Ed's scheduled to be released momentarily.
His creatinine plummeted a full point on today's bloodwork, an excellent sign of recovery!
The paperwork is prepared; when Jeanne arrives to pick him up they are to call the "hospitalist" who will sign or facilitate the discharge, wrapping up the details.
They will leave with the catheter in place. Monday Ed's blood will be drawn as outpatient, then Tuesday they'll have the results and if his levels are still low (hopefully still dropping) they will schedule the removal of the catheter.
I am going to invite Ed to be a top level poster on the blog so, he may post his typical, chronologically correct, recollection of the events and experience. Then again, he may just crawl into bed. Only time will tell.
Thanks to all for the concern, care, wishes, thoughts, vibes, and stuff.
As of 2PM, he's home!
I called and they had just walked in the door. Since it's Saturday the hospital is low on staff and discharge is not as important as caring for the sick, so they take their sweet time.
Regardless, Ed is out of the hospital (for now).
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Friday, April 29, 2011
Friday PM
I forgot to mention this morning:
Ed is concerned what is being done to prevent blood clots - he is not on coumadin since the new catheter was placed. Dr Lee explained that having poor "kidney blood values" also makes the platelets slippery, meaning the clotting is somewhat reduced and for now Ed should not worry about it. After the catheter is removed - Ed can go back on his one daily Aspirin. This sounds like a very generalized statement and explanation, but not
Ed still has itchy skin and does not feel that he can concentrate really well. Not back to his computer wheeling speeds. Dr Lee said that high phosphate values can cause itchy skin and we already heard that they can effect the mind. That should be a reminder. Ed is not healed just because he is allowed to go home. We are all happy that he is no longer critically ill - but until his blood values return to a better range he will still feel the effects. His hematocrit is still low, so besides his concentration, he will also get tired easily. Please keep that in mind as you visit and call after he is home. This is expected and should not be reason for concern and we all hope that he will steadily improve. I am sure this will be cause for some frustration for Ed, but we need to remind him and ourselves that he is not there yet, but getting there.
I was asked how Jeanne is doing through all this. Jeanne is a strong fighter and takes everything with loving strength and patience. She is focussed on what needs to be done and convinced she can do it all. I agree, she can; but sometimes I wished she recognized that she does not HAVE to do it all and does not HAVE to do it all herself. We love her.
Looking forward to tomorrow - Friederike
Ed is concerned what is being done to prevent blood clots - he is not on coumadin since the new catheter was placed. Dr Lee explained that having poor "kidney blood values" also makes the platelets slippery, meaning the clotting is somewhat reduced and for now Ed should not worry about it. After the catheter is removed - Ed can go back on his one daily Aspirin. This sounds like a very generalized statement and explanation, but not
Ed still has itchy skin and does not feel that he can concentrate really well. Not back to his computer wheeling speeds. Dr Lee said that high phosphate values can cause itchy skin and we already heard that they can effect the mind. That should be a reminder. Ed is not healed just because he is allowed to go home. We are all happy that he is no longer critically ill - but until his blood values return to a better range he will still feel the effects. His hematocrit is still low, so besides his concentration, he will also get tired easily. Please keep that in mind as you visit and call after he is home. This is expected and should not be reason for concern and we all hope that he will steadily improve. I am sure this will be cause for some frustration for Ed, but we need to remind him and ourselves that he is not there yet, but getting there.
I was asked how Jeanne is doing through all this. Jeanne is a strong fighter and takes everything with loving strength and patience. She is focussed on what needs to be done and convinced she can do it all. I agree, she can; but sometimes I wished she recognized that she does not HAVE to do it all and does not HAVE to do it all herself. We love her.
Looking forward to tomorrow - Friederike
Friday -morning 4-29
Ed was up and dressed and just finishing his breakfast this morning. Then he declared he was still hungry and ordered more outmeal and a banana. Everything is on track for a release tomorrow. :)
Todays values:
Creatinine 5.62 –no dialysis!!
