Good news: Noo was extubated today and appears to be doing OK from the respiratory standpoint. She might be a tad bit delirious after seven days on the vent, but I give everyone a pass on the day of extubation. It is unrealistic to expect My Dinner With Andre, if you know what I mean.
I am happy and relieved that Noo has improved since the acute onset of this illness, but now I have to face what happens next. Most people are quite debilitated and vulnerable to other problems after a significant hospital stay. For the last week I have been mentally preparing for all kinds of outcomes, and maybe this is why I found myself driving on our rural highway with absolutely no idea which exit to take to meet the Gimbels staff for a farewell dinner. At first I thought I missed the exit, so I got back on the highway heading south, only to realize I had been a couple of miles short of the correct exit in the first place. I had to exit again, loop around to the northbound on-ramp, and--after a few minutes of grim concentration--arrived intact at my intended destination. This is the same highway on which I've been driving back and forth for five years, the same on-ramps and off-ramps, only not the same life. Life seems to have irrevocably changed since the first time I drove on these roads, and my New Mind is as lost as a tourist in these parts.
All I have to say is: Thank God for margaritas and for the pitchers they come in. That's all.
Did she get H1N1 or is this some type of immunosuppression from the interferon? Good luck. When I read your first post about this I was very disturbed. This is kind of surprising to me insofar as I wouldn't recognize either of you, but I follow the blog closely because I am very familiar with "Rural" and associated medical facilities.
dr pat
Posted by: pat | July 15, 2009 at 06:44 AM
Take care.
Posted by: rlbates | July 15, 2009 at 08:11 AM
Sending you good vibes from afar.
Posted by: T. | July 15, 2009 at 08:30 AM
Amen.
Posted by: Fordo | July 15, 2009 at 08:45 AM
Sendings hugs and good wishes.
Posted by: dragonfly | July 15, 2009 at 08:51 PM
T--So sorry to hear of this. I've lived the experience of being lost/confused driving usually familiar roads when so overwrought by life circumstances. Small progress every day is my wish for Noo and you'll recover in tandem. Thinking of you and offering virtual coffee and conversation--hugs. /Steve
Posted by: sjdmd | July 17, 2009 at 10:00 PM