Hello all,
Today Anne is resting comfortably. She had her right chest (drainage) tube removed this morning (after being told it wouldn't happen) and she immediately felt much better, maybe 50% better.
She took a one lap walk around the 3rd floor today too.
Anne's breathing is better now with the tube 'gone' from the right side. Breathing is still restricted on her left side of her chest. She will be having a chest xray tonight, and with a good result the left chest tube will be removed tomorrow. The thought of that brings on a big smiley face.
If the other tube is removed tomorrow there will be another chest xray tomorrow night. Nurse Brenda just told me the chest xray is done at least 6 hours after removing a chest tube to check and make sure that lung is fully expanded as it should be. They can look at the other lung as well to determine if there is any more fluid in it.
The Barium Swallow test should happen on Monday morning. I'm thinking if Anne passes that test there will be some discharge planning and home training going on on Monday.
So we have a good plan for tonight, tomorrow and Monday and we hope and pray for smooth sailin' till then.
The dressing on Anne's neck incision is still being changed twice per day, and Anne is still using oxygen and pain medications on a schedule. She still does breathing exercises to expand lung capacity.
Anne is much better off now, comfortable, and I have a feeling she won't want to be in here any more that what's necessary from here on out. It's been a long time.
Anne said she wouldn't mind if friends wanted to come in to visit tomorrow.
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Twelve Days after Surgery, 7:15am
Good mornin,
Anne had an up and down day yesterday, but she sounds great this morning. For the first time, her voice actually sounded normal again when she called at 7am today. I think there's some real healing going on in her throat now.
I just called Anne and she asks that you refrain from visiting today. She said she may be up for it later on today, but right now she isn't.
Yesterday, noonish, Anne coughed up some red (or pink) flem, and she got worried and decided she didn't want to take the Barium swallow test. She said she knew she would fail the test. She actually got pretty keyed up over it, causing discomfort and some real painful spasms in her back. Her doctors went with her idea to wait until Monday to do the test. This swallow test isn't a very pleasant thing to go thru. Anne said that the material they have you swallow tastes just awful.
During the afternoon she got calmed down and resting comfortably again. She then was taken down to Radiology for a chest xray to check on the fluid in her chest. We could see by looking at the drainage repositories that her right lung had not drained any fluid for the past day, however the left lung was still draining. Anne would love to get the tubes pulled. They are very uncomfortable. The doctors actually told us they would probably remove the right side tube today (Sat), but this morning they told Anne they would hold off till Sunday and hopefully remove both then. These tubes run in thru Anne's sides just down from her armpits. They run between the ribs and inside against the diaphram, causing pain.
Anne stated to me that it seems her bladder is finally waking up from the surgery. She is having to get up more frequently to exercise/empty it. She's going to start sitting in a chair again today, and will start moving and walking more. She has not been walking laps since the tubes were installed, but she is perking up to 'get moving' now.
Nurse Jenn explained to me yesterday that the kind of setbacks we've had seem huge to us, after all Anne had done so well for a week or so following the surgery, however for a recovery from a surgery of this magnitude, such 'bumps in the road' are common and to be expected, and we shouldn't be discourged.
The doctors were in changing her neck dressing when I called.
On Monday we expect to be talking with the discharge planning nurse again. She stopped in for a moment yesterday, just to touch base before going home for the weekend.
I hope I'm not repeating too many things in the blog the past few days. It seems like the news is repetitive, and to be honest all of the activities are sort of blending together for me lately. Not only that, but there are many many staff working on Anne's case, walking in and giving their thoughts and opinions all times of the day, and with that nothing seems to happen exactly as you are lead to believe. You know how selective hearing is........I'd also like to apologize if I am not able to keep up with any of your phone calls.
Have a good weekend all, and thanks for being there and for your continued support. Anne looks great, with rosey red cheeks, and is feeling much better minute by minute.
Anne had an up and down day yesterday, but she sounds great this morning. For the first time, her voice actually sounded normal again when she called at 7am today. I think there's some real healing going on in her throat now.
I just called Anne and she asks that you refrain from visiting today. She said she may be up for it later on today, but right now she isn't.
Yesterday, noonish, Anne coughed up some red (or pink) flem, and she got worried and decided she didn't want to take the Barium swallow test. She said she knew she would fail the test. She actually got pretty keyed up over it, causing discomfort and some real painful spasms in her back. Her doctors went with her idea to wait until Monday to do the test. This swallow test isn't a very pleasant thing to go thru. Anne said that the material they have you swallow tastes just awful.
During the afternoon she got calmed down and resting comfortably again. She then was taken down to Radiology for a chest xray to check on the fluid in her chest. We could see by looking at the drainage repositories that her right lung had not drained any fluid for the past day, however the left lung was still draining. Anne would love to get the tubes pulled. They are very uncomfortable. The doctors actually told us they would probably remove the right side tube today (Sat), but this morning they told Anne they would hold off till Sunday and hopefully remove both then. These tubes run in thru Anne's sides just down from her armpits. They run between the ribs and inside against the diaphram, causing pain.
Anne stated to me that it seems her bladder is finally waking up from the surgery. She is having to get up more frequently to exercise/empty it. She's going to start sitting in a chair again today, and will start moving and walking more. She has not been walking laps since the tubes were installed, but she is perking up to 'get moving' now.
Nurse Jenn explained to me yesterday that the kind of setbacks we've had seem huge to us, after all Anne had done so well for a week or so following the surgery, however for a recovery from a surgery of this magnitude, such 'bumps in the road' are common and to be expected, and we shouldn't be discourged.
The doctors were in changing her neck dressing when I called.
On Monday we expect to be talking with the discharge planning nurse again. She stopped in for a moment yesterday, just to touch base before going home for the weekend.
