Jim has not had to use the catheter twice now, since early this morning. That's a good sign. We got up at 7 a.m. and he took a shower, which took a lot out of him. The home health nurse was to be here at 8:30, but she hasn't shown up yet. Just arrived - 8:45. She will change the dressing on the pigtail drain and then we have some questions re: flushing water through on the feeding tube. It doesn't appear it is doing it automatically.
Today's devotional verses and the poem I wrote follows:
"...that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, and attaining to all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the knowledge of the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." (Colossians 2:2-3)
"Wisdom and knowledge will be the stability of your times, and the strength of salvation; the fear of the Lord is His treasure." (Isaiah 33:6)
Hidden Treasures
to be found
in His word
through His followers
other Christians
friends and acquaintances
sharing His love
encouragement
understanding
wisdom
knowledge
with you and me
Hidden
in places
we often do not consider
revealed
to us
in His Perfect time
His timing
is always perfect
reminding us
we can have
every plan
but for it to come to fruition,
for our plans to be God's purpose
fulfilled
we must let go
relinguish our control
and let God
have His way
It is in His way
we truly see the way
which becomes our way
We are One
He and I
You and Him
(c) CMOL
Well, Jim had a bowel movement early afternoon so we don't need any Milk of Magnesium. The water is flushing through on the feeding tube pump as well. We actually heard late this afternoon.
Now if we could just catch up on needed sleep and not end up in the land of grumpies.
Saturday, May 23, 2015
Friday, May 22, 2015
Recovery At Home - Day 10
Jimmy was so glad to get home last night, sitting in his own recliner and being in his own bed. He slept much better and the pain meds given at 10:15 last night lasted until 9 this morning.
The Home Health nurse came at 8:45 a.m. to draw blood and do vitals.
It is a process to crush necessary meds and make sure they are dissolved in water and then adding the correct amount of the liquid meds. I have to make a chart so we'll know when to take what and to have an accurate reading of when he takes pain meds. Every 12 to 14 hours we change out the bags that hold the nutrition he receives via a J-Tube. That too is a process that will only get better as we do it. Between the meds and the nutrition, we do it in tandem - Jim operates the on/off valve and I do the rest. It works ... most of the time. Sometimes we forget things.
It is now 10:20 a.m. and he is shaving and getting cleaned up for the day. He is looking forward to seeing his grandson, Austin.
We've had visits from Rocky, Christina and Austin and two neighbors, Doran, next door, and Bonnie, across the street.
We drove down to CVS Pharmacy, where Jim got some walking in and bought necessary supplies for changing the dressing on his pigtail drain and for using the catheter.
We attempted a 2-hour nap, probably got almost 1 1/2 hours, in between phone calls from 3 different people, two of which were useful - his sister and the home health nurse, and one not so much. The strain of the past 9 days and little sleep got the best of us.
For the second day in a row, Jim has complained of dizziness after taking his evening meds. We called the on-call thoracic Fellow at UIHC. He thought it could be because Jim hasn't had a bowel movement since the second day he was on the feeding tube and suggested he add Milk of Magnesium to the mix. He also suggested that Jim not get up so fast after taking it. So that's what we'll try on Saturday.
The ultimate challenge is to keep fixing your eyes on the Lord no matter what is going on around you.
Accept what you are faced with
and seek God's way
to guide you
through the dark corridors
Do not withdraw your focus
from the Lord God Almighty
and travel down the back streets
and alleys that bring
despair
discouragement
discontent
He will take you places
beyond your wildest dreams
and imagination
He walks with you
runs beside you
covers you
encircles you
embraces you
Wherever you are
thank Hm
for who He is
what He has done,
what He will do
where He has gone
when and how He shows you
Rejoice in His great love
for you
all because of His precious Son,
Jesus
Expect Him to be your guide
to show you what you are capable of
and what He has enabled you to do
Look to Him in every situation
and wait.
It is in His time we find
what He has for us
and it is in waiting
and being acutely aware
of His Presence
that our fears
diminish
and we are blessed
with His loving Peace.
