Well, it's been quite a weekend. Tom was doing pretty well after the abrupt discharge from the hospital. He wasn't feeling well all day Saturday - we're not really sure why. He started getting disoriented Saturday night. I gave him extra medicine and I was up with him every 30 to 45 minutes through the night - I am not exaggerating! He was better Sunday but disoriented again last night. We did get a couple of hours of continuous sleep but he was not better this morning, in fact he was getting worse. A caregiver was supposed to be here at 7 am, I normally would have left for work at 6:30 if the person I know is coming has been here before. But because Tom was not doing so well, I decided to wait . . . And wait. She never came. I called at 7:45 to find out what was going on. They told me our assigned caregiver was ill and would not be here - apparently someone was supposed to call but they didn't. Now I know how a mom feels when the babysitter cancels! Anyway, they called back and told me someone (new) would be here about 10 am. Fortunately I have a very, very understanding boss and team! I was worried we would scare away the new caregiver when I gave her the situation but she said she would stay. I was so relieved to head to work. Tom and I get really stressed out with each other when his ammonia level is high. I also had to send the painter away today. We are both desperate to get the painting finished but there was no way for him to work around Tom since he needed to work in the kitchen and family room. It will have to wait.
I called about two hours later and Tom had not improved. I received a call about an hour after that and found out that the home health nurse had stopped by for her evaluation - Tom goes through this every time he is discharged. She did not draw blood but thought he was responding pretty well. She also told me the physical therapist had called Tom and he was planning to come by as well. Tom asked to talk to me and he did sound a bit better. It made me feel a little better that the nurse had seen him. I called the physical therapist to let him know that Tom was not quite himself today. He suggested postponing his visit but I thought Tom might be looking forward to the visit (company) so I told him to go ahead and come - I knew I would be home by then as well.
Tom did a really good job with physical therapy, I watched what they did and asked how often the exercises should be done. I told Tom we would do them together tomorrow. He's eaten some soup for dinner and is sleeping now. I am praying hard he will improve. It's been a really tough day physically, emotionally and spiritually. I'm thankful to be able to vent to my co-workers and family. Rest would be good but it's more important for his ammonia level to go down and rest and ammonia are like mixing oil and water.
Monday, November 12, 2012
Thursday, November 8, 2012
Tom is home!
We didn't see that coming!!
Tom called yesterday at 4 pm and told me he was being discharged! After a bit of scrambling, we agreed it would be best to have an ambulance bring him home as opposed to me trying to get him up the ramp in the dark and cold by myself. We were both a bit worried about how he would do with just me to help but things have gone pretty well so far. He is still in pain but is just going to have to work through it.
As God's perfect timing would have it, my afternoon opened up yesterday so I decided to take a half-day of vacation and get some errands run. Mostly it was so I could take the dogs to the vet for their shots and stuff and not have to sit and wait on the weekend. One hour: checkups, shots, and nail trims = $438.00! Then we (the dogs and I) took Tom's truck to get air in the tires, fill it up with gas and then picked up the tile for the kitchen backsplash. It was a very productive afternoon. I wasn't home 10 minutes when Tom called. I am so thankful to have been able to get all of that done. The dogs are SO HAPPY to have Tom at home!
After Tom called, I called Comfort Keepers immediately to arrange for someone to stay with him since I had quite a few work commitments this week. They were mostly able to accommodate my request so that worked out too.
As always, I ask that you continue to pray for Tom - that the pain will be tolerable and he will feel a sense of urgency to get moving and get stronger. I'd also like to ask you to pray for a couple of our friends: Melinda, a friend from Memphis who has been diagnosed with breast cancer and Amber, a friend from Georgia whose mother died Wednesday night after a difficult battle with cancer. No one is immune to life's struggles, praise God that He is with us every step of the way!
Tom called yesterday at 4 pm and told me he was being discharged! After a bit of scrambling, we agreed it would be best to have an ambulance bring him home as opposed to me trying to get him up the ramp in the dark and cold by myself. We were both a bit worried about how he would do with just me to help but things have gone pretty well so far. He is still in pain but is just going to have to work through it.
