By the time I arrived at 9AM, Joy had been transported to and from radiology for a daily chest x-ray and was seated in her chair and remained there for several hours, which is better for her than the bed. However, she was absolutely the most wiped out that she has been for months. Her numbers were dropping rather low and blood sugar continued higher than desired.
Finally, in mid-afternoon, her numbers improved and stabilized and actually pretty good. About 5PM, she forced herself to take a walk. It takes the nurse about 35 minutes to unhook / re hook all of the tubes, IVs, monitors and get her moved from the bed to the walker. I walked behind her with the "emergency" chair which she used once in a 90 foot walk. Shorter than ideal but a big step for her especially since her numbers did not crash as they have in the past. I was especially proud of her accomplishment because it would not have surprised me if they suggested moving her back to Acute Care. She is getting great care in the Step Down and it is considerably more quite than the AC environment.
Her bronc Dr. told her that although she came through surgery fantastic, he knows that it has been a tough road and acknowledged that the Team was more concerned about her than we knew. He reminded her that she is not 18 and this will take more time. Joy's doctor prior to transferring her to the Transplant Team dropped in again which really lifts her spirits. He said he may leave Fellow teaching and move to the Transplant Team and was using Joy as his source of inspiration.
So this is what I have been talking about. It can go to looking good to a reversal in minutes. The plan again is to walk, rest, walk, rest and I expect her to do about two 300 foot laps tomorrow assuming she has a good night and certainly a much better morning than today. The ultimate goal is 20 laps in a day.
She is talking a little more but still weak in volume. It may take some time but for now, this is so traumatic and difficult she questions her decision.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
1 comment:
Gettin' old ain't for sissies! And WE AIN'T SISSIES!!!
Hi, Joy!
I"m having trouble getting over my sinus surgery. Blood clots in my nose - dunno what that means - have a call into the doc. I'm just sick and tired of being sick and tired, aren't you?
I say let's QUIT, then!!!
Let's be girls again and play pranks on Wayne! We should get Deedy Miller to help us - she was the only one who was willing to "live out" the old joke "What do you have if you cut 10,000 bras in half?" - Ans: 20,000 beanies with chin straps! Remember when she wore a "beanie with chin strap" to BAND PRACTICE? (Don't remember the part about how she got sent home from band practice - just remember the first part :-)
I hope we are up to our old pranks soon! I'm sending you a gentle hug and blessings galore for deep breaths and long walks. He will raise you up on eagles' wings!!! (Try to keep your feet on the ground)
You are loved!
Jackie Wilson Rose
Post a Comment