Day 34... Update on Mom's scheduled surgery. We were notified today that the time of surgery has been rescheduled for tomorrow Friday, 10/01 at 2:30pm and Mom will be picked up for transport from her hospital room to Surgery between 12:30 and 1pm. Yesterday afternoon during my visit with Mom, she was visited by and introduced to her Ostomy Nurse, Nancy who said, "I'm here to look at your tummy and mark the area for Dr. Zane where the ostomy should go. I'll also be checking on you after your surgery on Friday and training you on the care of your ostomy area." Mom's eyes grew huge... though she remained silent it was apparent the 'reality' that her life was soon to alter dramatically was sinking in. We just looked at one another and held hands while Nurse Nancy did her job...
Earlier that day, Dr. Zane visited with Mom and said he was going to order her catheter removed because he wanted her "up and about". When Monica and Jeanette arrived later, Mom's catheter had indeed been removed BUT with Mom attached to the Cardiac Monitor on the right side of her bed, attached to the IV lines on the left side of her bed PLUS her legs wrapped up and attached to a circulation pump at the foot of her bed... HOW THE HECK WAS SHE SUPPOSED TO GET "UP & AROUND"?!?! =D
Today when I saw her the leg circulation devices had been removed so Mom was able to sit up and dangle her legs off the side of the bed... I had her 'writing ABC's' in the air with her feet to stimulate her leg muscles... my clients will appreciate this :-) ... She asked me, "Capital, lower case, print or script?" to which I answered, "All of the above. Do a different set each time you sit up." Then she made a face at me! She did do it though, one set on each foot... She chose to print. Afterward she said, "Whew! Now I'm tired." She sat up for a total of 45 minutes, did her 'workout' set then laid down to rest...
We're counting hours now until they take her in for surgery... We understand after surgery she may be 'sicker' than she's been this whole time. The doctors have explained the 'war' her body will be undertaking once the infection is no longer 'contained'. We hope and pray she is strong enough for the battle she'll soon be waging!! We'll be with her before they take her and we'll stay until Dr. Zane finishes his task and we can see her... We hope with his skill, your prayers and God's intervention all will go well...
A Long Journey....
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
September 28, 2010
Day 32... Dr. Zane notified Mom today that her Colorectal Resection surgery is scheduled for this Friday, 10/01/10 at 1pm. We are feeling good about this because this is part of Dr. Zane's regular Surgical schedule and like an athlete's 'Game Day' we're hoping he'll be 'pumped and focused' for the task at hand... Also we'll have ended the 'nightmare month' of September (Yeah, superstitious but... :-/) AND it's 1st Friday, the student body of St. Philomena School will be at 1st Friday Mass and hopefully will have Mom in their collective thoughts and prayers.
Today Mom is in good spirits overall... No Fever, her blood pressure good at 128/76, her blood sugar not so good at 177 but this is due to the IV Vitamin Supplement she's on. Mom is such a character! When she heard what her blood sugar level was she told her Nurse, "OK. That means you need to give me 5cc's of Insulin" Which got a chuckle out of her Nurse :o) ... she's so funny! When I got there after work she was sleeping... 20 minutes later she woke, saw me and said, "I was dreaming.... I dreamed Fred was parked and behind the wheel of a fancy sports car and Barbara was in the passenger seat... He was taking her for a spin!" Then she asked, "Lori, what day is this?" I told her, "Mom, today is Tuesday September 28th" She said, "Oh my! I missed Mary's (Niece) birthday on the 17th... Joey's (Godson/Nephew) birthday was on the 26th and today is JoAnn's (Goddaughter) birthday!! So much going on.... Lori, please let them know I didn't forget!" I promised her I would let you know... She cares and loves all of you so much!!
Three days and counting.... Mom is okay with the Colorectal Resection surgery she is about to undergo. Her words, "I'm just looking on getting better and this is just a step toward that end." As we've said before, Mom is a 'Gentlewoman' but do not mistake her gentleness for lack of strength... She is the Strongest Woman we know... She is our example, our mentor and most of all our Hero!
Today Mom is in good spirits overall... No Fever, her blood pressure good at 128/76, her blood sugar not so good at 177 but this is due to the IV Vitamin Supplement she's on. Mom is such a character! When she heard what her blood sugar level was she told her Nurse, "OK. That means you need to give me 5cc's of Insulin" Which got a chuckle out of her Nurse :o) ... she's so funny! When I got there after work she was sleeping... 20 minutes later she woke, saw me and said, "I was dreaming.... I dreamed Fred was parked and behind the wheel of a fancy sports car and Barbara was in the passenger seat... He was taking her for a spin!" Then she asked, "Lori, what day is this?" I told her, "Mom, today is Tuesday September 28th" She said, "Oh my! I missed Mary's (Niece) birthday on the 17th... Joey's (Godson/Nephew) birthday was on the 26th and today is JoAnn's (Goddaughter) birthday!! So much going on.... Lori, please let them know I didn't forget!" I promised her I would let you know... She cares and loves all of you so much!!
Three days and counting.... Mom is okay with the Colorectal Resection surgery she is about to undergo. Her words, "I'm just looking on getting better and this is just a step toward that end." As we've said before, Mom is a 'Gentlewoman' but do not mistake her gentleness for lack of strength... She is the Strongest Woman we know... She is our example, our mentor and most of all our Hero!
Monday, September 27, 2010
September 27, 2010
Day 31... We met with Mom's Surgeon earlier this evening, Robert E. Zane, M.D. After meeting with him we feel better (if you can call it that) about the next part of the journey we are about to embark upon... Now, preceding our meeting Mom was visited the night before by her good friend Corrine and Fr. Bill from St. Philomena Parish. She received the anointing of the sick and took communion, a VERY SMALL piece as she's not supposed to eat or drink ANYTHING!! :-] Earlier today the Sisters from St. Philomena School visited with her, sang and prayed with her. They brought her a HUGE poster signed by all the 8th graders and informed her that Carmelites have been notified of Mom's situation all across the United States... The power of prayer at work! :-)
Sooooooo that brings us to tonight, our meeting with Dr. Zane and this is the basic rundown to our questions:
When will surgery take place? He's hoping to schedule Mom's surgery for this Wednesday 9/29, however we won't know for sure until tomorrow (9/28). If not Wednesday then Sunday 10/03. He has a lecture he's giving at a Medical Conference in Santa Barbara on Saturday, but will return to do it on Sunday if need be. Right now the leak is contained, the pocket of infection is the same size and not draining well which is why we have no other option than to do the surgery. Dr. Zane's main worry after surgery is what mother nature has so far contained, he will have to unleash... Hopefully not bad but unknown. How Mom's body deals with all of this and the risk of sepsis is a part of the laws of nature.
How long will Mom's surgery be? About 2 hours
Is a Colostomy a 'for sure' thing? Yes, but only temporary. If everything goes well with little to no complications, Mom is looking at 6 months before living life back to normal.
