I took a picture of Nikki yesterday. She called it her sad face.
As you can imagine, she was pretty upset when she learned the bypass wasn’t successful. We were all upset. To see her go through all of this pain and still have the clot really makes you second guess.
In speaking with several doctors here, we do think that the rib and tissue removal will help to free up space for those collateral veins to grow larger and carry more traffic. I think Highway 100 used to be called Lilac Parkway. Now it’s 3 lanes wide and people cruise at 65 miles per hour.
Her surgery was on Tuesday. It was all day Tuesday. She was intubated so long during surgery that the tubes that were shoved down her throat irritated the esophagus so much that she’s been unable to swallow. This has proven to be a challenge in her recovery. She is still unable to swallow her pills. Her pain and anti-rejection meds needed to be delivered via I.V. A few of her pills were able to be popped open and the contents of the gel caps were sprinkled on a small spoon of pudding and she was able to take those down. Most, however, are not available in liquid and she’s unable to take them.
Nikki still hasn’t been able to eat. She can only take small sips of water. Two at a time. The swelling in the throat is being treated with steroids to help with the inflammation. This makes it difficult for her to talk. And a main reason she still hasn’t been up to having visitors. So that makes it reasonably quiet in the room. I’ve actually got a nice mobile office set up. It’s good to have an understanding boss. Aside from the nurses, vascular surgeons, cardio-thoracic surgeons, pulmonologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, orthopedic therapists, nursing assistants, and cleaning crews, I can actually get quite a bit of work done.
Nikki still has quite a bit of pain. Yesterday, she said she thinks this surgery is more painful than her lung transplant. I think she was just on better narcotics for a longer period of time while her sternum was starting to heal last time. We learned a bit about her pain medications when she had her rib removed a couple of weeks ago. Taking it via her PCA works better for her than taking it via constant drip. PCA is an acronym for Patient Controlled Analgesia, but she just calls it her “Little Blue Buddy”.
We also learned a better dosing for her anti-nausea medications. We’re hoping she will eat soon.
Nikki was able to sit in a chair yesterday for about 15 minutes. Today, we went for a walk. It was no 5k, but it was a big deal. I paced it off and calculated it to be a 0.15k. That’s the equivalent of about a football field and a half.
Yesterday was a little better than Tuesday. Today was a little better than yesterday. She’s recovering, but it will take some time.
Nikki's New Lungs 
Nikki, our sweet Nikki, I just wish that I could carry some of this pain for you, I surely would, I can’t say enough about how much we love you and are thinking and praying for you daily. You are such a trooper and I am thinking positive each day for you. Once again, sending hugs and love and thanking you for these updates. XXXXOOOOO….
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Thank you Auntie Char.
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Very tough woman. As always prayers are with you.
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Thank you very much Dan.
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Oh, Rocket, what a disappointment for you. I think all of us who know and love you wish you didn’t have to endure such a lengthy, damaging procedure. I know you hate lying around. While you recuperate, try to enjoy watching the World Cup in Rio and remember all the fun we had there, Ammos and all!!! 🙂
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I do remember the AWESOME time we spent together in Rio!
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Trav, We can’t thank you enough for keeping us informed on the ins and outs, ups and downs of what you both are going through. You tell the story beautifully.
Our prayers are with you two. xoxo
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Travis is fabulous at keeping everyone informed.
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My heart goes out to you Nikki.
Faith, Hope & Love
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Thanks Connie.
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I just can’t tell you how bad I feel for all that you are going through dear sweet Nikki! My heart hurts for you!! Please know that I am thinking about you and Trav and sending much love and many hugs your way.
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Thank you so much Shari! Hugs and love back at you.
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Travis and Nikki…I am sad to hear that recovery isn’t going as planned. Thinking of you guys often and wishing you a quick, pain free recovery. Live Fart Laugh….Keep things interesting!:)
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Keeping things interesting is what I do!!! Thanks Melissa.
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Thanks for the update. I am praying that you will be strong and get through this. Think of all that you have been able to do. This is just a bump in the road and you are such a strong person you will get through this challenge.
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It is a bump and I will pass over it Peggy!
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Please tell me that hospital has a plan to deal with transporting patients if that mudslide worsens?! We want you comfortable AND safe!
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Crazy rain! The mudslide was across the river. We could see it from the window.
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Life surely isn’t fair!! Seeing and hearing about your discomfort is so sad! But you have so many people pulling for you–don’t give up. Actually, I know you never would. You have too much spunk for that! Better days surely must be coming–hang in there, both of you!
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I am not giving up!
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