I've been well chastised for not updating sooner but what can I say? Life has been busy!
Thankfully, Ron's battle with "the crud" was short-lived; we caught it early and got him on strong antibiotics and after a few days of coughing, etc; he was back to status quo.
Tuesday afternoon, we were finally able to go see my dad at Harris (hospital) HEB; Ron's dad at Atria (his new assisted living abode) and Ron's mom at Heartland (skilled nursing facility). It's been hard not being a part of what's going on with each of them but certainly could not take the chance of taking our germs to them or bringing any more germs into our home either! We are so thankful for all the family members who have been there to support each of them.
My dad had hip surgery on Wednesday. Tests showed the bone had not grown into the stem part of the previous replacement so plan was to go in and replace the stem with one that is more porous. When they got in there, his hip was full of infection. They had no other option than to take the old replacement out; stabilize it with a "cement" and treat with antibiotics until the infection is cleared up. He will have to be moved to a rehab facility for 3-6 weeks and after 6 weeks (as long as infection is cleared up) they will go back in and do another total hip replacement. Yesterday cultures came back indicating the infection is a staph infection; so now they know the exact antibiotic to use to treat it.
Back to Ron:
Each week we think this will be the week we will finally be able to make it to church! Ron still lacks any energy and requires alot of rest. He's trying to do his part to recuperate by walking a couple of times a day (he's now up to 6 houses down and back!! Woo hoo!) and he does a couple of hours of paperwork and phone calling each day. But mornings continue to be hard for him, he doesn't sleep real well at night because of discomfort from the g-tube inserted between his ribs; as well as his overall scars from multiple incisions, etc. which makes it hard to get in a comfortable position to sleep.
Dr. Arslanlar decided it was time to start weaning him off the TPN and try to start increasing his caloric intake by mouth; as well as beginning the slow process of weaning him off the steroids in hopes his energy level will increase. So, Wednesday, when our new batch of TPN arrived, we began cyclical status (decreased the overall time he's receiving TPN but keeping the volume the same). TPN runs from 8PM to 2PM and he then has 6 hours in the afternoon/evening free! YIPPEE!
Unfortunately, things have not gone smoothly. We're not sure if his body is having a hard time adjusting to the volume of TPN being infused over a shorter period of time, the decrease in steroids, or what. But, he has been throwing up every day; sometimes twice a day, and has felt really puny all weekend. He knows he needs to try to fight his way through this regardless. But it's been difficult.
I cannot begin to tell you how frustrated he has been. He typically handles each bump in the road so well. His "down" days are few and far between, but when they hit...they hit hard!!! Yesterday was an exceptionally rough day for him. He was physically, emotionally and spiritually spent...one of those rare days when all seemed hopeless and tears won out. I feel so helpless when it finally gets to be to much for him. I prayed over him and was able to share my very timely reading from John 11--the story of Lazarus being ill and Jesus's delay in coming until after Lazarus had died. Mary and Martha were so brokenhearted when they finally saw Jesus and they just could not understand why he had waited so long; knowing he could have prevented their suffering and sorrow. Jesus's response was "You may not understand, but I am telling you that if you believe, you will see." And what would they see? God's glory!
Father, we don't understand....but we choose to trust; we choose to believe! And we long to see Your glory revealed
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Friday, September 12, 2008
He got it!!!
Thursday evening, just as I was getting to the point I felt I was back among the living and might even entertain the thought of possibly going back to work; Ron informs me he has a sore throat. I immediately go on "full alert". I decide to sleep in our room (first time in a week!) to keep an eye on him and every time he moves I'm up "how's your throat? do you feel bad anywhere else? chest feel congested? do you need anything?" Obviously, not much sleep for either of us. At 7AM, I'm up with flashlight looking at throat, taking temp, blood pressure and heart rate and find he has a temp of 101 and a resting heart rate of 105. I have strict instructions from docs that I'm to call them any time he runs a temp over 100.5 or has a resting heart rate over 100. So, I make the call!