Is Mom strong enough to undergo this procedure? Yes, right now she is... If she were to spike fever or show deterioration then surgery would happen immediately. Right now we're trying to clear out as much as possible in the intestinal area.
How big will the incision be and where? Approximately 4-5 inches and will use her existing C-Section scar.
How soon after surgery will they get Mom up and walking around? Right away, the sooner the better. Movement and ambulation is key to recovery.
How long in the hospital after surgery? We're looking at 10 days if all goes perfect. We won't let her go until she's eating food and able to care for herself.
After speaking with Dr. Zane we are feeling better. Along with Internet research and hearing personal recommendations from Physician friends of ours, we appreciated the time he took to meet with us, answer all our questions and gave us visual details of the procedure involved. Though we learned he is only one of two physician/surgeons who would undertake this procedure, he was very humble about his accomplishments but confident in the task at hand.
Now we wait to hear when Mom's surgical procedure will be scheduled and in the words of Dr. Zane, "Once the job is done, it's your Mom's strength and Mother Nature" ... and to quote Jeanette's husband Fred, "May God be with you Doctor, in guiding your hands" ... Amen.
Sooooooo that brings us to tonight, our meeting with Dr. Zane and this is the basic rundown to our questions:
When will surgery take place? He's hoping to schedule Mom's surgery for this Wednesday 9/29, however we won't know for sure until tomorrow (9/28). If not Wednesday then Sunday 10/03. He has a lecture he's giving at a Medical Conference in Santa Barbara on Saturday, but will return to do it on Sunday if need be. Right now the leak is contained, the pocket of infection is the same size and not draining well which is why we have no other option than to do the surgery. Dr. Zane's main worry after surgery is what mother nature has so far contained, he will have to unleash... Hopefully not bad but unknown. How Mom's body deals with all of this and the risk of sepsis is a part of the laws of nature.
How long will Mom's surgery be? About 2 hours
Is a Colostomy a 'for sure' thing? Yes, but only temporary. If everything goes well with little to no complications, Mom is looking at 6 months before living life back to normal.
Is Mom strong enough to undergo this procedure? Yes, right now she is... If she were to spike fever or show deterioration then surgery would happen immediately. Right now we're trying to clear out as much as possible in the intestinal area.
How big will the incision be and where? Approximately 4-5 inches and will use her existing C-Section scar.
How soon after surgery will they get Mom up and walking around? Right away, the sooner the better. Movement and ambulation is key to recovery.
How long in the hospital after surgery? We're looking at 10 days if all goes perfect. We won't let her go until she's eating food and able to care for herself.
After speaking with Dr. Zane we are feeling better. Along with Internet research and hearing personal recommendations from Physician friends of ours, we appreciated the time he took to meet with us, answer all our questions and gave us visual details of the procedure involved. Though we learned he is only one of two physician/surgeons who would undertake this procedure, he was very humble about his accomplishments but confident in the task at hand.
Now we wait to hear when Mom's surgical procedure will be scheduled and in the words of Dr. Zane, "Once the job is done, it's your Mom's strength and Mother Nature" ... and to quote Jeanette's husband Fred, "May God be with you Doctor, in guiding your hands" ... Amen.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
September 26, 2010 (part 2)
Day 30, 1pm... The surgeon came in to see Mom and told us they'll be proceeding with the colon dissection surgery. Surgery is being scheduled for this Wednesday... not sure of what time yet. Tomorrow they're inserting a PICC line once again and her surgeon wants to meet with us tomorrow 6pm. For right now her vitals are all good and we'll see what he has to say to us tomorrow evening....
We'll update you when we know more...
We'll update you when we know more...
September 26, 2010
Day 30... Wow... We're a month in and where do we begin.... While Mom was in the ER Friday night they did another CT Scan which showed the end of her abdominal drain was now 'kinked'. The surgeon spoke with us and said the decision was made to remove that drain and insert a 'bigger' drain, then wait and see how it goes for a couple of days. If no more draining then he'll have to go in, surgically remove the bad section of colon and reattach the 'good' ends. The surgeon made it sound like this surgery will eventually have to occur but they ideally would like Mom healthier and as much of the 'bad stuff' drained out because to go in now he would be "unleashing a beast", meaning the risk would be high for the infection to spread throughout her abdominal cavity.
We waited while they took Mom to do the 'drain switch-out' and we were told afterward that everything supposedly went well. They have Mom in a room and in an area they call the Step Down Unit. This is where they have patients that are a 'step down' from ICU level but still require higher monitoring. We were told she'll probably be in the hospital at least 5 days... Her room has a phone she can call out on but receives no calls in at this time and Jeanette has her cell phone. The Step Down Unit also has limited visitors allowed and ask that no flowers be brought into the ward. Mom is back on IV, no food or drink as they're trying to rest and clear out the colon, she's on a urinal catheter and diaper... Please understand why right now visits are not recommended. This morning her Nurse said she's doing better, sleeping now as they have her on morphine. Sadly, she also informed us there is not much coming out of the drain... If this continues, then surgery will likely occur sooner rather than later.
In speaking with the main surgeon Mom has a very long road ahead of her... :-( By the time the infection is handled, the colon resection done, colostomy bag in place, colon healing time, then removal of the colostomy bag and reconnection of the intestinal track with the repaired colon, the surgeon estimates it will be 6 months possibly more before Mom will have her 'life back to normal'.
We know that with all that's happened to Mom from a 'routine colonoscopy' has a lot of you thinking, "Is it worth it?"... Quite honestly that is for you to decide with your physician and in consideration of your health history. This is a link which for those of us who are not familiar with the all the options for colorectal cancer screening and the measure of risk involved (see web link on this page), which may help answer some of those questions or at least offer you a good starting point of discussion with your medical care provider.
As for our sister Barbara, yesterday we found her sleeping soundly. We spoke with the Nurses station to update them on Mom's situation and give our cell numbers for contact. Her Nurse said, she's currently sedated, no fever, just needs rest and is doing MUCH better! She has not had a seizure since Wednesday and her seizure meds are now back at her doctor's recommended level. We heard her cough a couple of times but she seems to be breathing a lot easier.
We thought we were seeing light at the end of this long tunnel, but sadly at this point we feel like we're in more of a maze with all the twists and turns we come up against.... Please continue sending your good wishes, thoughts and prayers... You will never know how much you all mean to us! xoxoxo
We waited while they took Mom to do the 'drain switch-out' and we were told afterward that everything supposedly went well. They have Mom in a room and in an area they call the Step Down Unit. This is where they have patients that are a 'step down' from ICU level but still require higher monitoring. We were told she'll probably be in the hospital at least 5 days... Her room has a phone she can call out on but receives no calls in at this time and Jeanette has her cell phone. The Step Down Unit also has limited visitors allowed and ask that no flowers be brought into the ward. Mom is back on IV, no food or drink as they're trying to rest and clear out the colon, she's on a urinal catheter and diaper... Please understand why right now visits are not recommended. This morning her Nurse said she's doing better, sleeping now as they have her on morphine. Sadly, she also informed us there is not much coming out of the drain... If this continues, then surgery will likely occur sooner rather than later.