I hope I'm not repeating too many things in the blog the past few days. It seems like the news is repetitive, and to be honest all of the activities are sort of blending together for me lately. Not only that, but there are many many staff working on Anne's case, walking in and giving their thoughts and opinions all times of the day, and with that nothing seems to happen exactly as you are lead to believe. You know how selective hearing is........I'd also like to apologize if I am not able to keep up with any of your phone calls.
Have a good weekend all, and thanks for being there and for your continued support. Anne looks great, with rosey red cheeks, and is feeling much better minute by minute.
Friday, June 4, 2010
Eleven Days after Surgery, 10:30am
Hello friends,
I spoke with Anne this morning and she is doing ok. She awaits the Barium Swallow test scheduled for today. I hope she was a good girl and studied for it.
Anne's dressing on her neck had been freshened up early this morning. Last night it was changed promptly at 7pm. The wound is looking good, however worrysome as it is open and healing from inside out as you know.
Anne's breathing is improving ever so slowly. She has picked up again with the breathing exercises, and she is weening off of the oxygen now.
She isn't complaining about pain in the abdomen area at all, and that wound is looking especially good where the staples were removed and replaced with the steri-strips.
This morning Anne said she felt wiped out. I think it's related to the day she had on Wednesday. It hit me yesterday, and perhaps is catching up with her today.
Anne asks that you refrain from visiting today because rest is of key importance right now. Thanks for being there, for reading, praying, etc. Anne knows there is an Army of you folks concerned about her and it means the world to her. Thanks again.
I spoke with Anne this morning and she is doing ok. She awaits the Barium Swallow test scheduled for today. I hope she was a good girl and studied for it.
Anne's dressing on her neck had been freshened up early this morning. Last night it was changed promptly at 7pm. The wound is looking good, however worrysome as it is open and healing from inside out as you know.
Anne's breathing is improving ever so slowly. She has picked up again with the breathing exercises, and she is weening off of the oxygen now.
She isn't complaining about pain in the abdomen area at all, and that wound is looking especially good where the staples were removed and replaced with the steri-strips.
This morning Anne said she felt wiped out. I think it's related to the day she had on Wednesday. It hit me yesterday, and perhaps is catching up with her today.
Anne asks that you refrain from visiting today because rest is of key importance right now. Thanks for being there, for reading, praying, etc. Anne knows there is an Army of you folks concerned about her and it means the world to her. Thanks again.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Ten Days after Surgery, 8pm
Anne looks great tonight, with red cheeks again. She is getting up and down now when she needs to. It is painful and she's more out of breath, but it's improving steadily. She still has a hard time trying to breath deeply. It will be at least 3-5 days before she will be able to do that.
Anne had a nice day of rest today. She said she may have slept 5 hours today. Not straight thru of course.
Yesterday was such an extraordinary day that just about everyone paid the price being tired today.
Her right lung lining may be all finished draining fluid !! It looks like it hasn't drained any since 2pm. Her right lung liner has drained some since the last reading at 3pm. If one side stops draining, they can remove the tube on that side. Anne says they'll take an xray and make sure before removing any of the tubes.
The incision in Anne's neck is healing. The dressing is changed twice daily on schedule. It's a big gash there now since it had to be opened up because of the infection. Dr. McGillvary came in at 7pm while the dressing was being changed by Nurse Jenn. He put gloves on and stuck his finger right in there, which caused Anne some pain, and he did that to make sure there was nothing pooling or collecting in there. He said it looked very good, and the Nurse said it looked exactly as it should. I may have already mentioned that Anne said it may take a month for this incision to heal from the inside.
The nurses have said that it would be ok for me to bring Dixie in to see Anne. I would if Anne wanted me to, but I just haven't had time to even brush her lately and get her all shined up. Anne said she also needs her nails clipped. Maybe Dixie won't visit the hospital after all. I don't exactly need any extra trips to town and back anyway.
Anne has been coughing alot, like a good girl, to clear stuff from her throat.
Anne is supposed to have another Barrium swallow test tomorrow. I asked her to get studying so she can pass it this time.
Anne wants to thank you all for all of your prayers, positive thoughts, and cards.
Anne had a nice day of rest today. She said she may have slept 5 hours today. Not straight thru of course.
Yesterday was such an extraordinary day that just about everyone paid the price being tired today.
Her right lung lining may be all finished draining fluid !! It looks like it hasn't drained any since 2pm. Her right lung liner has drained some since the last reading at 3pm. If one side stops draining, they can remove the tube on that side. Anne says they'll take an xray and make sure before removing any of the tubes.
The incision in Anne's neck is healing. The dressing is changed twice daily on schedule. It's a big gash there now since it had to be opened up because of the infection. Dr. McGillvary came in at 7pm while the dressing was being changed by Nurse Jenn. He put gloves on and stuck his finger right in there, which caused Anne some pain, and he did that to make sure there was nothing pooling or collecting in there. He said it looked very good, and the Nurse said it looked exactly as it should. I may have already mentioned that Anne said it may take a month for this incision to heal from the inside.
The nurses have said that it would be ok for me to bring Dixie in to see Anne. I would if Anne wanted me to, but I just haven't had time to even brush her lately and get her all shined up. Anne said she also needs her nails clipped. Maybe Dixie won't visit the hospital after all. I don't exactly need any extra trips to town and back anyway.
Anne has been coughing alot, like a good girl, to clear stuff from her throat.
Anne is supposed to have another Barrium swallow test tomorrow. I asked her to get studying so she can pass it this time.
Anne wants to thank you all for all of your prayers, positive thoughts, and cards.
Ten Days after Surgery, 11:00am
Just spoke with Anne and she is sounding much better.
She is dozing in and out so far today and I think that is the best thing for her. She has been able to get up and out of bed this day, so that is a very good thing. She is bouncing back again.
My plan is to visit later on this afternoon, and watch TV with her tonight.