As God's perfect timing would have it, my afternoon opened up yesterday so I decided to take a half-day of vacation and get some errands run. Mostly it was so I could take the dogs to the vet for their shots and stuff and not have to sit and wait on the weekend. One hour: checkups, shots, and nail trims = $438.00! Then we (the dogs and I) took Tom's truck to get air in the tires, fill it up with gas and then picked up the tile for the kitchen backsplash. It was a very productive afternoon. I wasn't home 10 minutes when Tom called. I am so thankful to have been able to get all of that done. The dogs are SO HAPPY to have Tom at home!
After Tom called, I called Comfort Keepers immediately to arrange for someone to stay with him since I had quite a few work commitments this week. They were mostly able to accommodate my request so that worked out too.
As always, I ask that you continue to pray for Tom - that the pain will be tolerable and he will feel a sense of urgency to get moving and get stronger. I'd also like to ask you to pray for a couple of our friends: Melinda, a friend from Memphis who has been diagnosed with breast cancer and Amber, a friend from Georgia whose mother died Wednesday night after a difficult battle with cancer. No one is immune to life's struggles, praise God that He is with us every step of the way!
Monday, November 5, 2012
A NEW ROOM
Well, Tom is still in the hospital but in a new room. I guess this "isolation" room opened up and they wanted to move him here this morning. It is much nicer than the other one so I'm not complaining. He's always in "isolation" because of the staph infection he had 7 years ago. They are continuing to give him antibiotics - still don't really know what they are treating - I'm not sure they do either. Dr. Miller, the gastroenterologist stopped by today but nothing in his treatment was changed. I guess they are still trying to locate a bed in a skilled nursing facility. He was evaluated by Vanderbilt Stallworth today - that is an intense rehab place but I don't think they feel like he is ready. He walked pretty far down the hall today. I was hoping he would walk again tonight but I don't think that is going to happen. I guess if I could stay until 10 or 11 tonight he might go but I just can't stay that late.
He is much better overall today. He is more "awake" than he was this weekend. I'm sure that has to do with a lower ammonia level. I can't seem to get anyone to give me exact numbers - only things like "it's better".
Tom has been on the 4th floor this visit. He is usually on 6 or 7. They have closed the 7th floor because they don't have the patient load to keep it open. We have seen a lot of "our" nurses and techs working on this floor. Today they told the 7th floor staff they had 30 days to re-apply for open positions elsewhere in the hospital or they would be let go. I was surprised to learn that they actually apply for positions on certain floors. I would have thought they would just keep those with seniority or something. Our nurse today, who I really like, said most of the staff was encouraged because there are a lot of other positions open, it's just hard though because they will all split up. I guess it's sort of like my department - we are family! Please add the nurses and techs to your prayer list.
Today was a very productive day at work and I even got two things from my home "to do" list done - namely putting gas in the car and air in the tires. Some things just can't wait. It's a good feeling - especially for a Monday!! Tom's truck needs gas and air too so maybe I can knock those out tomorrow!
I really, really hope they can get him moved closer to home soon. He is doing well enough to go straight home except being able to stand up from a sitting position which is important. Hopefully a few days of work on that task and he can be home. He's just got to get out of here first!
Pray, too, for our country - especially tomorrow as we "begin" the Presidential election. I don't think it will be over tomorrow (or anytime soon).
XOXOXO
He is much better overall today. He is more "awake" than he was this weekend. I'm sure that has to do with a lower ammonia level. I can't seem to get anyone to give me exact numbers - only things like "it's better".
Tom has been on the 4th floor this visit. He is usually on 6 or 7. They have closed the 7th floor because they don't have the patient load to keep it open. We have seen a lot of "our" nurses and techs working on this floor. Today they told the 7th floor staff they had 30 days to re-apply for open positions elsewhere in the hospital or they would be let go. I was surprised to learn that they actually apply for positions on certain floors. I would have thought they would just keep those with seniority or something. Our nurse today, who I really like, said most of the staff was encouraged because there are a lot of other positions open, it's just hard though because they will all split up. I guess it's sort of like my department - we are family! Please add the nurses and techs to your prayer list.
Today was a very productive day at work and I even got two things from my home "to do" list done - namely putting gas in the car and air in the tires. Some things just can't wait. It's a good feeling - especially for a Monday!! Tom's truck needs gas and air too so maybe I can knock those out tomorrow!