And then, off to Presby we go! Our family physician is out for the week and though it was ok for me to see someone else, it was very important for Ron to be seen by someone who knows his current history intimately. Dr. Arslanlar (GI) told me to bring Ron to him...what a great guy! He was headed out of town at noon for a memorial service for his dad who had passed away last month, but insisted we come anyways...he'd work him in between procedures at the hospital! I think he enjoyed playing "internist"; took him back to residency days! After a full exam he confirmed Ron has "the crud". He did hear a little crackling in his lungs so sent him for xrays and also had a full blood workup done along with blood cultures to rule out anything going on with PICC line. He put him on a Z-pack, stronger antibiotic than most would need for upper respiratory infection but it will kill out all the typical bacteria as well as anything atypical if present, such as that which would cause walking pneumonia.
We've spent the whole week trying to keep Ron from getting what I've had to no avail! In spite of sleeping in separate rooms, no "smooching", tons of hand washing, slathering with antibacterial gel, wearing a mask, fumigating with Lysol several times a day and doing everything else we can possibly think of...he still got it!
Poor guy~~he feels rotten!!! Then, on the way home, he starts throwing up! (Note to self, NEVER leave home without "the bucket".) Nothing to do with this illness....continued problems with eating process. I'll back up--
To begin, it's our first week to "fly solo". Aaron & Kristin have moved to Plano and Ryan was in Tennessee on a business trip so we were "home alone" for the first time in almost a year. Not only have I been really, really sick (and I mean REALLY sick!) on Tuesday afternoon, we noticed Ron's PICC line was red and irritated at the suture site and it was moving around (NOT a good thing). We called IR and they said to bring him in on Wednesday (YEAH RIGHT!! I'm barely making it from bed to recliner and back again!) Our sweet Stacee came to the rescue! Actually, she'd been coming over after work each day just hanging out in case we needed anything. (We are so blessed; I know any one of you would have come to help at the drop of a hat...fortunately, Ron was well enough at the time to take care of himself and what little needs I had; but isn't driving as yet; and we didn't want to take the chance of infecting anyone else). IR got PICC line secured, changed g-tube dressing and did a sonogram (to check out the hematoma) in record time and sent them on their way. They saw on sonogram that the hematoma has no liquid, it's all solid and they don't like that it's not getting smaller...not getting bigger, but just not reducing in size either. Ron's been instructed he needs to start massaging it several times a day to help break up any scar tissue that may be forming around it; and they'll keep an eye on it each time he goes back to IR.
But, he's still having "unprovoked" puking episodes--daily--so they have once again backed him off to liquids; and not quite sure where they'll go from here. Structurally, they haven't seen a reason this should be happening. Once again, he's not following the "typical" scenario for what they usually see in the healing process.
Then, yesterday I get a call from my Dad's wife telling me he's been admitted through the ER to Harris HEB due to intense pain in his hip. Long story short, he'll have surgery on Monday on same hip he had replaced several years ago; can't do earlier due to some issues with other test results. Anyone say family discount at HEB??? Family Frequent stay program???
Now, back to today as I'm driving, and Ron's puking and saying he doesn't think he'll ever be well; I'm trying to comfort him and encourage him; but the whole time my mind is screaming WHAT?? WHAT IS IT, GOD? WHAT ARE WE NOT LEARNING HERE? THERE'S GOT TO BE SOMETHING THAT'S KEEPING US IN THIS CONTINUED HOLDING PATTERN OF ILLNESS! AND NOW ONE OF EACH OF OUR PARENTS!!!??? WHAT DO WE NEED TO DO TO "GET IT" AND MOVE ON TO A NORMAL LIFE??? And there is total silence...
Not the silence that is lonely and scary; but the calm reassuring silence when God whispers "be still and know that I am God"...you don't have to understand or like your circumstances; but trust Me. I love you; I am with you and I am in control.
WOW! What more could I ask for?
