I can't believe the date on the last post...it couldn't have been that long ago. As always time goes by too fast.
I would be remiss, if I did not thank all of you for the support you showed to Scott and our family at the blood drive. We kept the American Red Cross busy from start to finish. There were so many walk ins and people who had signed up that we actually had to turn people away at the end. In total 84 units of blood were donated. The Red Cross organizer spoke to me personally and said that "they had never seen a blood drive like this-with so many people"
I must admit that as I was organizing the blood drive, I allowed fear to sneak in. Thoughts of "no one coming" etc, filled my mind. I don't know why I even worried, it was a huge success due to selfless people like YOU! Thank you.
Now for an update on Scott...
Over labor day weekend, Scott's amputated leg started looking red and we were all concerned infection was setting in again. Mind you, they had just stopped the "round the clock" antibiotics two weeks prior and pulled out his PICC line (long term IV). He was seen at the BRVH and IV antiobiotics were administered. A few days later Scott was seen at IMC and gratefully, they felt like everything was okay and that he just needed some oral antibiotics. This roller coaster ride is a doozy.
Most recently Scott has been back to work and I know this has really lifted his spirits. He loves to be out and about and around people. I hope I am not being too bold by sharing my gratitude to Scott's employer Greenline. They have gone above and beyond in helping Scott and his family. They have made accommodations and welcomed him back. They fill a void, that we (his family) can not. We are all so grateful.
A story:
A few weeks ago, I went to Tremonton to celebrate my Nephew's birthday. A few minutes after pulling in, Scott's girls' Shaunie and Shelby pulled in. They immediately set to work getting Scott's wheelchair out of the truck, setting it up, getting pillows etc ready for Scott to get out of the truck. I looked at those girls, my sweet nieces, whom I used to babysit, with deep admiration. They who were once so tiny are now grown and their roles a bit reversed and my heart burst with pride, and honestly some sadness.
For those of you who know Scott and his family personally, you know how wonderful his children are. They are kind, responsible, hard working, and all things good. For that, I am so proud. My sadness came because throughout all of this, I fear some things have been taken from them. Already at such a young age, they have taken on the role of caretaker.
In this "new" life, getting wheelchairs out have replaced jumping out of the car and running into the party, IV antibiotics replaced the places in the fridge, where milk used to go, having Dad help them at the fair has changed to them helping Dad get to the fair. They've gone through the emotions and thoughts of possibly losing their Dad. That changes you. It's not bad but sometimes it doesn't seem fair.
More change:
Back in 2009, before Scott was diagnosed with liver failure, before any thoughts of what the last few months would hold, before our Grandma (my Mom's mom) started showing signs of dementia and requiring around the clock care (provided by her children).
My Mom and I booked a "once in a lifetime" trip to Israel, Greece, Turkey and Egypt (unfortunately Egypt has since been removed from our tour). We leave next week. Over the months, I have had to talk my Mom, back into going more times than I can count. Now instead of worrying about what to pack, My Mom is worried about her mother, her son. Now, going to a place without cell service seems unwise. We will go and I pray that when we return all will be well.
Most Importantly:
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go" Joshua 1:9
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Blood drive this Friday! Sign up!
I am happy to announce that we have 58 donors registered for our blood drive!
If you're not already registered-it's not to late! The above picture could be you!
See the happy smiling faces on both participants? The participant is enjoying his experience-there are no signs of pain! The soft squishy bananna-esqe type chair? So comfortable-you really must come try it! The relaxing clean, white environment? I know you want to! :)
Available appointments:
2 at 3:45
1 at 4:15
1 at 4:30
1 at 4:45
1 at 5:30
1 at 6:45
Of course it is best to make an appointment, but we can accommodate some walk ins---you just might have to wait a bit. I need to let the Red Cross coordinator know tomorrow how many we have registered so he can bring the appropriate amount of people/supplies. If we get more people we can open up more time slots. So please (imagine me begging-it's not to difficult! ha!) let me know asap if you can donate.
Again, you can leave a comment here on the blog
you can email me at amgreener1214@hotmail.com
or message me on facebook (April Greener)
You can also call my Mom at 1-435-854-3854 and register through her.
Held at Tremonton West Stake Center
This Friday August 5th
2pm-7pm
We will be calling everyone who has registered tomorrow with a reminder call of their appointment time.
To answer a question I have been asked..Anyone over 17 years can donate without parental permission. Teens aged 16 can donate with a parent permission slip.
Today my Mom, took a phone call from a woman who just moved here from Pennsylvania. She saw the announcement in the Leader today (did you?) and called to volunteer to donate. She doesn't know Scott or anyone in our family. She said that she usually donates every 8 weeks (as often as you can) and was disappointed when she moved here that there was not a local place she could routinely donate at. Can you imagine how many people she has helped? All I can say, is Thank you and I would love my life to emulate hers.
"As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them." --JFK
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Update on available appointments!
We are over the 1/2 mark of our goal of 100 donors!
As of right now, we ahve 54 donors. Thank you!!!!
Here is an update on available appointment times
1 appointment at 3:30
2 appointments at 3:45
1 at 4:15
1 at 4:30
1 at 4:45
2 at 5:30
1 at 5:45
1 at 6:15
1 at 6:45
Obviously the available slots don't equal 100...Our first (secretive ;) goal) is 65 donors. If we get enough interest the red cross can send more staff and we can open up more slots. I just need to let them know 24 hours in advance-so please register and let us know if you are availabe to donate blood!
See below posts for specific details about where, when, and how to register!
So excited...thank you all so much
As of right now, we ahve 54 donors. Thank you!!!!
Here is an update on available appointment times
1 appointment at 3:30
2 appointments at 3:45
1 at 4:15
1 at 4:30
1 at 4:45
2 at 5:30
1 at 5:45
1 at 6:15
1 at 6:45
Obviously the available slots don't equal 100...Our first (secretive ;) goal) is 65 donors. If we get enough interest the red cross can send more staff and we can open up more slots. I just need to let them know 24 hours in advance-so please register and let us know if you are availabe to donate blood!
See below posts for specific details about where, when, and how to register!
So excited...thank you all so much
Monday, August 1, 2011
Available appointments for blood drive
We are sooooo close to the half way mark of our goal of 100 donors.
As of right now, I have 45 people signed up to donate blood! THANK YOU!
Here is a quick update of the still available appointments:
2 appointments at 3:30
2 at 3:45
1 at 4:00
1 at 4:15
1 at 4:30
1 at 5:15
3 at 5:30
3 at 5:45
3 at 6:15
2 at 6:45
If none of these times work for you, we can accomodate you at another time--just let me know and I will try to arrange the schedule.
Again to register you can click on the link (two posts down). However, I have heard from a handfull of people that the link hasn't worked for them...??
Another (easier :) way is to email me at amgreener1214@hotmail.com with your name, phone number, and the time you would like.
Message me on facebook
Or leave a comment here on the blog
You can also call my Mom at 1-435-854-3854 and she register you over the phone.
