...to quote my good friend, Sharon!
The last few weeks have been way too busy! Between Ron's hospitalization, searching for new housing for Ron's parents and then moving them in, along with everyday life stuff...it's definitely taken a toll on us! Poor Ron, was so exhausted Sunday he hardly moved all day...quite honestly, I was getting a little concerned. Not only was he super tired, but was yakking again and just feeling overall crummy. I'm glad to report by Monday afternoon, he was feeling better.
The move last weekend went very smoothly; thank you for praying. We believe Dad is adjusting very well (quite honestly, I think he's digging his new bachelor pad!) and Mom, well, it's quite confusing to her. She asked the other day "how long do I have to stay here?" I'm sure the longer she is there and is able to get into a routine along with becoming more familiar with the staff; she will adjust.
After spending the day moving, we headed over to my sister's house that evening to celebrate our Sept/Oct family birthdays. They surprised me by making it a special 50th celebration for me! (Wow, seeing that in print looks...old!) My sister, Tami, even flew in from Atlanta to help celebrate my leap into the second half of a century.
I have the greatest family ever! We had a lot of fun (at my expense) looking through old high school yearbooks, and the decorations created by using some of my beautiful photos from days gone by; they even took the liberty to transform my face onto more famous bodies! I was really rockin' it and looked quite Fergi-licious! There was also an especially creative one of me as Faith Hill and Ron as Tim McGraw!
I cannot begin to tell you what a blessing my family is to us...they know how I'd always talked about going to Vegas for my 50th and decided to arrange a trip for me. Unfortunately, the unexpected things of life happen; our home appliances have decided this would be a good time to throw in the towel. We are in dire need of replacing our dryer and our washer is just as old; our oven and stovetop are also on their last legs (they've never been replaced and our house is 30 years old). So, once the family heard about this, they got together and decided to generously gift me with money to use either to go to Vegas or put towards appliances. I tell ya, it was an unfair decision to place in my lap; but my practical side won out and I'm shopping for a washer/dryer. We will also use our designated Christmas fund to begin looking for stovetop and oven. Another lesson in being totally dependent on God.
If you know of anyone who works in the appliance industry or is a builder/contractor who can help us get a great deal....we would be most appreciative!
Ron had a follow-up with the surgeon Monday. He was very pleased with the healing process, therefore we are finished with wound care!!! And, Praise God, the ultrasound done last week shows no sign of clot; which means we don't have to worry about the possibility of having to try blood thinner again!
Now, we're trying to get back into some semblance of a routine and are hoping to have a low-key weekend so we can get caught up on house stuff and just have some down time!
Much love,
Christie
"I will thank the Lord with all my heart...How amazing are the deeds of the Lord! All who delight in Him should ponder them. Everything He does reveals His glory and majesty. His righteousness never fails. Who can forget the wonders He performs? How gracious and merciful is our Lord...He always remembers His covenant..." Psalm 111:1-5 selected NLT
"Bear not a single care thyself, one is too much for thee;
The work is mine, yea, mine alone; thy work is Rest in Me."
from Streams in the Desert 2
"Be all at rest" so thou shalt be an answer,
To those who question "Who is God and where?"
For God is REST, and where He dwells is stillness,
And they who dwell in Him that rest shall share."
Freda H. Allen
"I have never seen the Godly forsaken" Psalm 37:25
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Sunday, September 20, 2009
MIA
Sorry we've been MIA--the last couple of weeks have been CRAZY busy! Long post attests to it!
Ron came home on Tuesday, Sept 8 with IV antibiotics to be administered every 8 hours (which run an hour), twice daily Lovenox injections and daily wound care (along with his typical daily TPN and flushes). I jumped right back in to work on Wednesday amidst the chaotic schedule of all these medical tasks.
Praise God insurance approved having wound care nurse come daily for the first week to cleanse and pack his incision site. The antibiotics, on the other hand, were left up to me. The every 8 hour schedule wasn't too bad; it was the ordeal of scheduling the timing of getting the refrigerated antibiotic out 4-6 hours BEFORE administering that tipped the scale. But, you do what you have to do!!! And just like when you have a newborn, God gives you that extra measure of grace in the form of energy and stamina as needed. My mantra became "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength" Along with constant reminders to self "I can do anything for 9 days" which became "I can do anything for 8 days", etc. Special thanks to Marcie for her constant encouragement and countdown of how few days I had left!
