Sorry for the delay in posting. I think we were all awestruck when Nikki started taking her first breathes yesterday. She was ahead of schedule on her recovery and they were hoping she would get out of ICU today. I’m still having trouble trying to comprehend how amazing it all is.
Well, we knew there would be a few bumps on the road to recovery.
Nikki has struggled these last 33 hours with severe pain from her incisions. The pain management team inserted nerve blocks in her back to try and dull the pain. During the surgery, they open her up like a clam shell (term they use). She’ll have a scar completely across the front of her chest and around her sides where you would typically find the lower part of her bra. The left nerve block was able to keep her pain at a reasonable level. She has been having trouble with the right block. Because of the pain, she’s been nauseous. Because of the pain, she’s been unable to do very much of her therapy. Because of the pain, she was unable to sleep for the last 33 hours. This has set her back little. But just a little.
The pain management team was focused to get this problem under some level of control today. After trying a few unsuccessful alternatives, they thought the nerve block could possibly be inserted a little too far into her back. They thought it might be dumping medication directly into her chest cavity. If it was, it might be draining through one of the 5 tubes sticking out of her chest. They brought in an ultrasound and pulled it back a fraction of an inch. It helped. She’s now at a pain level of about 5 on a 1 to 10 scale.
She was able to hit a few milestones today after they were able to reign in some of the pain.
Her nurse was finally able to wash her hair. It was looking like a birds nest after lying on her back for the last few days. I took some pictures. She can share them later if she wants. I won’t do it.
She also was able to get out of bed and sit in a chair. Trust me, it’s an accomplishment.
Nikki has also had a history of blood clots. And those are bad. They can be REALLY bad. Of course, she has a clot where the Hickman IV line and Swan IV line were both entering her jugular. They’ve pulled the Swan line, but she’s receiving A LOT of IV medications. They must keep the Hickman. The clot has caused her entire arm to swell up. The people in the industry call it edema.
They’ve wrapped her arm with a special sleeve to try and reduce the swelling.
As many of you know, it’s probably better if you never have to know any of these terms. Unfortunately, some of us learn them sooner than others. As you’re sending all of those good vibes our way, please don’t forget to count those blessings that you have under your own roofs.
Thank you.
Travis
Nikki's New Lungs 
oh Nikki. I am so sorry you are having to experience such pain. I remember it being the worst pain I ever could imagine. The nerve blocks helped for short time but many will work their way out and have to do it all over again. There really is nothing too much worse. I remember this experience being the best thing ever and the worst thing ever… Once you make it through this hard part it will be nothing but a memory of triumph. You can do this. Just one hour at a time. One breath at a time. So glad you were able to sit up. I am sure by the time you did, you were exhausted and ready to lay back down. I am not sure if you remember my post but I used to sing to myself, Bob Dylan;s song, Tangled up in Blues but I would say, Tangled up in Tubes… So glad you have your hubby by your side. Hang in there Travis, she will not be like this forever. There is a rainbow at the end of all of this.
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Beautifully told, Trav. Thank you for the update. Take care of our girl and keep the updates coming.
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If there is anyone that can handle these “Bumps” and do it with grace, it is Nikki, and with you by her side I remain very positive that they will be gone before we know it;)) Our prayers remain strong and our love is once again being sent, thank you so much for taking the time to post. Huge hugs to the both of you and I will check back in the AM;))
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OH GOD! Travis you have an amazing ability to not only tell us what’s going on, but I feel the pain she’s going through and the great care they are giving her and the love you have for her. What can we do for you? Pray for the healing. It will happen and you will have your Nikki back.
Love and prayers, Heidi and Scott
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wow! that girl is the strongest person I know! so incredible she was able to sit up!! you’re right, i’m sure that is a huge milestone!! hate that she’s hurting…not a minute of the day goes by where y’all are not in my prayers!! i know nikki said she didn’t want flowers, but requested bag pipes. found a picture today of an angel playing the bag pipes, if you can believe that!! I will post it to your wall for her to see!!! love you both! stay strong girl!! and travis, squeeze her hand for me! we are all rooting for her!!!
❤,
JJ
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Nikki you are one amazing woman,so sorry you had to suffer all that pain.I hate to see anybody suffer especially you,sending lots of prayers,Thank’s Trav for keeping us all updated.Love you both so much…
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Trav, she is lucky to have you next to her through all. Also looks as though you have a wonderful support system. 🙂 thanks for the updates.
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Sending continued prayers and positive healing thoughts your way! Sorry to hear of the setbacks but so happy to her the progress. You two are an amazing couple!!
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Trav – Thanks you for keeping us so well informed on Nikki’s progress. I hate that she’s having to go through so much pain but it will be over in due time and her new life will begin….can’t wait until that day! She is such a trooper and I know that with every ones good thoughts and prayers she will be that new woman in no time! We are hoping to stop in sometime today at the VIP lounge; I only wish we were able to see Nikki but I totally understand. Love you both so much!
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Hang in there Nikki, and you too Travis! We’re all praying for peace and comfort in this healing process. Nikki is one heck of a fighter and nothing will stop her from pushing forward! xoxo
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I’m glad she got to wash her hair. When i saw that last picture I thought they might have accidentaly given her a hair transplant, as well!
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