BUN 71
Hematocrit 24
Eosinophiles 14
Jeanne joined us and Dr Lee came at 9:30 and took his time talking to us. Ed is scheduled to go home tomorrow if everything stays well
Here is the plan:
1) No dialysis today (Friday) since the creatinine is slowly decreasing
2) Daisy (dialysis nurse) is supposed to flush the catheter and tape it in place so Ed can go home with it.
3) blood test tomorrow (Saturday) – if creatinine is holding or decreasing then Ed can go home. Tomorrow’s nephrologist will be Dr Eckel.
4) Appointment for blood draw on Monday at Cary Nephrology clinic
5) Resultes expected Tuesday – based on the results the clinic will make an appointment to have the catheter removed. The removal will be at a clinic close to Wake Med Raleigh
6) Appointment with Nephrologist in clinic at the end of next week
7) determination of weekly/monthly clinic visits to keep monitoring values. It may take a while for them to drop below 2 (that is the goal)
8) Dr Lee is trying to get an appointment for Ed with Dr Engeman (Wake Med Infectious disease) ASAP, but Dr Enegeman is out this week.
The other outstanding questions were:
--Procrit ; Ed has been getting it with dialysis. He received another dose yesterday (Thursday)and is scheduled to receive another dose tomorrow (Saturday) before going home. If future Procrit is necessary, then Ed will have to be referred to a hematology clinic.
--Digoxin – This is Ed’s second heart medication - Do not take until the creatinine is down to 2 and then only after consultation with cardiologist
--continue to take TUMS 2 with every meal . that serves as a phosphate binder. Avoid Phosphate rich foods dark sodas, chocolates etc; – but do continue eating meat etc. .Good nutrition has priority, worrying about phosphates is secondary.
--Risperdal – discontinue. Dr. Latif may come by this afternoon (Friday) to discuss.
--elevated eosinophiles – The tryptase results are not back. Needs to be discussed with infectious disease clinic and/or hematology clinic.
That's it for today - Friederike
Todays values:
Creatinine 5.62 –no dialysis!!
BUN 71
Hematocrit 24
Eosinophiles 14
Jeanne joined us and Dr Lee came at 9:30 and took his time talking to us. Ed is scheduled to go home tomorrow if everything stays well
Here is the plan:
1) No dialysis today (Friday) since the creatinine is slowly decreasing
2) Daisy (dialysis nurse) is supposed to flush the catheter and tape it in place so Ed can go home with it.
3) blood test tomorrow (Saturday) – if creatinine is holding or decreasing then Ed can go home. Tomorrow’s nephrologist will be Dr Eckel.
4) Appointment for blood draw on Monday at Cary Nephrology clinic
5) Resultes expected Tuesday – based on the results the clinic will make an appointment to have the catheter removed. The removal will be at a clinic close to Wake Med Raleigh
6) Appointment with Nephrologist in clinic at the end of next week
7) determination of weekly/monthly clinic visits to keep monitoring values. It may take a while for them to drop below 2 (that is the goal)
8) Dr Lee is trying to get an appointment for Ed with Dr Engeman (Wake Med Infectious disease) ASAP, but Dr Enegeman is out this week.
The other outstanding questions were:
--Procrit ; Ed has been getting it with dialysis. He received another dose yesterday (Thursday)and is scheduled to receive another dose tomorrow (Saturday) before going home. If future Procrit is necessary, then Ed will have to be referred to a hematology clinic.
--Digoxin – This is Ed’s second heart medication - Do not take until the creatinine is down to 2 and then only after consultation with cardiologist
--continue to take TUMS 2 with every meal . that serves as a phosphate binder. Avoid Phosphate rich foods dark sodas, chocolates etc; – but do continue eating meat etc. .Good nutrition has priority, worrying about phosphates is secondary.
--Risperdal – discontinue. Dr. Latif may come by this afternoon (Friday) to discuss.
--elevated eosinophiles – The tryptase results are not back. Needs to be discussed with infectious disease clinic and/or hematology clinic.
That's it for today - Friederike
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Thu - April 28 10:40
Thursday morning – 9:45
Visited with Ed this morning. Good news first then I get into the rest. His creatinine is holding, so no dialysis today. Last night there was some confusion what the creatinine was (had 8.6 written down). Checked with the Dr today and his values are:
Monday 25th: 8.04 –then went to dialysis
Tuesday 26th: 5.67
Wed 27th : 6.18 – no dialysis
Thu 28th: 5.97 – no dialysis.
