Ron's been seen by each of the 3 doctors (original gall bladder surgeon, GI and GI surgeon) and the physician's assistant throughout the afternoon and evening. Kidney function is continuing to improve but numbers ~~ increase in white blood count, increased digestive enzymes, slight increase in blood pressure and consistent high level of pain ~~ show he has an acute case of pancreatitis. This happens in 3-5% of patients who have an ERCP....and you know Ron, always determined to beat the odds!!
So, what does this all mean...we continue to take it one day at a time! Again, no one is willing to predict a timeline for discharge at this point. The only thing they can do is manage the pain and support his other systems by continued hydration, flushing and monitoring of the kidney; keeping him well hydrated through IV fluids; and doing regular blood panels. They have changed his pain med to Delotted (sp?) as a continuous slow drip and put him on one of those pumps he can activate if needing more; with Demerol as a back-up for extremely intense moments. Delotted takes away pain and also has a euphoric effect....no telling what kind of fun we're in for! And for you Cronies (they know who they are!), as an honorary Cronette, I'll try to get some good stuff for you for use later on the golf course!
Don't let this cause alarm, he is not necessarily worse, they just have a better idea of why he is in so much pain, and realization that it will take longer to get better. It is discouraging in one way but at the same time, good to know why he is not progressing more quickly.
Specifics to pray for...inflammation of pancreas to decrease therefore decreasing distended belly and decreasing pain associated with both! For kidney to continue to function well, and white blood count to come down. Ron also needs to move around as much as possible which is extremely painful, he needs to take deep breaths and cough to avoid pneumonia and for his bowels and kidney to "wake up" which is a problem since the pain meds he needs tend to keep them sedated, too.
I hope I've stated everything clearly...it's been a lot to take in and then turn around and share.
Thanks for all your offers of help, we are doing ok at this time...I appreciate offers to come sit with Ron but until he is painfree enough to be able to relate pertinent information to nurses and doctors, and remember/understand what they are telling him, I prefer to be here. I also need to be able to handle his business calls and need to get his input on how to address some of the issues during those times when he is more coherent. As things get better, we will definitely take you up on assistance!
Thinks are slow but we continue to know God's timing is always perfect! Not sure what His plan is in all of this, but know we can trust Him in all things.
Love, Christie
*** Still requesting no visitors until he has pain issue under control. ***
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