Hi everyone,
Yesterday was a terrible day, 'talking heads' all over the place, all day long, with Anne hurting in her chair. But enough of that now. Let's move on.
Anne spent the night in the recliner. Her choice.
Today I was so happy to walk in to a smile, and to see her toes wiggling, her feet slimmed down, and her legs noticeably softer and thinner. It's been such a long time coming. Looks like the night in the recliner paid off, big time.
She feels good, relatively speaking, but says her abdomen pain is a 5, and she took 2 oxycodone shortly after I got here. I brought her McDonalds small Mango Pineapple Smoothy, one of her favorites, and she has taken half of it. No pain on her face now as she sleeps. She doesn't know it but she is awaiting Physical Therapy who will wake her and work her soon. The nurse said it's good for her to take pain meds before working with PT.
You don't know the relief I felt today to see her slim feet and legs this morning. I can't tell you how grateful I felt. It's been cause for alot of discouragement for some time now, for both of us.
There was a team of folks in to see Anne (before I got here) today (snooze you loose). Anne said they were called palliative (sp??) care specialists. Anne tells me they spoke to her about managing cancer pain. I'm thinking she was well enough to tell them how she's doing, but she actually said her room was full of these folks, and being that she has a huge room she had her hands full. I'm sorry I missed it, but Anne asked them to come back to explain things to me. The Care Coordinator had arranged for these folks to come in after I spoke with her and the doctors yesterday afternoon. I hope they'll seek me out today so I can get their perspective.
According to Anne they still want her to be moved to a skilled rehab place soon. I'm thinking she'll be able to start that soon.
I was told insurance companies have alot to do with what hospital you're in, and what care you get, etc.. For example, the blood infection is gone so they want her out of here.
Another example is how she'd like to go to New England Rehab on Brighton Ave. We know the place. She's been there before following her brain surgery, and, that's where she 'volunteers' with Dixie, our therapy dog, to visit patients on Fridays in the summer. They know her there. However,,,, there's a requirement that you must be able to do 3 1/2 hours of rehab every day, else you're not eligible. She cannot do that at this time. So, we have been told to pick from a list of other places, places we know nothing about.
Well, that's a quick update for this Friday. I'll write more later. She is better, but still in belly pain. We'll be learning more about managing that, and I'm demanding guidance regarding her entire digestive issues.
Thanks for being there, and thanks for you're prayers. We're encouraged today. Anne continues to sleep soundly here next to me.
Friday, January 6, 2012
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Ugh
Hi friends,
Anne has had another day like yesterday. I can't sugarcoat it. The nausea is overwhelming, and now constipation has made things worse. Belly pain persists, and her frown.
Anne was asleep when I got in at 11:30, and she slept till after 1pm. She woke up miserable with belly pain and nausea. She appeared unhappy all afternoon. We realized she was constipated mid-afternoon and began to treat that. I wasn't aware they had discontinued her stool softerner around Monday when she was having some diahreah.
She seemed in agony between 3 and 5pm, then all of a sudden, she was able to relieve herself and by 6:30 she was able to consider the menu. Holy Cow! Deja Vu. Round and Round. Up and down.
I ordered again tonight for her because she wasn't really ready to think about food details. She's getting a humus wrap, chips, strawberry yogurt, lemonade, cherrios and skim milk. I suppose I'll label alot of that, and save it in the fridge.
While I was on the phone placing her order she asked for a strawberry shake. They offerred instant breakfast, and she said 'no thanks'. I went to McDonalds and got the shake. She drank about 2 inches of that, and ate 4 of the fries I tempted her with by laying them on the tray. Shame on me. She's eating the humus out of the wrapper now. No pain on her face.
I wish I could explain this roller coaster ride she is on.
Today was her last day on anti-biotics for the staff infection. Yeah !! She's survived that. Consequently, they're considering moving her to a Rehab facility tomorrow, for skilled physical therapy, to get her on her feet. I balked at the idea because she is so miserable 80 percent of the time, in pain and using pain meds occasionally, along with nausea meds constantly. They said her liver and kidney numbers are good.
I don't understand why someone with such special and unusual digestive issues is given the 'room service' menu to order from. If we asked someone what she had to eat yesterday the only one who'd know would be me. They aren't tracking that in any way.
It seems Anne isn't getting some kind of care that she desperately needs. I discussed this with the staff today, including her doctor and the care coordinator. We'll see what tomorrow brings.
I'd love it if Anne was able to go to a Rehab facility tomorrow, I just don't know how she can with so much sickness, and not being able to walk 5 steps without being dizzy, with exhaustion.
She is enjoying Jeopardy now. Dozing in and out of sleep. She sure is a mystery. I wish the poor kid could eat and process it.
Anne has had another day like yesterday. I can't sugarcoat it. The nausea is overwhelming, and now constipation has made things worse. Belly pain persists, and her frown.
Anne was asleep when I got in at 11:30, and she slept till after 1pm. She woke up miserable with belly pain and nausea. She appeared unhappy all afternoon. We realized she was constipated mid-afternoon and began to treat that. I wasn't aware they had discontinued her stool softerner around Monday when she was having some diahreah.