(c) CMOL
The Home Health nurse came at 8:45 a.m. to draw blood and do vitals.
It is a process to crush necessary meds and make sure they are dissolved in water and then adding the correct amount of the liquid meds. I have to make a chart so we'll know when to take what and to have an accurate reading of when he takes pain meds. Every 12 to 14 hours we change out the bags that hold the nutrition he receives via a J-Tube. That too is a process that will only get better as we do it. Between the meds and the nutrition, we do it in tandem - Jim operates the on/off valve and I do the rest. It works ... most of the time. Sometimes we forget things.
It is now 10:20 a.m. and he is shaving and getting cleaned up for the day. He is looking forward to seeing his grandson, Austin.
We've had visits from Rocky, Christina and Austin and two neighbors, Doran, next door, and Bonnie, across the street.
We drove down to CVS Pharmacy, where Jim got some walking in and bought necessary supplies for changing the dressing on his pigtail drain and for using the catheter.
We attempted a 2-hour nap, probably got almost 1 1/2 hours, in between phone calls from 3 different people, two of which were useful - his sister and the home health nurse, and one not so much. The strain of the past 9 days and little sleep got the best of us.
For the second day in a row, Jim has complained of dizziness after taking his evening meds. We called the on-call thoracic Fellow at UIHC. He thought it could be because Jim hasn't had a bowel movement since the second day he was on the feeding tube and suggested he add Milk of Magnesium to the mix. He also suggested that Jim not get up so fast after taking it. So that's what we'll try on Saturday.
The ultimate challenge is to keep fixing your eyes on the Lord no matter what is going on around you.
Accept what you are faced with
and seek God's way
to guide you
through the dark corridors
Do not withdraw your focus
from the Lord God Almighty
and travel down the back streets
and alleys that bring
despair
discouragement
discontent
He will take you places
beyond your wildest dreams
and imagination
He walks with you
runs beside you
covers you
encircles you
embraces you
Wherever you are
thank Hm
for who He is
what He has done,
what He will do
where He has gone
when and how He shows you
Rejoice in His great love
for you
all because of His precious Son,
Jesus
Expect Him to be your guide
to show you what you are capable of
and what He has enabled you to do
Look to Him in every situation
and wait.
It is in His time we find
what He has for us
and it is in waiting
and being acutely aware
of His Presence
that our fears
diminish
and we are blessed
with His loving Peace.
(c) CMOL
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
Wednesday, May 20, 2015
Recovery - Day 8
It still looks like the plan is for Jim to be released today, however, we do not have a definite yes. We have a NO. Not Today. Not Yet. Jim called at 11:17 this morning as I was enroute to Iowa City to tell me the sobering news.
A front and chest x-ray was done and apparently some fluid was found - my guess at the site where the chest tube had been. They had it clamped yesterday and then removed it at 2:30 p.m. The doctors are talking about putting a drain in.
His heart is still in rhythm. Yeah!
He will also have an echocardiogram this morning.
A verse my friend Lorraine sent me ... what a great verse, I don't remember seeing this before. I think it is because of the translation/version. In the New King James Version it reads different. I like how it reads here.
Psalm 42:11 (TLB): "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!"
Our hope for Jim to be released today remains in God's control. No matter how much we would like him home, God knows he needs to stay in the hospital for now.
The chest x-ray shows bubbles in his lungs, so a pigtail drain will be put in where the chest tube had been. So once the doctor is out of big-time surgery, he will do little-time surgery on Jim in his bed in his room. I think I will be absent during that period.
As for his heart, although for the most part it is staying in rhythm, it will at times go out and in and out again. The doctors are concerned of clotting elsewhere in the body or of stroke. So they are considering some type of blood thinner - they have two thoughts .. coumadin or lovenox injection which Jim could give himself.
We don't yet know the results of the echocardiogram.
He did get to take a shower today. First time in over a week. So if you consider visiting, he's clean.
