Day 36: July 16, 2009

Day 36: After another rollercoaster ride today, Travis is doing well.

Travis' trach has been a source of irritation for him since he's been concious. He has been pulling at it getting the valve speaking valve off several times the past week. His neck brace helped protect it before it was taken off. Yesterday morning his trach was buttoned so he can breath in and out through his nose and mouth. This is the last step to removing the trach completely. Well, last night Travis managed to completely pull out his trach four times. The nurses were able to get it back in all 4 times with no problem. This morning, he left it alone and seemed unbothered. Then this afternoon, he woke from a nap about 4:30, reached for his trach, and immediately pulled it out. He began to bleed profusely and cough up blood. Nurses and doctors came quickly. He was wheeled to the operating room. The doctor coterized some blood vessels, removed the trach, and scoped the lungs--no bleeding anywhere except at the trach opening. The doctor decided the trach was not needed. Gauze was placed over the trach opening for it to heal on its own. In the end, Travis got his way! He got it the hard way, but he got his way!

We had a wonderful short visit with our whole family in his room today. This was the first time the girls have seen thier dad conscious and the second time they have seen him in the hospital. Until yesterday, he always shook his head no to seeing them. I think he finally felt up to it yesterday. We were together for about 10 minutes to share kisses and happy expressions. He told his girls, "I love you."