I need to let the Red Cross know how many donors by early Thursday morning so they can plan staff/supplies etc. So please register as soon as you can.
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
As of right now, I have 45 people signed up to donate blood! THANK YOU!
Here is a quick update of the still available appointments:
2 appointments at 3:30
2 at 3:45
1 at 4:00
1 at 4:15
1 at 4:30
1 at 5:15
3 at 5:30
3 at 5:45
3 at 6:15
2 at 6:45
If none of these times work for you, we can accomodate you at another time--just let me know and I will try to arrange the schedule.
Again to register you can click on the link (two posts down). However, I have heard from a handfull of people that the link hasn't worked for them...??
Another (easier :) way is to email me at amgreener1214@hotmail.com with your name, phone number, and the time you would like.
Message me on facebook
Or leave a comment here on the blog
You can also call my Mom at 1-435-854-3854 and she register you over the phone.
I need to let the Red Cross know how many donors by early Thursday morning so they can plan staff/supplies etc. So please register as soon as you can.
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Blood Drive Update
For specific Blood Drive details (see below post)
Thank you to those you have registered to give blood. Between the phone calls to my Mom and online registration/registration through me, we are 1/5 of the way to our goal of
100 Donors!!!
Obviously there are still plenty of available spots and we would love to fill every single one of them. Please help us spread the word.
I have heard from two people now that the registration link has not worked for them. I am sorry...I looked into it today, but on my end things are correct, and unfortunately I am not computer savvy enough to do any further diagnostic tests! :) I am the "sponsor" and can therefore register everyone, through "my special link." It truly takes me about one to two minutes to register someone. So please ask me to do it!
You can email me at amgreener1214@hotmail.com
leave a comment here on the blog
or find me on facebook under April Greener and send me a message
You can also call my Mom at 1-435-854-3854 and she can register you on paper (then I'll put the info on the online register to keep it current).
The only information we need is a name and a phone number.
The Red Cross volunteer called me to check in the other day, and I asked him what our family could do to make this as successful as possible. He told me we should "really just make this about Scott" and for me, there could not have been a better answer.
I remember donating blood in high school. I can honestly say that at that time, I was young and naive enough to want to do it purely to "get out" (sorry, Mom) of a few minutes of class and for a quick social outing. I never once thought about it as "life saving" or who could benefit from this few minutes of giving on my end. I donated for me, without thought of others.
Luckily, over the years (I won't say how many :)) I have personally witnessed the life saving ability donated blood can give to someone.
(Pardon the drama-but this is a true story!)
A few years into my nursing career in labor and delivery, I watched my patient, a healthy first time Mom, bleed out in front of my eyes. We were giving her donated blood as quickly as she was losing it. I'll never forget the doctor looking at our team and saying "We're losing her." I don't think I have ever prayed so fervently while working so furiously to keep her alive. 26 units of blood later within a two hour time period, we had exhausted the hospitals supply of blood (the patients type anyway) and she finally started to improve.
The next time I worked 4-5 days later, I visited this patient in the ICU. I had to see her and have a tangible confirmation that she was going to be okay. Although exhausted, she smiled and told me how grateful she was to be alive. I saw her sweet babe, who had been brought up for a visit, in its bassinet next to her bed and wished I could convey to this new life how lucky she was to have her Momma.
After that, I donated blood every time I could. Was it uncomfortable? Yes, for a short moment. Was it convenient? No, hardly ever. Did I sometimes leave feeling a bit blah? You bet.
But I knew how important it was, and I desperately wanted to do it.
As time faded the horrible memories of that incident, I donated less and less, and I feel badly about that now. The last time I donated blood was November 2010 when we first moved into our new home. Our stake was having a blood drive, and I admittedly signed up as a way to "get involved and meet people" in our new neighborhood and again, forgot the reason behind this important service.
But as I was sitting there donating, my blood wasn't quit "flowing fast enough" and they were worried that I would not be able to complete the needed amount of blood within the specific time frame. At that time, I was willing the blood to get out of me and into that bag! :) I thought of Scott, who had just been told he needed a liver transplant and again I desperately wanted my "sacrifice" to be able to help someone.
I wish Scott did not have to endure what he has for me to once again remember the importance of donating blood. I have A+ blood, and know my blood won't go to Scott, but it doesn't matter...it WILL help someone. And as I learned from spending countless hours in the ICU waiting room, there is more tragedy and grief and heartache in the world than any of us can even imagine. Of course, I would love to donate blood specifically for my brother and feel like the life in me has improved his, but I am content knowing that someone out there, will benefit.
I think our family is lucky that so many people know Scott's story. That is evidenced by the love, service, and support you have all shown for our family. And like I have said so many times, but have to say again because of how true it is--we can never thank you enough or repay you. Please know how grateful we are, and please if you can donate blood.
This is for Scott.
Thank you to those you have registered to give blood. Between the phone calls to my Mom and online registration/registration through me, we are 1/5 of the way to our goal of
100 Donors!!!
Obviously there are still plenty of available spots and we would love to fill every single one of them. Please help us spread the word.
I have heard from two people now that the registration link has not worked for them. I am sorry...I looked into it today, but on my end things are correct, and unfortunately I am not computer savvy enough to do any further diagnostic tests! :) I am the "sponsor" and can therefore register everyone, through "my special link." It truly takes me about one to two minutes to register someone. So please ask me to do it!
You can email me at amgreener1214@hotmail.com
leave a comment here on the blog
or find me on facebook under April Greener and send me a message
You can also call my Mom at 1-435-854-3854 and she can register you on paper (then I'll put the info on the online register to keep it current).
The only information we need is a name and a phone number.
The Red Cross volunteer called me to check in the other day, and I asked him what our family could do to make this as successful as possible. He told me we should "really just make this about Scott" and for me, there could not have been a better answer.
I remember donating blood in high school. I can honestly say that at that time, I was young and naive enough to want to do it purely to "get out" (sorry, Mom) of a few minutes of class and for a quick social outing. I never once thought about it as "life saving" or who could benefit from this few minutes of giving on my end. I donated for me, without thought of others.
Luckily, over the years (I won't say how many :)) I have personally witnessed the life saving ability donated blood can give to someone.
(Pardon the drama-but this is a true story!)
A few years into my nursing career in labor and delivery, I watched my patient, a healthy first time Mom, bleed out in front of my eyes. We were giving her donated blood as quickly as she was losing it. I'll never forget the doctor looking at our team and saying "We're losing her." I don't think I have ever prayed so fervently while working so furiously to keep her alive. 26 units of blood later within a two hour time period, we had exhausted the hospitals supply of blood (the patients type anyway) and she finally started to improve.
The next time I worked 4-5 days later, I visited this patient in the ICU. I had to see her and have a tangible confirmation that she was going to be okay. Although exhausted, she smiled and told me how grateful she was to be alive. I saw her sweet babe, who had been brought up for a visit, in its bassinet next to her bed and wished I could convey to this new life how lucky she was to have her Momma.
