Monday, July 31, 2006

Jack is having a rough time

Needless to say, since getting to the floor, it's just been one big crisis. Jack came out of the PICU on room air, satting 100% and fairly comfortable. He is now on 3L of oxygen, at one point his sats dropped to 39 (probably not accurate - but still scary). He is really hurting. It all started with the trip out of the PICU, just the simple bumping along the way really stressed Jack out. I asked about increasing his pain meds. They call the orthopedic resident and he said "no way" is he increasing the pain meds on a kid who just had a respiratory event. (not sure why they called him on the pain issue). The peds team then shows up, along with the ortho resident, and they give me the spiel about how they don't want to increase his pain meds because it will decrease his respiratory drive. I'm about ready to throw the ventilator at them. Where is the pain management team and where is pulmonology?

....

It's been a while since I started this. Jack has calmed down some and the pain management doc came by (a nice individual this time) and he is going to increase Jack's continuous morphine. We both agree that the nurses need to be consistent about giving Jack the bolus morphine every 20 minutes like the order is written.

The key here: Be PROACTIVE, not reactive!

It's going to be a long night. *Sigh*

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

Poor Jack. I will say a prayer for him. I am sorry he had a setback of sorts. Hang in there Ann and tell Jack to hang in there, one day this will be a far off memory and he will be home and back to his old self.

Anonymous said...

Poor Jack, I am so sorry to hear that he is suffering, why they wanted to move him out of the PICU I don't understand. I can sense your frustration Ann, at least the dr has confirmed the instruction to keep up his morphine. I wish I could be there to give you all a big hug and sit with Jack so you could take a break for a while.

Sending lots of good vibes across the pond.

Love Julie

Anonymous said...

Oh Ann-it's just all too much! Were you able to get any rest last night or leave the room at all? It was good to talk to you-wish I could help you out :(

Love,
Anne

Anonymous said...

Just checking for an update from yesterday. xoxoxoxoJack!
Much love,
Kerry

Anonymous said...

Ann,

Don't let those nurses drop the ball on Jack's pain medication. I'm surprised that they were not consistent on this. Insist that they follow the pain doctor's orders. I hope Jack is a little more calm and confortable by this morning. Will keep praying.

Martha.

Anonymous said...

I just get mad reading your latest comments! I trust that God will take over for you in the most frustrating and heart wrenching times and keep Jack's safety close. Keep the faith! Gloria

Anonymous said...

Ann, this sucks! I am so sorry they are playing games with Jack's pain and moving him to the floor. I hope you are doing OK. I am in Boston this week for work, if you need to vent call anytime. I'm all alone in a hotel room.
Lots of Love
Carrie

Anonymous said...

Hey, Ann. I'm soooo sorry you and Jack are having such a rough time. At least they could have given you a private room.
It's going to get better! Hang in there and update soon. Thinking of you and praying for you.
-Barb

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry to hear that you are out of the PICU and that you have to deal with this. I wish that I lived closer. Sending lots of comforting and restful vibes your way. xoxoxo

Anonymous said...

Oh Ann! It's a good thing Jack has you! Last time I was at the doctors office (our regular ped) I ask a question and said something about "maybe it's just his mother's neurosis." Our ped said, "Well, if you weren't worried about him, who would be?" That made me feel okay for worrying. That's a good doctor! Hugs to you both! Hope you can get some rest and a break.

Anonymous said...

I don't understand the regular room thing. At our hospital they've told us that as long as Zach's on a vent he'll go to ICU and not to a regular room. Like you, I'd worry about the level of attention and the level of knowledge on the regular floor.

Zachgram