I really, really hope they can get him moved closer to home soon. He is doing well enough to go straight home except being able to stand up from a sitting position which is important. Hopefully a few days of work on that task and he can be home. He's just got to get out of here first!
Pray, too, for our country - especially tomorrow as we "begin" the Presidential election. I don't think it will be over tomorrow (or anytime soon).
XOXOXO
Saturday, November 3, 2012
Still in the hospital
Tom is still in the hospital. I'm guessing it's because they haven't found an available bed in a skilled nursing facility. However, he is still receiving IV antibiotics and his ammonia level is back up to 125 (which is down from 134 two days ago). It was in the 40's four days ago - do not know what has caused it to jump back up. He does not feel good today but did get up and walk with the walker to the door and back. It didn't hurt him as much as he thought it would. I hope we can do it again tonight. His appetite has not been too great the past few days. He does not seem to be disoriented or confused but he is agitated. They backed down on the ammonia medicine a day or two ago, I don't know if they've increased it again or not. Don't see the nurses and techs much when I'm here.
Before they started the antibiotic today, they had to draw blood to test the vanc level. The lab tech said they would be drawing blood again while the IV was running and then again at the end. I am not happy that they have to stick Tom 3 times, of course, neither is he! The nurse wonders why he is irritated!!!
Got a few things done at home today, laundry, bills and watering the yard. They planted some grass when the removed the berms on Monday. I'm supposed to be keeping the straw wet. I have the sprinkler on a timer and I try to move it around every night to get full coverage. I also got to go to kick-box class this morning, I'm feeling that tonight but I love it!
I'm looking forward to the extra hour of sleep tonight - it is the only good part of "fall back".
Before they started the antibiotic today, they had to draw blood to test the vanc level. The lab tech said they would be drawing blood again while the IV was running and then again at the end. I am not happy that they have to stick Tom 3 times, of course, neither is he! The nurse wonders why he is irritated!!!
Got a few things done at home today, laundry, bills and watering the yard. They planted some grass when the removed the berms on Monday. I'm supposed to be keeping the straw wet. I have the sprinkler on a timer and I try to move it around every night to get full coverage. I also got to go to kick-box class this morning, I'm feeling that tonight but I love it!
I'm looking forward to the extra hour of sleep tonight - it is the only good part of "fall back".
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Much better today
Tom's ammonia level is down so that alone makes today so much better. He is still in a lot of pain and they are giving him what they can but he's going to have to work through it. He is not strong enough to move to an intensive rehab facility so he will probably go to a skilled nursing facility for a while until he can get stronger. Hopefully that will happen in the next day or so and he will get to move some place close to home. I told the social worker he could not go back to the place he was this summer!
He's pretty sleepy tonight. I'm trying to get him to wake up to eat and then do some of the exercises he did with physical therapy.
My neighbors, Bob and Gail, are taking such good care of the dogs by letting them out to run around during the day. Yesterday I got home to find homemade cupcakes. They are so yummy! We are so blessed!
Hope everyone has a safe Halloween!
He's pretty sleepy tonight. I'm trying to get him to wake up to eat and then do some of the exercises he did with physical therapy.
My neighbors, Bob and Gail, are taking such good care of the dogs by letting them out to run around during the day. Yesterday I got home to find homemade cupcakes. They are so yummy! We are so blessed!
Hope everyone has a safe Halloween!
Monday, October 29, 2012
Sometimes . . .
I just want to scream!
Tom still seemed "out of it" to me today. He is getting the same dose of pain medicine that he gets at home but he is able to take it more often. He has refused to take it a couple of times because his pain was not bad enough at the time - good for him!