After that, I donated blood every time I could. Was it uncomfortable? Yes, for a short moment. Was it convenient? No, hardly ever. Did I sometimes leave feeling a bit blah? You bet.
But I knew how important it was, and I desperately wanted to do it.
As time faded the horrible memories of that incident, I donated less and less, and I feel badly about that now. The last time I donated blood was November 2010 when we first moved into our new home. Our stake was having a blood drive, and I admittedly signed up as a way to "get involved and meet people" in our new neighborhood and again, forgot the reason behind this important service.
But as I was sitting there donating, my blood wasn't quit "flowing fast enough" and they were worried that I would not be able to complete the needed amount of blood within the specific time frame. At that time, I was willing the blood to get out of me and into that bag! :) I thought of Scott, who had just been told he needed a liver transplant and again I desperately wanted my "sacrifice" to be able to help someone.
I wish Scott did not have to endure what he has for me to once again remember the importance of donating blood. I have A+ blood, and know my blood won't go to Scott, but it doesn't matter...it WILL help someone. And as I learned from spending countless hours in the ICU waiting room, there is more tragedy and grief and heartache in the world than any of us can even imagine. Of course, I would love to donate blood specifically for my brother and feel like the life in me has improved his, but I am content knowing that someone out there, will benefit.
I think our family is lucky that so many people know Scott's story. That is evidenced by the love, service, and support you have all shown for our family. And like I have said so many times, but have to say again because of how true it is--we can never thank you enough or repay you. Please know how grateful we are, and please if you can donate blood.
This is for Scott.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
I'm so excited-that I just can't hide it! :)
I have to admit I am bursting with excitement, nervousness, and hope as the details are falling into place for the blood drive honoring my brother Scott!
Here are the details:
When: Friday August 5th, 2011
Time: 2pm-7pm
Where: Tremonton WEST Stake Center
345 South 1000 West
Tremonton, Utah
Here are the details:
When: Friday August 5th, 2011
Time: 2pm-7pm
Where: Tremonton WEST Stake Center
345 South 1000 West
Tremonton, Utah
How to register: You can register online at http://www.givelife.org/sitecoordinator/index.cfm?Group=Donor
Registering online is easy and takes 3-4 minutes-I just finished! When you log into the site, click on the top tab labeled "Donors" Fill in your information (name and phone number is all that is required), choose a time, and you're ready to go! :)
If you want me to register for you-I would be happy too. Just send me an email amgreener1214@hotmail.com, leave a message here, or you can find me on facebook--just leave your name, phone number, and a time preference between 2-7pm and I will glady get you scheduled.
If you don't have the internet or if it is not convenient for you to do it that way, my Mom is taking phone calls and can schedule you over the phone. Please call Tamera Newman at 1-435-854-3854, if she isn't home, leave a message with your name, phone number, and again a time preference and she will schedule you.
We will be calling you the day before the blood drive with a friendly reminder.
If you don't have the internet or if it is not convenient for you to do it that way, my Mom is taking phone calls and can schedule you over the phone. Please call Tamera Newman at 1-435-854-3854, if she isn't home, leave a message with your name, phone number, and again a time preference and she will schedule you.
We will be calling you the day before the blood drive with a friendly reminder.
Our goal is 100 donors!
You have all already done so much for our family, especially for Scott, I hate to ask for anything, but please, if you can, donate blood!
A few fun facts-to spread the excitement! :)
Every two seconds someone in the U.S needs blood.
Scott has received 20 units of blood products in the last 2+ months
The blood type most often requested by hospitals is Type O.
Scott's blood type is O+.
A total of 30 million blood products are transfused each year in the U.S.
1 person donating blood=help for three people who need blood.
Scott needed blood to help him get well and I believe preserved his life. I am so grateful for the generous donations of strangers everywhere that compassionately donated blood that helped my brother.
(non Scott facts :) found here: http://www.redcrossblood.org/learn-about-blood/blood-facts-and-statistics#blood-supply )
Every two seconds someone in the U.S needs blood.
Scott has received 20 units of blood products in the last 2+ months
The blood type most often requested by hospitals is Type O.
Scott's blood type is O+.
A total of 30 million blood products are transfused each year in the U.S.
1 person donating blood=help for three people who need blood.
Scott needed blood to help him get well and I believe preserved his life. I am so grateful for the generous donations of strangers everywhere that compassionately donated blood that helped my brother.
(non Scott facts :) found here: http://www.redcrossblood.org/learn-about-blood/blood-facts-and-statistics#blood-supply )
(Can't help but post again--one of my favorite photos of Scott).
We will have delicious drinks and treats for all (you can't beat my Mom's brownies!) but mostly our hearts will be full of love and gratitude. We have wanted to do this since day one of Scott's hospital admission and I am so happy to see if being fulfilled. Thank you so much. Words can not express my gratitude.
April
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Blood
Scott has been having lab work monitored by the infectious control doctor at IMC. Yesterday, they called and told Scott he had to go to the BRVH to have a blood transfusion because of some alarming lab results.
As far as I know, Scott's platelets were low (52-again a normal result is above 150) and his hematocrit was low at 22 (normal results vary but generally for a male a hematocrit should be between 30-40).
There were some other abnormal results including his albumin level, potassium level, and a few others. Some abnormalities are likely related to his liver impairment while others related to his medication treatment.
Scott received two units of blood and was discharged home late last night.
In other blood related news...I submitted the registration form today for our family to host a blood drive. We want to do this for Scott as well as so many of the other families who are in similar positions. I long ago lost count, but Scott has likely received 20+ units of blood or blood products (like straight platelets or plasma).
We are hoping to get the blood drive organized for the first or second week in August. It will be held in Tremonton and we will need at least 100 committed donors. Please if you can, come donate blood in Scott's name and help us "pay it forward." Thank you , thank you, thank you!
I'll post all the details on the blog.
As far as I know, Scott's platelets were low (52-again a normal result is above 150) and his hematocrit was low at 22 (normal results vary but generally for a male a hematocrit should be between 30-40).
There were some other abnormal results including his albumin level, potassium level, and a few others. Some abnormalities are likely related to his liver impairment while others related to his medication treatment.
Scott received two units of blood and was discharged home late last night.
In other blood related news...I submitted the registration form today for our family to host a blood drive. We want to do this for Scott as well as so many of the other families who are in similar positions. I long ago lost count, but Scott has likely received 20+ units of blood or blood products (like straight platelets or plasma).
We are hoping to get the blood drive organized for the first or second week in August. It will be held in Tremonton and we will need at least 100 committed donors. Please if you can, come donate blood in Scott's name and help us "pay it forward." Thank you , thank you, thank you!
I'll post all the details on the blog.
One Night
Last weekend Janiece went to watch Mick play ball and I had the opportunity to stay with Scott for a night.
Here is a quick run down of how the night went:
(Note-I didn't get to Scott's house until around 11pm because it was my daughter's birthday)
11:00pm-chat with Scott, look out the window any time ANY car drove by. I guess that's what you do in Bothwell..??? :)
11:15-oral pills
11:30-get IV antibiotic out of fridge
11:55-get IV line flushed-ready to go-hang antibiotic.