Dr. Lee came in and was very positive about this holding/decreasing trend. He may release Ed to go home tomorrow or Monday. We asked if Saturday would be an option to make sure the trend is holding before they pull the catheter out. Dr. Lee will be back tomorrow morning to make those final decisions. Jeanne and Ed need to think and talk if there is any help they would like from a transition place or home aid. Ed needs to focus on strength and fitness.
The result from the tryptane test is not back yet. Eosinophiles were not measured today, but Dr. Lee ordered it for tomorrow. Ed’s hematocrit is still low (25-26%) ( I think >35 is desirable). That is also expected with kidney problems. The kidney makes EPO that stimulates blood cell production. Dr. Lee may give him some Procrit, but that needs to be rediscussed tomorrow. Some people do 2 Units of blood transfusion – but that is not called for in Ed’s case he said.
The skin on Ed’s toe cracked and started bleeding. His skin is still very dry. The nurse cleaned and bandaged it. There is a little bit of fluid in his lower left lung and walking and deep breathing should help to clear that up, but it should be watched.
Follow up for back and infection problem/history: Dr. Lee will help Ed to get an appointment with Dr. Engeman at Big Wake Med in Raleigh, who has trained at Duke and has access to all Duke records. It would be a good second opinion and follow up in a non-teaching setting. The goal is to establish history and status – is the infection still there, how can it be monitored, what needs to be done about it. In parallel Ed will try to get an appointment with Dr Isaacs to follow up on the spine issue.
Follow up for kidney can be done at Cary clinic also manned by Schmidt, Godwin, Lee, and Eckel (Eckel is fourth in the group we have not met him yet). Ed would go there Monday and often to get labs drawn, but they say they have no place there to do cleaning, flushing, maintaining of the catheter. If Ed goes home with the catheter, then he could make an outpatient appointment at the hospital to have it removed later next week.
We are thrilled that the going home plan is materializing.
--Friederike
Visited with Ed this morning. Good news first then I get into the rest. His creatinine is holding, so no dialysis today. Last night there was some confusion what the creatinine was (had 8.6 written down). Checked with the Dr today and his values are:
Monday 25th: 8.04 –then went to dialysis
Tuesday 26th: 5.67
Wed 27th : 6.18 – no dialysis
Thu 28th: 5.97 – no dialysis.
Dr. Lee came in and was very positive about this holding/decreasing trend. He may release Ed to go home tomorrow or Monday. We asked if Saturday would be an option to make sure the trend is holding before they pull the catheter out. Dr. Lee will be back tomorrow morning to make those final decisions. Jeanne and Ed need to think and talk if there is any help they would like from a transition place or home aid. Ed needs to focus on strength and fitness.
The result from the tryptane test is not back yet. Eosinophiles were not measured today, but Dr. Lee ordered it for tomorrow. Ed’s hematocrit is still low (25-26%) ( I think >35 is desirable). That is also expected with kidney problems. The kidney makes EPO that stimulates blood cell production. Dr. Lee may give him some Procrit, but that needs to be rediscussed tomorrow. Some people do 2 Units of blood transfusion – but that is not called for in Ed’s case he said.
The skin on Ed’s toe cracked and started bleeding. His skin is still very dry. The nurse cleaned and bandaged it. There is a little bit of fluid in his lower left lung and walking and deep breathing should help to clear that up, but it should be watched.
Follow up for back and infection problem/history: Dr. Lee will help Ed to get an appointment with Dr. Engeman at Big Wake Med in Raleigh, who has trained at Duke and has access to all Duke records. It would be a good second opinion and follow up in a non-teaching setting. The goal is to establish history and status – is the infection still there, how can it be monitored, what needs to be done about it. In parallel Ed will try to get an appointment with Dr Isaacs to follow up on the spine issue.