Now, back to Ron. By the first Saturday, we began to notice he was developing several small hematomas from the Lovenox injections, so made the decision to discontinue. He also spent that first week yakking, almost daily. Things settled down for a week but this morning it started again. YUCK!
Ron had appointments with GI and surgeon last Monday afternoon and they both confirmed he should not continue on the Lovenox. So, we happen to be the lucky owners of a 60 day supply of Lovenox. With only 3 days worth of it being used this leaves us with a total of just under $3900 worth of the stuff. HUGE Praise that our insurance co-pay for this was ONLY $75.
Other than the bleeding caused by the Lovenox, they are both pleased with his progress. Incision site is healing nicely, surgeon removed sutures and placed steri-strips on the ends while still leaving center open to continue to heal from inside out. Wound care is minor so I have now taken that over myself. GI has again decreased steroid level which always takes a while for Ron's body to adjust, leaving him with sinking spells, and this time the added side effects of feeling jittery, restless, unable to get comfortable. If it continues, as of tomorrow he is to resume the afternoon dose at half the strength.
Tuesday he will have a Doppler study to make sure there is still good blood flow on either side of where the vein was removed and to confirm the clot is dissipating. He will then have a followup with the surgeon the following week.
To add to all this excitement, Sept 9, the family received 30 days notice that Ron's mom would have to move from the assisted living apartment where she and Dad reside. Her care has reached a point they are no longer able to provide for her needs. So we've spent the last two weekends plus several evenings along with other family members, visiting skilled nursing facilities, residential care homes and continuing care retirement communities (ccrc) looking for the best fit. All of Ron's siblings were here this weekend to finalize the search and break the news to both Dad and Mom. It was a very difficult, emotional conversation but Praise God it went much better than anticipated. Dad recognizes Mom's decline and is on board with the fact that if Mom needs to move, he should move to the same facility. The family has decided on a very nice ccrc on the Southwest side of Ft. Worth which has the added bonus of being the facility where Ryan works! Mom will be on the 3rd floor, in the skilled nursing portion; while Dad will live on the 1st floor in the assisted living portion. We will move them next weekend. Please pray for both Mom and Dad Nordell as they make this change; especially as they transition to living in separate rooms on different floors. And, selfishly, for all of the family as we learn to adjust to the changes as well.
As you can imagine, we're a wee bit on the tired side...therefore, haven't even made it to church the last couple of Sundays. We've enjoyed a lot of extra time with family, but wish it were under better circumstances.
I believe that's our life in a nutshell right now. Oh, I forgot to mention, Ron had 2 major tests amidst the chaos! Poor guy! He made it through and did pretty well, especially considering he hasn't taken a college test in over 32 years!
Sorry this was so long! It's 11:00 now and I'm excited to say we can go to bed without worrying about any medical stuff! YIPPEE!!! Only having to take care of TPN now feels like a breeze!
Have a good week!
Much love, Christie
Ron came home on Tuesday, Sept 8 with IV antibiotics to be administered every 8 hours (which run an hour), twice daily Lovenox injections and daily wound care (along with his typical daily TPN and flushes). I jumped right back in to work on Wednesday amidst the chaotic schedule of all these medical tasks.
Praise God insurance approved having wound care nurse come daily for the first week to cleanse and pack his incision site. The antibiotics, on the other hand, were left up to me. The every 8 hour schedule wasn't too bad; it was the ordeal of scheduling the timing of getting the refrigerated antibiotic out 4-6 hours BEFORE administering that tipped the scale. But, you do what you have to do!!! And just like when you have a newborn, God gives you that extra measure of grace in the form of energy and stamina as needed. My mantra became "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength" Along with constant reminders to self "I can do anything for 9 days" which became "I can do anything for 8 days", etc. Special thanks to Marcie for her constant encouragement and countdown of how few days I had left!
Now, back to Ron. By the first Saturday, we began to notice he was developing several small hematomas from the Lovenox injections, so made the decision to discontinue. He also spent that first week yakking, almost daily. Things settled down for a week but this morning it started again. YUCK!
