Jim didn't sleep well. He couldn't receive anything to help him sleep, had a headache (was given a Tylenol suppository for that) and numerous folk coming in and out throughout the early morning hours. He called me at 7. Of course I didn't sleep well either. Took 2 hours to update yesterday's blog post and then when I went to bed, woke intermittently. Even in sleep, we do better together.
His hemoglobin continues to go up. His blood pressure was down some - 88/40. Doctors came and went and discussed the endoscopy, but no exact time was given for the procedure to move forward.
At one point I called the unit and asked if the procedure was underway, but the unit clerk I talked with, wasn't very helpful. He couldn't answer my question, couldn't find a nurse and couldn't patch me through to Jim. Geeze!
At 11:15 a.m., Jim called. Procedure remains yet to happen.
At 2:05 p.m., Jim called again. If it wasn't for him calling me, I do believe I would know nothing. He had the procedure - around noon or therafter. He was groggy. I called back to the unit desk and talked to a nurse (not his though), who said another endoscopy followed right after Jim's. She assured me the doctor would call me when they were done with the second patient.
The ICU Fellow (I have no clue as to what his name is, other than I can't pronounce it), who did the procedure, called at 2:30 p.m. He said the ulcer is not currently active, but it may rebleed. To help prevent rebleeding, they put 2 clips in. Jim will stay in the MICU today and possibly tomorrow - he will be monitored for signs of possible rebleeding - the symtoms he had earlier - low hemoglobin, black stool. Also will monitor his blood pressure. If he remains stable, he may be able to return home early part of next week. If his hemoglobin drops again, another endoscopy will be done and go from there.
We request prayers for the hemoglobin to continue to increase and no black stool or any other telltale sign of rebleeding going on. We pray there will be no more complications, that Jim be on the mend toward complete healing, strengthened in body and soul.
At 3:30 p.m., nurse practitioner Dana Fowler called and gave me more complete information re: the procedure. She said the doctor clamped the blood vessel with 2 clips to prevent the ulcer from rebleeding. Jim will be watched for 48 hours, will remain in MICU today, and probably will be moved out on Saturday. His hemoglobin at last check was 8.2 and normal for Jim is 10. She said he was doing well. The hemoglobin will be checked again at 4 p.m.
Learned at 5:15 p.m. Jim's hemoglobin had dropped to 6. He will be given another unit of blood and have hemoglobin redrawn. They are not sure the 6.0 figure is correct. If the second draw still shows low, it is possible he will go to interventional radiology to determine where else the bleed may be. When talking to his sister the nurse, she thought perhaps the scope didn't show enough detail.
I arrived at Jim's bedside at 6:45 p.m. He had just started receiving another pint (unit) of blood - it takes 3 hours, so around 10 (which is what it is now that I'm back home), the transfusion should be completed. Two different labs were actually taken of his hemoglobin around 6 p.m. - one was 6.8 and the other, 7.1. Lower than the 8.2 taken earlier, but certainly not as low as the 6.0 taken at 4 p.m. Around 11 p.m., his hemoglobin will be checked again. Jim called at 10:30 p.m. to tell me the hemoglobin was checked a little while ago in a different vein and numbers remain low - at 6.8. It should have been up, given he had just received new blood. Doctor was in, suggesting Jim may need more units of blood. Hemoglobin will be checked again at 4 a.m. Saturday, if not sooner. If still low or lower, he will be heading to interventional radiology to see where another bleed may be.
It would be good if there is no new bleed and that hemoglobin numbers go up and stay up. He may be able to start a liquid diet on Saturday. His blood pressure has remained stable, in the 90s.
I lucked out with free parking in the ramp tonight. The ATM was down and since I didn't have $3 in cash to pay, I got free parking. How nice.