In speaking with the main surgeon Mom has a very long road ahead of her... :-( By the time the infection is handled, the colon resection done, colostomy bag in place, colon healing time, then removal of the colostomy bag and reconnection of the intestinal track with the repaired colon, the surgeon estimates it will be 6 months possibly more before Mom will have her 'life back to normal'.
We know that with all that's happened to Mom from a 'routine colonoscopy' has a lot of you thinking, "Is it worth it?"... Quite honestly that is for you to decide with your physician and in consideration of your health history. This is a link which for those of us who are not familiar with the all the options for colorectal cancer screening and the measure of risk involved (see web link on this page), which may help answer some of those questions or at least offer you a good starting point of discussion with your medical care provider.
As for our sister Barbara, yesterday we found her sleeping soundly. We spoke with the Nurses station to update them on Mom's situation and give our cell numbers for contact. Her Nurse said, she's currently sedated, no fever, just needs rest and is doing MUCH better! She has not had a seizure since Wednesday and her seizure meds are now back at her doctor's recommended level. We heard her cough a couple of times but she seems to be breathing a lot easier.
We thought we were seeing light at the end of this long tunnel, but sadly at this point we feel like we're in more of a maze with all the twists and turns we come up against.... Please continue sending your good wishes, thoughts and prayers... You will never know how much you all mean to us! xoxoxo
September 25, 2010
Day 29... Not the best scenario..... Barbara underwent a procedure yesterday morning where they put a tube through her nose and into her lungs to drain them. Normally a 'routine' procedure but in Barbara's condition, considered 'Risky'. We met with the doctor who performed the procedure before and after... He said her right lung was filled with fluid, her left lung the two lower lobes were filled. More fluid than they'd anticipated, they removed most of it and now waiting for the culture results which will take about a week. Nothing we can do now but wait and her doctors hope her lungs don't fill up again....
As for Mom, as strong as she can be things take a toll... Yesterday her temp started spiking and last night Jeanette and Monica took her to Emergency where it was decided to admit her... As of 7:50am today, she was still in the ER waiting transport into a room. She will be in room 2068, but they said it would be an hour or so until they had her in and settled. As of right now Jeanette has Mom's cell phone so we're not able to speak with her however, I spoke with the Nurse who cared for her through the night and he said they've got her on fluids, her BP was good this morning but her Heart Rate is still up at 105 but lower than it was last night... Her fever spiked at 103.5 but as of 7:40am it was 99.1.
Not sure what today is going to bring us but it's going to be a looooooooonngg one!
As for Mom, as strong as she can be things take a toll... Yesterday her temp started spiking and last night Jeanette and Monica took her to Emergency where it was decided to admit her... As of 7:50am today, she was still in the ER waiting transport into a room. She will be in room 2068, but they said it would be an hour or so until they had her in and settled. As of right now Jeanette has Mom's cell phone so we're not able to speak with her however, I spoke with the Nurse who cared for her through the night and he said they've got her on fluids, her BP was good this morning but her Heart Rate is still up at 105 but lower than it was last night... Her fever spiked at 103.5 but as of 7:40am it was 99.1.
Not sure what today is going to bring us but it's going to be a looooooooonngg one!
September 22, 2010
At this point we've lost track of the days.... I know on the 28th it will be a month since this ordeal began. Mom is now able to shower, for which she is truly GRATEFUL!! On the other hand, we're a bit concerned because she's lost more weight and not really eating much... The doctors want her drinking 5 Boost nutritional drinks a day. Since coming home she's drank on average 1 1/2... not good. :-/ To the point where we've noticed she'll get 'shaky' in the evening.... We told her yesterday she needs to ingest what the doctors want her to take in, she needs the nutrients! Told her, "Mom, you can sip a Boost drink throughout the day or wind up with an IV back in your arm!" With Andrea, Monica, Jeanette and I 'encouraging' her, she did better today and managed to finish 3 and a 4th one went with her to bed... better! As Andrea told me, "She was not happy when we tried making her drink them. We told her tomorrow she HAS to drink all 5." However, she seemed a bit livelier today... I (Lori) got to her house about 11:30am earlier today and she was 'supervising' Andrea on doing the laundry.... Then she had me folding it!! :-P Like Kevin told me, "Somebody's gotta do it!" :-/
We understand it doesn't help having Barbara in the hospital during this time and she's naturally very worried.... We think this whole situation also now has her angry! She's now feeling anger along with the frustration of this whole stupid situation >:-(
Barbara's status is 'stabilized'... Compounded with the pneumonia is the fact that upon arriving in the ER they did blood work on her and concluded her seizure medication levels were too high. Regardless that her regular physician had her stabilized on the dosage, the medical staff at Glendale Memorial decided to lower it considerably which resulted in her having several long Grand Mal seizures... In frustration we can't help but ask ourselves, "Why are you fooling with her seizure medication without consulting her primary physician?!?!? She was taken in for pneumonia NOT seizure disorder!!"
It's frustrating all the way around.... However, as Jeanette pointed out, the fact that Mom is now showing anger at the whole situation may be an indicator that she's feeling stronger ... she's no longer listlessly weak. Physically weak granted, but her mind is going a mile-a-minute and as the days drag on she's showing signs of being good old fashioned.... pissed!!
An active, energetic individual by nature and physically healthy... She is now going through the frustration of having her life turned upside down because of the misfortune in becoming a 'statistic' of a proactive, routine colonoscopy gone wrong! Awwwwwww.... What're you gonna do?? Finally expressing the 'anger' is part of the recovery process we know, but wish we knew how long this 'healing' phase will be.
Oh!! Just to clear up misconceptions on Mom's abdominal drain .... It's located about 2-3 inches below her belly button. We learned some of you thought it was coming out of her rectal area!! Have to admit, she got a good laugh out of that when we told her! =D
Overall, we're all doing well. Just circling the wagons and getting things done... and still HUGELY Grateful for all your well wishes, good thoughts and prayers!!
We understand it doesn't help having Barbara in the hospital during this time and she's naturally very worried.... We think this whole situation also now has her angry! She's now feeling anger along with the frustration of this whole stupid situation >:-(
Barbara's status is 'stabilized'... Compounded with the pneumonia is the fact that upon arriving in the ER they did blood work on her and concluded her seizure medication levels were too high. Regardless that her regular physician had her stabilized on the dosage, the medical staff at Glendale Memorial decided to lower it considerably which resulted in her having several long Grand Mal seizures... In frustration we can't help but ask ourselves, "Why are you fooling with her seizure medication without consulting her primary physician?!?!? She was taken in for pneumonia NOT seizure disorder!!"
