Crystal part 2

Here is the continuation of Crystal's story. Updates 7-12

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 10:47pm

Hi all~

I have a new favorite person in the world. Her name is Ester and she is a nurse taking care of Crystal. She saved Crystal's life tonight.

Ester walked into Crystal's room to check on her. Crystal was non responsive. She did the sternum rub a few times and Crystal did not respond. Ester did some sort of blood draw to check PH and CO2 levels. Before the test results were in Ester made the decision to intubate Crystal and put her on a ventilator. Crystals stats came back up right away and she was responding to Ester in an appropriate fashion.

Once the results were back it was shown that her PH level and Co2 levels were incompatible with life. Had Ester not intubated her at that time, Crystal would have needed chest compressions and other life saving measures.

Now that Crystal is on the ventilator her lungs will be forced to fully expand and exchange gases more effectively. The nurses will also be able to suction her lungs more deeply. That in turn will help fight the pneumonia. Additionally this will allow Crystal to rest and fight the infection instead of fighting for her next breath.

Keep praying for Crystal. And pray that Ester is blessed for her actions. I know she was doing her job, but I don't believe in coincidences. She walked in the room at the right time to serve Crystal and save her life.

Thu, 11 Dec 2008 11:10am

Hi All~
It's me again taking a few minutes to update you on Crystal. I will try to be short winded since Uncle Tod thinks I am too wordy! LOL! I think he has a short attention span!

I spoke to Crystal's nurse as well as Diane this morning. Crystal is doing well. They ran some tests on her lungs this morning and she only has a small pocket of fluid left in there. The Ventilator and the suctioning they are doing is working! We are so thankful for that.

She also has some improvement in her left leg. She can actually feel it tingle and is able to move it some. It seems the ventilator was the ticket to get her over the hurdle. She still has a long recovery ahead of her but she is making small improvements. And hey we will be thankful for that!

Thanks to Marion and David who took Diane out last night for dinner and a little break after a visit with Crystal. Diane was grateful for the break and I appreciate you for doing that.

Keep praying. It is working!
Love ya~Jen
PS ~ Uncle Tod, did I put you to sleep? Or did I keep your attention! LOL! All my love! Jen


Fri, 12 Dec 2008 1:35pm

Hi all~

I spoke to the nurse this morning. Crystal is doing well. She is slowly making improvements in her ability to move and have sensation in her arms and legs. She is able to move her left foot a bit more than yesterday. We are thankful for her small steps towards recovery. She is also getting some function back to her bowels.

The Dr is going to do a procedure this afternoon at some point to remove some fluid from an area of collapse in her right lung. They are hoping that once the fluid is gone she will begin to move air through that are of her lungs more effectively.

Crystal is still in isolation and you are required to gown up before entering her room. They are still allowing visitors as far as I know. Some of you have asked about sending flowers or what not. I think that as long as she is in ICU that flowers balloons etc are not allowed. I will let you know once she has transitioned out of ICU and can receive gifts. I will find out at the next call into her nurse what the mailing address is if anyone wants to send a get well card. Keep praying!

Sat, 13 Dec 2008 07:00am

Good morning! I spoke to Crystal's nurse today. Let's just say not all the nurses on the ICU floor are nice and informative. LOL!

What I did drag out of him is that Crystal is stable. Her vital are normal and her condition has not changed much since yesterday. They are keeping her fever down and her pain level managed. Yesterday the Dr did a procedure to remove the pocket of fluid out of her right lung. The procedure went well. They took another chest x-ray this morning, but the Dr has yet to round and interpret the film. I will call back in a few hours to get the information from the Dr. and hopefully shift change will bring a more informative nurse!

If you would like to send Crystal a Get Well card please send it to:

St. Joseph Regional Medical Center
ICU Floor
Attn: Patient Crystal (email me for her last name)
415 6th Street
Lewiston,Idaho 83501

Thanks!

Sat, 13 Dec 2008 6:03pm

Hi all~

I just got a call from Cyell and she said that they have taken Crystal off the Ventilator!!!!! And she is breathing well on her own!

Also Crystal is experiencing pain in both her legs. That is good news, even if it is pain. At least she can feel her legs.

I will check in with the Nurse in a few hours and see how she is doing!.

Keep praying... It's working!

Sun, 14 Dec 2008 10:30am

Hi All~

I called and spoke to Diane Crystal's Mom. She said that Crystal is doing very well. She is breathing very well on her own. They are feeding her Ensure through the tube in her nose and she is digesting that well. So that means her bowel and bladder have function now. She is drinking fluids by mouth.

And when the PT lady came in Crystal was able to kick her hand with her left foot! That is just awesome!!!! Crystal is still in isolation and you still have to gown up to see her. Diane said she is being her normal cranky self! You know... she is being the Crystal we all know and love!!!! I am sure the next step will be for her to be moved to regular floor for care. But no news yet on when that will happen.

Thanks for your prayers!

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That brings us up to date. I will post more of the story as it unfolds! Keep praying. Crystal needs it!