She seemed in agony between 3 and 5pm, then all of a sudden, she was able to relieve herself and by 6:30 she was able to consider the menu. Holy Cow! Deja Vu. Round and Round. Up and down.
I ordered again tonight for her because she wasn't really ready to think about food details. She's getting a humus wrap, chips, strawberry yogurt, lemonade, cherrios and skim milk. I suppose I'll label alot of that, and save it in the fridge.
While I was on the phone placing her order she asked for a strawberry shake. They offerred instant breakfast, and she said 'no thanks'. I went to McDonalds and got the shake. She drank about 2 inches of that, and ate 4 of the fries I tempted her with by laying them on the tray. Shame on me. She's eating the humus out of the wrapper now. No pain on her face.
I wish I could explain this roller coaster ride she is on.
Today was her last day on anti-biotics for the staff infection. Yeah !! She's survived that. Consequently, they're considering moving her to a Rehab facility tomorrow, for skilled physical therapy, to get her on her feet. I balked at the idea because she is so miserable 80 percent of the time, in pain and using pain meds occasionally, along with nausea meds constantly. They said her liver and kidney numbers are good.
I don't understand why someone with such special and unusual digestive issues is given the 'room service' menu to order from. If we asked someone what she had to eat yesterday the only one who'd know would be me. They aren't tracking that in any way.
It seems Anne isn't getting some kind of care that she desperately needs. I discussed this with the staff today, including her doctor and the care coordinator. We'll see what tomorrow brings.
I'd love it if Anne was able to go to a Rehab facility tomorrow, I just don't know how she can with so much sickness, and not being able to walk 5 steps without being dizzy, with exhaustion.
She is enjoying Jeopardy now. Dozing in and out of sleep. She sure is a mystery. I wish the poor kid could eat and process it.
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Down and Up today, ending on a good note
Hi Readers,
On my arrival today Anne wasn't feeling well, and she was said to have had a poor morning. Feeling badly continued this afternoon. She had a bad day yesterday, and bad evening too. Her BP has been fluctuating alot today.
PT came and worked with Anne, from the waist down, at around 3pm. Anne moved with help from bed to the recliner. She said she got dizzy, and that her legs were 'tight', very shaky, and that she couldn't have gone any further.
While in the recliner the Occupational Therapist came, for the second time now, and worked with Anne's arms as she sat.
Then, all of a sudden, Anne turned into a 'happy camper'. It was really nice to see her face with good color, a smile, and a twinkle in her eyes.
Around 5 Anne started to think about food, and we ordered supper. Her nurse gave her anti-nausea med thru the IV along with the diaretic (sp?). Hopefully Anne can eat and not suffer tonight. Will be great if she can stay on an even keel for awhile.
Well, success, knock on wood.
Anne picked at her chef salad with some low fat ranch dressing. She ate a fresh fruit salad and drank a chocolate milk. Then she tried some of her cheese stuffed baked potato. Walah@! No pain, and she has fallen asleep in the recliner. I will head home on a good note. When she wakes up she get help to go to bed. The nurse today Celina, did a wonderful job, and put alot of thought into Anne's meds, timing of those, etc.. We'll pick her brain and try to repeat the process.
Hoping for a good night and good morning tomorrow.
Thanks for being there, for your prayers, etc., etc..
On my arrival today Anne wasn't feeling well, and she was said to have had a poor morning. Feeling badly continued this afternoon. She had a bad day yesterday, and bad evening too. Her BP has been fluctuating alot today.
PT came and worked with Anne, from the waist down, at around 3pm. Anne moved with help from bed to the recliner. She said she got dizzy, and that her legs were 'tight', very shaky, and that she couldn't have gone any further.
While in the recliner the Occupational Therapist came, for the second time now, and worked with Anne's arms as she sat.
Then, all of a sudden, Anne turned into a 'happy camper'. It was really nice to see her face with good color, a smile, and a twinkle in her eyes.
Around 5 Anne started to think about food, and we ordered supper. Her nurse gave her anti-nausea med thru the IV along with the diaretic (sp?). Hopefully Anne can eat and not suffer tonight. Will be great if she can stay on an even keel for awhile.
Well, success, knock on wood.
Anne picked at her chef salad with some low fat ranch dressing. She ate a fresh fruit salad and drank a chocolate milk. Then she tried some of her cheese stuffed baked potato. Walah@! No pain, and she has fallen asleep in the recliner. I will head home on a good note. When she wakes up she get help to go to bed. The nurse today Celina, did a wonderful job, and put alot of thought into Anne's meds, timing of those, etc.. We'll pick her brain and try to repeat the process.
Hoping for a good night and good morning tomorrow.
Thanks for being there, for your prayers, etc., etc..
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Dr. Ebrahim returns !!
This has been an off day for Anne. She isn't feeling well and one can see it in her face. She's had a questioning look on her face all afternoon as she looks at (or through) the television. She has been in a recliner chair since I arrived around noon. Now it's 8pm.
We were so pleased to see Dr. Ebrahim return to work today after his mystery illness. He visited with Anne and me, casually for at least a half hour, and as usual he pulls everything together for us. He informed us about his absense. He had a heart attack. He's back full time, but he doesn't have to be 'on call', therefore no weekend or night work for the next couple of months.
