Joy continues to struggle (showing some improvement). We almost lost her Wednesday night (Doctors words, not mine).
She had AFIB yesterday morning (131-152 heart rate) but a combination of meds brought heart rate back to normal. Awaiting results of several tests that she had early this morning (between midnight and 2 AM) checking for PE (blood clots) which "may" have triggered AFIB. (Tests were negative and no obvious blood clots). Mobility is crucial and pain issues plus the AFIB have limited her desire (marked improvement today with walking). A little crackle in her lungs is present and should go away with mobility as well as O2 decline ( showing some improvement). She has been terribly disoriented (medicines) but improved sufficient for me to leave about 3AM today (showing improvement today). Very, very weak. Will see what tomorrow brings.
MRI did not show any new fractures but reveals several protruding disks which may account for her back pain. (Specialist has isolated area of concern and may be able to resolve with epidural at a future date when pain from stomach surgery has subsided).
She is on clear diet (now full liquid) and finally taking some (all) meds orally. Nausea is a constant but dry heaves have not returned but she is eating very little so we will wait and see.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Surgery Complete
The four (4) hour plus surgery is complete.
She was in ICU after surgery for about five (5) hours so I did not see her until shortly before midnight last night and stayed for a brief moment and came back to rest. Very long day.
She was very uncomfortable and in a lot of pain as you would expect after a lengthy stomach area surgery. Surgery went OK but no way of knowing for several days if this resolved this issue or not. Somewhat alert but "in and out" of it.
Back pain will still be an issue and hopefully I can learn today if the recent MRI showed another fracture.
Later....................WB
She was in ICU after surgery for about five (5) hours so I did not see her until shortly before midnight last night and stayed for a brief moment and came back to rest. Very long day.
She was very uncomfortable and in a lot of pain as you would expect after a lengthy stomach area surgery. Surgery went OK but no way of knowing for several days if this resolved this issue or not. Somewhat alert but "in and out" of it.
Back pain will still be an issue and hopefully I can learn today if the recent MRI showed another fracture.
Later....................WB
Friday, October 24, 2008
Duke Visit Update
Results of today's MRI have not been released so we do not know if Joy has another fracture or not. She is still betting that she has another one based upon pain level.
The Transplant Team physician feels they have exhausted all means to treat her stomach issues with medicines and surgery remains the best option. They deferred Joy to the stomach surgeon and we met with him yesterday. He really "pushed some buttons" and was able to schedule the stomach reconstruction surgery for this coming Monday afternoon. It will require several days of hospitalization and offers a 50/50 chance of successfully correcting the nausea / vomiting issues. Several transplant patients have required this surgery for similar issues so the situation is not unique to Joy. The exact reasons why these patients have motility issues are not clear but the theory is that it is from trauma to the muscles especially in the esophagus and stomach.
Their are seven transplant patients (or caregivers) at our hotel and some of the stories are pretty unfortunate. One women had severe circulation issues and has had a foot amputated and several toes from the other and she just learned that see is facing more amputation. Another man is still in the hospital six months after transplant fighting severe infections. Another 35 year old did pretty good and going home after only three months here. Then we just learned one of our other friends has Stage 3 rejection and returning here for treatment. A very, very tough surgery but each of them are glad to be alive.
And, I was successful in obtaining tickets (free for the women's) to a sold out Duke men's and women's basketball game this weekend so that will fill both afternoons.
So a lot of action from Durham and hopefully we are making progress. We will still have to return in early December for several clinic appointments.
Remember to vote. Early and often.
Stay tuned.
The Transplant Team physician feels they have exhausted all means to treat her stomach issues with medicines and surgery remains the best option. They deferred Joy to the stomach surgeon and we met with him yesterday. He really "pushed some buttons" and was able to schedule the stomach reconstruction surgery for this coming Monday afternoon. It will require several days of hospitalization and offers a 50/50 chance of successfully correcting the nausea / vomiting issues. Several transplant patients have required this surgery for similar issues so the situation is not unique to Joy. The exact reasons why these patients have motility issues are not clear but the theory is that it is from trauma to the muscles especially in the esophagus and stomach.
Their are seven transplant patients (or caregivers) at our hotel and some of the stories are pretty unfortunate. One women had severe circulation issues and has had a foot amputated and several toes from the other and she just learned that see is facing more amputation. Another man is still in the hospital six months after transplant fighting severe infections. Another 35 year old did pretty good and going home after only three months here. Then we just learned one of our other friends has Stage 3 rejection and returning here for treatment. A very, very tough surgery but each of them are glad to be alive.
And, I was successful in obtaining tickets (free for the women's) to a sold out Duke men's and women's basketball game this weekend so that will fill both afternoons.
So a lot of action from Durham and hopefully we are making progress. We will still have to return in early December for several clinic appointments.
Remember to vote. Early and often.
Stay tuned.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Very Brief Update
Back pain intensifies with probable new compression fracture. Nausea / vomiting a daily routine. Very limited activity and outings limited to necessities. Recent eye exam revealed cataract surgery necessary to correct vision therefore the Sarah Palin style glasses will do her no good, even if Sarah wins the election.
But, we're off to our second home AGAIN this weekend and we will see what gems of treatment and encouragement they can muster this time. Then, we are already scheduled for early December excursion. Ain't gonna go back in November no matter what!
But, we're off to our second home AGAIN this weekend and we will see what gems of treatment and encouragement they can muster this time. Then, we are already scheduled for early December excursion. Ain't gonna go back in November no matter what!
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