Yesterday Ari had her trach (breathing tube surgically placed directly into her windpipe, not via her mouth) and PEG tube (feeding tube) placed. Both procedures were successful and she tolerated them well.
She was stable enough to undergo the CT Scan, which revealed pulmonary embolus (blood clot in lungs), so they are starting her on a blood thinner called Heaprin to try and make the clots dissipate. There are some risks involved with drugs like this, but in Ari's case her caregivers feel the possible benefits outweigh the risks.
Her care team has been able to lower the amount of oxygen they're giving her, and keep her at 97-98% saturation, which they're happy with.
This morning, Ari's respiratory status is STABLE and the nurses feel as though things are looking up. She's being weaned off the paralytic medication(s), but they do not plan to remove it completely just yet. She will be in her "medical coma"-- where she is purposefully kept under sedation-- until maybe Sunday.
Visitation is still discouraged for the time being.
--Kasey
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