Follow up for kidney can be done at Cary clinic also manned by Schmidt, Godwin, Lee, and Eckel (Eckel is fourth in the group we have not met him yet). Ed would go there Monday and often to get labs drawn, but they say they have no place there to do cleaning, flushing, maintaining of the catheter. If Ed goes home with the catheter, then he could make an outpatient appointment at the hospital to have it removed later next week.
We are thrilled that the going home plan is materializing.
--Friederike
Thurs April 28, 2011 10AM
Ed's Dr. was visiting when I called, so I waited a few minutes and called back.
Today's his third day forgoing dialysis and his Creatinine has been 5.9 for a few days in a row. While still high, the consistent 5.9 means the dialysis is not indicated.
Ed may be released within the next day or two, short of any spike in blood levels.
His kidneys will continue to heal on their own and he'll need plenty of outpatient treatment to monitor his kidneys and their health, as well as to determine whether or not he'll need to remain on the various meds he's presently taking.
He's being referred to an infectious disease specialist to address the P.Acnes causing pain in his spine.
Friederike was in the room, hopefully she'll update us as well.
Today's his third day forgoing dialysis and his Creatinine has been 5.9 for a few days in a row. While still high, the consistent 5.9 means the dialysis is not indicated.
Ed may be released within the next day or two, short of any spike in blood levels.
His kidneys will continue to heal on their own and he'll need plenty of outpatient treatment to monitor his kidneys and their health, as well as to determine whether or not he'll need to remain on the various meds he's presently taking.
He's being referred to an infectious disease specialist to address the P.Acnes causing pain in his spine.
Friederike was in the room, hopefully she'll update us as well.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Status Wed April 27
This is mostly a no-update, update. I spoke with Ed this am and he sounded good; clear, aware, awake, cognitive, etc. No dialysis scheduled for today. This coming Friday marks the end of week three. His numbers are still high. I spoke with my personal dr. yesterday and I mentioned Ed's situation; he told me that Vancomycin was a tough drug, very hard on the body. Ed was not told this, and his blood was not monitored throughout the course of treatment (4+ weeks). This only adds salt to the wound, knowing that it possibly could have been avoided. At least let this be a lesson to us all, if you know of anyone going on Vancomycin, be sure to ask for regular blood work and have kidneys monitored.
No other changes as of this morning, I'll talk to Ed later today.
EDIT: Moving text from one of the comments to top level, Friederike says she believes that Ed's blood was monitored weekly while taking Vanco. I'll have to check w/Ed.
No other changes as of this morning, I'll talk to Ed later today.
EDIT: Moving text from one of the comments to top level, Friederike says she believes that Ed's blood was monitored weekly while taking Vanco. I'll have to check w/Ed.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
2PM Tuesday 4/26/11
2PM Tuesday and it is time for me to leave. This morning, Ed and I wheeled/walked to the outdoor courtyard to play cards. We chose a slightly more complicated game - Gin Rummy. It started to rain, so moved indoors to the atrium on the 2nd floor. We played about 4 hands before we decided to head back to the room for lunch. Jeanne was waiting back in the room, but had to leave soon after for a dental appt. I absconded to the ground floor for lunch and unbeknown to me Crash followed soon after in the wheelchair alone. I was returning to the room, when I met him in the hall by the elevators. We returned to the room. I could go on, but it's all pretty mundane. I guess that is good.
Ed won all but one hand of Gin. He is 80-90% of "normal" Ed, I'd say. Significant improvement from 4 days ago. I'm off for AA and Ed deserves a rest.
-Stuart
Ed won all but one hand of Gin. He is 80-90% of "normal" Ed, I'd say. Significant improvement from 4 days ago. I'm off for AA and Ed deserves a rest.