The bedside surgery took place at 2 p.m. The drain was not put in the same place where the chest tube (his right side) had been, but on the front, closer to ride side of neck. At 6:30 p.m. he was given heparin and at bedtime will get the blood thinner coumadin. The doctors say surgery patients get coumadin vs other types of blood thinners. They also seem to think use of the blood thinner is not permanent - that as Jim heals, at some point he will be taken off of it. I pray that is so.
The doctor (Jason Chang, a Fellow with Dr. Parekh) who did the bedside surgery, said they want to see how the drain and the coumadin do for a couple days, so Friday would be the earliest that he might go home.
When Jim told him our plans for going to Northeast Missouri (LaGrange/Hannibal area) over Memorial Day, he suggested we not stray too far from the metro area. So we will be staying local, whether in our home (which would be first choice) or the hospital.
We've started watching movies in the afternoon/evening. Today it was "The Jersey Boys."
I'm sure I'm doing my part in keeping the service stations in business. Three times this week I've filled the tank.
If you're hard up for something to do, come see us wherever we are. You are most welcome.
A front and chest x-ray was done and apparently some fluid was found - my guess at the site where the chest tube had been. They had it clamped yesterday and then removed it at 2:30 p.m. The doctors are talking about putting a drain in.
His heart is still in rhythm. Yeah!
He will also have an echocardiogram this morning.
A verse my friend Lorraine sent me ... what a great verse, I don't remember seeing this before. I think it is because of the translation/version. In the New King James Version it reads different. I like how it reads here.
Psalm 42:11 (TLB): "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!"
Our hope for Jim to be released today remains in God's control. No matter how much we would like him home, God knows he needs to stay in the hospital for now.
The chest x-ray shows bubbles in his lungs, so a pigtail drain will be put in where the chest tube had been. So once the doctor is out of big-time surgery, he will do little-time surgery on Jim in his bed in his room. I think I will be absent during that period.
As for his heart, although for the most part it is staying in rhythm, it will at times go out and in and out again. The doctors are concerned of clotting elsewhere in the body or of stroke. So they are considering some type of blood thinner - they have two thoughts .. coumadin or lovenox injection which Jim could give himself.
We don't yet know the results of the echocardiogram.
He did get to take a shower today. First time in over a week. So if you consider visiting, he's clean.
The bedside surgery took place at 2 p.m. The drain was not put in the same place where the chest tube (his right side) had been, but on the front, closer to ride side of neck. At 6:30 p.m. he was given heparin and at bedtime will get the blood thinner coumadin. The doctors say surgery patients get coumadin vs other types of blood thinners. They also seem to think use of the blood thinner is not permanent - that as Jim heals, at some point he will be taken off of it. I pray that is so.
The doctor (Jason Chang, a Fellow with Dr. Parekh) who did the bedside surgery, said they want to see how the drain and the coumadin do for a couple days, so Friday would be the earliest that he might go home.
When Jim told him our plans for going to Northeast Missouri (LaGrange/Hannibal area) over Memorial Day, he suggested we not stray too far from the metro area. So we will be staying local, whether in our home (which would be first choice) or the hospital.
We've started watching movies in the afternoon/evening. Today it was "The Jersey Boys."
I'm sure I'm doing my part in keeping the service stations in business. Three times this week I've filled the tank.
If you're hard up for something to do, come see us wherever we are. You are most welcome.
Tuesday, May 19, 2015
Recovery - Day 7
Today it has been a week since Jim's surgery. Today, already before 7 a.m., he has had blood work, an EKG, x-ray, bladder scanned and catheterized. He doubts today will be the day to go home, but says things could change. His heart, which stayed in rhythm for 24 hours, went back into Afib. The doctors are concerned about this and are trying to figure out why. The chest tube remains too wet, etc., etc.
I actually arrived in time to see his doctors. Dr. Parekh said they may replace the chest tube with a smaller one, something called a pigtail (I call pigtails something else and it has nothing to do with tubes). His heart is back in rhythm without being on heart medicine. One of the heart doctors came in and visited with us. They are monitoring his heart today. Jim had another chest x-ray at noon. We haven't heard the results of that yet. One IV was taken out.