We ask that you please refrain from visiting for the next day or so, and rest assured knowing that Anne is on the rebound, needing to rest today.
Thanks for being there and for your continued prayers. I pray that the road smooths out going forward from here.
She is dozing in and out so far today and I think that is the best thing for her. She has been able to get up and out of bed this day, so that is a very good thing. She is bouncing back again.
My plan is to visit later on this afternoon, and watch TV with her tonight.
We ask that you please refrain from visiting for the next day or so, and rest assured knowing that Anne is on the rebound, needing to rest today.
Thanks for being there and for your continued prayers. I pray that the road smooths out going forward from here.
Ten Days after Surgery, 9:00am
Good morning,
Anne made it thru the procedure. They took her to Radiology at 10:45 and brought her back at 12:45. Anne was in much pain with the drainage tubes installed. Yesterday afternoon was a very trying time for Anne, and all of us present, and of course all those working on her case. I knew it was trouble when Anne's nurse went to get help from the charge nurse, then the charge nurse went looking for help from the nearest resident doctor. At one point there were perhaps 6 to 7 support people in the room when the pain was at it's worse.
Anne was totally uncomfortable following the insertion of the drainage tubes. At maybe 4pm she was more comfortable, and resting, however not moving a muscle. Lots of medications were carefully used yesterday. A large amount of fluid drained out from around Anne's lung cavity very quickly as soon as the tubes were inserted. Her chest, lungs, etc., went thru alot of change in a short period of time. The tubes brougnt great pain for Anne for a few hours with her lungs able again to move up in her chest and fill with air. These tubes go between her ribs and rest up against her diaphram and it wasn't pleasant, there was much concern.
Around 7pm when we adjusted her bed for her by lowering her head just a bit it caused Anne's pain level to go back up to a 10, but with meds and time, she settled down again and began to rest within an hour or so. Keep in mind that during the afternoon doctors worked hard to get her pain level to come 'down' to a 10 according to Anne.
She is going to be OK. Her breathing is difficult at this time however, and she'll need to rest, work, breath, move as much as possible and have patience to get better. No one is discouraged, she'll inprove but she will be in the hospital for 3-5 more days.
She has spoken with me twice this morning and she is sounding good, just a bit discouraged with the news of staying there for 3-5 more days. It really doesn't matter, just as long as she continues to improve and the doctors are able to fix her up.
We hope and pray that these setbacks, which Anne has fought to overcome, will be the end of the bumps in the road.
Anne made it thru the procedure. They took her to Radiology at 10:45 and brought her back at 12:45. Anne was in much pain with the drainage tubes installed. Yesterday afternoon was a very trying time for Anne, and all of us present, and of course all those working on her case. I knew it was trouble when Anne's nurse went to get help from the charge nurse, then the charge nurse went looking for help from the nearest resident doctor. At one point there were perhaps 6 to 7 support people in the room when the pain was at it's worse.
Anne was totally uncomfortable following the insertion of the drainage tubes. At maybe 4pm she was more comfortable, and resting, however not moving a muscle. Lots of medications were carefully used yesterday. A large amount of fluid drained out from around Anne's lung cavity very quickly as soon as the tubes were inserted. Her chest, lungs, etc., went thru alot of change in a short period of time. The tubes brougnt great pain for Anne for a few hours with her lungs able again to move up in her chest and fill with air. These tubes go between her ribs and rest up against her diaphram and it wasn't pleasant, there was much concern.
Around 7pm when we adjusted her bed for her by lowering her head just a bit it caused Anne's pain level to go back up to a 10, but with meds and time, she settled down again and began to rest within an hour or so. Keep in mind that during the afternoon doctors worked hard to get her pain level to come 'down' to a 10 according to Anne.
She is going to be OK. Her breathing is difficult at this time however, and she'll need to rest, work, breath, move as much as possible and have patience to get better. No one is discouraged, she'll inprove but she will be in the hospital for 3-5 more days.
She has spoken with me twice this morning and she is sounding good, just a bit discouraged with the news of staying there for 3-5 more days. It really doesn't matter, just as long as she continues to improve and the doctors are able to fix her up.
We hope and pray that these setbacks, which Anne has fought to overcome, will be the end of the bumps in the road.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Nine Days after Surgery, 9:30am
Good morning,
Anne called me at 5:30am today and she sounded 100 percent better than last night. I was glad to get that call.
I got in here at 7:30am and Anne is resting very comfortably now. I'm relieved at how well she is today compared to how nervous and agitated she was last night. She is in good spirits and talkative once again. She isn't worried about the procedure that will happen today.
They have started some morphine this mornin, I think for her neck pain or else just so that she relaxes before the procedure, and she still gets the Oxycodone for the stomach pain. By the way, the Dr. removed the staples (20) in Annes stomach this morning, and he applied some of those steri-strips (10).
They will be tending to her neck dressing twice a day, treating it with wet (saline) and dry gause. This mornin the doctor checked the newly opened incision and told us it is looking good. It will heal from the inside out now.
It is now 10am and we continue to wait to know when Anne will be taken downstairs to Radiology. That is where Anne will go to have tubes installed (today) to drain the fluid from the lining around her lungs. Once that is done she'll be even more comfortable because her breathing will finally be good, and she'll be able to start walking laps again.
Anne called me at 5:30am today and she sounded 100 percent better than last night. I was glad to get that call.
I got in here at 7:30am and Anne is resting very comfortably now. I'm relieved at how well she is today compared to how nervous and agitated she was last night. She is in good spirits and talkative once again. She isn't worried about the procedure that will happen today.
They have started some morphine this mornin, I think for her neck pain or else just so that she relaxes before the procedure, and she still gets the Oxycodone for the stomach pain. By the way, the Dr. removed the staples (20) in Annes stomach this morning, and he applied some of those steri-strips (10).