12:00am-antibiotic started, Tuck Scott in bed.
12:20-Scott sleeping-I check on antibiotic to make sure it is infusing well/the right speed.
1:00-antibiotic finished infusing. Disconnect line and flush IV line.
1:15-I close my eyes and fall asleep
3:00-Up to help Scott use the restroom (NOTE-there is some difference in opinion here--after Scott very quietly whispered my name, and I did not wake up he called me on the telephone to wake me up, to help him! He claims he had been YELLING for minutes. ha!)
3:15-back to sleep.
5:00-Scott awake and needs pain medication, get meds, something to eat (note to all-never take pain meds on an empty stomach!)
5:30- take antibiotic out of fridge
5:45-Scott's wound vacuum has a leak, get tape cut to right size and repair dressing.
6:00-flush IV line and start antibiotic.
7:00-IV antibiotic finished-flush line and go back to bed for a few minutes.
7:45-Get up and get Scott ready for a shower-cover his leg and his PICC line so they don't get wet.
8:30-out of shower, dressed, and ready for breakfast
9:00-Home health nurse arrives for blood draws
9:30-morning pills-take antibiotic out of fridge
10:00-flush IV line and hang antibiotics.
Shortly after this I packed Scott's bag of all the needed medical supplies for his IV, his wound, his vacuum, carefully wrapped his antibiotics in freezer packs and placed them in a cooler, loaded up pillows, wheelchair, walker, hung his IV up on a latch in his truck, and sent him on his way so he could watch his boy play ball and drop some cows off. All of this for a few hours away from home....
While I was doing this Shaunie and Shaylie were doing chores and loading cows into the trailer (Can you believe it?)
Funny Story-
After I sent Scott on his way, I went into town to visit my sister, Melissa. When her son asked me what I was doing in Tremonton, I jokingly told my nephew Mason that I was babysitting Scott. He asked me "Do you get paid?" I told him no, and Mason looked up at me with 7 year old innocence and said "Hmmm, well when my sister babysits people, she usually gets paid!"
I thought that Scott had a pretty good night when I was with him. I was able to do it without problem, because it was only one night. I came home that day and took a two hour nap. I called Janiece and told her how amazing and wonderful she is-and it's true. I can't imagine a night like that every single night and never getting un-interrupted sleep. We love Scott and are so happy he is home and that we are able to care for him at home...but being a caretaker is a difficult job! I chose this for my profession but Janiece didn't get that choice. She has so willingly and lovingly stepped into this role without complaint. If you can pray for Janiece-that she can be blessed with stamina, strength, and happiness. Thank you Janiece! Scott is so very lucky to have you. You're my hero.
Here is a quick run down of how the night went:
(Note-I didn't get to Scott's house until around 11pm because it was my daughter's birthday)
11:00pm-chat with Scott, look out the window any time ANY car drove by. I guess that's what you do in Bothwell..??? :)
11:15-oral pills
11:30-get IV antibiotic out of fridge
11:55-get IV line flushed-ready to go-hang antibiotic.
12:00am-antibiotic started, Tuck Scott in bed.
12:20-Scott sleeping-I check on antibiotic to make sure it is infusing well/the right speed.
1:00-antibiotic finished infusing. Disconnect line and flush IV line.
1:15-I close my eyes and fall asleep
3:00-Up to help Scott use the restroom (NOTE-there is some difference in opinion here--after Scott very quietly whispered my name, and I did not wake up he called me on the telephone to wake me up, to help him! He claims he had been YELLING for minutes. ha!)
3:15-back to sleep.
5:00-Scott awake and needs pain medication, get meds, something to eat (note to all-never take pain meds on an empty stomach!)
5:30- take antibiotic out of fridge
5:45-Scott's wound vacuum has a leak, get tape cut to right size and repair dressing.
6:00-flush IV line and start antibiotic.
7:00-IV antibiotic finished-flush line and go back to bed for a few minutes.
7:45-Get up and get Scott ready for a shower-cover his leg and his PICC line so they don't get wet.
8:30-out of shower, dressed, and ready for breakfast
9:00-Home health nurse arrives for blood draws
9:30-morning pills-take antibiotic out of fridge
10:00-flush IV line and hang antibiotics.
Shortly after this I packed Scott's bag of all the needed medical supplies for his IV, his wound, his vacuum, carefully wrapped his antibiotics in freezer packs and placed them in a cooler, loaded up pillows, wheelchair, walker, hung his IV up on a latch in his truck, and sent him on his way so he could watch his boy play ball and drop some cows off. All of this for a few hours away from home....
While I was doing this Shaunie and Shaylie were doing chores and loading cows into the trailer (Can you believe it?)
Funny Story-
After I sent Scott on his way, I went into town to visit my sister, Melissa. When her son asked me what I was doing in Tremonton, I jokingly told my nephew Mason that I was babysitting Scott. He asked me "Do you get paid?" I told him no, and Mason looked up at me with 7 year old innocence and said "Hmmm, well when my sister babysits people, she usually gets paid!"
I thought that Scott had a pretty good night when I was with him. I was able to do it without problem, because it was only one night. I came home that day and took a two hour nap. I called Janiece and told her how amazing and wonderful she is-and it's true. I can't imagine a night like that every single night and never getting un-interrupted sleep. We love Scott and are so happy he is home and that we are able to care for him at home...but being a caretaker is a difficult job! I chose this for my profession but Janiece didn't get that choice. She has so willingly and lovingly stepped into this role without complaint. If you can pray for Janiece-that she can be blessed with stamina, strength, and happiness. Thank you Janiece! Scott is so very lucky to have you. You're my hero.
Sunday, July 10, 2011
The Good and The Bad.
Scott had surgery this morning at 8:00. Before surgery this morning, Scott was up brushing his teeth. There was water on the floor and he fell. The fall wasn't too bad but because of his recent surgery and his wound being open, his leg really started bleeding.
The surgeon came in moments later and Scott was still losing blood. They got him into surgery and sure enough some of the stitches that had been placed on Friday had been broken open when Scott fell.
The surgeon repaired the broken stitches and thought that his leg looked infection free!!!!
Scott will be discharged home today (!!!) and will be on antibiotics every 6 hours, likely for 6 weeks.
So grateful that this is over with and Scott will be resting in the comfort of his own home tonight!
The surgeon came in moments later and Scott was still losing blood. They got him into surgery and sure enough some of the stitches that had been placed on Friday had been broken open when Scott fell.
The surgeon repaired the broken stitches and thought that his leg looked infection free!!!!
Scott will be discharged home today (!!!) and will be on antibiotics every 6 hours, likely for 6 weeks.
So grateful that this is over with and Scott will be resting in the comfort of his own home tonight!
Saturday, July 9, 2011
Surgery in the morning
Overall, Scott is doing very well, today. I think his main complaint is how often he is being woken up at night!