Showing posts with label waiting. Show all posts
Showing posts with label waiting. Show all posts
Friday, October 2, 2015
Tuesday, June 16, 2015
Moving Forward - Day 35
"I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in His word I do hope. My soul waits for the Lord. More than those who wait for the morning - yes, more than those who watch for the morning." (Psalm 130:5-6)
This morning's devotional was about being aware of unseen things - as in the Lord - as we live our lives in the visible world vs letting our senses dominate our thinking.
What do you suppose our senses are?
This morning's devotional was about being aware of unseen things - as in the Lord - as we live our lives in the visible world vs letting our senses dominate our thinking.
What do you suppose our senses are?
- Sight
- Hear
- Touch
- Taste
- Smell
This morning when Jim called, I used the sense of hearing, albeit wrongly. I heard grumpiness - he sounded grumpy, yet he said he wasn't. If I continue along the vein of what I perceive, then whatever I think about the situation becomes mine and no longer is God in control. We are. So easy to miss the mark of where God wants us to be.
The doctors had come in and Jim might be able to start the soft, mushy diet today, dependent on how things progress. He still needs to pass gas, and although he feels like he could, it hasn't been forthcoming. The pain from the heperin shot given before supper yesterday subsided and apparently the shot given early this morning was not as bothersome either.
This morning I am having a massage - yeah! I won't be up to see Jimmy until later in the afternoon, as I am taking Christina to UIHC to see her OB and hopefully get a date for baby James' delivery.
The massage was wonderful .... when I got home, the clock in the living room said 12:12, my cell phone said 12:13 and there was a message from Jim indicating it came in at 12:14... lol ... and now at 12:30, I can't reach him..... Anyway, his message was that the IV meds were removed and he's passing gas. Another hill conquered. Great news!
Later, I discovered all of the IV meds, except the antibiotic for the urinary tract infection, were discontinued. The IV itself still is intact and will remain in until he leaves the hospital.
These past two weeks I must be residing in the village of trial and error. This afternoon on the way to UIHC with Christina, I got stopped in Coralville for speeding ... 37 in a 25 mph zone. I had just exited the interstate and was heading into Coralville. The policeman just gave me a warning. Thank goodness.
Jim is still on the all liquids diet. His roommate, Mike, went home today, and now he has a new roommate.
The massage was wonderful .... when I got home, the clock in the living room said 12:12, my cell phone said 12:13 and there was a message from Jim indicating it came in at 12:14... lol ... and now at 12:30, I can't reach him..... Anyway, his message was that the IV meds were removed and he's passing gas. Another hill conquered. Great news!
Later, I discovered all of the IV meds, except the antibiotic for the urinary tract infection, were discontinued. The IV itself still is intact and will remain in until he leaves the hospital.
These past two weeks I must be residing in the village of trial and error. This afternoon on the way to UIHC with Christina, I got stopped in Coralville for speeding ... 37 in a 25 mph zone. I had just exited the interstate and was heading into Coralville. The policeman just gave me a warning. Thank goodness.
Jim is still on the all liquids diet. His roommate, Mike, went home today, and now he has a new roommate.
Wednesday, June 10, 2015
Set Back - Day 29
Jim called at 7. Said he woke at 3 when his roommate called for the nurse. Then later he had pain in his back, so asked for pain shot. At 4:30 he had x-ray of abdomen, followed by labs and vitals. He was waiting to see the doctor.
My Scripture reading this morning:
"My soul, wait silently for God alone, For my expectation is from Him. He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense; I shall not be moved. In God is my salvation and my glory; the rock of my strength. And my refuge is in God." (Psalm 62:5-7)
I write:
Is it the doctor
Is it the plumber
Is it the results
that we -- impatient --
wait
Perhaps
But more likely
it is God
alone
for whom we wait.
Silent
with tears streaming
down our faces
voices distraught
with the mess
of the day(s)
previous
and current
a moment yet to come
this day or another
God holds.
