Sarah has been speeding through her immediate post-op recovery. She tolerated removal of her breathing tube well and her blood is fully saturated with oxygen on only a little nasal oxygen which will likely be discontinued soon. Extubation was followed by removal of the Swann Ganz catheter that had measured pressures and outputs of the various chambers of her heart during surgery and immediate post op period and by the removal of 2 of 3 chest tubes that drained fluid from the mediastinum (heart cavity). The 3rd chest tube will likely be pulled in a couple of hours. Dopamine and vasopressin that have helped maintain good blood pressure and cardiac output are being tapered and are expected to be discontinued over the next few hours.
She continues to require a cardiac pacemaker but likely this will be short term. She has a good atrial (upper heart chamber) rhythm but the electrical signals are not conducting completely to her ventricals (lower chambers). This is likely due to disruption of conducting channels during surgery, but will likely return as she heals. An arterial line will likely be pulled later along with another catheter. So fewer lines and other encumberences by the minute. She would usually be transferred from critical care tooo
She continues to require a cardiac pacemaker but likely this will be short term. She has a good atrial (upper heart chamber) rhythm but the electrical signals are not conducting completely to her ventricals (lower chambers). This is likely due to disruption of conducting channels during surgery, but will likely return as she heals. An arterial line will likely be pulled later along with another catheter. So fewer lines and other encumberences by the minute. She would usually be transferred from critical care tooo
Your are amazing Sarah! You're ability to deal with so much is inspiring. We are thinking of you and your family. Hugs, kisses, and lots of love...Jenny, Brion, Cameron, and Max.
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