And then, off to Presby we go! Our family physician is out for the week and though it was ok for me to see someone else, it was very important for Ron to be seen by someone who knows his current history intimately. Dr. Arslanlar (GI) told me to bring Ron to him...what a great guy! He was headed out of town at noon for a memorial service for his dad who had passed away last month, but insisted we come anyways...he'd work him in between procedures at the hospital! I think he enjoyed playing "internist"; took him back to residency days! After a full exam he confirmed Ron has "the crud". He did hear a little crackling in his lungs so sent him for xrays and also had a full blood workup done along with blood cultures to rule out anything going on with PICC line. He put him on a Z-pack, stronger antibiotic than most would need for upper respiratory infection but it will kill out all the typical bacteria as well as anything atypical if present, such as that which would cause walking pneumonia.
We've spent the whole week trying to keep Ron from getting what I've had to no avail! In spite of sleeping in separate rooms, no "smooching", tons of hand washing, slathering with antibacterial gel, wearing a mask, fumigating with Lysol several times a day and doing everything else we can possibly think of...he still got it!
Poor guy~~he feels rotten!!! Then, on the way home, he starts throwing up! (Note to self, NEVER leave home without "the bucket".) Nothing to do with this illness....continued problems with eating process. I'll back up--
To begin, it's our first week to "fly solo". Aaron & Kristin have moved to Plano and Ryan was in Tennessee on a business trip so we were "home alone" for the first time in almost a year. Not only have I been really, really sick (and I mean REALLY sick!) on Tuesday afternoon, we noticed Ron's PICC line was red and irritated at the suture site and it was moving around (NOT a good thing). We called IR and they said to bring him in on Wednesday (YEAH RIGHT!! I'm barely making it from bed to recliner and back again!) Our sweet Stacee came to the rescue! Actually, she'd been coming over after work each day just hanging out in case we needed anything. (We are so blessed; I know any one of you would have come to help at the drop of a hat...fortunately, Ron was well enough at the time to take care of himself and what little needs I had; but isn't driving as yet; and we didn't want to take the chance of infecting anyone else). IR got PICC line secured, changed g-tube dressing and did a sonogram (to check out the hematoma) in record time and sent them on their way. They saw on sonogram that the hematoma has no liquid, it's all solid and they don't like that it's not getting smaller...not getting bigger, but just not reducing in size either. Ron's been instructed he needs to start massaging it several times a day to help break up any scar tissue that may be forming around it; and they'll keep an eye on it each time he goes back to IR.
But, he's still having "unprovoked" puking episodes--daily--so they have once again backed him off to liquids; and not quite sure where they'll go from here. Structurally, they haven't seen a reason this should be happening. Once again, he's not following the "typical" scenario for what they usually see in the healing process.
Then, yesterday I get a call from my Dad's wife telling me he's been admitted through the ER to Harris HEB due to intense pain in his hip. Long story short, he'll have surgery on Monday on same hip he had replaced several years ago; can't do earlier due to some issues with other test results. Anyone say family discount at HEB??? Family Frequent stay program???
Now, back to today as I'm driving, and Ron's puking and saying he doesn't think he'll ever be well; I'm trying to comfort him and encourage him; but the whole time my mind is screaming WHAT?? WHAT IS IT, GOD? WHAT ARE WE NOT LEARNING HERE? THERE'S GOT TO BE SOMETHING THAT'S KEEPING US IN THIS CONTINUED HOLDING PATTERN OF ILLNESS! AND NOW ONE OF EACH OF OUR PARENTS!!!??? WHAT DO WE NEED TO DO TO "GET IT" AND MOVE ON TO A NORMAL LIFE??? And there is total silence...
Not the silence that is lonely and scary; but the calm reassuring silence when God whispers "be still and know that I am God"...you don't have to understand or like your circumstances; but trust Me. I love you; I am with you and I am in control.
WOW! What more could I ask for?
Monday, September 8, 2008
Short but sweet...
Ron's Mom was released from Harris HEB today and transferred to Heartland (skilled nursing center).
A & K moved into apartment and A started new job today.
Me...very sick, came on Friday night--couging, sneezing, head & body aches, sore throat, fever, etc!! Doc today--I have ear & sinus infections and an upper respiratory infection! YUCK! Yes, I'm contagious, please pray Ron does not get this!