-Stuart
Tuesday April 26 as of 10:30 AM
I went to Wake looking forward to breakfast with Ed, and finally found him in his new room (369) dressed in shorts, shirt and shoes and just finishing breakfast. Looking bright and thinking well. He was woken up at 6 AM to be moved to the new room. Ed said he did not have too good of a night, strted thinking about past and future and getting a little depressed if he would make it out of that hospital alive. He did not care if he needed continued dialysis - just wanted to make it out and not die in the hospital. After talking for a while, his new kidney Dr. came in (Dr. Lee (spelling?)) and spent a good amount of time with us. Ed had seen him yesterday and felt that Dr. Lee was not as optimistic, but today it was very clear that he is optimistic and after the long visit, Ed said that he did like him. He spent some time explaining which other causes and factors and differential diagnoses and outcomes he was considering - very thorough it seemed to me, but understandably that can be confusing and taken as "you are very sick". Dr. Lee was very clear that the best case scenario was that the kidney recovers enough to pull the catheter and send Ed home - the worst case scenario was that Ed would be sent home with outpatient dialysis 3 times a week. Ed liked that clear cut statement. Dr. Lee has seen patients recover even after a few weeks of outpatient dialysis, but the longer you are on dialysis the smaller the chances. To answer Karen's earlier comment: Yes they are aware that dialysis prevents the kidney from trying its best, so they like to keep as many days as possible between dialyses to be able to see if the kidney recovers. Todays values were improved, so no dialysis tomorrow unless the values are bad tomorrow morning.
If Ed wants the Lidocaine patch back then he can ask for one - the Dr approved the use as needed. Ed needs to increase his protein levels, blood albumin is only 2. something and needs to be in the 4's. So Ensure with every meal and protein rich foods - even though that seems counterproductive to the kidney function. Ed's swollen feet are probably also a symptom of the low blood protein levels. So when he is not walking, then he should be sitting with his feet up or laying down. Walking and PT is encouraged.
The Dr. ordered another blood test (T-something sorry I did not write it down). Essentially, the specific white blood cells that are elevated during an allergic reaction are Eosinophiles. Ed's counts were high at Duke with the Red Man's syndrome, and that is a known measure after a reaction to Vancomycine. However, his levels are still up (15% instead of 5%) and that is unexpected considering the vancomycin should be out of his system. We talked about the crystals forming in the kidney and Dr. Lee said that is a possibility, however there were no elevated Eosinophiles in the urine, just in the blood. There is something called "Mastocytosis" when the mast cells (eosinophiles belong to that group) are elevated. Dr. Lee described it as the vancomycin setting fire to the system, but now the fuel source is gone and for some reason the glow keeps gowing independently. This T-blood test supposedly is not elevated after vanco but may be up after other reasons for high Eosinophiles. Sorry, I have not looked any of this up - but try to repeat the converstation this morning.
Dr. Lee agreed at this point kidney biopsy would just satisfy curiosity - not have any effect on treatment - so will not be ordered at this time. He also explained that the blood pressure medicine is needed because the kidney is involved regulating blood pressure and because it is important for the blood to arrive at the kidney with a certain pressure. Too low and the filtration does not work well, too high and the kidney can be damaged. Ed is currently taking 2 different blood pressure medications, but Dr. Lee reduced one of them to be taken only if the blood pressure is above 160.
Ed has a great nurse today til 3 PM "Norma" and they are getting along well. She will help him later to get a shower and make sure the port is well taped with plastic. Ed really wants to wash his hair.
I left at 10:30 AM and Ed was laying down for a nap – I can understand that he is tired after all this talking and thinking. Overall I think Ed needs to keep his mind busy now to regain control and he hopes to be able to read the computer screen soon. He got new glasses with reduced prescription strength in his right eye after the cataract surgery, but he has to take time to get used to them.
--Friederike
If Ed wants the Lidocaine patch back then he can ask for one - the Dr approved the use as needed. Ed needs to increase his protein levels, blood albumin is only 2. something and needs to be in the 4's. So Ensure with every meal and protein rich foods - even though that seems counterproductive to the kidney function. Ed's swollen feet are probably also a symptom of the low blood protein levels. So when he is not walking, then he should be sitting with his feet up or laying down. Walking and PT is encouraged.