It's frustrating all the way around.... However, as Jeanette pointed out, the fact that Mom is now showing anger at the whole situation may be an indicator that she's feeling stronger ... she's no longer listlessly weak. Physically weak granted, but her mind is going a mile-a-minute and as the days drag on she's showing signs of being good old fashioned.... pissed!!
An active, energetic individual by nature and physically healthy... She is now going through the frustration of having her life turned upside down because of the misfortune in becoming a 'statistic' of a proactive, routine colonoscopy gone wrong! Awwwwwww.... What're you gonna do?? Finally expressing the 'anger' is part of the recovery process we know, but wish we knew how long this 'healing' phase will be.
Oh!! Just to clear up misconceptions on Mom's abdominal drain .... It's located about 2-3 inches below her belly button. We learned some of you thought it was coming out of her rectal area!! Have to admit, she got a good laugh out of that when we told her! =D
Overall, we're all doing well. Just circling the wagons and getting things done... and still HUGELY Grateful for all your well wishes, good thoughts and prayers!!
September 20, 2010
Day 24... (sigh....) We're at the point of 'what else?' and afraid to verbalize it... Mom continues to 'manage' however... late last night we received a call from The Manor where our sister Barbara is, informing us she was being taken to emergency. They said she'd had a cough but it's worsened along with difficulty breathing... At 9:00am today the hospital told us they're keeping her, observing and treating her for pneumonia. So again, we wait and see. What is that saying about being given only what you can handle?? Hmmmmmmmmmm...... (deep breath) good thing we're made of 'strong stuff'!!
Thank you for your continued encouragement and prayers...
Thank you for your continued encouragement and prayers...
September 19, 2010 (part 2)
Well, Mom is finally home... The abdominal drain is still in place, she's very tired and weak but hopefully around her home surroundings she'll better relax and heal. The doctors still have her on a liquid diet for now and Kaiser should be calling tomorrow with her appointment with the Surgeon, who she's supposed to see in a week. There should be a Home Nurse coming in as well... We're hoping over the next few days she'll establish her household routine.
While we're rejoicing the fact that Mom's home at last, we all have to remember at this point she is trading hospital convalescence with home convalescence... a lateral trade really. Mom is in NO WAY recovered! This is 'wait and see' time while her body continues the process of clearing the smaller infection sites and containment of the larger site. Surgical repair is still a very real probability once containment has occurred and we don't even want to think at this point what will be involved then!
As for now, it remains 'a day at a time', she's making S-L-O-W progress but progress none the less and for that we are grateful and celebrate!!
We once again Thank You for your continued thoughts, your prayers and we will stay in touch!!
While we're rejoicing the fact that Mom's home at last, we all have to remember at this point she is trading hospital convalescence with home convalescence... a lateral trade really. Mom is in NO WAY recovered! This is 'wait and see' time while her body continues the process of clearing the smaller infection sites and containment of the larger site. Surgical repair is still a very real probability once containment has occurred and we don't even want to think at this point what will be involved then!
As for now, it remains 'a day at a time', she's making S-L-O-W progress but progress none the less and for that we are grateful and celebrate!!
We once again Thank You for your continued thoughts, your prayers and we will stay in touch!!
September 19, 2010
Day 23... Just received word that Mom is being released today! They will be removing the PICC Line but leaving the abdominal drain in place... Mom is nervous and scared about going home like this. They told her they'd check her in a week and schedule another CT Scan then.... Just found all this out so now we're sCrAmBliNg!!! Jeanette & Fred are leaving now to pick her up, Monica & I will meet them at Mom's house to set things up... Will update more later!
September 17, 2010
Day 21... Dare we say.... (whisper) "Light at the end of the tunnel!" Yesterday they took Mom off all the IV's and started her on an oral antibiotic. The prognosis is they will she how she does for a couple of days, no increased pain or fever is what they're hoping for and depending what another CT Scan shows, the good news is they may send her home.... Not so good is she may have to go home with the abdominal drain still in and a visiting nurse. Her surgeon would like her body to heal itself as much as possible before considering a surgical outcome. This morning I received a text from Mom saying, "Great night last night, going to the bathroom was easier. I'm free from the IV! Breakfast is still cream of wheat, pudding and juice. No change there :-/" Keeping fingers and toes crossed and prayers going that it REALLY is light we see at the end of this tunnel...
September 14, 2010
Day 18... Soooooo Tuesdays are my cRaZy work day... I start at 6am and usually go until 7:30pm. However, a lot of my clients are teachers and this being the 1st week of school, it comes with lots of client cancellations."Yay!" I think, I can run over and check on Mom, see how she's holding up....
I get to the hospital, walk onto the 4th floor and as I enter her wing I spot this little lady walking down the hall pushing her IV cart and I realize, it's Mom! She's surprised to see me (Lori) and happily informs me she's walking her 2nd set of double laps today and is so pleased I can join her!! So I walk along side her and (of course) she already knows all the staff and happily made introductions :-) Nice surprise, there's a number of St. Philomena (her home parish, the parochial school we attended back in the day and where she works now) alumni that are on staff at the hospital who recognized her and are making a special note to take good care of her. Mom is especially pleased that they started her on a 'regular' liquid diet today which now includes Cream of Wheat for breakfast, cream of 'whatever' soup (chicken or mushroom), pudding and tea... Mom did inform the dietician (St. Philomena alumni) that she does not like vanilla pudding and prefers chocolate... ah ha! Taken care of!!
Mom said she felt better today... she decided she felt good enough for a self-done sponge bath and although a LONG s-l-o-w process she did indeed feel fresher afterward. She admitted her motivation was Jeanette... Jeanette said, "Mom, you can take care of it or I will get it done on Friday." =D Thank God every day at this point, seems to give us the gift of improvement! Before I left to go back to work Mom whispered to me, "They may even send me home this weekend." ... Hmmmmmm, I said, "Now Mom, the Docs indicated 2 more weeks." to which she replied, "Well, I feel better and I'm just saying it could happen. ".... Hey, it's Mom! We don't doubt anything and just we'll wait and see...
She knows of everyone who is pulling for her, praying for her and wishing the best for her... She wants you to know how much she loves all of you...
We Do Too!!!
I get to the hospital, walk onto the 4th floor and as I enter her wing I spot this little lady walking down the hall pushing her IV cart and I realize, it's Mom! She's surprised to see me (Lori) and happily informs me she's walking her 2nd set of double laps today and is so pleased I can join her!! So I walk along side her and (of course) she already knows all the staff and happily made introductions :-) Nice surprise, there's a number of St. Philomena (her home parish, the parochial school we attended back in the day and where she works now) alumni that are on staff at the hospital who recognized her and are making a special note to take good care of her. Mom is especially pleased that they started her on a 'regular' liquid diet today which now includes Cream of Wheat for breakfast, cream of 'whatever' soup (chicken or mushroom), pudding and tea... Mom did inform the dietician (St. Philomena alumni) that she does not like vanilla pudding and prefers chocolate... ah ha! Taken care of!!
