Trent is back on BiPAP (the machine that they put him on when he moved to the ICU) to help keep his oxygen levels up. For anyone who has ever had (or heard of) sleep apnea, BiPAP works the same way as a CPAP, providing postive pressure support to the lungs in order to keep airways open when a person breathes. The only difference is that while a CPAP provides continuous (C) pressure support, so the pressure remains the same both when breathing in and breathing out, BiPAP has a two-level (Bi) fluctuation in pressure, strong pressure when inhaling to expand and maintain the airways and lungs, relaxed pressure when exhaling so Trent doesn't have to push against the airflow when he breathes out.
All of that to say that Trent is still breathing on his own, with a small amount of assistance. With the BiPAP, his O2 sat (oxygen level) is staying at a healthy level, and he is able to relax a little bit more when he breathes. This helps to keep his blood pressure and his heartrate within acceptable levels as well. Hopefully, the BiPAP - and the Xanax that the doctor so nicely gave him - will allow him to get some sleep tonight.
Jill is hanging in but could definitely use some rest as well. She is eating (with a few gentle reminders) and taking fairly regular breaks from the claustrophobia of the ICU. Be praying that when Trent falls asleep, she will allow herself some time to nap as well.
As always, more than anything, PRAY FOR LUNGS! Trent is stable and can remain as is on the BiPAP for the time being, but there is exhaustion in his eyes with every breath he takes. He is definitely still pushing, but knowing how close that first deep breath is (likely less than 12 hours after the transplant is complete), lungs is the only word that has meaning at Cleveland Clinic tonight.
More when we have it...
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