We are not going home today, as previously hoped. Taylor needs to be off of supplemental oxygen for 24 hours, and last night we had to put her back on for a little while while she slept. This, the nurse tells us, is completely normal, and the most difficult part. We’ll try again tonight.
Because her oxygen levels are fine during waking hours, she is off all sensors and everything while she is awake. She is able to get out of bed and move around the room, but due to flu protocols she still cannot leave the room. Half of our already-small room is now taken up with an infusion of Polly Pockets and Barbie dolls. Having the room in the corner at the end of the hall has its pluses and minuses. It’s nice to be away from the hustle and bustle of your typical hospital floor, especially at night. It’s been real quiet at night. But it would be nice at times to have back a little of the space the other, non-corner rooms enjoy. We do have large windows and a great view. I’ll trade a few square feet for peace and quiet, and a nice view.
At least now, we have an exit strategy. The only milestone we need to reach is lasting a whole night breathing entirely on her own. It will be up to me to push the button, call the nurse, and get her on oxygen tonight. It will be a very difficult button to push.
Elizabeth has been to the doctor, afraid she was coming down with something. She has a sinus infection, which has resulted in bronchitis. No evidence of flu, thank goodness. She is home, resting, and hoping she can come spell me this evening. Aside from Friday night, when we both stayed here, she hasn’t been up to staying here.
I’m trying to monitor Ida’s gulf coast approach from here. After covering every hurricane strike to hit Alabama since 2004, it feels strange not being surrounded with TVs and laptops and news feeds.
In a review of new children’s programming, Nickelodeon’s new show Fan Boy and Chum Chum may be the worst thing to hit children’s programming ever. Taylor will not stop repeating one character’s line, “I fart bubbles.”
So there you have it. Incremental improvements, and waiting for tonight. Thanks to everyone for the encouragements, the prayers, the love, the offers of help, and for everything else. It really means a lot to all of us. Check back here or on Twitter all night tonight for more “OxygenWatch09 – No News Is Good News.”
Here’s to rooting for No O2!
Here’s hoping Taylor has a great night, not only breathing on her own and but also not actually farting bubbles. 🙂