They will be tending to her neck dressing twice a day, treating it with wet (saline) and dry gause. This mornin the doctor checked the newly opened incision and told us it is looking good. It will heal from the inside out now.
It is now 10am and we continue to wait to know when Anne will be taken downstairs to Radiology. That is where Anne will go to have tubes installed (today) to drain the fluid from the lining around her lungs. Once that is done she'll be even more comfortable because her breathing will finally be good, and she'll be able to start walking laps again.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Eight Days after Surgery, 11:30pm
Hello All,
Well, it would be an understatement to say that today could have gone better. Anne ran into some bumps in the road.
Anne was told that the next Barium Swallow test would be done Friday. She won't be able to think about eating, drinking, or going home till sometime after that.
Late this afternoon the surgeons team decided (what seemed suddenly) that they needed to open the incision in Anne's neck because they suspected infection around the incision. The way it sounded when this was explained to us earlier in the afternoon was that the bottom end of the incision would be tapped into and fluid would be allowed to drain. That was not the case. After I had gone for the day the surgeons came to Anne's room after supper time and let her know they were going to open the entire incision. This pretty much put Anne into a atate of shock. She totally didn't expect this, she was alone, and she was very nervous. She called me and said her body was shaking, so I came back in tonight however the job had already been done. Anne was still under the influence of the drugs from the procedure, and she was dreaming like crazy, halucinating, and talking about her dreams. She talked about how they stuck needles in her neck all up and down the incision before cutting her skin. Finally around 10pm Anne calmed down, and was resting comfortably. The incision will monitored closely and be treated so that it will heal from the inside. She is on increased anti-biotics now.
We also learned today that tomorrow Anne will be taken down to radioloty for another procedure. They need to insert tubing (I believe thru her back) and up against the lining of the lungs to drain the excess fluid that has been in there for the past few days. This fluid is the reason for Anne's breathing difficulties this past weekend. Anne isn't looking forward to this. I will be back in there first thing in the morning so I can be with her up until this procedure happens. As you can expect, Anne is anxious about this too.
Regarding the failed Barium Swallow test, the leak that was detected is expected to heal on it's own in due time.
As you can see, not alot of good news today. We look forward to these steps being completed, and that they make things easier for Anne so she can get better soon. As you can imagine, these procedures are not without risk, so please continue to keep Anne in your thoughts and prayers, and thank you for being there.
Well, it would be an understatement to say that today could have gone better. Anne ran into some bumps in the road.
Anne was told that the next Barium Swallow test would be done Friday. She won't be able to think about eating, drinking, or going home till sometime after that.
Late this afternoon the surgeons team decided (what seemed suddenly) that they needed to open the incision in Anne's neck because they suspected infection around the incision. The way it sounded when this was explained to us earlier in the afternoon was that the bottom end of the incision would be tapped into and fluid would be allowed to drain. That was not the case. After I had gone for the day the surgeons came to Anne's room after supper time and let her know they were going to open the entire incision. This pretty much put Anne into a atate of shock. She totally didn't expect this, she was alone, and she was very nervous. She called me and said her body was shaking, so I came back in tonight however the job had already been done. Anne was still under the influence of the drugs from the procedure, and she was dreaming like crazy, halucinating, and talking about her dreams. She talked about how they stuck needles in her neck all up and down the incision before cutting her skin. Finally around 10pm Anne calmed down, and was resting comfortably. The incision will monitored closely and be treated so that it will heal from the inside. She is on increased anti-biotics now.
We also learned today that tomorrow Anne will be taken down to radioloty for another procedure. They need to insert tubing (I believe thru her back) and up against the lining of the lungs to drain the excess fluid that has been in there for the past few days. This fluid is the reason for Anne's breathing difficulties this past weekend. Anne isn't looking forward to this. I will be back in there first thing in the morning so I can be with her up until this procedure happens. As you can expect, Anne is anxious about this too.
Regarding the failed Barium Swallow test, the leak that was detected is expected to heal on it's own in due time.
As you can see, not alot of good news today. We look forward to these steps being completed, and that they make things easier for Anne so she can get better soon. As you can imagine, these procedures are not without risk, so please continue to keep Anne in your thoughts and prayers, and thank you for being there.
Eight Days after Surgery, 11:30am
Hi Friends,
Well, we have mixed reviews today. Anne is resting fairly comfortably, however, she is given oxygen which helps with her breathing. She still has the pulmonary effusions (excess fluid around the lungs) which is the culprit as far as Anne not being able to get deep breaths. She described it as feeling like a tight bungie cord around her chest, or a bra 3 sizes too small. Somewhat uncomfortable for her, so she does her best to relax thru it.
They swapped out her double IV pole for a single pole today. It was pretty entertaining to watch the nurses swap and move all the components with all the tubing from one pole to the other.
Anne's potasium is low, so they give that thru the IV, and at the same time they give Lasix (as a diaretic) to make her pee more to get rid of salt related fluid. It's kinda like shoveling 'you know what' against the tide, but she needs both going on at the moment.
Anne isn't generally as happy as she has been to date. She eagerly awaits a visit from the surgeon because she did not pass the 'barrium swallow test' this mornin and she wants answers as far as what that means. The test showed there is a leak in there where the surgery happened, and what we know about this so far is that it means no eating or drinking yet, nor going home yet. We'll know more about what the plan is shortly,,,, we hope.
They completed a chest catscan this morning to rule out any blood clot issues, and there is none of that. It was said that a potential cause for shortness of breath could be a blood clot that moves from the legs to the lungs. This was ruled out.
Anne is still doing the coughing and breathing exercises. She walked once today (so far) and at the moment is 'not on top of her game' so she doesn't feel like walking right now. She'll bounce back. A hospital stay can't be all fun and roses, right??
I sense she may be a bit discouraged this mornin with the recent developments, however she rests fairly comfortably with the oxygen, and she just needs to be patient as she waits for news and plans from the surgeon or others who know.