A & K moved into apartment and A started new job today.
Me...very sick, came on Friday night--couging, sneezing, head & body aches, sore throat, fever, etc!! Doc today--I have ear & sinus infections and an upper respiratory infection! YUCK! Yes, I'm contagious, please pray Ron does not get this!
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Where to begin...
Sorry it's been so long since I've updated...it has been quite busy around here! I'm also having major e-mail issues! ARRRGGGGHHHH!!!
First Ron's Mom:
She had a good Labor Day weekend and they were scheduled to transfer her back to the skilled nursing center for rehab on Tuesday before sending her home. About 5:15 Tuesday morning we received a phone call from HEB informing us she had a bad episode of throwing up bright red blood and had been unresponsive since. They advised family needed to come right away. Nancy and I headed up there while Shar stayed with Papa. When we arrived she was VERY BAD...completely unresponsive, very pale and her blood count had dropped markedly. When her internist came in she was still unresponsive and began to have seizure-like activity. His guess was that she had a massive stroke. We called the rest of the family and they headed to the hospital from their various locations. CT was ordered and GI consulted with us...decision was made if CT revealed stroke, Mom would want them to do nothing and allow a natural death. CT showed no sign of stroke (sometimes they don't show right away on CT) so MRI was ordered. In the meantime, they started her on the first of 2 units of blood. MRI also showed no sign of stroke, so GI scheduled endoscope to try to stop bleed. Shortly after first unit of blood was complete she came out of state of unresponsiveness and was her normal self wanting to know why everyone was there, weren't we supposed to be at school/work, etc. It seems she probably had a TIA (Transient Ischemic Attack...looks and acts like a stroke but no lasting effects.) Endoscope went well, they were able to find the large quarter to half dollar-sized ulcer, clean and cauterize deeply; basically "welding" it to hopefully prevent another episode. She was kept in ICU until Friday afternoon and now seems to be back to her perky self and fussing about having to stay on a liquid diet! She will have to go back to skilled nursing facility until she is strong enough to go home. All of this has forced the decision to move them to an assisted living facility. We found one that is very nice in Grapevine and they have a 2 bedroom 2 bath possibly coming available soon. In the interim, Dad is not safe to be living on his own; Ken and Shar initially came to stay with him until Ken had to get back to work; Shar continued to stay with him until Wednesday. Nancy & Leonard took over from there and Laurie & Tony will take over a couple of days starting Saturday; then Shar will come back again. There is now a one bedroom available so we will be moving Dad next weekend and then transfer into 2 bedroom when available.
It's been an emotional roller coaster for eveyone!
Please pray for all invloved (especially Mom & Dad Nordell) as all these changes take place.
Now, on to Ron...in the midst of all of this; his PICC line decided to give us major problems. Home health nurse had problems drawing blood from it and it started clotting, terribly. Blood results came back grossly abnormal so nurse had to return the next day and do a needle stick blood draw ( 3 times before she could get a vein that didn't immediately "blow"). So today, we went back to Presby for PICC line maintenance. All is well, and after meeting with Dr. Arslanlar he has been given the go-ahead to start eating solid foods...just about anything he wants excluding any fiber and anything with seeds. He asked specifically about chips, hot sauce and was told basically anything!...slowly and in moderation. If things go well, he will probably get the g-tube out in the next couple of weeks. And they will start decreasing his TPN by going to 12 hours on and 12 hours off. When we met with Dr. Shires, he said Ron could discontinue wearing the binder...YIPPPPEEEEE!!
For his first full meal, we met Aaron & Kristin at the Tin Star Taco Bar in Plano. He had a beef quesadilla and some chips w/hot sauce! The look on his face was priceless!!! Unfortunately, after we got back home...he puked it all right back up! Before that happened, we headed over to see A&K's new apartment (they move in this weekend). Aaron begins his new job on Monday. He is the recreation therapist for a couple of skilled nursing facilities...one in Wylie and one in Garland. It will be a great job for him...he's so good with the elderly!