Tomorrow will be a similar surgery to what he had done yesterday. The doctor will look inside of Scott's amputated leg and "clean" it out. Hopefully, he will not see much, if any, infection.
The infection control physician did see Scott yesterday and started him on an antibiotic. He said Scott will be on the antibiotic for 6 weeks!--- Whatever, it takes to make Scott well and infection free.
I think those who haven't seen Scott in awhile would be surprised. To me, he looks very different. I saw him last about two weeks ago. When I saw him again last night, he looked so thin! He has lost close to 100 pounds. This is great...but what a terrible "diet." Last hospital stay, they got a special large bed for Scott. This time around he is in the regular size bed-it's on the short side, but the other one was too.
Pray for Scott tonight as he enters his 2nd surgery (this time around) and his 6th one overall. Pray that his leg will be infection free. Pray that the antibiotics are working.
Thank you so much for you love and support.
Much Love,
April
Tomorrow will be a similar surgery to what he had done yesterday. The doctor will look inside of Scott's amputated leg and "clean" it out. Hopefully, he will not see much, if any, infection.
The infection control physician did see Scott yesterday and started him on an antibiotic. He said Scott will be on the antibiotic for 6 weeks!--- Whatever, it takes to make Scott well and infection free.
I think those who haven't seen Scott in awhile would be surprised. To me, he looks very different. I saw him last about two weeks ago. When I saw him again last night, he looked so thin! He has lost close to 100 pounds. This is great...but what a terrible "diet." Last hospital stay, they got a special large bed for Scott. This time around he is in the regular size bed-it's on the short side, but the other one was too.
Pray for Scott tonight as he enters his 2nd surgery (this time around) and his 6th one overall. Pray that his leg will be infection free. Pray that the antibiotics are working.
Thank you so much for you love and support.
Much Love,
April
Friday, July 8, 2011
Back in the Hospital
As some of you know, Scott had surgery again this morning at IMC.
(Let me preface this with...I have not been to the hospital or talked personally with Janiece, this info is from Scott and I's Mom who has been with Janiece and Scott at the hospital today).
For a week or so, we (family and medical staff) have been concerned that Scott continued to have infection in his amputated leg. He was having a lot of pain and overall just not feeling well. A few days ago he had a lump on his leg and it was determined that he needed to have this checked out.
This morning he was put under general anesthesia and his amputated leg was opened up again (so sad about this...). Sure enough the "lump" was infection. In the surgeons words "It was the tip of the iceberg." Once opened up, Scott had infection all the way to his bone. ***Warning for those with queasy stomachs!*** They had to clean out the infected tissue and even scrap his bones to get rid of as much as possible.
He has been admitted to the hospital again and a new PICC (long term IV) was placed. An infections disease physician will come and evaluate Scott and they are going to put him on some "super" antibiotics to hopefully kill this infection. At this time, we do not know the specific bacteria that is causing his infection.
Obviously, this means Scott will not be going home tonight like he had really hoped, and like we had all really hoped for as well. He is scheduled to have a second surgery on Sunday morning to again "clean" his wound. He will likely have to go through this 2-3 more times. For now, they have left his wound "open" like it was initially after his amputation.
I think we are all feeling a bit deflated.
This isn't a comparison by any means--but this keeps running through my mind.
I am sure each of you have heard about the terrible tragedy that happened in Yellowstone a day or so ago--A man was tragically killed by a bear while hiking with his wife. According to the news story I read, the couple saw the bear and the husband told his wife to run. She escaped and he was killed. So very terrible. My heart aches for this family and I am truly sorry for their loss.
On the bottom of the article people could make comments. One of the first comments was from a family who said something like, they were at Yellowstone at the exact same place as this event, but had had to leave moments before, because the wife had come down with a kidney stone . A comment under that had said that "God's hands must have been protecting their family" (the family with the kidney stone).
Someone under that had commented "I guess God didn't like the guy who was killed by the bear" Initially, this made me angry and also sad for the people who were so misinformed.
Today, when my Mom called to tell me about Scott, I couldn't help asking "Why?" Why again? Why does Scott have to "start over again?" This Yellowstone story popped in my head and I was immediately humbled. God loves us, and Scott. This is not a punishment and we will get through this.
(Let me preface this with...I have not been to the hospital or talked personally with Janiece, this info is from Scott and I's Mom who has been with Janiece and Scott at the hospital today).
For a week or so, we (family and medical staff) have been concerned that Scott continued to have infection in his amputated leg. He was having a lot of pain and overall just not feeling well. A few days ago he had a lump on his leg and it was determined that he needed to have this checked out.
This morning he was put under general anesthesia and his amputated leg was opened up again (so sad about this...). Sure enough the "lump" was infection. In the surgeons words "It was the tip of the iceberg." Once opened up, Scott had infection all the way to his bone. ***Warning for those with queasy stomachs!*** They had to clean out the infected tissue and even scrap his bones to get rid of as much as possible.
He has been admitted to the hospital again and a new PICC (long term IV) was placed. An infections disease physician will come and evaluate Scott and they are going to put him on some "super" antibiotics to hopefully kill this infection. At this time, we do not know the specific bacteria that is causing his infection.
Obviously, this means Scott will not be going home tonight like he had really hoped, and like we had all really hoped for as well. He is scheduled to have a second surgery on Sunday morning to again "clean" his wound. He will likely have to go through this 2-3 more times. For now, they have left his wound "open" like it was initially after his amputation.
I think we are all feeling a bit deflated.
This isn't a comparison by any means--but this keeps running through my mind.
I am sure each of you have heard about the terrible tragedy that happened in Yellowstone a day or so ago--A man was tragically killed by a bear while hiking with his wife. According to the news story I read, the couple saw the bear and the husband told his wife to run. She escaped and he was killed. So very terrible. My heart aches for this family and I am truly sorry for their loss.
On the bottom of the article people could make comments. One of the first comments was from a family who said something like, they were at Yellowstone at the exact same place as this event, but had had to leave moments before, because the wife had come down with a kidney stone . A comment under that had said that "God's hands must have been protecting their family" (the family with the kidney stone).
Someone under that had commented "I guess God didn't like the guy who was killed by the bear" Initially, this made me angry and also sad for the people who were so misinformed.
Today, when my Mom called to tell me about Scott, I couldn't help asking "Why?" Why again? Why does Scott have to "start over again?" This Yellowstone story popped in my head and I was immediately humbled. God loves us, and Scott. This is not a punishment and we will get through this.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Bump in the road
Scott has been having a little trouble the last few days.
A culture (test to see if infection is present) was taken of Scott's amputated leg a few days ago and unfortunately it came back positive with two types of bacteria (E.Coli and a second bacteria....that my Mom and Janiece couldn't the name of :) Scott has been started on two antibiotics. We are all hoping and praying that these antibiotics will take care of the infection in Scott's (amputated) leg.
Scott also developed a large blister on his amputated leg at his incision. This has caused quite a bit of discomfort for Scott. At one point, Scott's medical team thought that it may have to be lanced (drained) but that would create another "wound on top of his current wound" which could lead to more problems. So far, they are just waiting and seeing what happens and so far, the blister remains.