Patience is a virtue.........
Well, we have mixed reviews today. Anne is resting fairly comfortably, however, she is given oxygen which helps with her breathing. She still has the pulmonary effusions (excess fluid around the lungs) which is the culprit as far as Anne not being able to get deep breaths. She described it as feeling like a tight bungie cord around her chest, or a bra 3 sizes too small. Somewhat uncomfortable for her, so she does her best to relax thru it.
They swapped out her double IV pole for a single pole today. It was pretty entertaining to watch the nurses swap and move all the components with all the tubing from one pole to the other.
Anne's potasium is low, so they give that thru the IV, and at the same time they give Lasix (as a diaretic) to make her pee more to get rid of salt related fluid. It's kinda like shoveling 'you know what' against the tide, but she needs both going on at the moment.
Anne isn't generally as happy as she has been to date. She eagerly awaits a visit from the surgeon because she did not pass the 'barrium swallow test' this mornin and she wants answers as far as what that means. The test showed there is a leak in there where the surgery happened, and what we know about this so far is that it means no eating or drinking yet, nor going home yet. We'll know more about what the plan is shortly,,,, we hope.
They completed a chest catscan this morning to rule out any blood clot issues, and there is none of that. It was said that a potential cause for shortness of breath could be a blood clot that moves from the legs to the lungs. This was ruled out.
Anne is still doing the coughing and breathing exercises. She walked once today (so far) and at the moment is 'not on top of her game' so she doesn't feel like walking right now. She'll bounce back. A hospital stay can't be all fun and roses, right??
I sense she may be a bit discouraged this mornin with the recent developments, however she rests fairly comfortably with the oxygen, and she just needs to be patient as she waits for news and plans from the surgeon or others who know.
Patience is a virtue.........
Monday, May 31, 2010
Seven Days after Surgery, 1:40pm
Good Memorial Day to you all,
We took a day off from blogging yesterday, and it was a good day for that because there wasn't much news anyway.
Today Anne was moved out of the COR section into Room 302. This is a double room on the other side of the block. It has a view of the White Mountains and into Hadlock Field where the Seadogs are actually having a game with New Britain right now. It's another beautiful day, however unusual because the city of Portland (as well as much of the State of Maine) is covered with smoke from the wild fires in Quebec that have been in the news. We opened (and closed) Anne's window and could actually smell the smoke. Same phenomenon at home the past 2 days.
This morning Anne has a Chest-xray and an EKG done. No results were discussed with Anne yet.
She is walking 4 laps around the block 4 times per day now. She's up to 2/3 of a mile of walking daily.
Anne is experiencing shortness of breath, and I can tell it is not comfortable for her. The breathing exercises don't seem to be expanding her lung capacity as designed. An inhaler has been ordered and is on it's way to see if it will help. She asked Nurse Jamie if there was any medication available that would relax the muscles in her stomach and chest, to ease the sensation. The Dr. will be consulted.
Big news of the day, at 10:10 Anne passed gas for the first time. That's not only a milestone but a requirement for getting out of here. There's been nothing said about going home yet.
Anne stated that since the epidural has been removed that she has alog more pain when she coughs, makes sense, however she is still encouraged to freely cough.
Pat the respiratory therapist just arrived. She is going to give Anne a breathing nebulizer treatment rather than use an inhaler. Pat is listening to Anne's lungs as she breathes in on a device which generates a 'mist'. Anne will keep this up for 5 minutes. I hope it helps her out. Pat said the Chest-xray showed bilateral infusions of fluid on both sides of Anne's body. She said that sometimes they tap into that to relieve it, and sometimes they do nothing and let the body absorb it. The nebulizer treatment is done now, and aparently was not helpful for what is bothering Anne.
More to come........don't be alarmed, Anne is fine and resting pretty comfortably.
She needs to do more work with the breathing exercises than she has been doing.
We took a day off from blogging yesterday, and it was a good day for that because there wasn't much news anyway.
Today Anne was moved out of the COR section into Room 302. This is a double room on the other side of the block. It has a view of the White Mountains and into Hadlock Field where the Seadogs are actually having a game with New Britain right now. It's another beautiful day, however unusual because the city of Portland (as well as much of the State of Maine) is covered with smoke from the wild fires in Quebec that have been in the news. We opened (and closed) Anne's window and could actually smell the smoke. Same phenomenon at home the past 2 days.
This morning Anne has a Chest-xray and an EKG done. No results were discussed with Anne yet.
She is walking 4 laps around the block 4 times per day now. She's up to 2/3 of a mile of walking daily.
Anne is experiencing shortness of breath, and I can tell it is not comfortable for her. The breathing exercises don't seem to be expanding her lung capacity as designed. An inhaler has been ordered and is on it's way to see if it will help. She asked Nurse Jamie if there was any medication available that would relax the muscles in her stomach and chest, to ease the sensation. The Dr. will be consulted.
Big news of the day, at 10:10 Anne passed gas for the first time. That's not only a milestone but a requirement for getting out of here. There's been nothing said about going home yet.
Anne stated that since the epidural has been removed that she has alog more pain when she coughs, makes sense, however she is still encouraged to freely cough.
Pat the respiratory therapist just arrived. She is going to give Anne a breathing nebulizer treatment rather than use an inhaler. Pat is listening to Anne's lungs as she breathes in on a device which generates a 'mist'. Anne will keep this up for 5 minutes. I hope it helps her out. Pat said the Chest-xray showed bilateral infusions of fluid on both sides of Anne's body. She said that sometimes they tap into that to relieve it, and sometimes they do nothing and let the body absorb it. The nebulizer treatment is done now, and aparently was not helpful for what is bothering Anne.
More to come........don't be alarmed, Anne is fine and resting pretty comfortably.
She needs to do more work with the breathing exercises than she has been doing.