He is more tired today. His roommate had a rough night, which made for little sleep.
Dr. Parekh said it is a definite maybe re: going home on Wednesday. I see that as more positive than the tentative maybe since Sunday.
Jim and I talked about letting God direct our steps. We have all these plans, and I have come to realize in the last few days that neither one of us has been very good at letting God guide our steps. We've been doing the planning and the directing, and along with that, we have succeeded in failing to be all He desires of us. We have a different plan today, one that is more His desire than ours. I know and Jim knows, once we reminded ourselves, the more of our focus that is on the Lord, the more of His peace we will have.
Jim's chest tube was removed this afternoon. The chest x-ray looks great. Two doctors and a nurse have spoken of the likelihood of him going home tomorrow. This is the most promising it has been since Sunday. His heart is still in rhythm. Thank God and thank you!
Seek peace
pursue peace
Stay aware
of His Presence
go where He directs you
Be still and listen
Do not follow the sound
of your own thoughts
Unless it is the Lord you hear
and respond to,
you are hearing only Noise ....
worldy noise
(c) CMOL
I actually arrived in time to see his doctors. Dr. Parekh said they may replace the chest tube with a smaller one, something called a pigtail (I call pigtails something else and it has nothing to do with tubes). His heart is back in rhythm without being on heart medicine. One of the heart doctors came in and visited with us. They are monitoring his heart today. Jim had another chest x-ray at noon. We haven't heard the results of that yet. One IV was taken out.
He is more tired today. His roommate had a rough night, which made for little sleep.
Dr. Parekh said it is a definite maybe re: going home on Wednesday. I see that as more positive than the tentative maybe since Sunday.
Jim and I talked about letting God direct our steps. We have all these plans, and I have come to realize in the last few days that neither one of us has been very good at letting God guide our steps. We've been doing the planning and the directing, and along with that, we have succeeded in failing to be all He desires of us. We have a different plan today, one that is more His desire than ours. I know and Jim knows, once we reminded ourselves, the more of our focus that is on the Lord, the more of His peace we will have.
Jim's chest tube was removed this afternoon. The chest x-ray looks great. Two doctors and a nurse have spoken of the likelihood of him going home tomorrow. This is the most promising it has been since Sunday. His heart is still in rhythm. Thank God and thank you!
Seek peace
pursue peace
Stay aware
of His Presence
go where He directs you
Be still and listen
Do not follow the sound
of your own thoughts
Unless it is the Lord you hear
and respond to,
you are hearing only Noise ....
worldy noise
(c) CMOL
Monday, May 18, 2015
Recovery - Day 6
Jim called shortly after 7 this morning. He already had blood work drawn and another x-ray of his right side and back.
He said he woke at 3 a.m. with a full bladder, but couldn't release it on his own. Please pray he can accomplish this before going home. It is not a requirement to go home, but would definitely make things easier at this end if he didn't have to deal with a catheter.
Today's devotional led me to Isaiah 55:8-9, which reads: "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways, says the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts."
We are challenged continually to trust the Lord and search for His way throughout each day.
An email received from my friend Lorraine brought more Scripture from the prophet Isaiah (43:5) - "Do not be afraid, for I am with you!"
Do not be afraid
Do not be anxious
Do not be disappointed
Do not be frustrated
Do not be distressed.
I AM with you!
He, the almight God
Is with me!
and with Jimmy!
to help us
to comfort us
to sanctify us
to save us
He is with us
as a kind, benignant Father
He is with us
in every place, every trouble, every conflict
He is with us
through our journey and for evermore
He is with us
through our sicknesses
He is with us
to hold communion
He is with us
to listen to our sighs
to number our tears
to secure us from all injury
Appearances may be very dark; the night may seem very long; and your pains, weakness, and fears may be many and great. Still, if the Lord is with you, you may sing,
"Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vines; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty--yet I will rejoice in the Lord! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!" (Habakkuk 3:17-18)
We are thankful the Lord has blessed us with so many friends and loved ones.
Jim called me around 10 and said he would not be going home today. Still waiting for the chest tube to be drier.