He told Anne that she is on the mend and that encouraged her. He told us to not worry about the cancer treatments for now, not until she is up to it. He, like me, wants her to concentrate on getting on her feet. He told us her cancer has that specific protien that he had mentioned testing for a couple months ago. With that, her treatments, should she have them, will change to a drug named Herceptin. It will be mixed with something else to treat the cancer, and it is less harsh than what she has taken in the past. It is new. That also encouraged Anne.
Tonight there's been a big turn around in how Anne has felt all day. At 5pm she requested pain meds for her belly pain, then she asked for nausea meds. She got ativan for that and oxycodone for the pain. Then she began to come around, talk, and smile some. She was miserable all day, not talking much, and not eating at lunchtime.
She was up for talking about food, so I went thru the menu with her and she asked for egg salad in a wrap. She wanted to pick at a chef salad so it was ordered. She got some skim milk and I convinced her to try the apple pie. She ate very well, some of each, and now she is fast asleep. She enjoyed it, so it's a pleasant surprise that she isn't suffering now. Yeah!!
Jeopardy just ended, so I'll pack up and go home in a few minutes. When she wakes up she'll get help getting back into bed.
It was a down and up day, ending on a positive note.
We were so pleased to see Dr. Ebrahim return to work today after his mystery illness. He visited with Anne and me, casually for at least a half hour, and as usual he pulls everything together for us. He informed us about his absense. He had a heart attack. He's back full time, but he doesn't have to be 'on call', therefore no weekend or night work for the next couple of months.
He told Anne that she is on the mend and that encouraged her. He told us to not worry about the cancer treatments for now, not until she is up to it. He, like me, wants her to concentrate on getting on her feet. He told us her cancer has that specific protien that he had mentioned testing for a couple months ago. With that, her treatments, should she have them, will change to a drug named Herceptin. It will be mixed with something else to treat the cancer, and it is less harsh than what she has taken in the past. It is new. That also encouraged Anne.
Tonight there's been a big turn around in how Anne has felt all day. At 5pm she requested pain meds for her belly pain, then she asked for nausea meds. She got ativan for that and oxycodone for the pain. Then she began to come around, talk, and smile some. She was miserable all day, not talking much, and not eating at lunchtime.
She was up for talking about food, so I went thru the menu with her and she asked for egg salad in a wrap. She wanted to pick at a chef salad so it was ordered. She got some skim milk and I convinced her to try the apple pie. She ate very well, some of each, and now she is fast asleep. She enjoyed it, so it's a pleasant surprise that she isn't suffering now. Yeah!!
Jeopardy just ended, so I'll pack up and go home in a few minutes. When she wakes up she'll get help getting back into bed.
It was a down and up day, ending on a positive note.
Sluggish today, Noonish
Hi Friends,
Yesterday I seem to have taken a day off from blogging. I missed it. It felt like I left you hanging.
For various reasons I left my laptop and shoulder bag in the car, in the parking garage all day yesterday. I wasn't in too early because I had some help from Adam in the morning to move Dixie's kennel out to the front yard, where it now can sit in full sun on good days. Anne's son Luke beat me in here yesterday. I took him to lunch and then he left town for home in NY.
Anne is very slow to recover. It is concerning. She's clearly not happy when she's tired, and she's tired alot. She's at her best after she's been able to sleep soundly. I'm not encouraging any visits outside of family, and brief ones at that. I've been here for an hour now and she has been nodding out the whole time. I will sit quietly. Bobby and Deanna were here when I got here today.
PT was here for a time yesterday afternoon, encouraging Anne to move her legs in beneficial ways. Then the dietician was with her, encouraging her to eat more protien. Then she slept nicely and had a pretty good early evening. She had a banana, chocolate milk, and PB+J sandwich (1/2) for supper, had some pain, then later I left at 8pm, after Jeopardy.
A MMC 'care coordinator' called me today as I was entering the parking garage, then we met. She's thinking about Anne's next move, whether she needs PT or Rehab, etc.. Once Anne is medically squared away they'll kick her out of here, and we'll want to have a plan for that day. The care coordinator told me she hadn't spoken to Anne's doctor yet, so I suggested that she do that before we talk again.
I'd like to see Anne well enough to get up daily, and shortly go to the Rehab hospital (if she needs it) on Brighton Ave. Hopefully she'll be mobile by then. It might be wishful thinking, I hope not. I would not say she's improving in leaps and bounds, and she isn't very cheery today because she's tired. As I may have said before, she says she wants to go home, but her hips, legs, and feet are still swollen, and she's not up and around in any way yet. If I can keep her chin up, and keep her focused on 'today', then I think she'll get better. To think too far ahead now would definately overwhelm her.
It seems that just having to listen and converse with others is a heavy load for her at this pointin time. She continues to sleep. All good.
Yesterday I seem to have taken a day off from blogging. I missed it. It felt like I left you hanging.
For various reasons I left my laptop and shoulder bag in the car, in the parking garage all day yesterday. I wasn't in too early because I had some help from Adam in the morning to move Dixie's kennel out to the front yard, where it now can sit in full sun on good days. Anne's son Luke beat me in here yesterday. I took him to lunch and then he left town for home in NY.
