Recovery- Day 5, update

The highlight of the day was when a special visitor named Puppy Brewster stopped by to cheer Santi up. Santi loves dogs! It was a great treat to have one stop by our room. 

The bummer of the day was taking Santi for his special X-ray.

They confirmed that the right side of his diaphragm is not moving. It is a mild paralysis, meaning it is possible to heal on its own, very slowly. However, the surgeons are currently discussing the option of taking him back for another procedure in which they would tack the diaphragm down permanently. Ugh. Another procedure means another intubation. Another sedation. More trauma for my sweetheart (and us). But it could also help stop the fluid buildup in his lungs and get us home. 

Waiting to see if it improves on its own could mean a longer hospital stay. Keeping the chest tube in longer and even then, they might still have to do the procedure anyway. Ugh.  

We will find out more tomorrow.