Please pray things will go smoothly as Ron's body adjusts to eating. And that we will have no more problems with his PICC line. As well as for Aaron and Kristin as they move this weekend and transition to living in Plano.
Hope I've caught you up on everything!
Have a good weekend!
First Ron's Mom:
She had a good Labor Day weekend and they were scheduled to transfer her back to the skilled nursing center for rehab on Tuesday before sending her home. About 5:15 Tuesday morning we received a phone call from HEB informing us she had a bad episode of throwing up bright red blood and had been unresponsive since. They advised family needed to come right away. Nancy and I headed up there while Shar stayed with Papa. When we arrived she was VERY BAD...completely unresponsive, very pale and her blood count had dropped markedly. When her internist came in she was still unresponsive and began to have seizure-like activity. His guess was that she had a massive stroke. We called the rest of the family and they headed to the hospital from their various locations. CT was ordered and GI consulted with us...decision was made if CT revealed stroke, Mom would want them to do nothing and allow a natural death. CT showed no sign of stroke (sometimes they don't show right away on CT) so MRI was ordered. In the meantime, they started her on the first of 2 units of blood. MRI also showed no sign of stroke, so GI scheduled endoscope to try to stop bleed. Shortly after first unit of blood was complete she came out of state of unresponsiveness and was her normal self wanting to know why everyone was there, weren't we supposed to be at school/work, etc. It seems she probably had a TIA (Transient Ischemic Attack...looks and acts like a stroke but no lasting effects.) Endoscope went well, they were able to find the large quarter to half dollar-sized ulcer, clean and cauterize deeply; basically "welding" it to hopefully prevent another episode. She was kept in ICU until Friday afternoon and now seems to be back to her perky self and fussing about having to stay on a liquid diet! She will have to go back to skilled nursing facility until she is strong enough to go home. All of this has forced the decision to move them to an assisted living facility. We found one that is very nice in Grapevine and they have a 2 bedroom 2 bath possibly coming available soon. In the interim, Dad is not safe to be living on his own; Ken and Shar initially came to stay with him until Ken had to get back to work; Shar continued to stay with him until Wednesday. Nancy & Leonard took over from there and Laurie & Tony will take over a couple of days starting Saturday; then Shar will come back again. There is now a one bedroom available so we will be moving Dad next weekend and then transfer into 2 bedroom when available.
It's been an emotional roller coaster for eveyone!
Please pray for all invloved (especially Mom & Dad Nordell) as all these changes take place.
Now, on to Ron...in the midst of all of this; his PICC line decided to give us major problems. Home health nurse had problems drawing blood from it and it started clotting, terribly. Blood results came back grossly abnormal so nurse had to return the next day and do a needle stick blood draw ( 3 times before she could get a vein that didn't immediately "blow"). So today, we went back to Presby for PICC line maintenance. All is well, and after meeting with Dr. Arslanlar he has been given the go-ahead to start eating solid foods...just about anything he wants excluding any fiber and anything with seeds. He asked specifically about chips, hot sauce and was told basically anything!...slowly and in moderation. If things go well, he will probably get the g-tube out in the next couple of weeks. And they will start decreasing his TPN by going to 12 hours on and 12 hours off. When we met with Dr. Shires, he said Ron could discontinue wearing the binder...YIPPPPEEEEE!!
For his first full meal, we met Aaron & Kristin at the Tin Star Taco Bar in Plano. He had a beef quesadilla and some chips w/hot sauce! The look on his face was priceless!!! Unfortunately, after we got back home...he puked it all right back up! Before that happened, we headed over to see A&K's new apartment (they move in this weekend). Aaron begins his new job on Monday. He is the recreation therapist for a couple of skilled nursing facilities...one in Wylie and one in Garland. It will be a great job for him...he's so good with the elderly!
Please pray things will go smoothly as Ron's body adjusts to eating. And that we will have no more problems with his PICC line. As well as for Aaron and Kristin as they move this weekend and transition to living in Plano.
Hope I've caught you up on everything!
Have a good weekend!
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