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Five Days after Surgery, 5:35pm
Happy Memorial Day Weekend everyone! It's another beautiful day here today, 75 degrees and sunny. Everyone seems to be a bit more relaxed in this wing of the hospital today with the long weekend upon us.
Anne is especially happy to have two fewer tubes !! Both the epidural and her drainage tube (which drained her stomach thru the nose) have been removed.
An Oxycodone cocktail (a large syringe full of red solution injected thru the j-tube(feeding tube)) was started today to make up for the epidural to manage pain. She can request this every three hours as needed. Anne said her pain has been at a 5 today.
When I arrived at 1:30pm Anne was taking a couple of laps around the loop so I joined her. The volume of her walking around the halls increases daily, and she still does the breathing exercises to increase lung capacity.
Anne is still in Room 326 in the COR section. She had a couple of rooms (with a view of Mt. Washington) picked out down the other end of the third floor, and she's been pulling some strings, but it's starting to look like she might just stay in Room 326 for the duration.
They now plan to do the Barium swallow test on Tuesday. The initial plan was for Friday, but due to the long weekend things have changed. The results of this test will determine 'what and when' Anne can start eating. The Dr. said this test is a test for leaks in Anne's reconstructed digestive system.
She is still being encouraged to cough alot to bring up congestion. She recently told the nurse she's getting pain from having to cough so much, so they'll try using a vibrating massage tool on her back near the lungs to try and help her loosen up some of the congestion.
Anne is also having some pain from gas pressure inside. She said she doesn't feel constipated, rather it feels like gas that is just starting to move. This will be a welcomed milestone.
We each took a nap between 3:45 and 5:15pm which was good because we were up so late last night watching the Celtics write their ticket to the NBA Finals. They have eliminated some great teams and we're pleased about that.
Anne wants to thank all of you very much for your continued prayers, cards, and visits. You have all helped her out so so much and she appreciates it.
Anne is especially happy to have two fewer tubes !! Both the epidural and her drainage tube (which drained her stomach thru the nose) have been removed.
An Oxycodone cocktail (a large syringe full of red solution injected thru the j-tube(feeding tube)) was started today to make up for the epidural to manage pain. She can request this every three hours as needed. Anne said her pain has been at a 5 today.
When I arrived at 1:30pm Anne was taking a couple of laps around the loop so I joined her. The volume of her walking around the halls increases daily, and she still does the breathing exercises to increase lung capacity.
Anne is still in Room 326 in the COR section. She had a couple of rooms (with a view of Mt. Washington) picked out down the other end of the third floor, and she's been pulling some strings, but it's starting to look like she might just stay in Room 326 for the duration.
They now plan to do the Barium swallow test on Tuesday. The initial plan was for Friday, but due to the long weekend things have changed. The results of this test will determine 'what and when' Anne can start eating. The Dr. said this test is a test for leaks in Anne's reconstructed digestive system.
She is still being encouraged to cough alot to bring up congestion. She recently told the nurse she's getting pain from having to cough so much, so they'll try using a vibrating massage tool on her back near the lungs to try and help her loosen up some of the congestion.
Anne is also having some pain from gas pressure inside. She said she doesn't feel constipated, rather it feels like gas that is just starting to move. This will be a welcomed milestone.
We each took a nap between 3:45 and 5:15pm which was good because we were up so late last night watching the Celtics write their ticket to the NBA Finals. They have eliminated some great teams and we're pleased about that.
Anne wants to thank all of you very much for your continued prayers, cards, and visits. You have all helped her out so so much and she appreciates it.
Friday, May 28, 2010
Four Days after Surgery, 1:30pm
Good day readers,
Today is another day in Maine paradise weatherwise, 75 degrees, warm sea breeze, and full sun.
Anne had a good night and sounded great when we talked first thing today. She walked a long walk by herself early this morning, and she took a sponge bath by herself after lunchtime.
I came in around 11 and brought your cards in to her. others of your cards have been delivered directly here. It's early afternoon and she is off for a walk down the hall again. She just got back and says she took two laps around this time. I hope she doesn't sneak down the back stair and try to thumb home later today.
Dr. McGillvary made his way to Anne's room around 9pm last night (he deserves to get out early today!). He was still in his blue surgery outfit. He had been in surgery when we were concerned about the clogged feeding tube late afternoon, and even when I left around 7pm. Regarding the tube, he said 'we'll get it cleaned out, it'll be OK'. I suppose the chief surgeon at Maine Med has more to worry about than feeding tubes. Lo and behold, early this morning "two cute young residents" came to Anne's room and using a small syringe with solution they cleared the feeding tube. It seems various folks spent all yesterday afternoon using a big fat syringe to do the job. Anne said she then had a belgian waffle for breakfast, followed by some bacon and eggs.... :)
He told Anne that the pathology reports from surgery were all good. He said, regarding the surgery, that there was one lymphnode 'involved' and that he removed it along with 5 others nearby for good measure. He reitterated that the lining of the esophagus had a small tumor which came out with the job. We were told back in January that he was a fantastic and very thorough metticulous surgeon, as well as a man of few words, very serious. On Monday morning before surgery I made sure he went in to see Anne because she had told me she especially wanted to see him and ask him to smile at her before he started cutting. He got there to see her, and 'yes' he smiled.
Tomorrow Anne's epidural is going to be removed. Then she'll rely on the push button for her pain meds. Today they changed her antibiotics to Erythromycin. They checked against her list of bad drugs before using that and it seems to be OK for her.
Annes nurse today is Kristan, and she'll be working all weekend. We like her. Anne says her pain is stabalized at about a level 4.
Today is another day in Maine paradise weatherwise, 75 degrees, warm sea breeze, and full sun.
Anne had a good night and sounded great when we talked first thing today. She walked a long walk by herself early this morning, and she took a sponge bath by herself after lunchtime.
