Posted on 07/16/2009 3:01:05 AM PDT by Concerned
URGENT PRAYERS NEEDED - STEPHANIE'S 3RD TRACH OCCLUDES - HOSPITAL ARM-TWISTING for DNR
Earlier thread and updates:
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/2283778/posts
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/2283778/posts?page=181#181
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/2283778/posts?page=203#203
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/2283778/posts?page=239#239
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(1) THE 3RD TRACH (2ND CUSTOM) ALSO OCCLUDING
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Prior to the ENT Doctor inserting the 3rd trach (2nd custom), she told us it was our last option, other than re-intubating Stephanie.
For some reason, the trach keeps moving around inside Stephanie's trachea and occluding. It is EXTREMELY positional. Supposedly, the shape of Stephanie's trachea is sort of zig zag.
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(2) SHE WAS STABLE & IMPROVING WHILE INTUBATED
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The ONLY reason why we trached her was that the Pulmonologist Doctor (that I do NOT like), and the Respiratory Therapist, kept STRONGLY PUSHING it, saying it would really help her and be FAR BETTER than Bi-Pap or intubation.
STEPHANIE WAS **STABLE** WHILE INTUBATED!!!!!!!!!
SHE WAS **IMPROVING** WHILE INTUBATED!!!!!!!
AND SHE DIDN'T HAVE INFECTIONS!!!!!!!
Of course, although no one could know for sure how well it would work, we RELIED on their training, expertise and CONFIDENCE that it would be "THE" ANSWER.
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(3) DOCTOR / HOSPITAL PUSHING DNR
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I am absolutely SICKENED that the Doctor and hospital are PUSHING us to give them orders to DNR.
First, they PUSH to get RID of the intubation---which was WORKING---to go to a trach, then when the trach doesn't help, but instead makes it FAR, FAR, FAR WORSE, they want us to order DNR!!!
They especially don't want to have to give her CPR compression, claiming that they would likely break her ribs if they were to have to do it to her.
Clearly, I don't want Stephanie to hurt or be hurt, but I am VERY CONCERNED a DNR would give them an excuse to not give her CARE if/when she occludes. Since she has no assets or income, she is over 18 (and we could not get insurance on her), and she is on Medicaid, they have been ESPECIALLY eager to get her out the door instead of getting her well first.
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(4) DOCTOR PUSHED FEEDING WITH BI-PAP
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When I saw the Bi-Pap Stephanie was on, I was NOT real comfortable with it. I wanted her intubated and to get an "NG" tube so that she could NOT have to worry about breathing or eating.
But the Doctor and hospital RESISTED INTUBATING!!!
And they kept saying that you couldn't get an NG tube with Bi-Pap because it would leak air. But they EVENTUALLY DID JUST THAT ANYWAY!!!
She IMPROVED SO MUCH with the NG tube, they sent her to a regular floor!!!
Once we got to the regular floor (with Bi-Pap), the Doctor then INSISTED that we try to FEED HER BY MOUTH even though they had put in an NG tube---and it WAS WORKING!!!!
And then, she ASPIRATED when fed because she NEEDED the Bi-Pap to breathe yet could not swallow fast enough to get it out of the way before having to have the Bi-Pap!!!
She had been MAKING PROGRESS until then, but then she CRASHED when she tried to eat WHILE STILL DEPENDENT ON BI-PAP (WHICH BLOWS FOOD/LIQUID DOWN YOUR AIRWAY)!!!
At that time, SHE HAD NO INFECTIONS!!!
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(5) I'VE CRIED SO MANY TEARS I CAN'T STAND IT!!! BP 176/108
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Every time the Doctor wants to have a "conference," it is REALLY BAD NEWS!!! And it gets WORSE EACH TIME!!!
Each time, my blood pressure SKY ROCKETS! I took it today after the meeting and it was 176/108!!! (And I take BP meds, although my Doctor just changed it because of a reported defect with the med).
I have cried and cried and cried---till it HURTS!!!
And it REALLY HURTS to think that we may lose Stephanie when she just went in due to a STUPID SEIZURE THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN CONTROLLED WITH MEDS!!!!!!!!!
And then she ASPIRATED and got ASPIRATION PNEUMONIA---NOT viral or bacterial pneumonia---ASPIRATION PNEUMONIA ---as a result of a STUPID SEIZURE THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN CONTROLLED BY MEDS!!!!!!!
I am HEARTBROKEN!!!
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My prayers are with you.
Prayers out for you...I am so sorry that it turned out this way. She is in good hands now. Again, I am so very sorry.
