This is the FINALLY the time to get a PEG placement. All vitals have been taken care of and fentanyl given to make me sleeeeeeepy. The team came to my bedside and made my room extra sterile. They put a camera down my throat and softly inflated my stomach. All of this happened to find out sadly that they cannot do the PEG placement because my stomach is underneath my ribs. They couldn't even carefully move my stomach! So, surgery...here we come. PEG placement was aborted at my bedside at this time.
My wonderful husband had a telephone call with my social worker and he spoke of boundaries once again. He wanted to make sure I had family support and was a champion once again for me!
The OR surgery for my gastrostomy. The OR team went in and clamped my stomach. They then brought it down and out momentarily. They made the incision to put a tube in and was careful not to cause damage or injury to the backside of my stomach. A purse string suture was created, and they placed the stomach in place. They then stapled my exterior (skin part) of my abdomen and was done with the placement.
The team that has been caring for me at this time can use the tube for medication immediately but must wait 4 hours to use for feeding. I've been quite lethargic due to the fentanyl. So, I've been kept on the vents and speaking valve has not been used. My cuff has been suctioned and it was said to be white liquids with some blood tinged here and there.
With OT, PT and SLP I had the speaking valve in but not able to make a sound. So, I used head nodding to answer the questions asked to me. The Case Manager has stated that the speaking valve can only be placed if a member of my team is present. They also said to reduce agitation my room should be dimly lit, TV off, keeping number of visitors and staff to a minimum, and approach me in a calm manner. To reduce confusion, my hospital staff should stay consistent, and I shouldn't be moving rooms.
Back to OT and PT, I was able to sit upright 5 times for 1 minute each time. I can hold my head up to 3 minutes and with my helmet on. I followed one step commands and was able to answer two choice questions with my usual head nods. I chose my Pastor vs. Cousin, OT vs. the Nurse, 2022 vs. 1955. I didn't know which month it was but once they told me I chose that it was Hot vs. Cold. I was unable to communicate verbally, and I opened my eyes at certain times, and they rolled quite often. My breathing was decreased quite a bit and I tolerated it okay the SLP was concerned and noted that my trach should be decreased in size.
Sheltering Arms Rehab had started following me! As long as I do well on my trach collar, they may have a bed for me next week!! My Case Manager spoke to Anita from Sheltering Arms, and they let Anita know how I've been progressing, and I should be ready to be discharged next week!! I have been progressing by rolling and sitting at the edge of my bed with some assist!
Next up, my Case Manager spoke with Deborah at Sheltering Arms Rehab, and she said I'm ready to be discharged!! So, they put my insurance in works to approve the inpatient rehabilitation and I have to have a COVID test within 24 hours of arriving there! Sheltering Arms would also prefer for my trach collar to be downsized and cuffless!
I'm excited for these new changes I am starting to face. :)
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