Mom said she felt better today... she decided she felt good enough for a self-done sponge bath and although a LONG s-l-o-w process she did indeed feel fresher afterward. She admitted her motivation was Jeanette... Jeanette said, "Mom, you can take care of it or I will get it done on Friday." =D Thank God every day at this point, seems to give us the gift of improvement! Before I left to go back to work Mom whispered to me, "They may even send me home this weekend." ... Hmmmmmm, I said, "Now Mom, the Docs indicated 2 more weeks." to which she replied, "Well, I feel better and I'm just saying it could happen. ".... Hey, it's Mom! We don't doubt anything and just we'll wait and see...
She knows of everyone who is pulling for her, praying for her and wishing the best for her... She wants you to know how much she loves all of you...
We Do Too!!!
September 13, 2010
Day 17... Whew! Where do we begin.... They took Mom early this morning for another CT Scan, this time they did full torso area. Mom had a pleasant surprise when she discovered her nurse for today was Jennie, Nurse Jennie was one of Mom's 'Angels' in the wing they moved her from and is very familiar with Mom's case, so Mom was happy to see her this morning! Because she's still only allowed to have clear broth, jello, juice, water and tea they still have her on the clear nutritional 'cocktail' which seems to spike her glucose levels even though Mom is not diabetic. This means she's given an abdominal Insulin injection once a day along with everything else.
About 4pm Mom's new Hospitalist came by, introduced himself and went over the findings on the CT Scan... Dr. Cheung said along with a very large infection extending from the perforation site, there are multiple 'pockets' of infection which are smaller but throughout the entire colon... However, the CT Scan shows that the large infection area and the smaller areas ARE responding to the antibiotic treatment and it looks like it may take another 2 weeks in the hospital to get all the infectious matter to drain, hopefully eliminating most of the smaller 'pockets' and isolating the largest infection closer to the original site of perforation. Then it looks like a good possibility they may have to go in and surgically remove the 'bad' area of her colon and reattach the two healthier ends....
So as Mom says, "One day at a time..." Her spirits are good, those of you who know Mom know her attitude, "What else can I do? I hope for the best." Up until Dad passed away (it will be 6 years on 10/30) we always thought it was Dad that was the strong one... Since then we've seen and known our 'real' Mom...
Mom was the strength that held us all together, Mom was the strength that took care of Barbara and Dad... and now again, Mom is the strength and the positive attitude that will carry her through this... and all of us along with her... She's our example, she's our hero... WE Love You Mom!
About 4pm Mom's new Hospitalist came by, introduced himself and went over the findings on the CT Scan... Dr. Cheung said along with a very large infection extending from the perforation site, there are multiple 'pockets' of infection which are smaller but throughout the entire colon... However, the CT Scan shows that the large infection area and the smaller areas ARE responding to the antibiotic treatment and it looks like it may take another 2 weeks in the hospital to get all the infectious matter to drain, hopefully eliminating most of the smaller 'pockets' and isolating the largest infection closer to the original site of perforation. Then it looks like a good possibility they may have to go in and surgically remove the 'bad' area of her colon and reattach the two healthier ends....
So as Mom says, "One day at a time..." Her spirits are good, those of you who know Mom know her attitude, "What else can I do? I hope for the best." Up until Dad passed away (it will be 6 years on 10/30) we always thought it was Dad that was the strong one... Since then we've seen and known our 'real' Mom...
Mom was the strength that held us all together, Mom was the strength that took care of Barbara and Dad... and now again, Mom is the strength and the positive attitude that will carry her through this... and all of us along with her... She's our example, she's our hero... WE Love You Mom!
September 12, 2010
Day 16... Another loooooooong day ... not so great is there's some 'leakage' at the drain site and no one seems to know why but on the good side, they moved Mom tonight to a private room. It's bigger and she has her own bathroom. She's in a completely different area of the hospital now and she was sad to leave those who have now become friendly familiar faces to her... They were all sad to see her go too! The evening staff all came out as they put her on the gurney to say good-bye and wish her well, they said "We hate to see the good patients get transferred!" So now Mom will have a whole new set of people to familiarize her self with and if you know Mom, you know she'll soon learn all their life stories too!!
The Hospitalist's hope was to be able to take her off the IV antibiotic today to see how she does without it for a couple of days but she spiked a fever and with the drain 'leaking' he opted not to stop it at this time. Tomorrow the surgeon has her scheduled for another CT Scan to check and see how things are progressing internally... When we know, you'll know! She still has her cell phone with her and her direct hospital phone line. When we left her shortly before 10pm, she was resting quietly... We hope for a restful night.
The Hospitalist's hope was to be able to take her off the IV antibiotic today to see how she does without it for a couple of days but she spiked a fever and with the drain 'leaking' he opted not to stop it at this time. Tomorrow the surgeon has her scheduled for another CT Scan to check and see how things are progressing internally... When we know, you'll know! She still has her cell phone with her and her direct hospital phone line. When we left her shortly before 10pm, she was resting quietly... We hope for a restful night.
September 10, 2010 (part 2)
Evening Day 14... Finally got to the hospital about 1pm but Mom's room was closed off with a scary 'STOP!' sign on her door declaring 'Patient undergoing medical procedure. Contact Nurse's station'. I found out they were inserting a PICC Line to use for her IV meds and nutrition from here on out, rather than poking her arm over and over... When the procedure was complete, Xray taken for position verification and I finally went in she was a bit perturbed. She said, "The technician inserting the PICC Line asked me if I was on steroids! When I said 'NO' she said 'Oh, because your veins are brittle." If anyone out there knows what is meant by 'Brittle Veins' please inform us because we're not understanding this.... Mom's never been on steroids... At least not since her body building days... just kidding!
Spent a quiet afternoon sitting with Mom and reading... Her favorite soap opera, 'General Hospital' comes on at 2pm so her invisible 'Do Not Disturb' sign goes up until 3pm ;-)... They checked her blood sugar level and it was elevated at 167 so they again gave her an injection of Insulin. She's back on the IV Nutritional Cocktail along with a diet of clear liquids consisting of Jello, apple juice and tea... The jello is sugar free and when I gave her the tea she asked me for the sugar packet to sweeten it... I said, "Mom! Your blood sugar is elevated, I don't think you're supposed to have sugar." She said, "Just a pinch won't hurt". That's when we realized the hospital staff had removed her stash of sugar packets! She gave SUCH a scowl... I think she's feeling better :-)
About 4:15pm when Jeanette arrived they still hadn't connected her IV to the PICC Line and just as we were wondering why, they came in and said it wasn't in correctly. They took her to radiology to re-insert the whole thing! Turns out the original one wasn't long enough, so they had to re-do the whole procedure. This time everything went well and they connected her up to the brand new PICC and removed her IV.