Anne is very slow to recover. It is concerning. She's clearly not happy when she's tired, and she's tired alot. She's at her best after she's been able to sleep soundly. I'm not encouraging any visits outside of family, and brief ones at that. I've been here for an hour now and she has been nodding out the whole time. I will sit quietly. Bobby and Deanna were here when I got here today.
PT was here for a time yesterday afternoon, encouraging Anne to move her legs in beneficial ways. Then the dietician was with her, encouraging her to eat more protien. Then she slept nicely and had a pretty good early evening. She had a banana, chocolate milk, and PB+J sandwich (1/2) for supper, had some pain, then later I left at 8pm, after Jeopardy.
A MMC 'care coordinator' called me today as I was entering the parking garage, then we met. She's thinking about Anne's next move, whether she needs PT or Rehab, etc.. Once Anne is medically squared away they'll kick her out of here, and we'll want to have a plan for that day. The care coordinator told me she hadn't spoken to Anne's doctor yet, so I suggested that she do that before we talk again.
I'd like to see Anne well enough to get up daily, and shortly go to the Rehab hospital (if she needs it) on Brighton Ave. Hopefully she'll be mobile by then. It might be wishful thinking, I hope not. I would not say she's improving in leaps and bounds, and she isn't very cheery today because she's tired. As I may have said before, she says she wants to go home, but her hips, legs, and feet are still swollen, and she's not up and around in any way yet. If I can keep her chin up, and keep her focused on 'today', then I think she'll get better. To think too far ahead now would definately overwhelm her.
It seems that just having to listen and converse with others is a heavy load for her at this pointin time. She continues to sleep. All good.
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Late New Years Day, 5pm
Anne has done serious sleeping most of today.
Last time she spoke to me she was concerned about her legs, with all the fluid in them, and that she can't do anything with them. I bolster them with pillows, or move them around for her when she asks me to. I told her what Dr. Evans said, that it would be a couple weeks for them to come back to normal. I sensed some dissappoined in her, just a little.
I do my best to encourage her, and let her know she'd be like new soon. It's a slow process for sure. I'd be dissappointed too.
For lunch she ordered a banana, strawberry yogurt, lemonade, and vanilla ice cream. She hasn't eaten any yet. She's so tired, but she is coming around.
Last time she spoke to me she was concerned about her legs, with all the fluid in them, and that she can't do anything with them. I bolster them with pillows, or move them around for her when she asks me to. I told her what Dr. Evans said, that it would be a couple weeks for them to come back to normal. I sensed some dissappoined in her, just a little.
I do my best to encourage her, and let her know she'd be like new soon. It's a slow process for sure. I'd be dissappointed too.
For lunch she ordered a banana, strawberry yogurt, lemonade, and vanilla ice cream. She hasn't eaten any yet. She's so tired, but she is coming around.
Happy New Year, Noonish
Hi everyone,
(Aside - With year 2012 here, you might loose visibility to the end-of-year 2011 posts. If so, just click the dates on the right hand side of the screen near the latest post, just below the pictures.)
I'm sitting next to Anne as she sleeps. According to nurse Tai Anne had a good night. I know she enjoyed seeing her son Luke who appeared out of no where yesterday. A good thing... Tai said Anne spent the morning in the recliner, and when I got here around 11 today she pushed the button and told the nurse she wanted to get back into bed.
Yesterday after having an uneventful lunch her supper bothered her tummy. Just two bytes of caesar salad w/ a crouton, and one bite of baked mac and cheese. That's all it took. She had made a salad at home a couple weeks ago, and it worked for her, so I thought it might be worth a try. She didn't ask for meds this time tho, she got thru it. Tai said she had a couple bytes of breakfast today, and it was OK. Then she struggled with a big potassium pill tho, and she vommitted. He said he didn't think it was the food that bothered her, rather the pill and I agree. She has a tough time with smaller pills anymore, nevermind the large ones.
This eating game is just something Anne will have to live with I'm afraid. She'll make choices. She'll either make a science of it, track the good and the bad, and pay attention, or she'll eat what she wants, enjoy the moment, and pay the price. 'It is what it is', as they say. I don't want to say much, cause I wouldn't want to walk a mile in her shoes. Once in awhile you just want something. She'll try, but when she wants something she can have it.
It's Patriot game time. Anne and I usually set up and watch it together, but she could give a care about it today. I'm happy to have the volume set to zero, and let her sleep.
(Aside - With year 2012 here, you might loose visibility to the end-of-year 2011 posts. If so, just click the dates on the right hand side of the screen near the latest post, just below the pictures.)
I'm sitting next to Anne as she sleeps. According to nurse Tai Anne had a good night. I know she enjoyed seeing her son Luke who appeared out of no where yesterday. A good thing... Tai said Anne spent the morning in the recliner, and when I got here around 11 today she pushed the button and told the nurse she wanted to get back into bed.
Yesterday after having an uneventful lunch her supper bothered her tummy. Just two bytes of caesar salad w/ a crouton, and one bite of baked mac and cheese. That's all it took. She had made a salad at home a couple weeks ago, and it worked for her, so I thought it might be worth a try. She didn't ask for meds this time tho, she got thru it. Tai said she had a couple bytes of breakfast today, and it was OK. Then she struggled with a big potassium pill tho, and she vommitted. He said he didn't think it was the food that bothered her, rather the pill and I agree. She has a tough time with smaller pills anymore, nevermind the large ones.