Ron had appointments with GI and surgeon last Monday afternoon and they both confirmed he should not continue on the Lovenox. So, we happen to be the lucky owners of a 60 day supply of Lovenox. With only 3 days worth of it being used this leaves us with a total of just under $3900 worth of the stuff. HUGE Praise that our insurance co-pay for this was ONLY $75.
Other than the bleeding caused by the Lovenox, they are both pleased with his progress. Incision site is healing nicely, surgeon removed sutures and placed steri-strips on the ends while still leaving center open to continue to heal from inside out. Wound care is minor so I have now taken that over myself. GI has again decreased steroid level which always takes a while for Ron's body to adjust, leaving him with sinking spells, and this time the added side effects of feeling jittery, restless, unable to get comfortable. If it continues, as of tomorrow he is to resume the afternoon dose at half the strength.
Tuesday he will have a Doppler study to make sure there is still good blood flow on either side of where the vein was removed and to confirm the clot is dissipating. He will then have a followup with the surgeon the following week.
To add to all this excitement, Sept 9, the family received 30 days notice that Ron's mom would have to move from the assisted living apartment where she and Dad reside. Her care has reached a point they are no longer able to provide for her needs. So we've spent the last two weekends plus several evenings along with other family members, visiting skilled nursing facilities, residential care homes and continuing care retirement communities (ccrc) looking for the best fit. All of Ron's siblings were here this weekend to finalize the search and break the news to both Dad and Mom. It was a very difficult, emotional conversation but Praise God it went much better than anticipated. Dad recognizes Mom's decline and is on board with the fact that if Mom needs to move, he should move to the same facility. The family has decided on a very nice ccrc on the Southwest side of Ft. Worth which has the added bonus of being the facility where Ryan works! Mom will be on the 3rd floor, in the skilled nursing portion; while Dad will live on the 1st floor in the assisted living portion. We will move them next weekend. Please pray for both Mom and Dad Nordell as they make this change; especially as they transition to living in separate rooms on different floors. And, selfishly, for all of the family as we learn to adjust to the changes as well.
As you can imagine, we're a wee bit on the tired side...therefore, haven't even made it to church the last couple of Sundays. We've enjoyed a lot of extra time with family, but wish it were under better circumstances.
I believe that's our life in a nutshell right now. Oh, I forgot to mention, Ron had 2 major tests amidst the chaos! Poor guy! He made it through and did pretty well, especially considering he hasn't taken a college test in over 32 years!
Sorry this was so long! It's 11:00 now and I'm excited to say we can go to bed without worrying about any medical stuff! YIPPEE!!! Only having to take care of TPN now feels like a breeze!
Have a good week!
Much love, Christie
Monday, September 7, 2009
He gives and takes away...
Busy, busy day here at Presby...although I did manage to sneak in a short nap!
Ron had new PICC line inserted, wound care, visits from 4 out of 5 docs (resident, surgeon, GI, infectious disease; didn't have to see IR) plus they added another specialist to the team bringing the total to 6 docs involved! New doc is hematologist/oncologist...since he has such a "unique" history they aren't quite sure how to handle him and blood thinners. It comes down to risks vs. benefits. Over the last 2 years he has had a multitude of blood clots which points to the need for blood thinners, the flip side of that is, he has also had multiple bleeds which is exacerbated by...you got it, blood thinners! You know my "AB"-normal husband, he delights in stumping all the specialists!
Which is the lesser of the two risks...blood clot or bleeds? It's a coin toss. However, medical protocol says if you've had a blood clot you should be on blood thinners; new doc conferred with surgeon, resident and interventional radiologist and confirms he needs to be on blood thinners to avoid the chance that remnants of the infected clot travel through his body spreading infection which could be fatal. Unfortunately, once again, Ron has to be difficult; because of all of his other issues with digestion, his body will not properly absorb oral blood thinners which means he will have to be on Lovenox injections (in his belly) indefinitely. And yes, this is the same medication that caused the huge hematoma (bleed) which required surgery last summer. Like I said, risks/benefits issue; blood clots are harder to see than bleeds at this point.