Before leaving, her Hospitalist Doc came in and gave us the following run down... Their hopes are that the infection will shrink down and contain near the area of the original tear. His concern is that her antibiotic is not available in oral form, only intravenously. He plans on discontinuing it on Sunday and see how she responds over the following two days. Another CT Scan will probably be done on Monday to see how much the infection has decreased... At that time, Doctors will meet and decide whether removing the drain is warranted or if they should send her home with it for follow up later. If they send her home with it, then there's a very real possibility that 3 to 4 weeks later as the infection is contained to the original tear site at the sigmoid, they will have to go in and surgically remove the 'bad' part of her colon and reattach the two 'healthy' end pieces.
Bottom line... Mom will remain in the hospital into next week. At this point we just take one day at a time... It's the best we can do. Mom seems to be getting a bit of her spunkiness back, which is a very good thing! Your continued thoughts and prayers are very much welcomed and appreciated....
Spent a quiet afternoon sitting with Mom and reading... Her favorite soap opera, 'General Hospital' comes on at 2pm so her invisible 'Do Not Disturb' sign goes up until 3pm ;-)... They checked her blood sugar level and it was elevated at 167 so they again gave her an injection of Insulin. She's back on the IV Nutritional Cocktail along with a diet of clear liquids consisting of Jello, apple juice and tea... The jello is sugar free and when I gave her the tea she asked me for the sugar packet to sweeten it... I said, "Mom! Your blood sugar is elevated, I don't think you're supposed to have sugar." She said, "Just a pinch won't hurt". That's when we realized the hospital staff had removed her stash of sugar packets! She gave SUCH a scowl... I think she's feeling better :-)
About 4:15pm when Jeanette arrived they still hadn't connected her IV to the PICC Line and just as we were wondering why, they came in and said it wasn't in correctly. They took her to radiology to re-insert the whole thing! Turns out the original one wasn't long enough, so they had to re-do the whole procedure. This time everything went well and they connected her up to the brand new PICC and removed her IV.
Before leaving, her Hospitalist Doc came in and gave us the following run down... Their hopes are that the infection will shrink down and contain near the area of the original tear. His concern is that her antibiotic is not available in oral form, only intravenously. He plans on discontinuing it on Sunday and see how she responds over the following two days. Another CT Scan will probably be done on Monday to see how much the infection has decreased... At that time, Doctors will meet and decide whether removing the drain is warranted or if they should send her home with it for follow up later. If they send her home with it, then there's a very real possibility that 3 to 4 weeks later as the infection is contained to the original tear site at the sigmoid, they will have to go in and surgically remove the 'bad' part of her colon and reattach the two 'healthy' end pieces.
Bottom line... Mom will remain in the hospital into next week. At this point we just take one day at a time... It's the best we can do. Mom seems to be getting a bit of her spunkiness back, which is a very good thing! Your continued thoughts and prayers are very much welcomed and appreciated....
September 10, 2010
Day 14
Mom met this morning with her 'main Docs', the Hospitalist and Surgeon... Surgeon told her he's trying to avoid surgery at all costs because once he opens her up the infection will spread and then runs the risk of her having a colostomy bag. He told her, "Be patient!" They're trying to clear this thing on it's own without reverting to drastic measures... They will do another CT Scan in a couple of days and hope for the best possible result with the possibility of removing the drain.
Mom says she no longer has the severe gas pains which were the result of the infectious matter stuck inside her. She's currently experiencing only soreness at the sight of the drain. They 'ok'd' her to eat a soft, liquid diet, they want her to continue to rest, get up and walk as much as she can and be patient while nature and medicine take it's course.
Her cell phone is working now (310-612-8197) if you want to send a text message, they do lift her spirits ... her direct hospital line is 310-517-2215. However, with the liquid diet it makes for frequent trips to the bathroom!! So please understand if she doesn't answer ... As for visiting her, she asks that you please understand that with being in the hospital this long and now with the intestinal drain she REALLY doesn't feel presentable. Technology being what it is today, your text messages and email messages are reaching her ... She is SO appreciative of all the love and support from you all!!
Mom met this morning with her 'main Docs', the Hospitalist and Surgeon... Surgeon told her he's trying to avoid surgery at all costs because once he opens her up the infection will spread and then runs the risk of her having a colostomy bag. He told her, "Be patient!" They're trying to clear this thing on it's own without reverting to drastic measures... They will do another CT Scan in a couple of days and hope for the best possible result with the possibility of removing the drain.
Mom says she no longer has the severe gas pains which were the result of the infectious matter stuck inside her. She's currently experiencing only soreness at the sight of the drain. They 'ok'd' her to eat a soft, liquid diet, they want her to continue to rest, get up and walk as much as she can and be patient while nature and medicine take it's course.
Her cell phone is working now (310-612-8197) if you want to send a text message, they do lift her spirits ... her direct hospital line is 310-517-2215. However, with the liquid diet it makes for frequent trips to the bathroom!! So please understand if she doesn't answer ... As for visiting her, she asks that you please understand that with being in the hospital this long and now with the intestinal drain she REALLY doesn't feel presentable. Technology being what it is today, your text messages and email messages are reaching her ... She is SO appreciative of all the love and support from you all!!
September 9, 2010
Day 13... Whew!!! Another long day, BUT (We're hesitant here...) it looks like good news. A bit of 'touch & go' at the start of the procedure.... Monica was with Mom when they took her in, then the Nurse came out and said the technician did not want to do the procedure because they saw "a hole in the colon and numerous infected pockets"... WTF!!! Monica was left helpless, wondering what the heck was going on when moments later the Nurse came out again, running after her down the hall and told her, "We've contacted the doctor and we're told to proceed with the procedure as directed." They ended up putting in a larger drain than anticipated because the area of infection was larger than originally thought.
Current status, Mom has been resting.... some discomfort from the intestinal drain in her lower abdominal area HOWEVER, the bloating is now gone and the severe cramping is gone. While we were there Mom slept the deepest we've seen her sleep since this whole ordeal began!! We're keeping our fingers crossed and hope we get 'Great News' when the doctors see her in the morning....
Mom is aware of all the love, prayers, concern and well wishes from ALL of you.... We share it all with her and words can NOT express how much your prayers mean to us all and how much your well wishes are helping in her recovery.... Bless you all!!
Once we speak with and get updated from her Doctors we'll update again... Our Thanks and Love to all of you!
Current status, Mom has been resting.... some discomfort from the intestinal drain in her lower abdominal area HOWEVER, the bloating is now gone and the severe cramping is gone. While we were there Mom slept the deepest we've seen her sleep since this whole ordeal began!! We're keeping our fingers crossed and hope we get 'Great News' when the doctors see her in the morning....
Mom is aware of all the love, prayers, concern and well wishes from ALL of you.... We share it all with her and words can NOT express how much your prayers mean to us all and how much your well wishes are helping in her recovery.... Bless you all!!
