End of Day Report

I can sum up today in two words: “Holding pattern”. Or maybe three words: “Need more pee”.

Despite netting 5 liters (over a gallon!) of fluid loss yesterday, Kim still needs to shed quite a bit more to give her heart and lungs the relief they need to work their magic. During morning rounds, the medical team decided to pretty much hold all meds and ventilator settings steady, with the exception of adding a bit of sildenafil to help open up her pulmonary vasculature. It probably sounds a bit counterintuitive, but out of necessity her old lungs were actually better at making the most of the limited blood supply they were given than her new ones are despite the supply being ample now, and the sildenafil gives the new lungs the boost they need to be sure that blood is getting everywhere it needs to go while they continue to acclimate to their new home.

If the diuretics continue to do their thing and she loses another 5 liters or so, it’s possible we could be looking at taking the ventilator out tomorrow, but it sounds more likely it will be Saturday. Kim’s attending physician in the ICU, who is completely awesome, is unfortunately leaving UW for Virginia Mason tomorrow and will no longer be caring for Kim. His advice to the staff this morning was to go slow, and don’t be “tricked” by Kim’s otherwise healthy appearance and youth. Her heart has been through an epic battle, and her entire system needs some time to find its new normal. We’ll all continue to be vigilant and patient.

Thanks again for all your support. Jessi, the kids and I have been having some pretty delicious meals. The meatloaf with tater tots was pretty fantastic comfort food! :)