I was in the room during his dressing change today. It's crazy, I've seen much worse, had to take care of much worse, but today, I just couldn't take it. I was ok when they removed the packing and cleansed the wound, but once they started packing it again and I saw how painful it was for him, I had to leave. I knew I needed to be watching in case I have to take this on when we go home, but I just couldn't do it. I know if it comes down to it, God will give me the strength I need. Until, then I'll just keep praying. I don't want wound care to be the only obstacle to keep him from going home.
Speaking of which, It sounds like everyone is on board with him going home tomorrow, although wound care has not been addressed as yet. Ron and I both feel we need to push for a wound care nurse to come out and do daily dressing change but we aren't sure how that will work. Typically, home health care will come out and teach the family how to do dressing changes so we'll see if insurance balks at this or not.
The last 2 nights we have gone on very long walks, indoors through the "link" at Presbyterian which takes you underground to the two other medical buildings, Perot and Jackson. Tonight, they were waxing the floors in the main area so we decided to take our own detour and explore a little...we found the morgue. Always wondered where it was...of course, it's in a very creepy out of the way area. I guess it wouldn't be wise to put it somewhere that people pass by on a regular basis, might freak them out...but we are not faint of heart, we go looking for it!!!!
This last little Presby "vacation" has been an eye-opener. Bottom line...no matter how much we try to deny or ignore the fact; I have a very medically fragile husband. Even though things have gone very well over the last few months, there are issues we will always have to deal with and because his body has gone through so much to be only 51 years old it's not to be unexpected. And it's hard...to think of going through these kinds of issues over and over again. Don't get me wrong, we know how blessed we are and we cannot begin to count the miracles he has granted in all of this. But it's still hard.
A very wise friend shared what God was speaking to her as she prayed for us and gave us permission to pass it on. Her words were right on target and correlated so well with what God has been speaking to me these past few days.
"I was asking God why you guys were having to go through all this again. It is so frustrating to me that Ron has been doing well all this time and then he has had this setback. God reminded me of what happened in the end of Jonah when he caused the vine to grow to give Jonah shade and Jonah was happy, but then the vine withered and Jonah was mad. God asked him if he had any right to be mad about that. It reminded me that if I am going to praise God for the success and the health Ron has had the past four months, then I can't get upset about whatever else He brings or allows. I can't see His plan, but I know He's still the same God, who gives and takes away. "
Thanks, sweet Ashley for sharing this with us!
I've been reading in Romans and a couple of verses just really jumped out at me:
"Nothing shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus." Romans 8:39
I confess, there are days when I think, if you love us, Father, why do we continually have to struggle? Why don't You allow our path to be smooth and straight, instead of encountering these hairpin twists and turns? We know Your word says in this world we will have trouble, but there are times we feel we've had more than our share! We want to be faithful, we want to be strong, we want to trust You in all things...Yet, Father, sometimes we are just so tired...
"He is God who rules over everything and is worthy of eternal praise." Romans 9:5b
Knowing Your word is true, we will choose to trust You; we will choose to rely on Your faith and Your strength to be enough for today.
Good night! Hope you've enjoyed your long weekend!
Love,
Christie
PS: Yes, I have been staying at Hotel Presby the last couple of days...God graciously provided some extra income for me earlier this week in a way I wasn't anticipating which I've been able to use to pay for my room (since they continue to bless us by only charging the long term rate whenever we're here! Less than 1/2 the cost of a typical room stay!)
So many wonderful benefits of this arrangement:
allows me to sleep better at night knowing Ron's just 3 floors down if anything should happen
keeps me from being exhausted from trekking back and forth
I didn't have to worry about driving home late Friday night after waiting til midnight to see if he was having surgery immediately after doctor did midnight check of infection site
I didn't have to get up at 5 to be here by 7 for surgery on Saturday morn
I can be here when docs come around, no matter what time that may be
And, most importantly, I'm able to keep my sweet hubby company!
Ron had new PICC line inserted, wound care, visits from 4 out of 5 docs (resident, surgeon, GI, infectious disease; didn't have to see IR) plus they added another specialist to the team bringing the total to 6 docs involved! New doc is hematologist/oncologist...since he has such a "unique" history they aren't quite sure how to handle him and blood thinners. It comes down to risks vs. benefits. Over the last 2 years he has had a multitude of blood clots which points to the need for blood thinners, the flip side of that is, he has also had multiple bleeds which is exacerbated by...you got it, blood thinners! You know my "AB"-normal husband, he delights in stumping all the specialists!