Our trust
does not waiver
It is with Him
He is the one constant
that stays
Our expectation
is for better
but better or best
comes to us
through God's strength
received
according to His will
The Lord is with us
every step
every direction
left or right
up or down
surrounding us
Remember Him
at the forefront
Do not be moved.
(c) Cathy Orrick Luders
Jim called again at 8:45 a.m. Dr. Jason Tcheng was in. The x-ray continues to show blockage. They were hoping the obstruction would resolve itself. Dr. Tcheng said they may do a scope tomorrow - a small incision in the abdomen. Depending upon what is seen, it could turn into surgery, with a larger incision, to take care of the bowel obstruction. Jim hopes he will have some answers by the time I get there after work tonight.
A poem sent by my friend Lorraine - it is written by Amy Carmichael, who died in 1951.
Thy Way Is Perfect
Long is the way, and very steep the slope,
Strengthen me once again, O God of hope.
Far, very far, the summit doth appear;
But Thou art near my God, but Thou art near.
And Thou wilt give me with my daily food,
Powers of endurance, courage, fortitude
Thy way is perfect; only let that way
Be clear before my feet from day to day.
Thou art my Portion, saith my soul to Thee,
O what a Portion is my God to me.
~~~~~
Jim has lost his left contact ... in the hospital room's bathroom. Another has been ordered - probably be here Monday.
Nearly 1 p.m. -- Jim called a few minutes ago. Drs. Parekh and Yerkes were both in. They plan to do a scope Thursday, but at this moment don't have a time. They may be able to give him a better idea later today. If the obstruction is twisted, it can be untwisted via the scope. If it is more extensive, they will remove the small intestine and be under general anesthesia. He would be in the hospital another 7 days.
It is after 11 p.m. We still do not know a time. Perhaps tomorrow morning we will know something definite.
My Scripture reading this morning:
"My soul, wait silently for God alone, For my expectation is from Him. He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense; I shall not be moved. In God is my salvation and my glory; the rock of my strength. And my refuge is in God." (Psalm 62:5-7)
I write:
Is it the doctor
Is it the plumber
Is it the results
that we -- impatient --
wait
Perhaps
But more likely
it is God
alone
for whom we wait.
Silent
with tears streaming
down our faces
voices distraught
with the mess
of the day(s)
previous
and current
a moment yet to come
this day or another
God holds.
Our trust
does not waiver
It is with Him
He is the one constant
that stays
Our expectation
is for better
but better or best
comes to us
through God's strength
received
according to His will
The Lord is with us
every step
every direction
left or right
up or down
surrounding us
Remember Him
at the forefront
Do not be moved.
(c) Cathy Orrick Luders
Jim called again at 8:45 a.m. Dr. Jason Tcheng was in. The x-ray continues to show blockage. They were hoping the obstruction would resolve itself. Dr. Tcheng said they may do a scope tomorrow - a small incision in the abdomen. Depending upon what is seen, it could turn into surgery, with a larger incision, to take care of the bowel obstruction. Jim hopes he will have some answers by the time I get there after work tonight.
A poem sent by my friend Lorraine - it is written by Amy Carmichael, who died in 1951.
Thy Way Is Perfect
Long is the way, and very steep the slope,
Strengthen me once again, O God of hope.
Far, very far, the summit doth appear;
But Thou art near my God, but Thou art near.
And Thou wilt give me with my daily food,
Powers of endurance, courage, fortitude
Thy way is perfect; only let that way
Be clear before my feet from day to day.
Thou art my Portion, saith my soul to Thee,
O what a Portion is my God to me.
~~~~~
Jim has lost his left contact ... in the hospital room's bathroom. Another has been ordered - probably be here Monday.
Nearly 1 p.m. -- Jim called a few minutes ago. Drs. Parekh and Yerkes were both in. They plan to do a scope Thursday, but at this moment don't have a time. They may be able to give him a better idea later today. If the obstruction is twisted, it can be untwisted via the scope. If it is more extensive, they will remove the small intestine and be under general anesthesia. He would be in the hospital another 7 days.