The Dr. ordered another blood test (T-something sorry I did not write it down). Essentially, the specific white blood cells that are elevated during an allergic reaction are Eosinophiles. Ed's counts were high at Duke with the Red Man's syndrome, and that is a known measure after a reaction to Vancomycine. However, his levels are still up (15% instead of 5%) and that is unexpected considering the vancomycin should be out of his system. We talked about the crystals forming in the kidney and Dr. Lee said that is a possibility, however there were no elevated Eosinophiles in the urine, just in the blood. There is something called "Mastocytosis" when the mast cells (eosinophiles belong to that group) are elevated. Dr. Lee described it as the vancomycin setting fire to the system, but now the fuel source is gone and for some reason the glow keeps gowing independently. This T-blood test supposedly is not elevated after vanco but may be up after other reasons for high Eosinophiles. Sorry, I have not looked any of this up - but try to repeat the converstation this morning.
Dr. Lee agreed at this point kidney biopsy would just satisfy curiosity - not have any effect on treatment - so will not be ordered at this time. He also explained that the blood pressure medicine is needed because the kidney is involved regulating blood pressure and because it is important for the blood to arrive at the kidney with a certain pressure. Too low and the filtration does not work well, too high and the kidney can be damaged. Ed is currently taking 2 different blood pressure medications, but Dr. Lee reduced one of them to be taken only if the blood pressure is above 160.
Ed has a great nurse today til 3 PM "Norma" and they are getting along well. She will help him later to get a shower and make sure the port is well taped with plastic. Ed really wants to wash his hair.
I left at 10:30 AM and Ed was laying down for a nap – I can understand that he is tired after all this talking and thinking. Overall I think Ed needs to keep his mind busy now to regain control and he hopes to be able to read the computer screen soon. He got new glasses with reduced prescription strength in his right eye after the cataract surgery, but he has to take time to get used to them.
--Friederike
10:30AM Tuesday 4/26/11
The numbers this morning (from Friederike's notes):
Creatinine 5.67
BUN 43
Phosphate 6.1
Potassiium 4.3
He is encouraged to keep eating protein.
Just arrived, but so far Ed seems a bit down cognitively compared to yesterday. I am leaving today at 2:15, I will post again before I depart.
-Stuart
Creatinine 5.67
BUN 43
Phosphate 6.1
Potassiium 4.3
He is encouraged to keep eating protein.
Just arrived, but so far Ed seems a bit down cognitively compared to yesterday. I am leaving today at 2:15, I will post again before I depart.
-Stuart
7:30AM Tuesday 4/26/11
Ed called home early this morning to say he was moved to a new room - W369. He said his room was needed for a more critically ill patient. His direct phone is now 919-350-6660.
-Stuart
-Stuart
Monday, April 25, 2011
6PM Monday 4/25/11
I arrived back at the hospital 4:30ish, just as Ed was returning from dialysis. Dialysis was not as difficult as usual, not painful, just boring. For you numbers geeks, his creatinine was 8.04 and BUN was 67 prior to dialysis. Ed was as settled, calm as he has been since I arrived. We asked the nurse if Ed could go by wheelchair into the outdoor courtyard, she inquired and said yes. Ed and I went, spent almost an hour enjoying the sun, flowers, fresh air, and playing cards. When we returned to the room, Nancy Knight was there for a visit.
Another note: Ed says the kidney Dr. said urine production is good,, but toxin removal is not so good. Dr may consider trip to "Big Wake" for a kidney biopsy. TBD.
That brings us to the present. Ta ta.
-Stuart
Another note: Ed says the kidney Dr. said urine production is good,, but toxin removal is not so good. Dr may consider trip to "Big Wake" for a kidney biopsy. TBD.
That brings us to the present. Ta ta.
-Stuart
Status Mon April 25 Morn
My phone rang this am while trying to prepare breakfast for Neil and it was Ed calling. Knowing that I'm up early, I guess he was feeling chatty and he knew I would be up. He was clear and told me a story about his evening's sleep as well as the prior eve and his game of cards.
He's scheduled for dialysis today. Looks like they've settled on an every other day schedule unless circumstances call for change. He's up and relatively active, wanting to walk further; these are all good signs of a progressive recovery. I won't be happy until he's healthy enough for discharge and outpatient treatment, but I'm worried that between the kidneys and his back, he will never be the same, maybe we can hope that he'll be better for it somehow.
Ed is going to have to hire household help and delegate many of the projects he presently does himself.