Which is the lesser of the two risks...blood clot or bleeds? It's a coin toss. However, medical protocol says if you've had a blood clot you should be on blood thinners; new doc conferred with surgeon, resident and interventional radiologist and confirms he needs to be on blood thinners to avoid the chance that remnants of the infected clot travel through his body spreading infection which could be fatal. Unfortunately, once again, Ron has to be difficult; because of all of his other issues with digestion, his body will not properly absorb oral blood thinners which means he will have to be on Lovenox injections (in his belly) indefinitely. And yes, this is the same medication that caused the huge hematoma (bleed) which required surgery last summer. Like I said, risks/benefits issue; blood clots are harder to see than bleeds at this point.
I was in the room during his dressing change today. It's crazy, I've seen much worse, had to take care of much worse, but today, I just couldn't take it. I was ok when they removed the packing and cleansed the wound, but once they started packing it again and I saw how painful it was for him, I had to leave. I knew I needed to be watching in case I have to take this on when we go home, but I just couldn't do it. I know if it comes down to it, God will give me the strength I need. Until, then I'll just keep praying. I don't want wound care to be the only obstacle to keep him from going home.
Speaking of which, It sounds like everyone is on board with him going home tomorrow, although wound care has not been addressed as yet. Ron and I both feel we need to push for a wound care nurse to come out and do daily dressing change but we aren't sure how that will work. Typically, home health care will come out and teach the family how to do dressing changes so we'll see if insurance balks at this or not.
The last 2 nights we have gone on very long walks, indoors through the "link" at Presbyterian which takes you underground to the two other medical buildings, Perot and Jackson. Tonight, they were waxing the floors in the main area so we decided to take our own detour and explore a little...we found the morgue. Always wondered where it was...of course, it's in a very creepy out of the way area. I guess it wouldn't be wise to put it somewhere that people pass by on a regular basis, might freak them out...but we are not faint of heart, we go looking for it!!!!
This last little Presby "vacation" has been an eye-opener. Bottom line...no matter how much we try to deny or ignore the fact; I have a very medically fragile husband. Even though things have gone very well over the last few months, there are issues we will always have to deal with and because his body has gone through so much to be only 51 years old it's not to be unexpected. And it's hard...to think of going through these kinds of issues over and over again. Don't get me wrong, we know how blessed we are and we cannot begin to count the miracles he has granted in all of this. But it's still hard.
A very wise friend shared what God was speaking to her as she prayed for us and gave us permission to pass it on. Her words were right on target and correlated so well with what God has been speaking to me these past few days.
"I was asking God why you guys were having to go through all this again. It is so frustrating to me that Ron has been doing well all this time and then he has had this setback. God reminded me of what happened in the end of Jonah when he caused the vine to grow to give Jonah shade and Jonah was happy, but then the vine withered and Jonah was mad. God asked him if he had any right to be mad about that. It reminded me that if I am going to praise God for the success and the health Ron has had the past four months, then I can't get upset about whatever else He brings or allows. I can't see His plan, but I know He's still the same God, who gives and takes away. "
Thanks, sweet Ashley for sharing this with us!
I've been reading in Romans and a couple of verses just really jumped out at me:
"Nothing shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus." Romans 8:39
I confess, there are days when I think, if you love us, Father, why do we continually have to struggle? Why don't You allow our path to be smooth and straight, instead of encountering these hairpin twists and turns? We know Your word says in this world we will have trouble, but there are times we feel we've had more than our share! We want to be faithful, we want to be strong, we want to trust You in all things...Yet, Father, sometimes we are just so tired...
"He is God who rules over everything and is worthy of eternal praise." Romans 9:5b
Knowing Your word is true, we will choose to trust You; we will choose to rely on Your faith and Your strength to be enough for today.
Good night! Hope you've enjoyed your long weekend!
Love,
Christie
PS: Yes, I have been staying at Hotel Presby the last couple of days...God graciously provided some extra income for me earlier this week in a way I wasn't anticipating which I've been able to use to pay for my room (since they continue to bless us by only charging the long term rate whenever we're here! Less than 1/2 the cost of a typical room stay!)
