Friday, October 31, 2008

A Fever, a Filter, and a Brace

October 31, 2008

Jon's been  busy the last few days. He's been fighting a respiratory infection with his temperature ranging from 101 to 104. It finally stayed at normal for the whole day today. Cooling blankets and tylenol were added to antibiotics to do the trick.

Another concern for patients like Jon is the formation of blood clots. He had a filter inserted into the inferior vena cava which is a large vein about the same size as a quarter. To get a look at the filter check out the Wikipedia article at: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IVC_filters. This is a precautionary measure as I don't believe there have been any clots so far.

He also had another deep cleaning of the lungs (a bronchoscopy) which has done a super job. His breathing was much smoother and at a slower rate when I left him earlier this evening. This is good news...especially combined with the fever coming  down.

The long awaited brace came and needed several adjustments. They lined it with something akin to lamb's wool and then made some kind of covering for his body of T-shirt type material. This was the second brace and the second company they used but everyone finally seems happy. A high backed chair was beside his bed this evening so I think I can safely assume that he was out of bed at least once today...in addition to his travels for the filter and cleaning of the lungs.

I think the next step is another attempt to ween him off the respirator.

Thank you for your prayers, cards and visits. They are all very much appreciated. 

2 comments:

the Thomas team said...

Go, Jon, Go! I will continue to storm Heaven with prayers for a full and complete recovery. Angela

Anonymous said...

Way to go Jon!!!! Keep up the good work and a positive attitude. God loves you and is with you through all of this. Just call on Him as He is there. He loves you more than all of us combined, and that's alot!!!!

Lots of love,

Your sis - Barb