Oh the Drama

Lots of poking and prodding throughout the night/morning but thankfully Ron's been sleeping in between. He is responsive, cognitive, looks like CRUD, but, all things considered doing ok. Docs are fervently trying to figure out what exactly happened and, most importantly, why.

Only thing they've found thus far is that his potassium level was very elevated, though other electrolytes were fine. Elevated potassium can indicate heart problem, but his EKG looked good, and he's been on a heart monitor all night with no remarkable instances. Consult with cardiologist confers they don't think it's his heart, but they are doing a nuclear stress test (medically induced) to be doubly sure. We are down in nuclear medicine right now.

When Dr. A was in this morning Ron remembered after yakking and flushing last night, his body spasmed and muscles began drawing up into a fetal position and he could not stop it...next thing he knows; the paramedics were transporting him. In the ER he was experiencing tingling in his right arm and both legs, but moreso in the right.

These issues are definitely not the norm, but not unheard of in patients with adrenal insufficiency. There are also instances where heparin (the blood thinner he is on) will act as a steroid and cause adrenal issues to be exacerbated.

Thanks for your prayers, emails, posts and text messages. We're hanging tight, so thankful I'm able to stay in Ron's room with him. I also slept off and on as they were in and out (I actually think we had about a 1 1/2 hour stretch in there at some point and it was glorious!!!!) Aaron was able to go by the house and get the bag I keep packed for emergencies (note to self: packed bag goes with us anytime we leave the house; along with computer...my lifeline of communication!)

I've been able to have a hot shower, put on clean clothes and even a little makeup...you know the old saying, when you look good, you feel good! At least it's worth a try. And since Ron was not able to eat before the stress test, I ate his yummy lunch; so, yes, I am trying to take care of myself.

Sorry, I'm not able to have my phone on down here but will check for messages/texts when procedure is complete (they said it would take 1 1/2 - 2 hours for stress test).

So thankful for Dr. A and the awesome nurses/staff here at Presby. "Sometimes you wanna go, where everybody knows your name!" (as well as your extensive medical history!)

Christie