So many wonderful benefits of this arrangement:
allows me to sleep better at night knowing Ron's just 3 floors down if anything should happen
keeps me from being exhausted from trekking back and forth
I didn't have to worry about driving home late Friday night after waiting til midnight to see if he was having surgery immediately after doctor did midnight check of infection site
I didn't have to get up at 5 to be here by 7 for surgery on Saturday morn
I can be here when docs come around, no matter what time that may be
And, most importantly, I'm able to keep my sweet hubby company!
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Sunday night update
Quiet day. Ron's had the post-surgery blahs, (not much energy/sleeping alot) along with quite a bit of soreness in his arm. Wound care nurse came in to do dressing change while I went out to grab lunch and is pleased with how it looks. Ron says she removed the packing, poked, prodded, took all her measurements, cleaned the wound site, replaced packing and redressed; all of which will have to be done daily, lovely.
Infectious disease doctor was in and said the culture came back positive for staph infection; although it is not the MRSA strain of staph which is very good (if you have to have staph!). Antibiotic has been tailored to specific strain. Thankful to hear staph was not in bloodstream, even though picc line itself, as well as gunk they had swabbed from site both tested positive.
Blood pressure is consistently more stable but glucose level continues to bounce around some; not too terribly bad, but enough to require insulin a couple of times.
Lost another 2 IV lines due to collapsed veins; most recent one only lasted 4 hours, UGH!!! They are wanting to give him a break from all the sticks so are trying to maintain just the one. They are having to disconnect PPN twice a day in order to run antibiotic for half hour; then hook PPN back up; not optimal set up, but his preference to avoid searching for an adequate vein. (PPN is not as highly concentrated as TPN in order to infuse through IV line, therefore it must run 24 hours a day.)
He's feeling pretty well, all things considered and is getting a little bored. We went for a long walk this evening and he did really well, although it exhausted me....his IV pole would not roll well so I was fighting it the entire time, whew!
So, there's your nightly report from Presby! Thanks so much for your e-mails with your words of encouragement; Ron really enjoys reading them (well, we both do but it's especially uplifting to him...this is the only link he has to the outside world!)
Much love, Christie
Infectious disease doctor was in and said the culture came back positive for staph infection; although it is not the MRSA strain of staph which is very good (if you have to have staph!). Antibiotic has been tailored to specific strain. Thankful to hear staph was not in bloodstream, even though picc line itself, as well as gunk they had swabbed from site both tested positive.
Blood pressure is consistently more stable but glucose level continues to bounce around some; not too terribly bad, but enough to require insulin a couple of times.
Lost another 2 IV lines due to collapsed veins; most recent one only lasted 4 hours, UGH!!! They are wanting to give him a break from all the sticks so are trying to maintain just the one. They are having to disconnect PPN twice a day in order to run antibiotic for half hour; then hook PPN back up; not optimal set up, but his preference to avoid searching for an adequate vein. (PPN is not as highly concentrated as TPN in order to infuse through IV line, therefore it must run 24 hours a day.)
He's feeling pretty well, all things considered and is getting a little bored. We went for a long walk this evening and he did really well, although it exhausted me....his IV pole would not roll well so I was fighting it the entire time, whew!
So, there's your nightly report from Presby! Thanks so much for your e-mails with your words of encouragement; Ron really enjoys reading them (well, we both do but it's especially uplifting to him...this is the only link he has to the outside world!)
Much love, Christie
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Busy day!
Ron's surgery went well. They were able to accomplish exactly what they had hoped which was to clean out the infection, and remove the portion of the clotted vein involved. They used a doppler to make sure he was getting good blood flow both above and below infected side. Dr H said he may have some residual clot floating around further up the vein but he will continue on Lovenox injections (blood thinner) for a while so this should not pose a problem.
His PICC line was on his right upper arm which is in the same area he had ruptured his bicep tendon. Since surgery he is having some numbness on the back side of his upper arm which is most likely due to inflammation. Praise God he is able to move all fingers as well as his thumb! He's a little sore but is able to keep on top of it with morphine. They decided not to use a wound vac since they didn't want to put that suction on the arteries and nerves. They closed a portion of the incision but left the center open to heal from inside out which will hopefully keep any residual infectious junk from breeding.