Because of many errands I had to run this morning, I didn't arrive at Jim's side until later. Dr. Parekh (his surgeon) said the chest tube might come out tonight. A swallow study with barium will be done at 1 p.m. in X-ray. It will show how well the sutures are holding and if there is any leakage. Pray there is no leakage.
The final pathology report indicates all is fine. There is NO CANCER. Praise God!
Later this afternoon, I learned results from Jim's swallow study were just fine -- the sutures are holding, meaning there is no leakage.
The challenges to seek the Lord's way throughout this day instead of our own way I'm sure brought disappointment to Him. I'm sure grateful He continues to love us and gives both of us each second and third and fourth chances and more to be His greatest desire for us.
He said he woke at 3 a.m. with a full bladder, but couldn't release it on his own. Please pray he can accomplish this before going home. It is not a requirement to go home, but would definitely make things easier at this end if he didn't have to deal with a catheter.
Today's devotional led me to Isaiah 55:8-9, which reads: "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways, says the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts."
We are challenged continually to trust the Lord and search for His way throughout each day.
An email received from my friend Lorraine brought more Scripture from the prophet Isaiah (43:5) - "Do not be afraid, for I am with you!"
Do not be afraid
Do not be anxious
Do not be disappointed
Do not be frustrated
Do not be distressed.
I AM with you!
He, the almight God
Is with me!
and with Jimmy!
to help us
to comfort us
to sanctify us
to save us
He is with us
as a kind, benignant Father
He is with us
in every place, every trouble, every conflict
He is with us
through our journey and for evermore
He is with us
through our sicknesses
He is with us
to hold communion
He is with us
to listen to our sighs
to number our tears
to secure us from all injury
Appearances may be very dark; the night may seem very long; and your pains, weakness, and fears may be many and great. Still, if the Lord is with you, you may sing,
"Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vines; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty--yet I will rejoice in the Lord! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!" (Habakkuk 3:17-18)
We are thankful the Lord has blessed us with so many friends and loved ones.
Jim called me around 10 and said he would not be going home today. Still waiting for the chest tube to be drier.
Because of many errands I had to run this morning, I didn't arrive at Jim's side until later. Dr. Parekh (his surgeon) said the chest tube might come out tonight. A swallow study with barium will be done at 1 p.m. in X-ray. It will show how well the sutures are holding and if there is any leakage. Pray there is no leakage.
The final pathology report indicates all is fine. There is NO CANCER. Praise God!
Later this afternoon, I learned results from Jim's swallow study were just fine -- the sutures are holding, meaning there is no leakage.
The challenges to seek the Lord's way throughout this day instead of our own way I'm sure brought disappointment to Him. I'm sure grateful He continues to love us and gives both of us each second and third and fourth chances and more to be His greatest desire for us.
Sunday, May 17, 2015
Recovery - Day 5
Today is Sunday. Because I hadn't heard from Jim at the usual hour I called him at 7:15 a.m. and learned he was heading down to X-ray. He said he slept well until 5 a.m., when he woke up in pain. Because his pain meds now come through the J-tube, he had to request a pain injection. I imagine it couldn't come fast enough.
He called back at 8 a.m. and said the techs x-rayed his right side and back. The doctor will look at the x-rays and then determine whether Jim is going home this afternoon or staying another day. He might have some answers by 10 a.m.
I am going to 10:45 a.m. worship service at Immanuel.
We now have a bed wedge thanks to special friends who loaned us theirs.
Talked to Jim at 12:15 p.m. - he is not going home today.
He might on Monday.
When Dr. Yerkes (spelling?) came in at 3 p.m. to remove the neck tube, he said the chest tube needs to dry up more before it can be taken out. Currently about 10 ccs of blood has drained in the last 8 hours. So that is good. No complications, no infections, just still wet.
The catheter also has been removed, but he hasn't had the urge to go, so we remain in a waiting game there too.
He is off the heart medicine to see how his Afib cooperates.
We also learned we are waiting for the final pathology report, which may come tomorrow. Pathologists don't work weekends.
