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Tipping point

Dr. El Khouray came in yesterday and determined that I'd reaching a tipping point, meaning the worst is behind me and I've continued to show improvement. This was really, really good news to hear. Proning continues to be very effective, so I've spent a couple hours each morning and afternoon on my stomach, in addition to sleeping on my stomach at night. In the afternoon I invariably fall asleep since there is nothing to do other than listen to an audio book! I'm able to move about the room more; yesterday I did something like 4 little loops with an occupational therapist. 

Yesterday I was down to about 11-13 L oxygen/minute. The case manager told me that to go home I need to be at 6 L or less. Today I'm at 6 L and holding steady with my oxygen saturation rate. I haven't talked with a doctor yet today, but I think this means that Monday is still a realistic release date. Until today I had thought that Monday would be out of reach; I didn't want to set myself up for disappointment.

Edited to add: a different doctor stopped by today (Dr. El Khouray is off). She does not think Monday is viable. She doesn't want to rush anything and wants to make sure I'm stable for a couple of days on <6 L oxygen. So it looks like Wednesday might be more likely.

When I go home it will not be life as usual. I will still be on supplemental oxygen. I assume I will need to live on the main floor for a while (master bedroom and bath are upstairs). I have no idea how long it will take to recover my lung function to the point where I can walk around the house, walk down the block, and do everyday activities without oxygen. The case manager assured me they will set me up with portable oxygen and have various therapists come to the house to work with me. 

Yesterday my friend Irene snuck in with contraband Ben & Jerry's (the hospital seems to make a lot of exceptions--no one said anything) and spent some time with me. I also Zoomed with Alisa and Nicky, friends from Cornell. Today my brother Jonathan and sister-in-law Jeanne will visit and bring a Frappuccino (I usually buy like one fancy coffee drink per year, but when you're in the ICU, all bets are off). I still have the Reese's peanut butter cups that nurse Nicole snagged for me at the CT scan center, so I'm all set in treats department. And I'm taking full advantage of the Luigi's Italian ice on the hospital menu (my cookie request was denied because it put me over the sodium limit, but I guess Italian ice is ok).

I appreciate everyone's continued notes, support, and prayers. We will continue to need them in the coming weeks and months.

Comments

  1. NickyAugust 6, 2022 at 10:43 AM

    It was so good to see and hear you!

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousAugust 6, 2022 at 10:48 AM

    This update is encouraging, Esther. Kathy and I are continuing to pray for you to have a recovery that will baffle the doctors and that you will be able to return to a sense of normal activity. I know you are a driven person and that bed rest is a foreign term for you. Be a 4.0 patient and enjoy those treats!

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    Replies
    1. Esther PrinsAugust 6, 2022 at 7:57 PM

      Thank you, Adam (?). I will be driven...to bed rest. Actually, Nurse Julie told me today that I'm the perfect patient (in contrast to what she characterized as the older guys with bellies who don't like to lie on their stomach, don't use extra oxy when they need it, don't do what they're told, don't believe they have covid, etc.). Spending lots of time on my stomach = lots of rest.

      Delete
  3. AnonymousAugust 6, 2022 at 11:17 AM

    Very glad to hear of this upward trend!

    ReplyDelete
  4. AnonymousAugust 6, 2022 at 11:31 AM

    Such great news during what has been such an ordeal! Will cheer all big and small advancements!

    ReplyDelete
  5. AlyssaAugust 6, 2022 at 12:23 PM

    What a relief that must be, Esther

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Esther PrinsAugust 6, 2022 at 7:58 PM

      Indeed. It's reassuring to hear doctors and nurses underscore how far I've coming and how well I'm doing.

      Delete
  6. Marianne KuhnsAugust 6, 2022 at 12:33 PM

    You're on the final lap. You'll be home soon! Tell Leland to drive safely. He has precious cargo! xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  7. Laura D.August 6, 2022 at 1:12 PM

    We are grateful for your news, Esther! You are constantly in our prayers. You all have been through so very much yet your sense of humor and amazing writing skills is top notch😊 and inspiring! So glad to hear that you are moving forward and able to be home soon.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Esther PrinsAugust 6, 2022 at 7:59 PM

      Thank you, Laura. I know you can relate to this in many ways.

      Delete
  8. Lisa OAugust 6, 2022 at 2:03 PM

    Grateful for the good news! Will continue praying for healing and for patience and hope in the midst of the challenges you’re facing.

    ReplyDelete
  9. AnonymousAugust 6, 2022 at 2:11 PM

    Great news! I will send you a DM about what you and tour fam needs when you get home. - Heather TZ

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Esther PrinsAugust 6, 2022 at 7:59 PM

      Thanks, Heather. We appreciate our CH neighbors!

      Delete
  10. AnonymousAugust 6, 2022 at 2:43 PM

    Great news! So happy you are healing :)
    Dolores

    ReplyDelete
  11. CarolinaAugust 6, 2022 at 4:28 PM

    Your good news made me smile. Thinking of you and your family. You look beautiful when you smile.

    ReplyDelete
  12. AnonymousAugust 6, 2022 at 5:09 PM

    So glad to hear that things are looking up. Mary Ellen

    ReplyDelete
  13. AnonymousAugust 6, 2022 at 6:52 PM

    I am very happy to read your post, Esther. ¡Mil bendiciones! Judith (Sierra-Rivera)

    ReplyDelete
  14. Beth TomasAugust 6, 2022 at 6:54 PM

    This is such good news, Esther. Please know that you have beenin my heart and on my mind. Always, always sending love and good vibes. ❤️

    ReplyDelete
  15. AlisaAugust 6, 2022 at 7:00 PM

    All wonderful news. To God be all the glory. So happy to see you looking stronger each day.

    ReplyDelete
  16. AnonymousAugust 6, 2022 at 7:09 PM

    So glad to read that you have turned a corner, Esther. We are just back from Iceland. I checked up on you from there and was sending vibes from afar—still am, but from a bit closer. Take good care, and come on Monday! 💓

    ReplyDelete
  17. AnonymousAugust 6, 2022 at 7:10 PM

    the above is from Debbie Hawhee—can’t figure out how to sign in to comment! 😂

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Esther PrinsAugust 6, 2022 at 8:03 PM

      Thank you! This has all the makings of a "how many Ph.D.s does it take" joke. I wish blogspot were more intuitive in this regard!

      Delete
  18. Carol CAugust 7, 2022 at 7:42 AM

    So happy to read this post. Hoping the 6 or less continues. Will be sweet to have you home. Can’t wait to cook up some Mexican dishes of your choice. 😘😘😘

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnonymousAugust 8, 2022 at 5:08 PM

      That is extra motivation to come home!

      Delete
  19. IreneAugust 7, 2022 at 8:46 AM

    Thanking God for the marked improvement! Praying for continued healthy recovery and your release from the hospital soon!

    ReplyDelete

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