A couple of areas of concern:
he's had several veins collapse and are having difficulty finding any good ones; they don't want to do another picc or central line until they get infection knocked out
blood pressure has been running on the low side (low 80's over low 50's)
glucose has been a little on the high side
none are horrible things but they are definitely keeping an eye on things
Ryan, Stacee and Aaron spent the better portion of the day up here with us; always love their company! Ron was very happy to be able to take a shower this evening. Just like the "old days" at Presby; we got wound dressing covered, IV site covered and then allowed him to enjoy a warm shower and shave. The little things in life we take for granted!
Since he doesn't have a PICC line they are doing PPN, which is a watered down IV nutrition that runs through regular IV; will have to continue on this until infection has cleared and they feel comfortable about placing another line.
We're thinking he'll most likely be here until Tuesday.
Thanks for praying; goodnight all and have a restful weekend.
Christie
Ron's surgery went well. They were able to accomplish exactly what they had hoped which was to clean out the infection, and remove the portion of the clotted vein involved. They used a doppler to make sure he was getting good blood flow both above and below infected side. Dr H said he may have some residual clot floating around further up the vein but he will continue on Lovenox injections (blood thinner) for a while so this should not pose a problem.
His PICC line was on his right upper arm which is in the same area he had ruptured his bicep tendon. Since surgery he is having some numbness on the back side of his upper arm which is most likely due to inflammation. Praise God he is able to move all fingers as well as his thumb! He's a little sore but is able to keep on top of it with morphine. They decided not to use a wound vac since they didn't want to put that suction on the arteries and nerves. They closed a portion of the incision but left the center open to heal from inside out which will hopefully keep any residual infectious junk from breeding.
A couple of areas of concern:
he's had several veins collapse and are having difficulty finding any good ones; they don't want to do another picc or central line until they get infection knocked out
blood pressure has been running on the low side (low 80's over low 50's)
glucose has been a little on the high side
none are horrible things but they are definitely keeping an eye on things
Ryan, Stacee and Aaron spent the better portion of the day up here with us; always love their company! Ron was very happy to be able to take a shower this evening. Just like the "old days" at Presby; we got wound dressing covered, IV site covered and then allowed him to enjoy a warm shower and shave. The little things in life we take for granted!
Since he doesn't have a PICC line they are doing PPN, which is a watered down IV nutrition that runs through regular IV; will have to continue on this until infection has cleared and they feel comfortable about placing another line.
We're thinking he'll most likely be here until Tuesday.
Thanks for praying; goodnight all and have a restful weekend.
Christie
Friday, September 4, 2009
Surgery...
Today's been one of those days. While I was at work infectious disease doc and resident both did their rounds. Consensus is, the vein is clotted and infected therefore they need to do surgery to clean it out and remove that vein. Due to the blood clot, they have also started him on Lovenox shots again...the lovely blood thinner that has to be injected in his belly, yikes! He also had to have both IV's replaced due to collapsed veins at both sites. Other than that, he was pretty bored being all alone.
After I arrived this afternoon, Dr. H, surgeon (Dr. S's partner, S is out of town for weekend), came by to check out the arm and mark the parameters. He came back again tonight to see if redness had spread outside of marked parameters and will check again around 11-12 tonight (after he is finished with an emergency surgery). If it has spread more, he will take Ron in to surgery right then; if not, he will go first thing in the morning. The trick is to catch it before it spreads further, but they can't do surgery too soon due to the blood thinner he had earlier. So it looks to be a late night and then an early morning; but then again, sleep is highly overrated, right? At least that's what I keep telling myself!
Please pray for succesful surgery (whenever it takes place); for it to be as minimally invasive as possible, against spread of infection, as well as speedy healing process. It's one of those wounds they will have to leave open to heal from the inside out, with possibility of wound vac, dependent on extent of surgery. Also pray against possible nerve damage, delicate area surrounded by numerous important nerves to hand and fingers.
AND, pray against depression for Ron...he's really bummed out by all of this; feels we just can't catch a break. He is concerned about getting behind in classes and hates how much pressure it puts on me to step up and take on even more responsibility along with working and all that entails. We discussed and agreed on the reality that God has not changed just because our circumstances have. His plan for us is still the same, for us to continue to live totally dependent on Him, seeking to live in a manner worthy of His call.
