antcardiostatus

 Another flurry of dr. visits today.  His baseline bpm was lowered to 80 by the pacemaker team.  They continue to lower the oxygen and adrenaline.  His PT/OT team were through and he took a lap around the ICU.  This will be a daily thing and as he becomes less tethered to the equipment will be able to do that on his own.  He is about to transition back into the bed to rest.  A full and productive day down here.

 Adam was able to participate in morning rounds just now ( photo below ).  They continue to ween him off the oxygen and adrenaline ( used to help increase heart function and keep blood pressure in a healthy range ).  This has taken longer than we had hoped, but we expect things will continue to improve today.  They are going to add oxycodone to his pain cocktail.  His pain levels have been okay, but not great and they are being responsive about it. He is currently on the phone with the cafe placing an order for some solid food.  A positive milestone.  His dedicated nurse is working on setting up a chair for him to transition into for a spell today.  He is well attended to.

 Adam now has a Morphine drip and can self administer a dose every 10 minutes.  He is in high spirits this evening.  A few more tubes have been removed.  He is drinking only clear liquids so far but he really isn't feeling interested in food yet.  It has been a steady stream of specialists coming through much of the day.  Things are quieting down for the night.  Tomorrow he will meet with the PT and OT folks and they will get him standing and likely walking some.  He is reading your texts and is appreciative of all the love and well wishes.  I will be here tomorrow and will provide another update or two.

 Breathing tube is out and several vestigial IV ports have been removed.  Adam has an oxygen mask proving some positive air pressure but he can communicate more easily.  He is not ready to talk on the phone and hasn't really even looked at any messages yet.  He has been asking about when he can stand up and start walking around.  They are slowing reducing the pain management.  All good signs.  I will plan to post again end of day.

 Adam is slowly waking up and is glad to hear things went so well.  He is pretty heavily sedated but has been able to write a few short messages on a notepad.  He'll likely be able to look at his phone later today so feel free to text well wishes to him.   If things go like last time he will probably remain in the ICU for several days and then graduate to the Patient Care Unit ( PCU ) for several days.   Too early for visits now, but we'll share info on how to swing by as things progress.  

I'm with Adam in the ICU.  He is sleeping still and they'll slowly get him going this morning.  He looks comfortable and vitals are strong.

 Just spoke with the head surgeon.  They were able to accomplish everything they wanted to do and he is optimistic about it all.  They are still closing up shop and it will be a few hours before Adam is back in the ICU.