This eating game is just something Anne will have to live with I'm afraid. She'll make choices. She'll either make a science of it, track the good and the bad, and pay attention, or she'll eat what she wants, enjoy the moment, and pay the price. 'It is what it is', as they say. I don't want to say much, cause I wouldn't want to walk a mile in her shoes. Once in awhile you just want something. She'll try, but when she wants something she can have it.
It's Patriot game time. Anne and I usually set up and watch it together, but she could give a care about it today. I'm happy to have the volume set to zero, and let her sleep.
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Nice quiet Saturday, Noonish, New Years Eve
Hi there friends,
Last evening Anne took 2 Ativan for nausea around 7pm, and that was a good time for me to head home. I knew it would put her near dreamland.
Around noon yesterday I had given away my ticket to the Celtics opening game last night, so I went home and watched it on TV. Funny how things work out since they don't have comcast sports net/boston on the TV here in the hospital.
I didn't worry last night, and when I called this morning the nurse said Anne had a great nite of rest, and she was sleeping. She had spent time in a recliner with help before I got here. I got in at 11:30 today (feels like a day off) and she was back in bed. Her brother Bobby was here. He's been sneaking in for quick visits lately.
The nurse, Ty, asked Anne if she was hungry and she said yes. It's the first time she's wanted to hear the words 'food' or 'drink' for 7 days. Ty read the lunch menu to her, first entrees, then vegs, then drinks. Anne very slowly answered each time with her preferences. She had a small amount of broccoli, and baked potato. I don't think she liked the gravy on the pot roast. She lit up when I broke out a small piece of the edge of a coffee roll I picked up for her at DD this mornin. She ate that too, drank her small lemonade, and said 'that's enough'.
I totally figured that since she actually enjoyed the food, that her stomach would make her 'pay the price'. I'm wrong so far (knock on wood). She is snoring right now, sleeping good. She was in and out before lunch, but in dreamland now. If she tolerates that food I'd classify it as a miracle.
Dr. Evans came in and is happy with what he sees. He said the swelling in her legs and feet will take at least a couple of weeks to go away. He said they cancelled the CT-Scan yesterday, 1.) because her test results have improved so much, and 2.) because they're no longer highly concerned about the clot. He said they fully expect the drugs to clear that up. I thought it was a dreadful sounding thing, and he calmed me down.
I want you all to know that our prayers are being answered. Thank you so much for those. There's hardly anthing else anyone can do, therefore nothing as important. Thanks again everybody, and a Safe and Happy New Year to you.
Last evening Anne took 2 Ativan for nausea around 7pm, and that was a good time for me to head home. I knew it would put her near dreamland.
Around noon yesterday I had given away my ticket to the Celtics opening game last night, so I went home and watched it on TV. Funny how things work out since they don't have comcast sports net/boston on the TV here in the hospital.
I didn't worry last night, and when I called this morning the nurse said Anne had a great nite of rest, and she was sleeping. She had spent time in a recliner with help before I got here. I got in at 11:30 today (feels like a day off) and she was back in bed. Her brother Bobby was here. He's been sneaking in for quick visits lately.
The nurse, Ty, asked Anne if she was hungry and she said yes. It's the first time she's wanted to hear the words 'food' or 'drink' for 7 days. Ty read the lunch menu to her, first entrees, then vegs, then drinks. Anne very slowly answered each time with her preferences. She had a small amount of broccoli, and baked potato. I don't think she liked the gravy on the pot roast. She lit up when I broke out a small piece of the edge of a coffee roll I picked up for her at DD this mornin. She ate that too, drank her small lemonade, and said 'that's enough'.
I totally figured that since she actually enjoyed the food, that her stomach would make her 'pay the price'. I'm wrong so far (knock on wood). She is snoring right now, sleeping good. She was in and out before lunch, but in dreamland now. If she tolerates that food I'd classify it as a miracle.
Dr. Evans came in and is happy with what he sees. He said the swelling in her legs and feet will take at least a couple of weeks to go away. He said they cancelled the CT-Scan yesterday, 1.) because her test results have improved so much, and 2.) because they're no longer highly concerned about the clot. He said they fully expect the drugs to clear that up. I thought it was a dreadful sounding thing, and he calmed me down.
I want you all to know that our prayers are being answered. Thank you so much for those. There's hardly anthing else anyone can do, therefore nothing as important. Thanks again everybody, and a Safe and Happy New Year to you.
Friday, December 30, 2011
Roller Coaster, 11:30am
Hi All,
Once we got settled in Gibson yesterday afternoon things went downhill. I'm thinking it will be best going forward that only one person can be in with Anne at any one time. Conversation itself seems to exhaust her. There were 3 of us here yesterday afternoon, and evening, and she was glad to see folks, but she was 'junk' last night to the point we were afraid to leave her for the night. She has not been able to push the red button on her own, a worry when it comes to leaving her.
Later, once she was able to shut down the lights and have quiet, she went right to sleep and did so like a baby, and she snorred away to dreamland. She did so for 2 hours between 9 and 11pm, was stable, and then I felt comfortable going home.