I'll send post-surgery update late tonight or early tomorrow morning!
Much love, Christie
After I arrived this afternoon, Dr. H, surgeon (Dr. S's partner, S is out of town for weekend), came by to check out the arm and mark the parameters. He came back again tonight to see if redness had spread outside of marked parameters and will check again around 11-12 tonight (after he is finished with an emergency surgery). If it has spread more, he will take Ron in to surgery right then; if not, he will go first thing in the morning. The trick is to catch it before it spreads further, but they can't do surgery too soon due to the blood thinner he had earlier. So it looks to be a late night and then an early morning; but then again, sleep is highly overrated, right? At least that's what I keep telling myself!
Please pray for succesful surgery (whenever it takes place); for it to be as minimally invasive as possible, against spread of infection, as well as speedy healing process. It's one of those wounds they will have to leave open to heal from the inside out, with possibility of wound vac, dependent on extent of surgery. Also pray against possible nerve damage, delicate area surrounded by numerous important nerves to hand and fingers.
AND, pray against depression for Ron...he's really bummed out by all of this; feels we just can't catch a break. He is concerned about getting behind in classes and hates how much pressure it puts on me to step up and take on even more responsibility along with working and all that entails. We discussed and agreed on the reality that God has not changed just because our circumstances have. His plan for us is still the same, for us to continue to live totally dependent on Him, seeking to live in a manner worthy of His call.
I'll send post-surgery update late tonight or early tomorrow morning!
Much love, Christie
Thursday, September 3, 2009
UGH...
After work today Ron informed me we needed to head to a doctor...his upper arm had been sore since yesterday and he noticed this afternoon it was very red, swollen and pus was oozing from PICC line site. I placed a call to Interventional Radiology at Presbyterian and they said to come right in. We arrived a little after 5 and were greeted by Dr. S (surgeon), Dr. D (IR) and Dr. C (IR) (Dr. A--GI--is out of the country for 2 weeks). They had already been conferring and had a plan of action in place.
PICC line was removed; two IV's were put in (with great difficulty, poor guy); and doppler revealed PICC's vein was clotted (from PICC site and up arm about an inch). He has been admitted for a few days to administer heavy duty antibiotics and run cultures to see what kind of bad bug is causing problem! They are also watching the clot closely to make sure it begins to resolve on it's own and/or if the clot itself is a source of infection that would spread.
I'm home for the night; will work tomorrow, then head up to Presby.
Please pray for definitive results from cultures; as well as clear direction on how to treat. Also for Ron; he's pretty bummed about the situation. Although I did remind him we've set a new record...4 months since his last hospitalization.
Will keep you posted,
Christie
Note to self....always, ALWAYS pack bag before heading to Presby for any reason, regardless of what hubby says; you just never know....!
PICC line was removed; two IV's were put in (with great difficulty, poor guy); and doppler revealed PICC's vein was clotted (from PICC site and up arm about an inch). He has been admitted for a few days to administer heavy duty antibiotics and run cultures to see what kind of bad bug is causing problem! They are also watching the clot closely to make sure it begins to resolve on it's own and/or if the clot itself is a source of infection that would spread.
I'm home for the night; will work tomorrow, then head up to Presby.
Please pray for definitive results from cultures; as well as clear direction on how to treat. Also for Ron; he's pretty bummed about the situation. Although I did remind him we've set a new record...4 months since his last hospitalization.
Will keep you posted,
Christie
Note to self....always, ALWAYS pack bag before heading to Presby for any reason, regardless of what hubby says; you just never know....!
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
News
Hello all, it's Ryan and Stacee. Hope this post finds you all well! We just wanted to share the exciting news with everyone! We are expecting!! And check out the picture below. We're holding some DOUBLE-mint gum and a box of TWINkies. Can you guess what the suprise is??
Yup.................Twins!!! We are due on April the 3rd. Mom and babies are doing well. A little tired and feeling.......well, pregnant with twins I guess!
Yup.................Twins!!! We are due on April the 3rd. Mom and babies are doing well. A little tired and feeling.......well, pregnant with twins I guess!
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