Valleys

Yesterday's post was about waiting.... today let's talk about valleys. You know those times when things are not going quite how you would like. Disappointment, frustration, maybe some sadness or fear could describe your feelings. Today was a day in the valley.

Melissa spent much of the day uncomfortable from being intubated. With the breathing tube in, her mouth doesn't close, so it is dry and "cottony" most of the time. I was able to help by giving her small bits of water on a sponge that looks like a lollipop. The tube was also not positioned quite right for most of the day, which made her feel like she was choking.

She also has an arterial line used to check her blood pressure. It was being finicky, which required her to lie mostly flat. Lying flat made the breathing tube even more uncomfortable.

With all of this going on, sleep and rest was difficult.

If you are a praying person, some things you can pray for:

• Extubation of the breathing tube will be done tomorrow with no ill effects

• Rest and good pain control tonight

We are grateful for your prayers and the good work of the doctors, nurses, and staff.