This morning they informed me that Anne wanted me to get in here to sign a consent form. Anne hasn't been doing that. Just to sick. It was for a CT Scan that they said she was strong enough to have done. Well, I got here and they had cancelled it. Saying that her labs etc. have been improving so much that they don't want to do the CT Scan after all. Not sure I get that, where her belly is still bothering her so much.
Anne is in a recliner now, and her legs are up with 4 pillows holding them there. She said it makes her legs feel good. Her legs are bursting at the seams with fluid, and actually weeping drops last night. They will soon start some diarhetics to treat that, being careful not to dehydrate her again.
Her kidney labs are back to nornal. Her liver labs are still elevated, but coming down. She still has the clot, but they have taken her off of the Heparin drip and changed it to a twice a day shot in the belly of something else, which is a positive sign according to her nurse today who I like very much. I know the Heparin shot to the belly always hurt her, but this one did not.
The only IV drip left is the antibiotic which fights the staff infection. Her white blood count is down to 8.6 today, which is a normal range. She has fought this down from over 19 this week. I said yesterday that she had that infection licked, but not quite I guess.
She has basically had her eyes half open all this week with the sickness. It is troubling. She only makes brief comments on occasion. One can see her drifting in and out. However, when the nurse came in to share the results of the labs, Anne's eyes opened wide and I was so happy to see that. It didn't last long, but what a relief......
When I got here this morning we had a solemn talk about how she is, and what she is thinking about. It was an honest talk, and she was glad to have that with me.
Dr. Evans told me he feels she'll recover from the hellacious month she has had, and that time is and rest are of utmost importance at this stage of the game. She is still in and out of it.
Her brother Bobby visited briefly this morning, but Anne doesn't remember seeing him. Erika is here for a day from Connecticut, got here yesterday, and Anne didn't remember it this morning.
We pray for Anne to feel better and turn the corner.
Once we got settled in Gibson yesterday afternoon things went downhill. I'm thinking it will be best going forward that only one person can be in with Anne at any one time. Conversation itself seems to exhaust her. There were 3 of us here yesterday afternoon, and evening, and she was glad to see folks, but she was 'junk' last night to the point we were afraid to leave her for the night. She has not been able to push the red button on her own, a worry when it comes to leaving her.
Later, once she was able to shut down the lights and have quiet, she went right to sleep and did so like a baby, and she snorred away to dreamland. She did so for 2 hours between 9 and 11pm, was stable, and then I felt comfortable going home.
This morning they informed me that Anne wanted me to get in here to sign a consent form. Anne hasn't been doing that. Just to sick. It was for a CT Scan that they said she was strong enough to have done. Well, I got here and they had cancelled it. Saying that her labs etc. have been improving so much that they don't want to do the CT Scan after all. Not sure I get that, where her belly is still bothering her so much.
Anne is in a recliner now, and her legs are up with 4 pillows holding them there. She said it makes her legs feel good. Her legs are bursting at the seams with fluid, and actually weeping drops last night. They will soon start some diarhetics to treat that, being careful not to dehydrate her again.
Her kidney labs are back to nornal. Her liver labs are still elevated, but coming down. She still has the clot, but they have taken her off of the Heparin drip and changed it to a twice a day shot in the belly of something else, which is a positive sign according to her nurse today who I like very much. I know the Heparin shot to the belly always hurt her, but this one did not.
The only IV drip left is the antibiotic which fights the staff infection. Her white blood count is down to 8.6 today, which is a normal range. She has fought this down from over 19 this week. I said yesterday that she had that infection licked, but not quite I guess.
She has basically had her eyes half open all this week with the sickness. It is troubling. She only makes brief comments on occasion. One can see her drifting in and out. However, when the nurse came in to share the results of the labs, Anne's eyes opened wide and I was so happy to see that. It didn't last long, but what a relief......
When I got here this morning we had a solemn talk about how she is, and what she is thinking about. It was an honest talk, and she was glad to have that with me.
Dr. Evans told me he feels she'll recover from the hellacious month she has had, and that time is and rest are of utmost importance at this stage of the game. She is still in and out of it.
Her brother Bobby visited briefly this morning, but Anne doesn't remember seeing him. Erika is here for a day from Connecticut, got here yesterday, and Anne didn't remember it this morning.
We pray for Anne to feel better and turn the corner.
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Bye bye ICU, Hello Gibson, 1pm
I never thought we'd be happy to arrive at Gibson Pavillion, but it is happening for the second time this week. Christmas Eve I was relieved to have Anne admitted, and today we are released from ICU back here, a good thing. We are extremely grateful to the staff in ICU. It worked like clockwork for Anne, and took care of her in what seemed a short time. We couldn't have written the script any better and I'm thankful to them. Job well done.
Anne and the doctors in ICU have licked the staff infection in Anne's blood, and her kidneys continue to improve. She's in a wheelchair right now being brought here to her room 564 at Gibson. Day light awaits her here on the 5th floor.
Her white blood numbers over the past 4 days have gone from 19.4, to 17.6, to 14.8, to 11.4, and today to 10.6. I think it means they are winning over the infection. Blood cultures are coming back negative now.
She still cannot have a CT scan, her kidneys are not that well, but soon they will check for the status of the clot, and do some checking into her belly pain. She is back to square one as far as belly pain.