He called back at 8 a.m. and said the techs x-rayed his right side and back. The doctor will look at the x-rays and then determine whether Jim is going home this afternoon or staying another day. He might have some answers by 10 a.m.
I am going to 10:45 a.m. worship service at Immanuel.
We now have a bed wedge thanks to special friends who loaned us theirs.
Talked to Jim at 12:15 p.m. - he is not going home today.
He might on Monday.
When Dr. Yerkes (spelling?) came in at 3 p.m. to remove the neck tube, he said the chest tube needs to dry up more before it can be taken out. Currently about 10 ccs of blood has drained in the last 8 hours. So that is good. No complications, no infections, just still wet.
The catheter also has been removed, but he hasn't had the urge to go, so we remain in a waiting game there too.
He is off the heart medicine to see how his Afib cooperates.
We also learned we are waiting for the final pathology report, which may come tomorrow. Pathologists don't work weekends.
Saturday, May 16, 2015
Recovery - Day 4
Jim had a better night of sleeping. Another x-ray of his stomach was taken and sometime during the night he finished the container of nutrition, nicknamed "chocolate milk." He is now on 60 milliliters per hour - that is where it will stay until he discontinues it.
He is constantly complaining of being tired. Even though everyone says how good his color is, he frequently asks why he doesn't feel as good as he looks. One of the surgeons who assisted with a lung transplant yesterday stopped in to see Jim this morning and told him his procedure is right up there with open-heart surgery. So he's tired because of the type of surgery and also because of the pain medication - type and frequency.
Bandy Andy Bear (the bunny) is eating. He hasn't been eating for a couple of weeks because of concern for his daddy.
Jim just called (again) at 10:15 a.m. He said the pain meds coming via IV have been discontinued and he was given an injection through his feeding tube (J-tube). This is how he will receive his pain medication going forward and I will be instructed on how to do this for him.
I brought the over-the-bed table up from the basement. Jim wanted me to find the bed wedge he thought we still had, but I haven't been successful so far. May need to buy a new one, an inexpensive new one, unless someone has one they are not using that we can borrow.
Blake from UnityPoint Home Medical arrived at 11 a.m. He brought 8-plus cases of Osmolite 1.2 high-protein nutrition, an IV-pole, a travel pack for church and other nearby outings, plastic bags for the nutrition and for water to flush, plus the pump. And of course lots of paperwork to sign. I sure hope Blue Cross picks up the tab, since the total comes in at $1406 -- $630 alone just for the nutrition every month.
It was 2 p.m. before I arrived at UIHC. Very quiet on the floor. I learned how to inject the pain medicine into his J-tube. Jim and I did it in tandem - he operated the on-off valve and I did the flushing and medicine delivery. The nurse said Jim could even do it himself if necessary. That's useful information for when I have an appointment.
Jim walked twice today, further distances, and walked me to the elevator when I left for the day. We look for ways to bring some normalcy to our time together.
Today was a frustrating day for me. I didn't sleep well and woke up with a painful left ankle, hip and wrist. I misplaced my wrist brace.
I wrote a poem (see below) that I didn't do well at living up to. I wasn't focusing on the Lord, but on every little thing that only added bumps to my road. It was not a smooth day.
Here's the poem:
Whatever the plan
realize
it never permanent
only possibly
happening
a tentative plan
We do not know
what God has
in mind
for our day
Stay where you are
concentrate
the task at hand
to do
before other things
you think need
to be done
You have much
on your mind
focus on My Presence
let all else
fade away
Pray
Rest
Anticipate
Trust
Step by step
moment by moment
He will guide
our movement
He is our Lord and Savior
Be one
with God
not separated
alone to self
but together
with God alone.
(c) May 16, 2015
I am unsure of my capabilities, unsure how much I can handle, unsure how I can balance work and caring for Jim, unsure I will do it well or even good enough.
