Patience is a Virtue

Josephine has been making small baby steps of progress over the past few days.  The foley catheter, which has been a very on and off thing, is currently out.  Her belly drain has also been removed.  The fentanyl drip has been stopped in lieu of methadone and morphine, both of which will prevent the withdrawal symptoms Josephine is expected to experience after two full weeks on narcotics.  While the ventilator tube is still in, the respiratory therapists have started the weaning protocol.  (Essentially, this involves tests twice daily to insure that Josephine can remember how to breathe after two weeks of having it done for her.)  The most exciting thing I can share is that she has become noticeably more aware.  When she opens her eyes and looks at us, we see a sweet little spirit instead of just blank, glazed-over glances.  These glimpses into our little Josephine are still farther between than I would like, but the fact is they're happening...and I wouldn't trade that for much of anything at the moment.

This afternoon the doctors started Josephine on a new diuretic to help get rid of some of the chest edema that has plagued her since the first surgery.  Michael and I are optimistic, but somewhat nervous about this development.  The last diuretic, lasix, was too harsh for Josephine even at very small doses and may have contributed to her kidney problems.  Dr. Nugent, the attending physician this week, has assured us that this new medication - fenoldopam - was selected because it is gentle on the renal system.  Once Josephine can shed some of the extra fluids she'll be able to breathe better, and hopefully, will finally be able to come off of the ventilator.  As with everything else, it's a very delicate balance that we're praying will be successful.
 
On a lighter note, our Pheeny has become quite the little diva.  This afternoon, she was treated to a personal training session (a.k.a. Physical and Occupational Therapy), a private concert (a.k.a. Music Therapy) and a luxury baby massage (a.k.a. BABY MASSAGE!)  Perhaps tomorrow will bring a blowout (not of the diaper variety) and a relaxing mani-pedi.  Here's hoping. :)