Once we speak with and get updated from her Doctors we'll update again... Our Thanks and Love to all of you!
September 8, 2010
Day 12!! Long day.... Long night.... Just got back from the hospital where we all met with Mom's Medical Doctor (the Hospitalist) and this is the latest rundown... The 3rd CT Scan shows that the area of infection resulting from the original tear is a lot larger than they thought. That area of infection has formed a 'pocket' which creates air in the intestinal tract causing the pain and bloating. The IV antibiotic is doing it's job, hence the reason Mom has not been running a fever... however a large 'pus pocket' remains. The Doctors working Mom's case met, discussed and collectively feel the best scenario going forward is to try draining the pocket of infection.
She will be undergoing this procedure tomorrow. The procedure entails putting her under 'twighlight' sedation, putting her into the CT Scanner, try to pinpoint the 'pus pocket' area and insert a hollow needle to pierce it. Once they determine through the use of the CT Scan that they're in the right area, they will insert a 'pig tail' drain. Best case scenario the 'pus pocket' will drain clear within 24 hrs --- Possible scenario they will send her home with the drain in place, visiting Nurse care and check the status of the 'pus pocket' in a week or two via another CT Scan ---- If drain is still draining after a month, she will have to prepare as she did for the original colonoscopy procedure, 'clean out' and they will surgically remove the 'bad' area of the large intestine and connect the two 'healthy' ends.... Can you see our eyes rolling, heads shaking and voices screaming AAAAAAaaaaaaarrrrrrggggghhhhhhh!!!!!!!!
Ahem... enough venting.... This 'drain procedure' sounds simple enough but we asked, "What are the possible issues with this procedure?" We were told basically the same as the original colonoscopy, possibility of another tear, rupture or bleeding --- Hmmmmmmmmmm...... BUT we have no other choice.
SOOOOOOO we think positive, hope for the BEST and pray, Pray, PRAY!!!
We were not given a definite time Mom will be undergoing this procedure tomorrow, the earliest would be 8am. Again, we Thank You for your good thoughts, positive energy and prayers for Mom... I hope our next email will be filled with Great News!
She will be undergoing this procedure tomorrow. The procedure entails putting her under 'twighlight' sedation, putting her into the CT Scanner, try to pinpoint the 'pus pocket' area and insert a hollow needle to pierce it. Once they determine through the use of the CT Scan that they're in the right area, they will insert a 'pig tail' drain. Best case scenario the 'pus pocket' will drain clear within 24 hrs --- Possible scenario they will send her home with the drain in place, visiting Nurse care and check the status of the 'pus pocket' in a week or two via another CT Scan ---- If drain is still draining after a month, she will have to prepare as she did for the original colonoscopy procedure, 'clean out' and they will surgically remove the 'bad' area of the large intestine and connect the two 'healthy' ends.... Can you see our eyes rolling, heads shaking and voices screaming AAAAAAaaaaaaarrrrrrggggghhhhhhh!!!!!!!!
Ahem... enough venting.... This 'drain procedure' sounds simple enough but we asked, "What are the possible issues with this procedure?" We were told basically the same as the original colonoscopy, possibility of another tear, rupture or bleeding --- Hmmmmmmmmmm...... BUT we have no other choice.
SOOOOOOO we think positive, hope for the BEST and pray, Pray, PRAY!!!
We were not given a definite time Mom will be undergoing this procedure tomorrow, the earliest would be 8am. Again, we Thank You for your good thoughts, positive energy and prayers for Mom... I hope our next email will be filled with Great News!
September 7, 2010
Day 11... Light at the end of the tunnel???? It looks like there's a 'good chance' Mom may be home by tomorrow afternoon.... Keep fingers crossed and prayers going! She's off the IV and on a bland diet... her main source of pain now is 'gas-related' as her digestive system reacts to the introduction of food.... As Kev told her, "It's okay Mom, just let 'er loose!!" (...imagine with a Jersey accent :-/) however, it's not that simple. Tonight they did another CT Scan the results of which we should have in the morning and we're keeping our fingers crossed and prayers going that the results will be positive and we'll be able to take her home!!! When we know you'll know.... We promise!!
September 5, 2010
Day 9... And the healing process continues... As for leaving the hospital, that possibility was voiced by the Surgeon. Her Medical Doctor says, "No way!" Mom's still on an IV drip of nutrients, antibiotics and pain meds. The nutrient 'cocktail' they have her on spikes her blood sugar levels so they give her an injection of insulin in the morning.... AAAAAaaaarrrrrgggghhhh!!! The FRUSTRATION of it all!! Okay, enough venting.... SO, at this point until she's off the IV 'cocktail' and is literally able to 'stomach' food and necessary meds we have no real idea of when she'll be released.
Thank you all again, for your continued prayers, well wishes and positive thoughts... Words can not express how grateful we are! <3
Thank you all again, for your continued prayers, well wishes and positive thoughts... Words can not express how grateful we are! <3
September 3, 2010
Day 7... The latest news is they're talking about possibly releasing Mom tomorrow.... She's slowly feeling better but is still on IV pain meds and antibiotics. They've increased her diet to include pudding, cream based soups and coffee. Quite honestly, Mom wants to go home... She says she can rest, eat a modified diet and walk her laps more comfortably at home amongst her 'stuff'. So at this point we wait and we see what the doctors say in the morning... Keep fingers crossed and positive thoughts flowing because she REALLY would rather be home!
Thank you SO MUCH for all your prayers, positive thoughts and well wishes .... We'll let you know if they let her go!
Thank you SO MUCH for all your prayers, positive thoughts and well wishes .... We'll let you know if they let her go!
September 2, 2010
Day 6... Thank you everyone for your positive thoughts and well wishes! Mom is aware that with diverticulosis, going forward she's will have to stay away from seeds, like sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds or any other kinds of seeds. It is also not recommended to have tomatoes because of the seeds. Strawberries, blueberries, and all those other berry fruits are out of the question, as well as popcorn.
In diverticulosis, the diverticuli or the little pockets along the intestine, will accumulate the seeds and inflammation sets in.
That said, her issues right now are not due to what she ate but rather the initial tear caused by the colonoscopy procedure. The problem now is that the seepage from the tear and the naturally occurring bacteria have now caused a secondary infection in one of the diverticuli. The doctors have told her the initial tear is fusing however this secondary infection is adding to her problem. They will continue to watch and see if the infection clears on its own... If not, they may have to try to drain it with a syringe procedure.
Today they began allowing her intake of water, apple juice, tea and jello... She's only taken in very little of this because besides being in pain she's afraid of eating! They've also put her on a nutritional IV solution of minerals and vitamins... Unfortunately this spiked her blood sugar levels and she had to be given an insulin injection. Mom's very good about getting up out of bed and walking as much and as far as possible within the halls of the hospital. Though painful, she's been told walking is beneficial to recovery and she's been fastidious in doing all she can to physically encourage the healing process.
