February 25-26, 2010 - Moving On

An anonymous reader posted the following in the comments on Thursday. Thought I'd share since many may not check on comments. With best regards and thanks to the anonymous poster.

HOPE

HOPE is the thing with feathers
That perches in the soul,
And sings the tune without the words,
And never stops at all,

And sweetest in the gale is heard;
and sore must be the storm
That could abash the little bird
That kept so many warm.

I've heard it in the chillest land,
And on the strangest sea;
Yet, never, in extremity,
It asked a crumb of me.

Emily Dickinson

A lot has changed in these last 3 days. Dad was transferred to UMPC Presbyterian on Friday and things started happening quickly. Here's a synopsis of what's been happening.

Thursday the 25th was a down day. Dad was lethargic and unresponsive throughout the day.

• After the same kind of shaky start he had on Tuesday, Dad spent about 14 hours off the ventilator Thursday. His heart rate and oxygen saturation numbers were good, but he seemed to be locked in a struggle to breath.
• Back on the vent in the early evening and he quickly relaxed.
• We learned today that plans were unfolding to get Dad admitted to UMPC Presbyterian in Pittsburgh.
• Vital signs and other metrics remain solid.
  

Friday started off a lot better. When he woke up, he greeted me with a smile and a thumbs-up.

• We learned early in the day that UPMC had agreed to admit Dad and it happened Friday afternoon.
• Dad stayed on the ventilator all day in order to rest him for the transfer to Presby.
• He tolerated the ambulance ride well and rested comfortably after his arrival in Pittsburgh.
  
• His vital signs were good and he remains stable.
  
• The ICU medical staff and the vascular team started working up their evaluations.
  
• So far, the UPMC team and approach are impressive.

Thank you for your prayers, kind wishes and support. Please continue to pray for great outcomes.