Anne and the doctors in ICU have licked the staff infection in Anne's blood, and her kidneys continue to improve. She's in a wheelchair right now being brought here to her room 564 at Gibson. Day light awaits her here on the 5th floor.
Her white blood numbers over the past 4 days have gone from 19.4, to 17.6, to 14.8, to 11.4, and today to 10.6. I think it means they are winning over the infection. Blood cultures are coming back negative now.
She still cannot have a CT scan, her kidneys are not that well, but soon they will check for the status of the clot, and do some checking into her belly pain. She is back to square one as far as belly pain.
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
ICU update, Weds 2pm
Hi friends,
Anne survived the surgery last evening that would remove her medi-port. They took her in at about 7pm for that, and I figured it was a good time to go since she'd be groggy following the procedure. Dr. MacGillivary called me after he finished and said it went well, and that he removed the fluid from her abdomen. He said they will certainly test the fluid, but that it appeared perfectly normal to his naked eye. Nothing concerning about it.
Today she was sitting up when I got here, and it was a sight for sore eyes. My Dana came in with me today, she called and said "I'm going in", and she'd stay for a couple hours with me and Anne. Anne's not flying around the room, don't get me wrong, just sitting up for the first time in a long time. Her eyes are still half closed, she appears exhausted, she's in and out of contiousness, and her body is fighting the infection as best it can. Her white blood count is elevated, not super elevated, but enough so that they know her body is fighting hard.
They say her kidneys are slightly better as evidenced by her increased ability to produce urine. She had produced none overnight at home Christmas eve, and none for a couple days in here thereafter. Yeah.
Here they've accomplished one goal of taking her off of the meds that were managing (maintaining/increasing) her BP. Now it is a little elevated, running between 140 and 175 (on the higher end of that), but it's not driven by drugs. A good thing.
I reminded the nurse and doctor that her BP meds were discontinued when she was admitted, due to a low BP. Now they have ordered a beta blocker, something that should help to bring her BP down some.
Yesterday I learned that they were treating with Heparin (blood thinner) to take care of a blood clot discovered in the inferior vinicava (sp??). That's a vein near the kidney.
I asked when they'd be able to check the status of the clot, to see if it was shrinking, moving, or desolved, since it was found Monday night (they had forgotten to tell me). They said the best way to check it is by a CT Scan. They cannot do one of those tests at this time however, because her kidneys are not functioning well enough. Reason being a CT Scan uses a strong dye, and the only way for the body to get rid of that is thru a healthy kidney.
Anne is 'afibrile' (sp??), which means she has no elevated temperature.
She is basically sleeping, resting, making a few comments to the peanut gallery when she awakens, dozing off again, snoring, resting, and fighting the fight of her life.
I'm encouraged that they have been at liberty to say they think she is a little bit better, also that her BP is getting back to normal, and that her kidneys are functioning better.
I thank all readers for being there, interested and keeping up on how Anne is doing. Thank you for your continued prayers. It helps so much.
Anne survived the surgery last evening that would remove her medi-port. They took her in at about 7pm for that, and I figured it was a good time to go since she'd be groggy following the procedure. Dr. MacGillivary called me after he finished and said it went well, and that he removed the fluid from her abdomen. He said they will certainly test the fluid, but that it appeared perfectly normal to his naked eye. Nothing concerning about it.
Today she was sitting up when I got here, and it was a sight for sore eyes. My Dana came in with me today, she called and said "I'm going in", and she'd stay for a couple hours with me and Anne. Anne's not flying around the room, don't get me wrong, just sitting up for the first time in a long time. Her eyes are still half closed, she appears exhausted, she's in and out of contiousness, and her body is fighting the infection as best it can. Her white blood count is elevated, not super elevated, but enough so that they know her body is fighting hard.
They say her kidneys are slightly better as evidenced by her increased ability to produce urine. She had produced none overnight at home Christmas eve, and none for a couple days in here thereafter. Yeah.
Here they've accomplished one goal of taking her off of the meds that were managing (maintaining/increasing) her BP. Now it is a little elevated, running between 140 and 175 (on the higher end of that), but it's not driven by drugs. A good thing.
I reminded the nurse and doctor that her BP meds were discontinued when she was admitted, due to a low BP. Now they have ordered a beta blocker, something that should help to bring her BP down some.
Yesterday I learned that they were treating with Heparin (blood thinner) to take care of a blood clot discovered in the inferior vinicava (sp??). That's a vein near the kidney.
I asked when they'd be able to check the status of the clot, to see if it was shrinking, moving, or desolved, since it was found Monday night (they had forgotten to tell me). They said the best way to check it is by a CT Scan. They cannot do one of those tests at this time however, because her kidneys are not functioning well enough. Reason being a CT Scan uses a strong dye, and the only way for the body to get rid of that is thru a healthy kidney.
Anne is 'afibrile' (sp??), which means she has no elevated temperature.
She is basically sleeping, resting, making a few comments to the peanut gallery when she awakens, dozing off again, snoring, resting, and fighting the fight of her life.
I'm encouraged that they have been at liberty to say they think she is a little bit better, also that her BP is getting back to normal, and that her kidneys are functioning better.