It is after 11 p.m. We still do not know a time. Perhaps tomorrow morning we will know something definite.
Tuesday, June 9, 2015
Set Back - Day 28
I woke at 6 this morning. Jim called at 7 - he had an x-ray of his abdomen at 5:30, which still shows some blockage. The doctor will compare today's x-ray with yesterday's and go from there.
I called Kenway Service and Drain Cleaning at 8 and they will squeeze me in to check out our sewer issue.
From one blockage to another blockage.
Plumber just called - 8:15 ... they're coming now! Thank you Lord!
8:50 a.m. - the line is open! Just everyday stuff clogged in the drain. And the price was reasonable! Now to turn on the air and get some bleach to get rid of the smell.
Thank you so much Don and Carol, Lorraine and Bob and so many more.
I didn't get up to see Jim until 2 this afternoon. Dr. Yerkes never came back after this morning's visit - believe he was in surgery most of the day. The only order that came in was to re-insert the foley catheter. He apparently hasn't been able to void on his own since Monday morning and I guess it was decided might as well put the foley in rather than doing a straight cath.
Bile has stopped coming out of the NG tube, his stomach doesn't cramp as much, he doesn't need the anti-nausea or pain medicine as often. It looks like things are improving, but .... he will more than likely have another x-ray tomorrow of his abdomen.
I am working tomorrow, so won't get up to see him until closer to 7 p.m. I will try to update when we visit via phone.
I called Kenway Service and Drain Cleaning at 8 and they will squeeze me in to check out our sewer issue.
From one blockage to another blockage.
Plumber just called - 8:15 ... they're coming now! Thank you Lord!
8:50 a.m. - the line is open! Just everyday stuff clogged in the drain. And the price was reasonable! Now to turn on the air and get some bleach to get rid of the smell.
Thank you so much Don and Carol, Lorraine and Bob and so many more.
I didn't get up to see Jim until 2 this afternoon. Dr. Yerkes never came back after this morning's visit - believe he was in surgery most of the day. The only order that came in was to re-insert the foley catheter. He apparently hasn't been able to void on his own since Monday morning and I guess it was decided might as well put the foley in rather than doing a straight cath.
Bile has stopped coming out of the NG tube, his stomach doesn't cramp as much, he doesn't need the anti-nausea or pain medicine as often. It looks like things are improving, but .... he will more than likely have another x-ray tomorrow of his abdomen.
I am working tomorrow, so won't get up to see him until closer to 7 p.m. I will try to update when we visit via phone.
Thursday, May 21, 2015
Recovery - Day 9
Jim had a chest x-ray this morning. One of his doctors said maybe the pigtail drain could come out later.
Our bunny, Bandy, is up to no good. Looks for any good wood to sink his teeth into. He misses his daddy. He wants him home. The sentiments of many.
I remember the Scripture from yesterday - "But O my soul, don't be discouraged. Don't be upset; Expect God to act! For I know that I shall again have plenty of reason to praise Him for all that He will do. He is my help! He is my God!" (Psalm 42:11 TLB)
and from today - "Therefore I will look to the Lord, I will wait for the God of my salvation; My God will hear me." (Micah 7:7 NKJV)
and I write.
Abundant life
Abundant living
To have all
that He offers
we must rely solely
on Him
Our thoughts
either bring us closer to His
or take us further away
down paths of selfishness
I will look to the Lord
I will wait
He will hear me
He will do
the Right Thing
at the Right Time
Not too soon
Never too late
Keep looking
Keep waiting
Keep the lines of communication
coming and going
Keep the door open
to Him
who gives us
Abundant Living.
Even in the midst of suffering
He is our safety net.
Our all in all
Do not enter the door
that leads nowhere
the door of stagnant living
Focus on the Lord
and He will guide you
along the Best Path always.
