SignlRun is doing fine

[Phyllis]

From Blake's carepage:

Blake had a great night. The breathing tube was out by 11:00 and he was talking to me (and the kids by phone). He was still very out of it but we still loved it! His nurse said everything went smoothly during the night. They even got him into a sitting position about 2 am! This morning he is much more himself. His pain is very manageable and he is taking lots of mini naps. Ice water is helping with his dry mouth and lips. All his levels, tests, etc. are all perfect. Dr. Chen came by and told him "you make us look good." He will be moving to a private room later this morning. I will update more after that. We are so glad to be on the other side of the surgery. Thank you all for truly praying us through it. This is such a beautiful morning!

 

[Cooker]

Great news!!!.....I'm glad all went well

 

[WayneGM]

Sounds like Blake is doing great. Thanks for the update. Wishing him a smooth and speedy recovery.

 

[Freddie]

Fantastic News!!
Here's to you Blake for an uneventful and easy recovery.

 

[marie]

Great news. Hope all continues go to well
Earline

 

[Phyllis]

carepage update

carepage update

Here's the latest update:

We have moved. Our new address is room B483 and I hope we'll like it. So far this afternoon Blake has had clear liquids, aced his breathing exercises, ridden in a wheelchair and is now dozing in a recliner. Tonight he has a walk in the hall planned. He is definitely focused on his recovery! We are tired but so grateful for the care he is receiving. As always yours prayers carry us. Thank you for loving us. We'll check-in tonight. Now, go do something fun outside!

 

[Phyllis]

another update from the carepage:

19 June 27, 2008 at 09:00 PM EDT
Hello to all. We have made it through a rather hard day - recovering is not for wusses. Blake has worked hard at everything: walking, deep breathing, eating (with not much appetite) and a multitude of other activities encouraged to promote healing. As a result, he is stretched out on the bed trying to snooze. This floor is great in that the staff tries to leave us alone from around 11:00 pm until almost 5:00 am so that the patients can rest Doesn't sound like much but in hospital time it's an eternity. We are both looking forward to a good night's sleep. Your prayers and support will be an extra blanket that we wrap up in tonight.

 

[Phyllis]

This mornings update:

20 June 28, 2008 at 07:46 AM EDT
Good morning. We slept a little last night - for some reason it was hard to settle down. We have already walked twice this morning. Blake's vital signs, oxygen levels and blood sugar readings are all exactly right. He does not have any nausea at the moment and his pain is mild. The main hope today is that the chest tubes come out. Grace and Riley (our younger two children for those who don't know) will head down this afternoon for a visit. Please pray for their safe travel. We will talk to y'all later. Although it may be from a distance, it is so good be able to lean on you!

 

[hall]

That's great! Hope for continued progress.

Deb

 

[Phyllis]

Most of the tubes are out!

21 June 28, 2008 at 11:00 AM EDT
Chest tubes #1 and #2 are out! Let's all pray for #3 to be removed tomorrow. Presently Blake is stretched out in bed while having some Magnesium Sulfate infused through his IV (no big deal, they just like to keep the level higher than normal post op). He plans to rest for a little while and then wants to walk some more. He is not a good sitter! Dr. Chen is making rounds and should be by shortly. I will post if there is anything new to tell after his visit otherwise we will check in later this afternoon. Please go enjoy your day (even the parts you are dreading or that irritate you) - normal everyday stuff should not be taken for granted. Miss you all!

 

[Curtsmum]

Brilliant news, sending best wishes for a continude good recovery.

 

[Phyllis]

Blake may come home tomorrow

Blake may come home tomorrow

Newest post on carepages:

25 June 29, 2008 at 12:16 PM EDT
Amazing what a few hours can do! Blake's headache is gone, he actually ate some breakfast, the kids are here and we have all been for a walk outside. Dr. Chen's fellow was here and said the headaches could be caused by many different factors but he would review Blake's labwork and medication list to make sure nothing there was causing them. He also will write an order for a different medication strictly to alleviate headache as needed. We are now waiting for Blake's INR level (relating to the Coumadin) to get above 2 and then we can come home. Right now it is at 1.48. They will check it again tomorrow morning and if it's good they will discharge him. We were all sitting in the hospital room and it got quiet and we could hear the valve clicking - amazing and reassuring. Grace and Riley will leave around 2 pm and we will take a celebratory nap! Thought you might enjoy this picture...

 

[rocksoldier]

great news!!!!!!!! trish

 

[Phyllis]

At least one more day:

27 June 30, 2008 at 08:13 AM EDT
YUCK! Blake's INR level is at 1.58 so we will spend another night in the hospital. We did sleep last night and Blake feels good this morning. Dr. Chen said the headaches are related to the surgery in that there is much more blood flow out of the heart with the new valve. Also his heart rate is revved up due to surgery which moves more blood too. Basically his body just needs to adjust to the changes and calm down. Start your prayer engines and let's him get out of here. Suggestions to help pass the time today would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Phyllis]

a good day for Blake:

We have not posted today because there hasn't been much to tell. Blake has no more dressings or IVs just the heart monitor still attached. HIs big thrill was taking a VERY long shower which he said felt wonderful. He said it is much more pleasant to be near his armpits now! The day has passed remarkably quickly (must be a God thing). Tonight Blake will meet the nurse who took care of him during his first night post op. She was truly a blessing that night - calm, caring and competent. She spoke to Blake even while he was sedated and never did anything to him without telling him exactly what was happening. He said today that he can remember the sound of her voice. It should be a neat reunion. The staff here loves us (it may have to do with the pizza we brought them!) and Blake's care has been good. He is noticing the pain in his chest more today but said that is ok because it is a pain he was expecting (as opposed to the headaches which have been better today). Our plan is another walk later followed by piling up to watch something mindless on TV. Hopefully we will have good news tomorrow and will be headed toward home. Pray us on out of here warriors!

 

[Phyllis]

Blake is going home today!

30 July 01, 2008 at 09:01 AM EDT
WE ARE OUT OF HERE!! Blake's INR is not where they want it to be yet. Luckily they are sending him home on the condition that he receives an injection twice a day to supplement the Coumadin. We will check in with the Chattanooga Coumadin clinic on Thursday to have his level rechecked. We are so glad to be coming home and hope that the paperwork here doesn't take all day. Love to all!

 

[njean]

So relieved to hear these great news on Blake! I pray he continues to do well & glad to hear he can go home. That will make a world of a difference!

Thank you for keeping us updated Phyllis!