He is constantly complaining of being tired. Even though everyone says how good his color is, he frequently asks why he doesn't feel as good as he looks. One of the surgeons who assisted with a lung transplant yesterday stopped in to see Jim this morning and told him his procedure is right up there with open-heart surgery. So he's tired because of the type of surgery and also because of the pain medication - type and frequency.
Bandy Andy Bear (the bunny) is eating. He hasn't been eating for a couple of weeks because of concern for his daddy.
Jim just called (again) at 10:15 a.m. He said the pain meds coming via IV have been discontinued and he was given an injection through his feeding tube (J-tube). This is how he will receive his pain medication going forward and I will be instructed on how to do this for him.
I brought the over-the-bed table up from the basement. Jim wanted me to find the bed wedge he thought we still had, but I haven't been successful so far. May need to buy a new one, an inexpensive new one, unless someone has one they are not using that we can borrow.
Blake from UnityPoint Home Medical arrived at 11 a.m. He brought 8-plus cases of Osmolite 1.2 high-protein nutrition, an IV-pole, a travel pack for church and other nearby outings, plastic bags for the nutrition and for water to flush, plus the pump. And of course lots of paperwork to sign. I sure hope Blue Cross picks up the tab, since the total comes in at $1406 -- $630 alone just for the nutrition every month.
It was 2 p.m. before I arrived at UIHC. Very quiet on the floor. I learned how to inject the pain medicine into his J-tube. Jim and I did it in tandem - he operated the on-off valve and I did the flushing and medicine delivery. The nurse said Jim could even do it himself if necessary. That's useful information for when I have an appointment.
Jim walked twice today, further distances, and walked me to the elevator when I left for the day. We look for ways to bring some normalcy to our time together.
Today was a frustrating day for me. I didn't sleep well and woke up with a painful left ankle, hip and wrist. I misplaced my wrist brace.
I wrote a poem (see below) that I didn't do well at living up to. I wasn't focusing on the Lord, but on every little thing that only added bumps to my road. It was not a smooth day.
Here's the poem:
Whatever the plan
realize
it never permanent
only possibly
happening
a tentative plan
We do not know
what God has
in mind
for our day
Stay where you are
concentrate
the task at hand
to do
before other things
you think need
to be done
You have much
on your mind
focus on My Presence
let all else
fade away
Pray
Rest
Anticipate
Trust
Step by step
moment by moment
He will guide
our movement
He is our Lord and Savior
Be one
with God
not separated
alone to self
but together
with God alone.
(c) May 16, 2015
I am unsure of my capabilities, unsure how much I can handle, unsure how I can balance work and caring for Jim, unsure I will do it well or even good enough.
Friday, May 15, 2015
New room, new phone no.
Another man needed Jim's room because of an infection, so late this morning, Jim was moved from Room 59 to Room 69. His new phone number is (319) 353-9304.
Recovery - Day 3
Jimmy is feeling better. He called shortly before 7 this morning, 30 seconds after I woke up. He slept better. They gave him benedryl through the IV which helped him sleep through the night and with his allergies.
The x-ray with dye contrast of his stomach indicated he was good to go forward with the tube feedings, so that will start this afternoon.
Tube feedings began a bit earlier - at 9:30 a.m. The nutritional drink - looks like chocolate milk - comes in a plastic carton that hangs upside down on the pole by his bed/chair. He gets 25 milliliters per hour.
He moved into a new room because someone needed a private room due to an infection. So he is around the corner to the left, sharing a room. He says he likes the new room better; he can sit by the window and have the picture of himself and Austin sitting on the shelf.
He has taken 2 walks so far today. He has to be up and out on the road (the floor) 4 times today.
After he got to his new room and was situated, he put in his contacts and hearing aids.
Dietician came at 2 p.m. and we discussed what types of foods/drinks Jim could have at the various stages - clear liquids, all liquids and soft mushy.
We are frustrated with our dealings with UnityPoint Home Medical. It has been an all-day process to get anywhere. The whole point of going with them was Jim's 22 years of service with Home Medical and Hospice. It seems like they aren't interested nor cordial in working with the patient/customer. When Jim used to work with them (he left there in 2011-12), on-call was 24 hours; now it seems considerably less than that. So many hoops to jump through. We managed to get it set up for the on-call guy to come to our house at 11 a.m. Saturday to deliver and set up the pole and/or travel backpack, the nutritional supplies and pump, give brief instructions and have me sign insurance papers. A family member or power of attorney has to be present - no neighbors.
