TUESDAY, JUNE 30, 2009 HIGH AND LOWS
Let's start with the low points. When the broncoscopy was performed, they also suctioned the lungs. It appears now that that procedure was largely ineffective. Further, an ultra-sound was ordered, and done. The medical staff were unable, based on the examination, to determine why the lung diaphram is not working as it should. The doctors expect, with a mixture of hope, that it will correct itself in time in the healing process.
But,... the doctors say, that in spite of these glitchs, Travis is doing well. And, he took a short walk today! And, more pain meds were changed...to control that ruthless pain.
Thankyou to all of you who are keeping in touch through this blog. A few points of explanation:
* Much of the information and assessments in these comments is third-hand, and may be tainted with misunderstanding. We are attempting to be as accurate as possible.
* Travis, and his family, would love to hear from you. Just click on the highlighted "comments", and it will provide the place where you can type your message. Then, click "Post Comment".
* Travis, and his family, also want you to know how much they appreciate your interest, concern, and prayers. Your willingness to stand with us in this battle for Travis' health is greatly appreciated.
Posted by Uncle Mark.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Monday, June 29, 2009
MONDAY, JUNE 29, 2009 BUMPS IN THE ROAD
As the pain was becoming more manageable, there were other matters to contend with. A morning xray seemed to reveal a problem in those new lungs. It appeared that a lower part of the lungs had partially collapsed. The medical staff assured us that it was not a panic situation. So...the stiff upper lip, and not to panic. It is somewhat common, and..........it could happen again!!! Not the most reassuring words.
It was a long wait throughout the day for an anticipated broncoscopy. Late in the day it was done. Then, another wait until 9:45 pm when they were to suction the lung. At this point, the prospects looked good...certainly better than hours ago.
And, right on cue, 10:00 pm - alert, talkative, Travis ended the day with vintage "Travis humor". The perspective on the events of the day were brighter - better color, voice stronger, sense of humor, and, possibly leave ICU tomorrow!
Post made by Uncle Mark.
As the pain was becoming more manageable, there were other matters to contend with. A morning xray seemed to reveal a problem in those new lungs. It appeared that a lower part of the lungs had partially collapsed. The medical staff assured us that it was not a panic situation. So...the stiff upper lip, and not to panic. It is somewhat common, and..........it could happen again!!! Not the most reassuring words.
It was a long wait throughout the day for an anticipated broncoscopy. Late in the day it was done. Then, another wait until 9:45 pm when they were to suction the lung. At this point, the prospects looked good...certainly better than hours ago.
And, right on cue, 10:00 pm - alert, talkative, Travis ended the day with vintage "Travis humor". The perspective on the events of the day were brighter - better color, voice stronger, sense of humor, and, possibly leave ICU tomorrow!
Post made by Uncle Mark.
SUNDAY, JUNE 28, 2009 TOUGH DAY
Pain...pain...pain. But, there were encouraging signs - Travis was given a Patient Control Analgesic (PCA) pump for self-administering pain control - more IV medications discontinued - up and sitting in a chair - and, his first real food, jello for breakfast, soup for lunch, and meat and vegetables for supper. And, wouldn't you believe it...he cleaned up those despised vegetables! "You never thought you'd live to see the day that would happen!" Hospital food will do it to you.
And, typically, 10:00 pm is Travis' magic hour - new life, second wind, and that old sarcastic humor. Yep...it's Travis, alright, and he'll fight it through...and win!
Post made by Uncle Mark.
Pain...pain...pain. But, there were encouraging signs - Travis was given a Patient Control Analgesic (PCA) pump for self-administering pain control - more IV medications discontinued - up and sitting in a chair - and, his first real food, jello for breakfast, soup for lunch, and meat and vegetables for supper. And, wouldn't you believe it...he cleaned up those despised vegetables! "You never thought you'd live to see the day that would happen!" Hospital food will do it to you.
And, typically, 10:00 pm is Travis' magic hour - new life, second wind, and that old sarcastic humor. Yep...it's Travis, alright, and he'll fight it through...and win!
Post made by Uncle Mark.
SATURDAY, JUNE 27, 2009 HUGE SURPRISES!
With the arrival of morning, the foremost question was, "How is it going in ICU". First
in was mom, who found it disconcerting that Travis was still sleeping under the heavy sedation. But, finally, around noon, it was most encouraging to see him return to "life" and to his family.
As he returned to consciousness, we all wanted to know the answer to the most basic of questions - "How do you feel?" Answer - It feels like an elephant is sitting on my chest.
It was an encouraging day - he was taken off the respirator, and allowed to sit on the side of the bed. However, it was a nightmarish ordeal when numerous attempts at an epidural failed...some vision problems, too. Once the dry, irritated throat was eased, he was able to converse, but
with discomfort.
The day ended with difficulty - the pain was intense. It took some time to finally get it
under control. But, it came with a price - exhaustion.
Post made by Uncle Mark.
With the arrival of morning, the foremost question was, "How is it going in ICU". First
in was mom, who found it disconcerting that Travis was still sleeping under the heavy sedation. But, finally, around noon, it was most encouraging to see him return to "life" and to his family.
As he returned to consciousness, we all wanted to know the answer to the most basic of questions - "How do you feel?" Answer - It feels like an elephant is sitting on my chest.
It was an encouraging day - he was taken off the respirator, and allowed to sit on the side of the bed. However, it was a nightmarish ordeal when numerous attempts at an epidural failed...some vision problems, too. Once the dry, irritated throat was eased, he was able to converse, but
with discomfort.
The day ended with difficulty - the pain was intense. It took some time to finally get it
under control. But, it came with a price - exhaustion.
Post made by Uncle Mark.
FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2009 THE TRANSPLANT CENTER CALLED
A good number of Albertans had an early morning on Friday, June 26, 2009. Following the jarring ring of the telephone at 5:00 am, we heard the news, "the Transplant Center called...."
Lorne, Travis' dad, received the call at Travis' home in Calgary. Jarred into reality, he heard the voice say, "This is the Transplant Center calling for Travis Bingeman. Who am I speaking to?" "This is Travis' father." "May I speak to Travis?" The monent had arrived!
Bolting upstairs, he entered Travis' bedroom, only to be challenged by a startled Daisy. Getting her settled, he handed Travis the phone. The long-awaited news - the transplant was ready. Thus began an exciting, anxious, fearful, tiring, and hopeful, day.
Next step...Lorne called Terri (Travis' aunt). For months she had been anticipating, hoping, praying, that this day would come soon. With one fluid motion she was awake, grabbed the phone, out of bed, and, "Hello...." The news...at last!
Grabbing her proverbial brown bag of transplant info, she began making calls, awaking people to the news, and to action. First call..., Cathie (Travis' mom), and then, Judy (Cathie's friend), who would assist Cathie in packing and getting to Travis' for the flight to Edmonton. From a dead sleep, to having everything packed and in place, is quite a feat. They were informed that they had half an hour to get to Travis' in time for the ambulance. Judy put the "pedal to the metal" and they made it. Cathie had her moments - "maybe we'll end up being donors!" Dawn (Travis' cousin) would pick up Bertha (Travis' grandma) and proceed to the hospital.
The ambulance arrived for Travis and Cathie for the ride to the airport, and the 50 minute flight to Edmonton. Then, another ambulance to the U of A Hospital.
With Travis and his mom gone, Lorne was left to "pick up the pieces" - packing Travis' and his things for Edmonton, preparing Daisy for her stay in Ponoka, and making the 3 hour trip north.
After the initial shock over what was about to transpire today, Cathie took each fearful step in stride as they made their way to the U of A Hospital. She did it "remarkably well". (Travis' words).
With the necessary documentation completed, the waiting ended at 1:20 pm. The staff arrived to transport Travis through the door into the operating room. What a moment! It was a separation, when, in the parting, monumental changes would happen. The fear, the anxiety, the hope was palpable. With hearts in our throats, we could now only wait. He disappeared behind those doors...to hope.
It was a long wait. Finally, at 9:00 pm the surgeon arrived to offer the news - the surgery went "very well". RELIEF. "You can see him in an hour". It was a long hour. And, finally, with trepidation, after the necessary rituals of washing hands and gowning up, each of us approached his bed.
It's an intimidating sight, to see all those machines, those tubes, those wires, and the subdued atmosphere of "intensive care". But, he was asleep, resting "comfortably". What a relief!
It had been a long day. We were "anxiously thankful", and left to get some rest...and, hopefully, some sleep. After all, the clock said that it was now Saturday.
This post was entered by Uncle Mark.
A good number of Albertans had an early morning on Friday, June 26, 2009. Following the jarring ring of the telephone at 5:00 am, we heard the news, "the Transplant Center called...."
Lorne, Travis' dad, received the call at Travis' home in Calgary. Jarred into reality, he heard the voice say, "This is the Transplant Center calling for Travis Bingeman. Who am I speaking to?" "This is Travis' father." "May I speak to Travis?" The monent had arrived!
Bolting upstairs, he entered Travis' bedroom, only to be challenged by a startled Daisy. Getting her settled, he handed Travis the phone. The long-awaited news - the transplant was ready. Thus began an exciting, anxious, fearful, tiring, and hopeful, day.
Next step...Lorne called Terri (Travis' aunt). For months she had been anticipating, hoping, praying, that this day would come soon. With one fluid motion she was awake, grabbed the phone, out of bed, and, "Hello...." The news...at last!
Grabbing her proverbial brown bag of transplant info, she began making calls, awaking people to the news, and to action. First call..., Cathie (Travis' mom), and then, Judy (Cathie's friend), who would assist Cathie in packing and getting to Travis' for the flight to Edmonton. From a dead sleep, to having everything packed and in place, is quite a feat. They were informed that they had half an hour to get to Travis' in time for the ambulance. Judy put the "pedal to the metal" and they made it. Cathie had her moments - "maybe we'll end up being donors!" Dawn (Travis' cousin) would pick up Bertha (Travis' grandma) and proceed to the hospital.
The ambulance arrived for Travis and Cathie for the ride to the airport, and the 50 minute flight to Edmonton. Then, another ambulance to the U of A Hospital.
With Travis and his mom gone, Lorne was left to "pick up the pieces" - packing Travis' and his things for Edmonton, preparing Daisy for her stay in Ponoka, and making the 3 hour trip north.
After the initial shock over what was about to transpire today, Cathie took each fearful step in stride as they made their way to the U of A Hospital. She did it "remarkably well". (Travis' words).
With the necessary documentation completed, the waiting ended at 1:20 pm. The staff arrived to transport Travis through the door into the operating room. What a moment! It was a separation, when, in the parting, monumental changes would happen. The fear, the anxiety, the hope was palpable. With hearts in our throats, we could now only wait. He disappeared behind those doors...to hope.
It was a long wait. Finally, at 9:00 pm the surgeon arrived to offer the news - the surgery went "very well". RELIEF. "You can see him in an hour". It was a long hour. And, finally, with trepidation, after the necessary rituals of washing hands and gowning up, each of us approached his bed.
It's an intimidating sight, to see all those machines, those tubes, those wires, and the subdued atmosphere of "intensive care". But, he was asleep, resting "comfortably". What a relief!
It had been a long day. We were "anxiously thankful", and left to get some rest...and, hopefully, some sleep. After all, the clock said that it was now Saturday.
This post was entered by Uncle Mark.
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