I thank all readers for being there, interested and keeping up on how Anne is doing. Thank you for your continued prayers. It helps so much.
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
ICU Update, 4pm
Hi Readers,
Anne is doing better. She is in and out tho, confused sometimes, etc.. The infection is being treated, and her BP is good. She has good color in her face.
An unfortunate thing is that she's going to have her medi-port removed tonight. It will be done in Surgery so she can be sedated. It could be done bedside, but that would be with more of a local anesthetic, and more painful for her.
Aside from that they have found some fluid around her abdomen from the Hernia repair surgery. It is normal to have this, but they want to extract some and test it for infection. In fact, they will try to remove most of it while they are at it, using a needle. This will also be done tonight while she's in Surgery having the port removed. It's a "relatively small thing" to remove the medi-port, but I don't feel good describing it as such, what with all that Anne has gone thru already.
Pray for Anne tonight friends. Of course we aren't thrilled about another surgery at this time, but there's really no choice, it has to be done. I have talked with the surgeon and put him on alert, so he knows all of our concerns. The rest is in God's hands.
Anne is doing better. She is in and out tho, confused sometimes, etc.. The infection is being treated, and her BP is good. She has good color in her face.
An unfortunate thing is that she's going to have her medi-port removed tonight. It will be done in Surgery so she can be sedated. It could be done bedside, but that would be with more of a local anesthetic, and more painful for her.
Aside from that they have found some fluid around her abdomen from the Hernia repair surgery. It is normal to have this, but they want to extract some and test it for infection. In fact, they will try to remove most of it while they are at it, using a needle. This will also be done tonight while she's in Surgery having the port removed. It's a "relatively small thing" to remove the medi-port, but I don't feel good describing it as such, what with all that Anne has gone thru already.
Pray for Anne tonight friends. Of course we aren't thrilled about another surgery at this time, but there's really no choice, it has to be done. I have talked with the surgeon and put him on alert, so he knows all of our concerns. The rest is in God's hands.
ICU Update, 1pm
Dr. Tracy Mae came to talk with me.
First of all, she confirmed that they do have good luck in solving blood infection problems all the time.
The central line they put in Anne's chest last night is like a temporary medi-port. They do not want to use Anne's real medi-port for fear that it might be the cause for infection. The central line will only be used for a couple days, but they can check volumes and metrics they need to monitor thru it, and they can administer meds thru it.
They are consulting with Dr. Ebrahim today to consider removing the medi-port Anne had installed earlier this month. Reason being it is plastic and infection can 'stick' to it. Sounds like a 'no brainer' to me, unfortunately for Anne she likes having the medi-port, something to do with hating IV's, and they are no fun to have installed.
First of all, she confirmed that they do have good luck in solving blood infection problems all the time.
The central line they put in Anne's chest last night is like a temporary medi-port. They do not want to use Anne's real medi-port for fear that it might be the cause for infection. The central line will only be used for a couple days, but they can check volumes and metrics they need to monitor thru it, and they can administer meds thru it.
They are consulting with Dr. Ebrahim today to consider removing the medi-port Anne had installed earlier this month. Reason being it is plastic and infection can 'stick' to it. Sounds like a 'no brainer' to me, unfortunately for Anne she likes having the medi-port, something to do with hating IV's, and they are no fun to have installed.
ICU, and a little better today
Mornin (OK, good afternoon. Details,details...)
Anne is a little better today, albeit totally wired up in a very technical environment, where she needs to be closely monitored.
Her legs have those pressure stocking mechanisms on them. They installed what they called a central line in her chest last night right after she got here. I will find out more about that today. There's alot of wires connected, but she's resting comfortably at this moment, snorin' away.
She'll wake up and ask what time it is, or ask for a drink occasionally. She wasn't doing these things yesterday so I'm encouraged.
Anne has a staph infection in her blood. I haven't been updated by a doctor yet, but I asked for that, and the nurse told me they clear up infections like this all the time.
Her BP is getting better. The nurse said the goals today are to work to get her off the meds that are stabilizing her BP, and to administer antibiotics in order to clear up the infection. As I said, Anne is a little better.
It's not a comfortable room for visitors, nothing like the Gibson Pavillion, and I don't think that visitors would benefit Anne right now anyway. I'm pretty sure she just needs to focus on herself now, and on breathing and resting.
Anne is a little better today, albeit totally wired up in a very technical environment, where she needs to be closely monitored.
Her legs have those pressure stocking mechanisms on them. They installed what they called a central line in her chest last night right after she got here. I will find out more about that today. There's alot of wires connected, but she's resting comfortably at this moment, snorin' away.
She'll wake up and ask what time it is, or ask for a drink occasionally. She wasn't doing these things yesterday so I'm encouraged.
Anne has a staph infection in her blood. I haven't been updated by a doctor yet, but I asked for that, and the nurse told me they clear up infections like this all the time.
Her BP is getting better. The nurse said the goals today are to work to get her off the meds that are stabilizing her BP, and to administer antibiotics in order to clear up the infection. As I said, Anne is a little better.
It's not a comfortable room for visitors, nothing like the Gibson Pavillion, and I don't think that visitors would benefit Anne right now anyway. I'm pretty sure she just needs to focus on herself now, and on breathing and resting.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)