I came in around 11 and brought your cards in to her. others of your cards have been delivered directly here. It's early afternoon and she is off for a walk down the hall again. She just got back and says she took two laps around this time. I hope she doesn't sneak down the back stair and try to thumb home later today.
Dr. McGillvary made his way to Anne's room around 9pm last night (he deserves to get out early today!). He was still in his blue surgery outfit. He had been in surgery when we were concerned about the clogged feeding tube late afternoon, and even when I left around 7pm. Regarding the tube, he said 'we'll get it cleaned out, it'll be OK'. I suppose the chief surgeon at Maine Med has more to worry about than feeding tubes. Lo and behold, early this morning "two cute young residents" came to Anne's room and using a small syringe with solution they cleared the feeding tube. It seems various folks spent all yesterday afternoon using a big fat syringe to do the job. Anne said she then had a belgian waffle for breakfast, followed by some bacon and eggs.... :)
He told Anne that the pathology reports from surgery were all good. He said, regarding the surgery, that there was one lymphnode 'involved' and that he removed it along with 5 others nearby for good measure. He reitterated that the lining of the esophagus had a small tumor which came out with the job. We were told back in January that he was a fantastic and very thorough metticulous surgeon, as well as a man of few words, very serious. On Monday morning before surgery I made sure he went in to see Anne because she had told me she especially wanted to see him and ask him to smile at her before he started cutting. He got there to see her, and 'yes' he smiled.
Tomorrow Anne's epidural is going to be removed. Then she'll rely on the push button for her pain meds. Today they changed her antibiotics to Erythromycin. They checked against her list of bad drugs before using that and it seems to be OK for her.
Annes nurse today is Kristan, and she'll be working all weekend. We like her. Anne says her pain is stabalized at about a level 4.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Third Day after Surgery, 2:15pm
Hello all,
When Anne spoke with me at 7am today she was sitting in the recliner and watching the Today Show. She sounded fine. I should be clear and say that her voice is not working/sounding as usual, it's more or less of a squeek now, but they say it may come back to normal when swelling goes down.
I got in late morning today. It's another beautiful day here. The last 2 days have been 'dog days', hot, 90 degrees and sunny but with no thunderstorms. Today and tomorrow will be 75 degrees and full sun again with no thunderstorms in the forecast. Haven't seen a cloud in the sky all week. I was able to mow the lawn and brush the dog when I got home last night. The last couple days were 'dog days'.
Anne's daughter Erika has been here since Tuesday night, so that's been great for Anne to be able to see her. It helps me too because I can go home earlier than usual. I think it's been kind of a vacation of sorts for Erika too. Erika is working at her job from our house during the day and she comes in here after she quits work at 5pm. This has been good for Dixie too. Before Erika got here, Laurie and Dana came thru as usual to help by taking care of Dixie at supper time. Thanks to all of you guys for all of your help again this week.
Anne continues to focus on doing all of her breathing exercises, as well as taking several walks today. Her strength is clearly improving now by the minute. She is a good girl and a good patient. She seems to know what it takes to get better.
She is still in the COR area. Anne had told me last night that she'd be moving today, however no orders have been issued to move her yet. There are only 6 beds in this COR section and a couple are available, so there's no rush to move her out of here. We're told there are no empty rooms 'out on the floor', so it's unknown when Anne might move. It's a blessing tho because the care in here is especially good, also Anne has a very cold room which is to her liking.
Anne said she had a 'not so good' night with the blood pressure fluctuations. The epidural had been turned off to get her BP up, so she had to deal with increased pain. She had to push the manual 'dilotted' button more often to make up for the reduced amount of meds being pumped thru the epidural.
Right now there's a blockage in the feeding tube that has given the nurses a challenge this afternoon. I think they are going to get a new line, or they are waiting for an order from the residents to flush the existing line. Hopefully they don't have to take Anne anywhere for any procedures or anything.
Moments ago the discharge planning person (Kim) came by to get acquainted and start that process. There will be lots of discussion about how much help and equipment might be needed at home. We actually hope she won't need any equipment. We aren't sure how long the feeding tube will be needed, but if Anne is unable to get enough nourishment by eating when she goes home then feeding tube will be used to supplement that.
Anne is doing alot of light coughing. It's a good thing. Big coughing is also encouraged so that fluids/muccous are brought up. It's important for her to get up and move around and to lay on her sides (not just on her back) so that fluids don't pool up inside of her and stay in there for too long. The light suction tube is still installed in her nostril to help with the draining of Anne's stomach. All of this because her digestive anatomy has been reconfigured.
Nurse Jamie is working now to flush the feeding tube clear.
If any of you folks would like to see Anne she tells me that starting tomorrow that would be good.
When Anne spoke with me at 7am today she was sitting in the recliner and watching the Today Show. She sounded fine. I should be clear and say that her voice is not working/sounding as usual, it's more or less of a squeek now, but they say it may come back to normal when swelling goes down.
I got in late morning today. It's another beautiful day here. The last 2 days have been 'dog days', hot, 90 degrees and sunny but with no thunderstorms. Today and tomorrow will be 75 degrees and full sun again with no thunderstorms in the forecast. Haven't seen a cloud in the sky all week. I was able to mow the lawn and brush the dog when I got home last night. The last couple days were 'dog days'.
Anne's daughter Erika has been here since Tuesday night, so that's been great for Anne to be able to see her. It helps me too because I can go home earlier than usual. I think it's been kind of a vacation of sorts for Erika too. Erika is working at her job from our house during the day and she comes in here after she quits work at 5pm. This has been good for Dixie too. Before Erika got here, Laurie and Dana came thru as usual to help by taking care of Dixie at supper time. Thanks to all of you guys for all of your help again this week.
Anne continues to focus on doing all of her breathing exercises, as well as taking several walks today. Her strength is clearly improving now by the minute. She is a good girl and a good patient. She seems to know what it takes to get better.