(c) CMOL
Jim had blood work this morning. Also chest x-ray of front and side view of chest at 5 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
A tube with a "whoopie cushion" in it is attached to the pigtail drain that will alert Jim if he is leaking air. Blood will be drawn every day for now because of the coumadin.
The scuttlebutt is that Jim is going home today. We have heard it from the social worker and his nurse, Sonya. At 2:15 p.m. one of his doctors, Jason Chang, came in and said it is true. He heard it from Dr. Parekh -- Jim is going home today. Hallelujah! Praise the Lord!
The pigtail drain remains in and is to be removed (as well as the whoopie cushion gizmo) next Thursday, May 28. We have to call Dr. Parekh's office on Tuesday and set up a time.
We left UIHC at 6:33 p.m. and got home at 7:15 p.m. Kayla, a visiting nurse from UnityPoint, came at 7:30 and left shortly before 9 p.m. He has enough nutritional drink to last 12 hours or slightly longer, so between 8 and 9 a.m. Friday, I'll be changing out the old with a new supply of Osmolite 1.2. By 10:15 p.m. I had crushed all his night pills (3 total), mixed them with his liquid meds, and between Jim and I, we managed to do all the required steps to get them into his feeding tube heading to his tummy.
It is now 11 p.m. - he's in bed and I'm updating this blog.
So, that's all for tonight folks.
FACEBOOK COMMENTS
Our bunny, Bandy, is up to no good. Looks for any good wood to sink his teeth into. He misses his daddy. He wants him home. The sentiments of many.
I remember the Scripture from yesterday - "But O my soul, don't be discouraged. Don't be upset; Expect God to act! For I know that I shall again have plenty of reason to praise Him for all that He will do. He is my help! He is my God!" (Psalm 42:11 TLB)
and from today - "Therefore I will look to the Lord, I will wait for the God of my salvation; My God will hear me." (Micah 7:7 NKJV)
and I write.
Abundant life
Abundant living
To have all
that He offers
we must rely solely
on Him
Our thoughts
either bring us closer to His
or take us further away
down paths of selfishness
I will look to the Lord
I will wait
He will hear me
He will do
the Right Thing
at the Right Time
Not too soon
Never too late
Keep looking
Keep waiting
Keep the lines of communication
coming and going
Keep the door open
to Him
who gives us
Abundant Living.
Even in the midst of suffering
He is our safety net.
Our all in all
Do not enter the door
that leads nowhere
the door of stagnant living
Focus on the Lord
and He will guide you
along the Best Path always.
(c) CMOL
Jim had blood work this morning. Also chest x-ray of front and side view of chest at 5 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
A tube with a "whoopie cushion" in it is attached to the pigtail drain that will alert Jim if he is leaking air. Blood will be drawn every day for now because of the coumadin.
The scuttlebutt is that Jim is going home today. We have heard it from the social worker and his nurse, Sonya. At 2:15 p.m. one of his doctors, Jason Chang, came in and said it is true. He heard it from Dr. Parekh -- Jim is going home today. Hallelujah! Praise the Lord!
The pigtail drain remains in and is to be removed (as well as the whoopie cushion gizmo) next Thursday, May 28. We have to call Dr. Parekh's office on Tuesday and set up a time.
We left UIHC at 6:33 p.m. and got home at 7:15 p.m. Kayla, a visiting nurse from UnityPoint, came at 7:30 and left shortly before 9 p.m. He has enough nutritional drink to last 12 hours or slightly longer, so between 8 and 9 a.m. Friday, I'll be changing out the old with a new supply of Osmolite 1.2. By 10:15 p.m. I had crushed all his night pills (3 total), mixed them with his liquid meds, and between Jim and I, we managed to do all the required steps to get them into his feeding tube heading to his tummy.
It is now 11 p.m. - he's in bed and I'm updating this blog.
So, that's all for tonight folks.
FACEBOOK COMMENTS
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