Scott went to McKay Dee hospital today to have his wound looked at. He is carrying a lot of extra fluid, despite being on a diuretic (medication to rid his body of the extra fluid). They wound team were quite concerned about the fluid and are watching it closely. Scott needs to keep his amputated leg elevated.
Having Scott home has been wonderful and he is so much happier at home. However, it is easy to feel like he is "well and fine" now, when I see him dressed at home in his recliner. While, he is SO much better, he still has a long way to go.
In other news, Scott and his family continue to feel the amazing love and support that pours over them daily. Thank you. We can never thank each of you enough, or express how much it really means to our family.
A culture (test to see if infection is present) was taken of Scott's amputated leg a few days ago and unfortunately it came back positive with two types of bacteria (E.Coli and a second bacteria....that my Mom and Janiece couldn't the name of :) Scott has been started on two antibiotics. We are all hoping and praying that these antibiotics will take care of the infection in Scott's (amputated) leg.
Scott also developed a large blister on his amputated leg at his incision. This has caused quite a bit of discomfort for Scott. At one point, Scott's medical team thought that it may have to be lanced (drained) but that would create another "wound on top of his current wound" which could lead to more problems. So far, they are just waiting and seeing what happens and so far, the blister remains.
Scott went to McKay Dee hospital today to have his wound looked at. He is carrying a lot of extra fluid, despite being on a diuretic (medication to rid his body of the extra fluid). They wound team were quite concerned about the fluid and are watching it closely. Scott needs to keep his amputated leg elevated.
Having Scott home has been wonderful and he is so much happier at home. However, it is easy to feel like he is "well and fine" now, when I see him dressed at home in his recliner. While, he is SO much better, he still has a long way to go.
In other news, Scott and his family continue to feel the amazing love and support that pours over them daily. Thank you. We can never thank each of you enough, or express how much it really means to our family.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Life at home
I spoke with Scott a few hours ago to see how he was doing. Life at home is good and he is happy to be back at home. He told me he has been transfering himself to the bathroom, to bed etc fairly well. His drains have not been working properly and despite the home care nurses efforts, they still aren't draining well. Scott has an appointment tomorrow at McKay Dee to see what can be done about his drains.
I hate to say it, but I really miss having Scott so close. I'm glad he's home but I miss being able to look at his leg myself, talk to the doctor myself, and on and on. Basically, it was easier for me to check in on him!
Scott is loving his visitors and we are once again overwhelmed with the kindness and love from his community. Thank you so very much.
I hate to say it, but I really miss having Scott so close. I'm glad he's home but I miss being able to look at his leg myself, talk to the doctor myself, and on and on. Basically, it was easier for me to check in on him!
Scott is loving his visitors and we are once again overwhelmed with the kindness and love from his community. Thank you so very much.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Monday, June 13, 2011
Newsworthy :)
There hasn't been much new information to post the last two days...hence why I haven't posted!
If I had posted the last two days this is what they would have looked like:
"Scott wants to go home. The doctors tell him he can't go home yet. Scott is not happy about this. Scott thinks the food at the hospital is terrible. The end."
But today, I have some good news to report...if everything goes as planned, Scott will be going HOME this Wednesday! He was told this morning, that he might be able to go home tomorrow, but the doc decided that Wednesday would be best, to ensure all was in order before the big day. Scott was pretty disappointed that tomorrow was out, but hey, what's 24 more hours when you have already been in the hospital for 624 (aka 26 days)? :)
Scott still has his PICC line (the long term IV). Today he had to receive Albumin in it, because his level was too low. Again, this can be caused by his liver impairment. There is no plan for Scott, to go home with his PICC line though, and it should come out before he is discharged. I know Scott will be glad to be rid of it.
They did change Scott's dressings and vacuums on his amputated leg yesterday, and that is still quite painful for him. I don't know how often he will have to have this done when he comes home.
Scott is progressing well in Physical Therapy. He has not had any more falls! The other day they took him out to the parking lot and he practiced getting in and out of his own truck. I was seriously afraid he was going to take off in the thing and not look back...luckily he behaved.
Since I put out the request for people to send cards for Scott, not a single day (that we receive mail anyway!) has gone by that I have not received a card (or more likely many cards!) for Scott. I assure you, that each one has made it to Scott. Each one has been loved and a source of encouragement for ALL of us. I can't thank you enough. It has been so fun to see the support "mailed" in for Scott. I have loved it just as much. Again, thank you.
I have to tell Janiece how much I love and appreciate her too. Because Scott was the oldest and I will forever be "the baby" :) Janiece was my idol growing up. You know the annoying sister that hangs all over your crush? Well, that was me. I always thought that Janiece was coming to visit me, not Scott. I wanted to scream with excitement when I got to stand in their wedding line. I loved every moment of shaking hands with all the people who came to wish Scott and Janiece well on their wedding. You would have thought the celebration was for me, because of how excited I was. When my nieces came into the world (and later my nephew), I loved them fiercely and was their number one aunt (at least in my eyes :) I took them to show and tell, and told everyone who would listen, that I had a sister in law and later that I was an aunt. I remember it like it was yesterday.
I've always loved Janiece, but even more deeply now. I have seen her stand with courage and face these challenges head on, never wavering in her faith or love for my brother. I am so happy he has someone who loves him so much. I know he will be fine, because he has Janiece by his side. She has shown compassion, when it was difficult! She has learned and done things that I am sure were never things she wanted to do. She has stayed by Scott's side, away from home and all of those comforts, because Scott wanted her there. Tomorrow is their 20th wedding anniversary and instead of spending it on a night out, she and Scott will be spending it at the hospital. When I expressed my sorrow in that, when talking to Janiece, she said "it's okay." And she's right, it doesn't matter...love is so much more than that. Thank you for teaching me that, Janiece. I love you to the moon and back.
I am proud of Scott and so relieved he is at the point he is right now. He still has a long road of recovery ahead of him and I pray daily that things will go as smoothly as possible. I pray that I see Scott smiling, happy, and healthy at the Box Elder County Fair in just a few short weeks-doing the things he loves and delighting in the sight of his children doing what they love. I know it will happen.
Thanks for following Scott's blog and continuing to check in. It has been an absolute joy and wonderful therapy for me to write it. I have so enjoyed doing it...even the times when I couldn't see the screen through my tears.
I still plan on writing updates and putting out information for the blood drive when the finishing touches are complete. I hope you will still continue to read.
I love to write, yet I can't find the words now to express my gratitude. Thank you, does not seem like enough. I kind of wish I could move back "home" for awhile to meet those of you I don't know and tell all of you personally how much your support has meant.
"Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it" William Arthur Ward
"Cease not to give thanks...." Ephesians 1:16
With so much gratitude,
April
Friday, June 10, 2011
We LOVE Rehab! ;)
I just left the hospital from seeing Scott.
