make sure I know everything there is about his health history. That’s because two weeks ago when he was first admitted to the hospital, I knew little to nothing of how sick he actually was.
How bad of a daughter, let alone a nurse am I? (Yeah, I know this is an irrational thought … but somehow I can’t help thinking this way …)
Anyway, thank you ALL for your thoughts and prayers for my family. And thanks Mel, for sending support my way. Everything you girls have done has obviously worked! You are all so WONDERFUL!
Whew! What a relief that must have been for you. And to see him in a good mood did your heart some good, I’m sure.
I hope he follows Dr.’s orders…
Great news! And do I ever admire you for your wholehearted support of your dad in this. I don’t think you’re babying him; complicated health issues can be too much for one brain to wrap around, even in the best of circumstances.
I’ll keep you and your parents in my thoughts.
I’m so glad to hear he’s doing better! I hope he continues to recover so he can go home as soon as possible. Take care.
Hooray for extubation! Next stop, medicine floor!
Don’t be so hard on yourself for not being in the know re: your dad’s health; I’m sure he wasn’t really keen on letting people know how things were anyway! You know how people don’t like to be told what to do, esp in regards to their health — esp our parents! Not to mention I’m sure your dad probably did not look forward to being nagged about taking better care of himself (because that’s what we do when we love someone!). I know my parents get really touchy when I get on them to make their specialty appts/find a new doc, etc., but hey, someone has to keep on them!
That’s great that you’re taking time to take care of your dad, but don’t forget to take care of you too!
I hope your daddy continues to improve all things considered. Your dedication to family is very touching. And I also hope that you are doing well and that hubby is looking out for you as you offer everyone love and support. Best wishes.
Yay!! That is such excellent news! I’m so glad to hear that your dad is doing so much better!
You are definitely a wonderful daughter. You can tell how much you love your dad! I hope he just keeps getting better and better every day!
hooray!!
glad to hear the good news! ~luna