Melissa, the nurse practitioner, came by to visit about how things are going and how things need to continue to progress for Jim's release on Sunday afternoon.
There were bubbles in his chest tube on Day 1 and also last night, but none today. Something to do with a chance of collapsed lung, so they watch that carefully.
Since he can't take flomax for his enlarged prostate, he has been given proscar (spellling questionable) through the J-tube. The foley catheter probably will not come out until Sunday. It is hoped Jim can go by himself, but if not, the foley will either need to be re-inserted or he'll have to do a straight cath. Neither one is exciting to think about. Have to see what tonight to Saturday and all day Saturday bring. It could be he wouldn't be released until Monday.
Physical Therapy stopped by while I was in the visitor's lounge updating this. Jim doesn't need any additional PT. We thought maybe it wise to check it out, especially with the steps into the house. But things are okay there and he has now taken his 3rd walk today.
The medicine Jim was taking for Afib was discontinued during the day to see how he would do, but numbers went up again, so at 5 p.m., he was back to taking abuterol (spelling?) I think.
He had two visitors today -- Pastor Dan this morning and Bob and Lorraine Kappmeyer this evening.
The x-ray with dye contrast of his stomach indicated he was good to go forward with the tube feedings, so that will start this afternoon.
Tube feedings began a bit earlier - at 9:30 a.m. The nutritional drink - looks like chocolate milk - comes in a plastic carton that hangs upside down on the pole by his bed/chair. He gets 25 milliliters per hour.
He moved into a new room because someone needed a private room due to an infection. So he is around the corner to the left, sharing a room. He says he likes the new room better; he can sit by the window and have the picture of himself and Austin sitting on the shelf.
He has taken 2 walks so far today. He has to be up and out on the road (the floor) 4 times today.
After he got to his new room and was situated, he put in his contacts and hearing aids.
Dietician came at 2 p.m. and we discussed what types of foods/drinks Jim could have at the various stages - clear liquids, all liquids and soft mushy.
We are frustrated with our dealings with UnityPoint Home Medical. It has been an all-day process to get anywhere. The whole point of going with them was Jim's 22 years of service with Home Medical and Hospice. It seems like they aren't interested nor cordial in working with the patient/customer. When Jim used to work with them (he left there in 2011-12), on-call was 24 hours; now it seems considerably less than that. So many hoops to jump through. We managed to get it set up for the on-call guy to come to our house at 11 a.m. Saturday to deliver and set up the pole and/or travel backpack, the nutritional supplies and pump, give brief instructions and have me sign insurance papers. A family member or power of attorney has to be present - no neighbors.
Melissa, the nurse practitioner, came by to visit about how things are going and how things need to continue to progress for Jim's release on Sunday afternoon.
There were bubbles in his chest tube on Day 1 and also last night, but none today. Something to do with a chance of collapsed lung, so they watch that carefully.
Since he can't take flomax for his enlarged prostate, he has been given proscar (spellling questionable) through the J-tube. The foley catheter probably will not come out until Sunday. It is hoped Jim can go by himself, but if not, the foley will either need to be re-inserted or he'll have to do a straight cath. Neither one is exciting to think about. Have to see what tonight to Saturday and all day Saturday bring. It could be he wouldn't be released until Monday.
Physical Therapy stopped by while I was in the visitor's lounge updating this. Jim doesn't need any additional PT. We thought maybe it wise to check it out, especially with the steps into the house. But things are okay there and he has now taken his 3rd walk today.
The medicine Jim was taking for Afib was discontinued during the day to see how he would do, but numbers went up again, so at 5 p.m., he was back to taking abuterol (spelling?) I think.
He had two visitors today -- Pastor Dan this morning and Bob and Lorraine Kappmeyer this evening.
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