He is doing well, but still begging and pleading to go home. The doctor had a heart to heart with Scott and said medically he was not ready to go home. The doctor said that generally patients with similar situations, stay in rehab anywhere from 2-8 weeks (Scott has been there 2 1/2 days now). He said Scott needed to stay at least one week and then they would take it day by day.
Last night the wound care nurse came into see Scott. She "milked" a lot of fluid from Scott's leg which then caused severe pain for Scott. It was a rough night. Luckily today he is much better and told me he did not have any pain.
His potassium is still low, which may just be a "normal" for him. He is also still taking the diuretic (to get the extra fluid off his body) and this could also cause his potassium to be low. Either way he is taking potassium replacements to try and replace what he is lost/losing.
Since Scott came to rehab he has been getting dressed everyday-he has less tubes now and getting dressed is even possible. It is great to see him dressed and not in a hospital gown anymore!
I think this may be the hardest part for Scott. I told him today that he just needed to be patient (I know easy for me to say)...he's going to go home soon and what a great day that will be.
He is doing well, but still begging and pleading to go home. The doctor had a heart to heart with Scott and said medically he was not ready to go home. The doctor said that generally patients with similar situations, stay in rehab anywhere from 2-8 weeks (Scott has been there 2 1/2 days now). He said Scott needed to stay at least one week and then they would take it day by day.
Last night the wound care nurse came into see Scott. She "milked" a lot of fluid from Scott's leg which then caused severe pain for Scott. It was a rough night. Luckily today he is much better and told me he did not have any pain.
His potassium is still low, which may just be a "normal" for him. He is also still taking the diuretic (to get the extra fluid off his body) and this could also cause his potassium to be low. Either way he is taking potassium replacements to try and replace what he is lost/losing.
Since Scott came to rehab he has been getting dressed everyday-he has less tubes now and getting dressed is even possible. It is great to see him dressed and not in a hospital gown anymore!
I think this may be the hardest part for Scott. I told him today that he just needed to be patient (I know easy for me to say)...he's going to go home soon and what a great day that will be.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Two Days, Two Falls
Sorry for not posting yesterday. I was attending a beautiful funeral for my Grandpa-in Law in Oakley, Idaho. It was a perfect tribute to a great man. We love and miss you Grandpa!
Scott is working hard in rehab. Yesterday, when Janiece left for a moment to shower, Scott tried to get up by himself to use the restroom. He fell and sweet Mick was the person there who had to go get help. It scared him. With a lot of help Scott was able to get back into bed. He was stiff and sore but the Physical Therapy continued.
The fall also caused Scott to have more drainage from his amputated leg. The drainage also changed into a "new blood" color. It is worrisome.
This morning I got the bad news that Scott had fallen once again. This time they had to get the lift to get Scott off the floor. So, for today, he isn't allowed to use the walker and is only able to transfer to and from the wheelchair.
We are disappointed and worried about Scott falling so much. It is an eye opener to say the least. We're grateful that this has happened at the hospital though, where there are a lot of people and the right equipment to get Scott back up. What would happen at home? I really hope Scott can realize this as well, and will give rehab (a lot) more days to help him.
Scott is working hard in rehab. Yesterday, when Janiece left for a moment to shower, Scott tried to get up by himself to use the restroom. He fell and sweet Mick was the person there who had to go get help. It scared him. With a lot of help Scott was able to get back into bed. He was stiff and sore but the Physical Therapy continued.
The fall also caused Scott to have more drainage from his amputated leg. The drainage also changed into a "new blood" color. It is worrisome.
This morning I got the bad news that Scott had fallen once again. This time they had to get the lift to get Scott off the floor. So, for today, he isn't allowed to use the walker and is only able to transfer to and from the wheelchair.
We are disappointed and worried about Scott falling so much. It is an eye opener to say the least. We're grateful that this has happened at the hospital though, where there are a lot of people and the right equipment to get Scott back up. What would happen at home? I really hope Scott can realize this as well, and will give rehab (a lot) more days to help him.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Day of Frustrations
Today has been a frustrating day for Scott...and for his family!
As you know Scott wants to go home and was bound and determined that tomorrow would be the day that he went home...regardless of what the doctors recommended. When his family said that would not be taking him home, in desperation Scott began making phone calls to his friends to see if they would take him home. Sorry, if you received one of these phone calls.
My heart is once again breaking for my brother. There is no place like home and no one wants him home more than Janiece, his kids, and the rest of us. I think we can all see a little more clearly then Scott, the obstacles he (and his caretakers!) will face and we want to be as prepared as possible.
Scott is a social guy. He would be on his phone chatting with everyone non stop if he could. This is a challenge for him to be a "prisoner" (his words, not mine) in the hospital when all he wants is to be back home, doing the things he loves to do, talking with the people he loves, and living life again. I think he feels like we are trying to punish him by encouraging him to go to rehab but we all truly want what is best for Scott. It's very sad.
Besides the emotional roller coaster we have had a few other little setbacks.
Scott had one of his drains taken out of his amputated leg today...for a few hours anyway. Unfortunately, when he stood up, the place where the drain once was, leaked like a running faucet and the drain had to be replaced. He can go home with this drain, it just would have been nice to have one less "cord" to deal with.
Scott also attempted to use crutches today and it did not go as easily as we had all hoped. He is still very weak. Scott was really disappointed and this was also a sad moment and a mean reminder of just how much life has changed.
For now, Scott has agreed to go to rehab until this Friday. This is a good start. I pray that Scott can do well in rehab and learn (and be able to physically do it) all he needs to know for him to be mobile and have some independence when he goes home. I think this will make him so much happier.
Continue to pray for Scott, he still has healing to do.
As you know Scott wants to go home and was bound and determined that tomorrow would be the day that he went home...regardless of what the doctors recommended. When his family said that would not be taking him home, in desperation Scott began making phone calls to his friends to see if they would take him home. Sorry, if you received one of these phone calls.
My heart is once again breaking for my brother. There is no place like home and no one wants him home more than Janiece, his kids, and the rest of us. I think we can all see a little more clearly then Scott, the obstacles he (and his caretakers!) will face and we want to be as prepared as possible.
Scott is a social guy. He would be on his phone chatting with everyone non stop if he could. This is a challenge for him to be a "prisoner" (his words, not mine) in the hospital when all he wants is to be back home, doing the things he loves to do, talking with the people he loves, and living life again. I think he feels like we are trying to punish him by encouraging him to go to rehab but we all truly want what is best for Scott. It's very sad.
Besides the emotional roller coaster we have had a few other little setbacks.
Scott had one of his drains taken out of his amputated leg today...for a few hours anyway. Unfortunately, when he stood up, the place where the drain once was, leaked like a running faucet and the drain had to be replaced. He can go home with this drain, it just would have been nice to have one less "cord" to deal with.
Scott also attempted to use crutches today and it did not go as easily as we had all hoped. He is still very weak. Scott was really disappointed and this was also a sad moment and a mean reminder of just how much life has changed.
For now, Scott has agreed to go to rehab until this Friday. This is a good start. I pray that Scott can do well in rehab and learn (and be able to physically do it) all he needs to know for him to be mobile and have some independence when he goes home. I think this will make him so much happier.