She is still in the COR area. Anne had told me last night that she'd be moving today, however no orders have been issued to move her yet. There are only 6 beds in this COR section and a couple are available, so there's no rush to move her out of here. We're told there are no empty rooms 'out on the floor', so it's unknown when Anne might move. It's a blessing tho because the care in here is especially good, also Anne has a very cold room which is to her liking.
Anne said she had a 'not so good' night with the blood pressure fluctuations. The epidural had been turned off to get her BP up, so she had to deal with increased pain. She had to push the manual 'dilotted' button more often to make up for the reduced amount of meds being pumped thru the epidural.
Right now there's a blockage in the feeding tube that has given the nurses a challenge this afternoon. I think they are going to get a new line, or they are waiting for an order from the residents to flush the existing line. Hopefully they don't have to take Anne anywhere for any procedures or anything.
Moments ago the discharge planning person (Kim) came by to get acquainted and start that process. There will be lots of discussion about how much help and equipment might be needed at home. We actually hope she won't need any equipment. We aren't sure how long the feeding tube will be needed, but if Anne is unable to get enough nourishment by eating when she goes home then feeding tube will be used to supplement that.
Anne is doing alot of light coughing. It's a good thing. Big coughing is also encouraged so that fluids/muccous are brought up. It's important for her to get up and move around and to lay on her sides (not just on her back) so that fluids don't pool up inside of her and stay in there for too long. The light suction tube is still installed in her nostril to help with the draining of Anne's stomach. All of this because her digestive anatomy has been reconfigured.
Nurse Jamie is working now to flush the feeding tube clear.
If any of you folks would like to see Anne she tells me that starting tomorrow that would be good.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Two Days after Surgery, 1:30pm
Hi All,
Anne continues doing well today. She looks very good and very tired.
Anne has not been moved out of the 'Continuous Observation Rooms' section yet however, and she asked me to let you know that she'd prefer not to have visitors at least until she has been moved out of the COR area. I guess at this point 'rest' is the most important thing for her. She expected to be moved today, but there's been no indication that that is going to happen. Nurse Carrie said that maybe the other areas are full, if so, Anne is in luck, able to stay in her private room for now.
This morning she got some exercise by walking about 100 feet, so she attained that goal.
Right now Nurse Carrie is removing Anne's catheter, so Anne will be getting up and down more often now to use the bathroom. That's not only a good sign, but one less tube. Yeah !! I believe she still has a drainage tube, a feeding tube, an oxygen tube, and a fluid tube (which occupies her 'port'). There is also an IV set up in her hand which is not being used at this time.
Today the bandage on Anne's abdomen was removed, exposing the incision there. That incision is 8 inches long running straight up and down ending 3/4 inch above the navel. I'd call it a doozy. It's loaded up with staples, perfectly placed and holding the skin together.
Carrie said the incision in Anne's neck is held together with glue. That incision has some redness but it's fine, it's just from some tape or something. Carrie checked it for us and said it felt and looked just fine.
Anne has been using chloraseptic since she complained about the sore throat yesterday. You should have seen the look on her face the first time she squirted it down her throat. It's an understatement to say that first sensation quite surprised her.
I asked Anne if she can swallow and she said 'no'. We'll learn how that's all going to work sooner than later. One thing's for sure, she'll need to adapt with the absense of the esophagus. I think that could be Anne's motto....'Adapt and move on'.
Yesterday I asked Dr. McGillvary how long Anne's esophagus was. He didn't exactly tell us but he did say that when you cut the top of it and then the bottom that it shrivels up to almost nothing. How's that for a visual?
Anne has fallen asleep again, hopefully the Nurses will be busy for a bit. Ops, well not exactly, she's up and walking again with Nurse Diane. Maybe I'll catch a power nap while they're gone.
Anne continues doing well today. She looks very good and very tired.
Anne has not been moved out of the 'Continuous Observation Rooms' section yet however, and she asked me to let you know that she'd prefer not to have visitors at least until she has been moved out of the COR area. I guess at this point 'rest' is the most important thing for her. She expected to be moved today, but there's been no indication that that is going to happen. Nurse Carrie said that maybe the other areas are full, if so, Anne is in luck, able to stay in her private room for now.
This morning she got some exercise by walking about 100 feet, so she attained that goal.
Right now Nurse Carrie is removing Anne's catheter, so Anne will be getting up and down more often now to use the bathroom. That's not only a good sign, but one less tube. Yeah !! I believe she still has a drainage tube, a feeding tube, an oxygen tube, and a fluid tube (which occupies her 'port'). There is also an IV set up in her hand which is not being used at this time.
Today the bandage on Anne's abdomen was removed, exposing the incision there. That incision is 8 inches long running straight up and down ending 3/4 inch above the navel. I'd call it a doozy. It's loaded up with staples, perfectly placed and holding the skin together.
Carrie said the incision in Anne's neck is held together with glue. That incision has some redness but it's fine, it's just from some tape or something. Carrie checked it for us and said it felt and looked just fine.
Anne has been using chloraseptic since she complained about the sore throat yesterday. You should have seen the look on her face the first time she squirted it down her throat. It's an understatement to say that first sensation quite surprised her.
I asked Anne if she can swallow and she said 'no'. We'll learn how that's all going to work sooner than later. One thing's for sure, she'll need to adapt with the absense of the esophagus. I think that could be Anne's motto....'Adapt and move on'.
Yesterday I asked Dr. McGillvary how long Anne's esophagus was. He didn't exactly tell us but he did say that when you cut the top of it and then the bottom that it shrivels up to almost nothing. How's that for a visual?
Anne has fallen asleep again, hopefully the Nurses will be busy for a bit. Ops, well not exactly, she's up and walking again with Nurse Diane. Maybe I'll catch a power nap while they're gone.
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