Wednesday

July 22, 2009

Today is a big day for Bill.

Variations in blood pressure continue to be a major issue. The Drs. are looking into the causes of this. He gave everyone quite a scare this morning when his BP spiked into the 280s. Fluid input was lowered, his ventilation was changed and he was given nitroglycerin for a few minutes. He responded well to these changes and was stable long enough for the grafts on both arms to be checked.

Great news - both arms look good! The grafts have taken and look as healthy as expected. However, his hands may involve more grafting in the future.

He is scheduled for a chest graft tomorrow morning. The Drs. will take skin from his abdomen for this. They also anticipate replacing the donor skin on his upper right arm with skin from his abdomen. They may also need to graft on his face depending on the severity of the burns.

He continues to be in critical, but stable condition. He has an infection in his blood and is being treated with antibiotics. Infection of any type is a serious threat to Bill's recovery and the Drs. want to minimize this threat as much as possible. Therefore, visitation is being restricted to family members.

He looks like a mummy all wrapped in gauze. The swelling in his face seems to have decreased and his eyelids look unharmed. They gave him a short haircut and we can see some short silver spikes at the top of his head. He remains on the ventilator and does not communicate. However, this doesn't stop us from chatting with him!

Thank you for all your prayers and concern - it gives us strength.

8 comments:

  1. Dawn... good to hear the grafts are taking... the whole infection thing is why we didn't go to visit, the less germs introduced the better. Please when you are chatting with him, let him know we are all concerned for him here... and have been praying. Let us know what we can do to help you... Pat really wants to help out! He will be home from camp this weekend.

    ((hugs))

    Beth and Ralph

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  2. Hi Family, There always seems to be setbacks but with everyones love and support HE WILL RALLY.
    We pray for him and you all for strength to get you through each day taking one day at a time.
    We send you all our love and large hugs, pinky one for Bill. Love. Mark, Melon, Joyce and Christine

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  3. Hi Dawn, reading this reminds me of Andy's burns when he worked for the UI he looked like a swollen mummy also. The difference was that he was sedated but not intubated so he pretty much knew what was happening....better for Bill to be asleep until he is stronger and the major work is done.Bill got hurt doing what he loves best, helping someone else.We can certainly learn from him .We think of you every day our prayers and love to all of you.
    Love, Lynn and Andy

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  4. Dawn,

    Just a few thoughts of encouragement and prayer from the "left" coast. Christine and look and read with interest everything you put up on the blog and Maureen & Howard are doing there best to keep us up to date. Do know that we are all pulling for Uncle Billy and we are keeping you close to our hearts.

    love,

    David, Christine, Rachel and Alex

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  5. Bill Dawn and Family,

    Glad to hear the big guy is making progress. Some setbacks are to be expected. Words cannot begin to express the sorrow we are feeling for all of you. Bill is a great man and you are a wonderful family. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of you.

    Bill and Lisa Smith

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  6. Bill Dawn and Family

    Howie called me last night with the terrible news. My heart and prayers go out to all of you. I pray he will improve with each day.

    Lois Joan Ryan Barton

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  7. Dawn: You and Bill are continually in our thoughts and prayers. We know you are busy. If there is anything that we can do...just call!

    Jim & Phoebe

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  8. Dawn: Hi cuz. Lois called me and told me about cousin Billy, our hearts, thoughts and prayers are with you all. Dave Ryan And Lois Barton
    davidfryan@aol.com

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