I am SO sorry to hear this, Concerned. I can’t imagine a worse feeling, losing someone you love so much. I think of the death of a Christian as one falling asleep in her own room and waking up in God’s room. All of us will be praying for your peace and comfort throughout all this. Love, Maryxxx
What you experienced is not that uncommon I suspect.
My late father collapsed and ended up in the ER. While there, his family doc came to visit the next morning. He came in and talked for a few minutes, then left to finish up paperworks.
Suddenly the doc came back in and waived me outside. He walked me to the desk where the nurse was, and asked me a question which he knew the answer ... “what do you want the hospital do if your father heart stops suddenly?” I said “all the effort to say him of course”. Then the doc pulled out a pink DNR sheet from the file and waived it in front of the male nurse. His face went white.
We never signed the DNR and had no idea who put it there. Good thing the family doc caught it because the next morning my dad went code blue and survived this time, thanks to CPR.
Throughout the 3 months when my dad was in the hospital before his death, the doctors/hospital also pressured us to sign the DNR on at least 3 occasions. Each time I made it very clear to them above all, it is a catholic hospital and the default unspoken rule is to save life, without asking/pressuring patients.
Hang in there, spread the word about theses “cost saving measures” to kill off the old.
Also, about half of the nursing staff there I would describe as “angels of death”, the other half was very good. Lord have mercy.
I cannot imagine what you are going through. Words fail. May Almighty God have mercy and comfort you and your family, and your friend, during this sad time. My prayers are with you. God bless...
We are so sorry.
Can’t imagine what you’re going through.
Our prayers for your comort and solace, and for the embrace of Jesus.
Please accept my heartfelt condolences. May the loving memories of precious Stephanie sustain you in the days ahead.
you and your family is in our prayers.
May our Heavely Father comfort all who love Stephanie and Nita. May He turn this earthly loss into the eternal gain of your father’s and brother’s souls so that, someday, you will all be together again in perfect and complete joy with Him.
I'm sorry to hear about your loss. Pain and heartbreak is a reality that has been with us since the Fall.
Knowing this doesn't ease the pain over one's great loss -- but there is solace in knowing that there is one who cares, who knows all your pain, and that HE has promised to wipe away all tears, and remove the reproach from His people.
And the one who said this cannot lie.
There is a reunion with all believers, as we make the transition from this world to the next.
Be in Christ, and be in Life forever.
Prayers for your Dad and brother, that they come to know the Lord and that they will be part of the reunion as well.
May the Good Lord comfort you and keep you during your time of loss - and may you keep your eyes affixed upon HIM who we place all our hopes.
Prayers sent
Many prayers for you and your family. I am so very sorry for your heartbreaking loss.
There is no greater loss that that of a child. Our sympathy and prayers for those who love her so deeply. May Stephanie forever be at peace and you in knowing that you loved her and cared for her all of her special life.
For your family and the intentions, we also pray. Perhaps Stephanie will help her grandpa and uncle find conversion to our Lord.
And for your friend and her family, we pray for their comfort in the loss of her mother.
It’s been such a hard fight for all of you. Rejoyce in the love you gave to her, the joy and special times you shared with her.. and rest. Stehpanie’s struggles are over. She is now at peace. Forever young, forever in the care of the angels in Heaven.
“TT”, Beth & Nana
Praying in tears.
We know this dear one is alive and happy in Christ now, but the separation is so hard to bear.
Thank you, Caroline, for posting the beautiful picture of our Savior.
I’m so sorry. It sounds to me you have been the best mother a child could ask for. You cared for her and never gave up on her for her entire life. I am certain that your daughter is with Jesus right now in his arms, and she is fully healthy and happy. You will meet again someday.
I will pray for you and your family.
(((((((Hugs)))))))
My heart is breaking for you! I am so very sorry! Please know that you have my families prayers that Jesus will give you His Peace and Comfort. I wish I could Hug you! I,too have a daughter that is a dwarf and she is 32 years old.She is the apple of my eye! The Lord used her life to teach me about His Grace and Faith!If you would like to talk or pray I am here, dear friend.Again, I am so sorry! May Jesus Hold you in His Arms!
My heart goes out to you. Many prayers going up for you and your family.
I’m sorry dear. May the Lord hold you in the palm of his hand.
Heavenly father, right now a dear sister has had a loved one die. She is weeping for her loss. She feels despair and anger that her daughter has been ripped away. But we know that this is a battle already won. Jesus, through his death and resurrection, has conquered death and whosoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life. Be with concerned today as she grieves. Wipe away her tears and give her faith in this dark hour, for the victory is yours already. Amen
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