Until now (4:15 am), at least, Ryan’s night is restless. I’m hoping that changes. His oxygen saturation wasn’t where I like it (92% – 94%), but not so low that action was necessary. Still, it puts me in a place of limbo as to whether to deep suction. This is done by inserting a catheter through his nasal passage and into his trachea (windpipe) to the depth just before the airway branches into each lung. It’s always more desirable if he’ll clear the mucus himself, and I help him along by giving percussion therapy and a nebulizer treatment. Still, I don’t want to wait to long. It’s a nasty game of wait-and-see.
<via clevelandclinic.org>
Aside from oxygen saturation, I take other clinical indicators into account when I feel the timing is right. The most compelling is lung sound. If I hear and/or feel rumbling in his lower (inferior) lobe then I don’t wait any longer. Technically, this rumbling is called “rhonci”. Rhonci, to me, sounds like snoring when heard through a stethoscope. I wish I had a better way to describe the sound, but “junky” just seems to fit best and most people know exactly what I mean by it.
Seriously, I don’t know why the medical community feels the need to make this so flippin’ complicated. Think about it, “junky” or “rhonci”, which makes the most sense?
Update: Two Hours Later
Over two hours passed. During this time I was getting Ryan’s equipment, medications, and supplies ready for the day while checking on him often (I also pattered around a bit too much). It takes a while to do this set-up each morning, but it does make the day go so much more smoothly. Needless to say, it’s always a relief when it’s done. A huge relief.
Anyhow, Ryan’s oxygen is holding steady in the high nineties (98% – 99%). He finally seems to be resting peacefully. I’ll break from my usual routine of bouncing him out of bed around six o’clock and let him rest for another hour (or even two). The rest will serve him well, I would think.
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Glad to read that Ryan is resting comfortably and breathing better. You are extraordinary, Ken.
Hoping that the “junk” goes away and leaves him alone! Happy to hear that Ryan is resting comfortably. I agree with Jane. You are extraordinary indeed!
Fishing expedition here: It may have been just one of those nights–2nd/3rd quarter phaze of the moon–whatever, but sleepless after 3 for me. This is why we call ourselves the Middle of the Night Club, MOTNC. That new “Up All Night” TV show stole the title for our TV reality show! Dang!
Hope this is restessness is just a passing thing with Ryan. Does the ox. sat. stay about the same even when sleeping? It became very cold during the night, we needed an extra blanket about 2 a.m. Could Ryan have gotten cold, too? It seemed like the furnace was on every 15 minutes, and that is disturbing, too, since we are not accustomed to the noise. Blame it on the change of seasons for many reasons, and let’s hope this is the answer we are looking for.
Baby, it’s cold outside! Stay warm! Love and prayers.
Oxygen can be slightly affected by positioning, but Ryan is normally in the high 90’s no matter how we have him. Ryan’s body temperature was normal all night (we take it every hour, at least). I keep the furnace fan running at all times (to filter the air), so the heat coming on would not arouse him. He is doing well now.
I love it when you write: “He is doing well now.” Music to my ears:)SH, SP, NGA, love & prayers, Annie
Thank you, Ken.
Glad he is doing better. You take the best possible care of Ryan–don’t know how you do it, but we are so thankful.
Thank you, Ken.
Ken ,Glad to hear Ryan is resting comfortably for now ,and you must be exhausted .Hoping nothing more has to be done for the “junky” stuff and he’s clear .Like the ladies before me said ,you are amazing. Praying for a calm day Love Gail
Keep up the good work Ken, we are thinking of you. I also call rhonchi “junk”, cause that’s what it is.
Prayers, positive energy and some deep rooted hope that your day brings with it some much needed rest AND peace.
Always, forever and until.
GO KEN GO!!! GO RYAN GO!!!
With love and in prayer,
Keri, My Frankie and Family
Happy that Ryans condition improved! Have a question though….If you have a night nurse, why do you have to take care of these things and also why do you have to sleep beside him? Hope the rest of the day is uneventful!
Respitory care is not the strong suit of almost every nurse. I’ve been trained in it and have quite a bit of experience. Having a nurse overnight is helpful, but taking care of Ryan is much better with two people (changing position especially). Also, I notice things long before anyone else.
I’m sure you do Ken and thank God for you!!!!!
Gee, my O2 level was 96% last time. COPD is the fault.
My prayers continue for Ryan’s healing.
Just curious if possibly Ryan was more restless because the Baclofen is finally wearing off a little and his body can react more? Also, have you tried letting him sleep in until he awakens on his own? Hopefully he has a more restful night tonight.
Ryan starts getting restless (usually) around 5:00 am.
Ken , Hoping you got a little rest today and Ryan is feeling OK. You all are in my prayers and thoughts always .You are doing the very BEST for Ryan .Stay strong Love Gail
Ken, you are just so incredible! And so in tune with Ryan. It really is a gift that you have been blessed with…and so rare. It’s like that motherly instinct that only some have, or at least choose to really pay attention to. A true selfless quality. And you possess that. I am just in awe in all that you do. Stay strong and keep up the good work! Ryan is just so fortunate to have such a special Dad and wonderful, tender and loving Mom….
Love, Peggie
Good that Ryan got the extra 1-2 hours of rest. He’s is really fortunate to have his Dad taking care of him. God bless you guys and hope Ryan feels better tomorrow.