I understand you may want to see her, but quite honestly she tires easily, saving her energy for her hallway laps ;-) If you wish to visit, please do but realize visits of short duration are best and the least draining on her... If you do make the trek to Kaiser Permanente Harbor City take advantage of the cool weather near the coast and visit Ports O'Call or explore Redondo, Hermosa or Manhattan Beach areas! You can also cross the bridges into Long Beach and explore all the south facing beach cities have to offer too!
I share everyone's positive messages and well wishes with her which she greatly appreciates!! She keeps the hospital phone (310-517-2215) and her cell phone close by (310-612-8197). She enjoys receiving text messages of well wishes and love... Contact from those close to her heart (YOU! ) is what's important, whether it be face to face or by phone or text message... Love, prayers and positive energy flows through no matter the venue! :-)
In diverticulosis, the diverticuli or the little pockets along the intestine, will accumulate the seeds and inflammation sets in.
That said, her issues right now are not due to what she ate but rather the initial tear caused by the colonoscopy procedure. The problem now is that the seepage from the tear and the naturally occurring bacteria have now caused a secondary infection in one of the diverticuli. The doctors have told her the initial tear is fusing however this secondary infection is adding to her problem. They will continue to watch and see if the infection clears on its own... If not, they may have to try to drain it with a syringe procedure.
Today they began allowing her intake of water, apple juice, tea and jello... She's only taken in very little of this because besides being in pain she's afraid of eating! They've also put her on a nutritional IV solution of minerals and vitamins... Unfortunately this spiked her blood sugar levels and she had to be given an insulin injection. Mom's very good about getting up out of bed and walking as much and as far as possible within the halls of the hospital. Though painful, she's been told walking is beneficial to recovery and she's been fastidious in doing all she can to physically encourage the healing process.
I understand you may want to see her, but quite honestly she tires easily, saving her energy for her hallway laps ;-) If you wish to visit, please do but realize visits of short duration are best and the least draining on her... If you do make the trek to Kaiser Permanente Harbor City take advantage of the cool weather near the coast and visit Ports O'Call or explore Redondo, Hermosa or Manhattan Beach areas! You can also cross the bridges into Long Beach and explore all the south facing beach cities have to offer too!
I share everyone's positive messages and well wishes with her which she greatly appreciates!! She keeps the hospital phone (310-517-2215) and her cell phone close by (310-612-8197). She enjoys receiving text messages of well wishes and love... Contact from those close to her heart (YOU! ) is what's important, whether it be face to face or by phone or text message... Love, prayers and positive energy flows through no matter the venue! :-)
September 1, 2010
Day 5... Long day... Long week... It seems like Mom is slowly improving... Thank God!! The head surgeon came to check on her today and ordered a 2nd CT Scan which was done earlier today. As of tonight 10pm we still have not heard anything about the results... This is Mom's 5th day without food or drink, although this morning they started her on an IV drip enhanced with vitamins and minerals. Like she says, "It's a helluva way to lose those last 10 pounds!" Hopefully we'll hear about the results of the CT Scan in the morning... It should tell us if Mom's body is healing as everyone is hoping, thus avoiding surgical repair. I'll let you all know when we know... In the meantime, Mom wants you to know how much she appreciates everyones good thoughts and prayers! I've been sharing your emails with her and she wants you to know how special and loved you make her feel.... THANK YOU!!
August 30, 2010
Saw Mom earlier today... Pretty much status quo. She said the Assistant Surgeon came in to see her as well as the doctor who performed the colonoscopy. He asked Mom what she ate during the rest of the day after the procedure. She told him, "Toast, applesauce, a banana, a small bowl of spaghetti...", he said, "Oh! It was probably because you ate meat." Huh???? Mom said, "If there were restrictions on eating why wasn't anything said to me? Here I've avoided doing this thing all this time and at my doctors insistence I do it and this happens! "
Later, while I was still with her a Nutritionist stopped by. The Nutritionist said she was asked to come in by the doctor (which one????) because Mom's albumin levels were coming up low. Mom asked, "What does that mean?" Nutritionist replied, "It's usually caused from not eating enough protein and doctor is concerned you may have poor eating habits" .... WTF?!?!? She continued, since Mom was there for "intestinal problems" she may not be eating right. We quickly informed her she had been fasting in preparation for the colonoscopy procedure and was still restricted to no food or drink because of the ensuing complications!! She said, "Oh!" and left the room.... Mom said, "They think I'm some senior citizen who can't care for herself!" I told her, "Don't worry Mom, they'll probably get you signed up for Meals on Wheels!"
Mom's Nurse came in shortly after and Mom told her what happened... Her Nurse laughed and said, "She didn't know you're here because we messed up, not you!" =D
Mom's pain level is about the same but when I left she was resting easy....
Later, while I was still with her a Nutritionist stopped by. The Nutritionist said she was asked to come in by the doctor (which one????) because Mom's albumin levels were coming up low. Mom asked, "What does that mean?" Nutritionist replied, "It's usually caused from not eating enough protein and doctor is concerned you may have poor eating habits" .... WTF?!?!? She continued, since Mom was there for "intestinal problems" she may not be eating right. We quickly informed her she had been fasting in preparation for the colonoscopy procedure and was still restricted to no food or drink because of the ensuing complications!! She said, "Oh!" and left the room.... Mom said, "They think I'm some senior citizen who can't care for herself!" I told her, "Don't worry Mom, they'll probably get you signed up for Meals on Wheels!"
Mom's Nurse came in shortly after and Mom told her what happened... Her Nurse laughed and said, "She didn't know you're here because we messed up, not you!" =D
Mom's pain level is about the same but when I left she was resting easy....
August 29, 2010
Some of you may know and to others this may be new news but Mom is in the hospital. She under went a routine colonoscopy on Friday, was pleased at how easy the procedure went... however, as can occur with a small percentage of those that undergo this procedure, she developed complications. Saturday morning she began having severe lower abdominal pains. As the morning progressed they got worse and she drove herself to the emergency room at Kaiser Permanente Harbor City (I know, I know! ). Thankfully they performed a CT Scan right away and discovered a tear in the sigmoid area of the colon, resulting from the colonoscopy procedure. They immediately hospitalized her.
Currently her vitals are good, they have her on an antibiotic IV, dilaudid for pain, no food or drink. The doctors are hoping she'll heal naturally and thus avoid having to be surgically repaired. She'll be in the hospital at least until Wednesday, she's in pain, her spirits are good but she's very tired. I'll keep you updated as she progresses and ask you to please keep her in your prayers!
Currently her vitals are good, they have her on an antibiotic IV, dilaudid for pain, no food or drink. The doctors are hoping she'll heal naturally and thus avoid having to be surgically repaired. She'll be in the hospital at least until Wednesday, she's in pain, her spirits are good but she's very tired. I'll keep you updated as she progresses and ask you to please keep her in your prayers!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)