Only time will tell how complete his recovery will be and he still has a collapsed vertebrae that needs to be fixed. I find it hard to believe his back Dr.(s) haven't even checked in on him at WakeMed. Maybe they've called and it's too much to expect them to travel the 15 minutes from Durham/Duke to Cary to see if they've killed him with the Vancomycin, no inquiries that I'm aware of.
We're now officially counting hospital time in weeks instead of days.
He's scheduled for dialysis today. Looks like they've settled on an every other day schedule unless circumstances call for change. He's up and relatively active, wanting to walk further; these are all good signs of a progressive recovery. I won't be happy until he's healthy enough for discharge and outpatient treatment, but I'm worried that between the kidneys and his back, he will never be the same, maybe we can hope that he'll be better for it somehow.
Ed is going to have to hire household help and delegate many of the projects he presently does himself.
Only time will tell how complete his recovery will be and he still has a collapsed vertebrae that needs to be fixed. I find it hard to believe his back Dr.(s) haven't even checked in on him at WakeMed. Maybe they've called and it's too much to expect them to travel the 15 minutes from Durham/Duke to Cary to see if they've killed him with the Vancomycin, no inquiries that I'm aware of.
We're now officially counting hospital time in weeks instead of days.
Monday 4-25 late post for 9AM
When I arrived this morning around 9AM Ed was in his Chair and half way through his breakfast with the TV on and doing well. Turkey bacon again - no comments on the taste except that pork bacon would probably be better. He ate everything in cluding corn flakes. He said he had a short night as the diuretic made him have to call the nurse around 4AM. Then they needed a new armband for him since his barcode had worn off (looks to me his time in the hospital is expired and he should be on his way home soon). Then his IV needed retaping etc - so around 6 AM he decided to get up, put on his shoes and read an article. He said it was slow, but I was thrilled as his ability to concentrate and comprehend is so much better. After breakfast he decided to go back to bed and get a good nap - I don't know any news on the blood values only that dialysis is scheduled for the day. - Friederike
10:30AM Monday 4/25/11
Ed was asleep when I arrived at the hospital. He is scheduled for dialysis at noon. He called the house earlier, requesting a few items - t-shirts (w/pocket) that button in front, skivvies, and toenail clippers. He sounded good on the phone. He is wanting to wear civilian clothes, which is an indication to me of a desire to leave the hospital. No official word still on that. I haven't seen any Drs today, so I have no data for the blog.
Sunday, April 24, 2011
6PM Easter Sunday 4/24/2011
When we arrived, Ed was watching NBA playoffs (Celts/Knicks). Jeanne turned off the TV without asking and Ed was pretty angry about that. Ed settled a bit, ate dinner pretty calmly. As usual at dinner, Ed puzzled over the spatial relationships between his chair, his position in the chair, the wheeled cart, the tray, the plates on the tray and the food on the plates. Too many variables! After dinner Ed walked two laps around the unit. We stopped in the atrium along the way, arranged too chairs and a table (not too complicated), sat and played cards (21). The game was just about at his cognitive limit. The fewer cards to add together, the better!
I asked Ed if he wanted to add anything to this post.
Ed says, "In 2008, Stuart coined the phrase - 'don't ever get this sick.' Would that I had paid attention at the time, but learned the sorry lesson that I now learn."
-Stuart
I asked Ed if he wanted to add anything to this post.
Ed says, "In 2008, Stuart coined the phrase - 'don't ever get this sick.' Would that I had paid attention at the time, but learned the sorry lesson that I now learn."
-Stuart
12PM Easter Sunday 4/24/11
I arrived at the hospital around 10AM and Ed was visiting with Rand Neyland. Anne, a hospital volunteer, dropped by to visit (along with her dog, Bitsy). Anne told some jokes and so did Ed. Ed is lucid and is having a good day. Rand and I went with Ed for a walk around the unit (1 loop). Ed returned to the room and sat for a while. Rich Giroux stopped by at about 11:30. Ed started to get testy and independent, wanting things just his way (sign of recovery?). He insisted on putting on a pair of shorts for his next loop, after which he declared he was tired (still waiting to see if he will feel strong enough for a second loop).
I took a video of the visit with Anne and the start of the walk. Will try to post later.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)