His ammonia level is up to 145 today, no explanation. That certainly had a lot to do with the lethargy. When he talks, he makes sense but I do question what he is telling me. For instance, he told me that today he walked without a walker. I didn't believe him. So, he got up to the side of the bed, asked me to raise it some, stood up, grabbed my had and walked forward about 5 steps and then backed up to the bed!!!!! I am so proud of him. A slap in my face for not believing him. Dr. Rutland did not come by while I was here this morning. Tom told me later that Dr. Rutland wanted to try to send him home tomorrow. When I got here this afternoon, Tom did not look comfortable (I kinda had a feeling this tech was not going to be that good). After he walked, he stood up again so that I could change the wet (from fluid) sheets and his gown. I noticed that his lower leg was red and warm (cellulitis) so I called for the nurse. She gets points for coming in to see it and then calling Dr. Rutland. He came back over this evening to look for himself. This gave me a chance to talk to him about extra physical that for Tom (even if I have to pay for it myself). He gave his blessing with gusto. He asked me if social work had talked to me, I said no. Apparently they are trying to get Tom into a more intense rehab place - hallelujah! I jumped on that. I really do want Tom to come home but he needs more intense therapy for a while - whether it's inpatient or outpatient. I'm not sure Tom was really getting the whole conversation. I did tell Dr. Rutland about the walking and even he was surprised. So, prayers that Tom can get some time in an intense rehab. I'm still going to pursue extra therapy at home though.
Tomorrow I will call off the UAB visit. Maybe we can reschedule for next month.
Still concerned about the ammonia and cellulitis but at least they are monitoring it.
Tom still seemed "out of it" to me today. He is getting the same dose of pain medicine that he gets at home but he is able to take it more often. He has refused to take it a couple of times because his pain was not bad enough at the time - good for him!
His ammonia level is up to 145 today, no explanation. That certainly had a lot to do with the lethargy. When he talks, he makes sense but I do question what he is telling me. For instance, he told me that today he walked without a walker. I didn't believe him. So, he got up to the side of the bed, asked me to raise it some, stood up, grabbed my had and walked forward about 5 steps and then backed up to the bed!!!!! I am so proud of him. A slap in my face for not believing him. Dr. Rutland did not come by while I was here this morning. Tom told me later that Dr. Rutland wanted to try to send him home tomorrow. When I got here this afternoon, Tom did not look comfortable (I kinda had a feeling this tech was not going to be that good). After he walked, he stood up again so that I could change the wet (from fluid) sheets and his gown. I noticed that his lower leg was red and warm (cellulitis) so I called for the nurse. She gets points for coming in to see it and then calling Dr. Rutland. He came back over this evening to look for himself. This gave me a chance to talk to him about extra physical that for Tom (even if I have to pay for it myself). He gave his blessing with gusto. He asked me if social work had talked to me, I said no. Apparently they are trying to get Tom into a more intense rehab place - hallelujah! I jumped on that. I really do want Tom to come home but he needs more intense therapy for a while - whether it's inpatient or outpatient. I'm not sure Tom was really getting the whole conversation. I did tell Dr. Rutland about the walking and even he was surprised. So, prayers that Tom can get some time in an intense rehab. I'm still going to pursue extra therapy at home though.
Tomorrow I will call off the UAB visit. Maybe we can reschedule for next month.
Still concerned about the ammonia and cellulitis but at least they are monitoring it.
Sunday, October 28, 2012
Better?
It's kind of difficult to tell if Tom is better today. He's been sleeping most of the time I have been here. I am thinking (hoping) it is the extra pain medicine and not his ammonia level. He seems to know what is going on but still gets confused about some things. Dr. Richards ordered physical therapy for him today and he sat on the side of the bed. It didn't seem to hurt him as bad as I thought it would. It will be interesting to see what Dr. Rutland says tomorrow. If his ammonia level is down there might not be any "medical" reason for him to stay but if he cannot get up, he still won't be able to go home. I really don't want him to have to go to rehab for one hour of physical therapy a day. I probably just need to quit worrying about something that hasn't happened yet, huh?
We were blessed with a visit from Bob Gaskill, a member of my Sunday School class. He and his wife Emily have been so good to us, as have all the members of my class. Tom didn't participate much in the conversation but he was listening with his eyes closed :-)
Praying that Tom will have a pain-free day tomorrow!
We were blessed with a visit from Bob Gaskill, a member of my Sunday School class. He and his wife Emily have been so good to us, as have all the members of my class. Tom didn't participate much in the conversation but he was listening with his eyes closed :-)
Praying that Tom will have a pain-free day tomorrow!
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