The main focus for today was to move to the 12 floor and leave intensive care. BP seems to be stable and Dana's IV lines were holding up even though she hated them and said they hurt. When Andrew arrived in to Dana's room, he introduced himself as Dana's nurse for the day, Dana was her usual moody self. I know its the meds but its horrible to hear her say things which she would never say. Dana questions and watches Andrews every move. The poor man can't just get on and do his job. At the point where Dana's catheter had to be removed, just to distract Dana and to keep her calm, Andrew and Dana were discussing the kings and queens of the UK.
It was time for the ICU doctors ward rounds, this was in addition to Dana being visited by Dr Park's team. The doctors formed a semi circle outside Dana's room and a lead doctor started to brief the 10 or so doctors. The nurse said to me I could listen in if I wanted to. At the end the lead Doctor asked if they had any questions, then turn to me and asked if i had any questions, which I was blown away by. I did have a question regarding Dana's anxiousness and when to tell the difference between that and pain. The nurse replied to me and the lead nurse she would speak to child life and have someone from that area come down and talk with Dana. This was done and followed through within the hour. The ICU doctors work very closely with the patients doctors and all take an interest in the patient. This I found very refreshing and so reassuring.
Andrew came and told us Dana was moving to the 12th floor, what a relief and luckily the meds were given just before the move. I gathered Dana's belongings and Jeff came to help wheel Dana's bed up to the 12th floor. I followed Jeff and Andrew and we went in the staff only lift. A few seconds later we were coming out of the lift and on the 12th floor. Now this was no ordinary childrens ward as we are used to back in the UK. As you enter, you are faced with one of the many nurses station where there are coloured lights behind a clear sheet which hugs the nurses station. As we head to find Dana's room 14b, we pass all private rooms, each room has a private bathroom and a slim wardrobe. I look at other signs on different doors and say, Private Consult Room, Gym room Kitchen and Parents Lounge. We enter 14b and Dana is wheeled next to the window and were quickly met with Dana's nurse and technician Allie and Morgan who are both very friendly. Dana was still her usual moody self and told Allie how horrible Andrew was to her. These meds have a lot to answer for. Of course Andrew was so lovely as all the ICU team were.
Dana was very anxious and again was protective of the IV's. She didn't want anyone to touch her.I was given a goodie bag with bits and pieces in and informed of the process with regards to meals and meds. Dana has trouble turning which she must do to keep her back supple. This hurts and Dana screams each time she turns to side to side. All I can do is encourage her to take deep breaths and relax. The IV wires are put to the side of Dana so they don't become caught under her. Dana's attitude is one of non reason as what ever you say it is never what Dana wants to hear. So you accept you do what you have to do and make your child as comfortable as possible. Tomorrow is a new day.
No comments:
Post a Comment