Good Evening From Team Youngblood HeadQuarters.
We have mobilized and are now located on Seven West, which sound like the name for the next night time Soap Opera …. Charlie’s Angels themed music and then in bold letters “Seven West” featuring Randy Youngblood and his team of ladies. Sorry it’s late and my sleep is lacking so I think I’m being funny. If this is not funny just laugh at me and move on to the next paragraph.
We had hoped we were moving earlier in the day but the move did not come until near the end of the day just before shift change so that added a bit of stress as we re-located and met one set of nursing staff only to turn around and then meet the night time nursing staff who was still coming on and catching up on data from all the patients that the day staff had been responsible for. In spite of the minor confusion, uncertainty and change of venue, which put us all on new “learning ground” for how does “Seven West” function, Randy continued to be the model patient. In fact when nurse Dawn informed him that she would like him to get up and walk a bit more he willingly accepted her challenge and then proceeded to not once but twice make an escape back to the comfortable and known of ICU.
Sweet Cara has the night shift tonight since I have been on duty 3 nights in a row and I am not functioning on all cylinders at the moment (i.e reference lame humor in the opening paragraph). Pray that she is allowed to remain with him as his mouth piece because technically we are not supposed to be staying in the room all night and if his roommate objects then Cara would have to leave. So far all seemed to be working out when I left and for that I am most grateful. Over the last 72 hours the ladies of Team Youngblood have learned to read Randy’s finger spelling and hand gestures for certain words and so we are his voice for the nurses, the Dr. and visiting guests.
The praises of the day:
1. Wonderful visits from the Wilson, Flissar, Herrin and Robles Families.
2. Another Tube was removed and we got rid of the very sensitive and equally noisy “Vital Signs” monitor that went off a lot because of it’s acute ability to detect the slightest change in Randy’s vitals. His vitals have been great and the monitor was SUPER picky!!
3. Nurse Yvonne last night was the perfect nurse because after 3 nights of caring for Randy she really knew his routine and was just on top of everything last night.
4. Nurse Rob was the perfect fit for a day of waiting to move. His sense of humor cut through the minor frustration that once awhile arose as we waited from 9:00 a.m. until 6:30 p.m. to move to “Seven West”.
5. Two good hall walks today and a jig dance with each one followed by a wave to all his neighbors as he passed them by.
6. Randy tried to talk a bit more tonight and people responded well so his speech is really showing progress in spite of the trach.
7. Pain levels were very good today and Randy seemed to make fewer pushes with his pain management button.
Thank you all for your continued support through FB, texts, visits, cards, flowers, stuffed animals and colorful balloons. Team Youngblood feels your love and prayers!!!
Blessings and thanks to all and a very good night from Camp Youngblood now located on “Seven West” (close out sexy theme music).