Despite all efforts, the feeding tube remains clogged since Monday night. A resident surgeon even tried without success and ordered a series of x-rays yesterday to determine the cause. The tube is bent like a fishhook at the end which is in the small intestine so tomorrow bright and early, they plan to run a wire through the tube guided by contrast and imaging technology, and attempt to correct the malfunction. The surgeon said he was NOT optimistic that this procedure would resolve the blockage.
What will they do if this doesn't work? I don't want to think about that but I (we) too, are not confident this will be an easy resolve.
In the interim, she goes without tube feeds and relys on the ultra small full liquid diet meals she is served. But, for what ever reason (s), the nausea has all but disappeared. FOR NOW? I think it was the M&M's and two small bites of a Krispy Kreme that I prescribed for her.
Pain is still a significant issue and in addition to the tablet narcotics and morphine injections, they added another pain family medicine designed to address stabbing pains. Additionally, they have added pain relieving patches to the pain sights. A theory, and only one doctors opinion is that a nerve was cut or damaged and if so, the pain "should" go away in time. Medical school must have a class on learning ambiguous terminology such as the use of should, maybe, could, may, possibly, might, soon, in-a-minute, be right back, give me a second........................just to name a few. Duke has no exclusive on that however.
Joy has had the second of three infusions of steroids to treat the rejection and tolerating that OK.
Lab tests indicate an extreme low white cell blood count and low immune system so they are giving her injections to boost those numbers. They tell her that her body is absolutely prime for a full blown infection so in addition to these meds, they have re-added the medicine she was taking for the Candida esophagus infection, just to make darn sure.
So tomorrow, we will know if the corrective procedure works and if not, what will he do next if it does not (we already know that one) and how soon.
It is what it is.
2 comments:
Wayne and Joy we just wanted to let you know that you both are in our prayers.
Audrey Wood and Betty Frank
Hey Guys,
Glad to hear you and the doctors are still hammering away at all these issues. We may, could or at least should know what you mean about that medical terminology! We also like the prescription for Krispy Kreme and M&M's. When Fred was laid up, he finally resorted to a Big Mac and that seemed to help immensely. As always, we're pulling for you. Hope everthing works itself out soon.
Love to all,
Steve & Trina
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