Continue to pray for Scott, he still has healing to do.
Monday, June 6, 2011
Battle of the Wills
Scott's magnesium is still low so he continues to receive IV replacement of this. His blood pressure has also been a little high today (Scott generally runs on the lower end of normal). He did have one day of high blood pressure the first time he was in the ICU but overall they have been concerned about how low his blood pressure is. Not quite sure why all the fluctuation or what is causing this.
Scott has been up in the chair today and went for a wheelchair ride.
Like I have written before Scott desperately wants to go home. He is insisting that he can go home this Wednesday. He wants to do his therapy in Tremonton. He just really wants to go home. I understand this, I really do, but I just don't think this is the best plan for Scott.
The doctors want Scott to stay and do rehab at IMC. I also think this is the best idea for Scott. Scott is expected to be using crutches and he has never even tried them, yet. Right now, it is exhausting for Scott to get from the bed (which is a hospital bed that raises up to the easiest position for him to get out of bed from) and get in a wheelchair. The doctors want him to have at least three hours of physical therapy a day. I just don't see how he will be able to get in the vehicle, drive to town, and then do physical therapy for three hours. I think getting in the vehicle will be exhausting enough for him. There are so many other issues....I really want Scott to have a few days to learn how to manuever himself and the best way for Janiece and everyone to be able to help him....without anyone getting injured!
It worries me so much. I have seen patients that have not done (or have not given it 100%) physical therapy (with other issues like a knee replacement etc) and they suffer for it. They don't heal as quickly, they have an increased chance of having complications, and their mobility is forever diminished because of it. I don't want this for Scott.
I know how important the rehab part of Scott's illness/amputation is. I know how beneficial it can be for Scott to attend physical therapy and I honestly believe he will do better (at least for a few days) as an in-patient rather than at home.
Have I convinced you all yet? Because I couldn't convince Scott. :)
Whatever happens, it has to come from Scott. It has to be his choice and he has to be motivated to follow up with whatever choice he makes. As always, all of us will be behind him 110%, no matter what. We want to Scott well, we want Scott home, we want and will help him however we can. I want to see him at Shelby and Mick's baseball games, at Shaylie's dance recital, and cheering Shaunie on at the fair. There are so many things to look forward to and be happy about.
P.S. Scott don't kill me for writing this post. ;) Love you big brother!
Scott has been up in the chair today and went for a wheelchair ride.
Like I have written before Scott desperately wants to go home. He is insisting that he can go home this Wednesday. He wants to do his therapy in Tremonton. He just really wants to go home. I understand this, I really do, but I just don't think this is the best plan for Scott.
The doctors want Scott to stay and do rehab at IMC. I also think this is the best idea for Scott. Scott is expected to be using crutches and he has never even tried them, yet. Right now, it is exhausting for Scott to get from the bed (which is a hospital bed that raises up to the easiest position for him to get out of bed from) and get in a wheelchair. The doctors want him to have at least three hours of physical therapy a day. I just don't see how he will be able to get in the vehicle, drive to town, and then do physical therapy for three hours. I think getting in the vehicle will be exhausting enough for him. There are so many other issues....I really want Scott to have a few days to learn how to manuever himself and the best way for Janiece and everyone to be able to help him....without anyone getting injured!
It worries me so much. I have seen patients that have not done (or have not given it 100%) physical therapy (with other issues like a knee replacement etc) and they suffer for it. They don't heal as quickly, they have an increased chance of having complications, and their mobility is forever diminished because of it. I don't want this for Scott.
I know how important the rehab part of Scott's illness/amputation is. I know how beneficial it can be for Scott to attend physical therapy and I honestly believe he will do better (at least for a few days) as an in-patient rather than at home.
Have I convinced you all yet? Because I couldn't convince Scott. :)
Whatever happens, it has to come from Scott. It has to be his choice and he has to be motivated to follow up with whatever choice he makes. As always, all of us will be behind him 110%, no matter what. We want to Scott well, we want Scott home, we want and will help him however we can. I want to see him at Shelby and Mick's baseball games, at Shaylie's dance recital, and cheering Shaunie on at the fair. There are so many things to look forward to and be happy about.
P.S. Scott don't kill me for writing this post. ;) Love you big brother!
Looking up!
Scott is doing better everyday. He looks so different to me. He looks a little paler and like he has lost a lot of weight.
Before he left the ICU they did a Cortisol Test. Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands. It breaks down protein, lipids (fat), glucose, and also maintain blood pressure (which Scott was not doing well). It also helps with the functions of the immune system (which again, Scott's was not doing too well). Lack of cortisol can also cause someone to have fatigue, which Scott has been experiencing long before he was admitted. The test showed that Scott was not producing enough (if any) cortisone. We don't know if this has been a chronic problem or is something that just started happening. Regardless, Scott was started on a steroid and it has made him feel so much better. Unfortunately, you can't stay on a steroid forever and they are already tapering him off of his. Hopefully, it gave him the boost he needs though to continue to get well.
Yesterday, Scott was able to get in a wheelchair and go for a ride in the halls. He did great, but by the end was absolutely exhausted. They are wanting Scott to stay awake more during the day and sleep during the night (you know, a regular schedule! :)
Scott is so anxious to get home. He keeps telling everyone that Wednesday he is leaving....we'll see. He hasn't attended any rehab (although he has had short visits from the physical therapist each day) and I think it very important that he does. I know how badly he wants to go home and I want him to be able to go home too. I just think it is going to be more difficult than he anticipates. He is still so weak. The goal is for Scott to be up and about using crutches, and I don't think he is ready for that, yet. I worry that if he doesn't get in a few good days of intense rehab he is going to be "behind" in his healing and moving.
I can't believe we have been "living" this for almost three weeks now. Slowly, I have been getting back to "real life" and it's hard to do. I miss not spending all day/most days at the hospital. When I leave, all I can think about is when I will be able to get back. When I'm there I feel like I am "doing something." My Mom and I were talking last night and we both agree that we are changed now. We want to be better and do better.
"What do we live for; if it is not to make life less difficult for each other?" Mary Ann Evans
Saturday, June 4, 2011
A Good Day
Scott has had a good day today. He was transferred from the ICU to a "regular" room on the 7th floor this time. (It is the Orthopaedic Surgical floor).
He is still quite sleepy, but we're glad he is getting the rest.
We are so happy and relieved. This is a baby step in the right direction and we couldn't be more grateful.
He is still quite sleepy, but we're glad he is getting the rest.
We are so happy and relieved. This is a baby step in the right direction and we couldn't be more grateful.
Friday, June 3, 2011
Low Blood Pressure
Unfortunately without the Norepinephrine on board, Scott's blood pressure is too low. They had to restart the medication a few hours ago.
Again, he can not be transfered from the ICU until he has been off this medication for 24hours. Pray that Scott's blood pressure can return to normal.
Otherwise, he is having a pretty good day. He has slept most of the day.
The few times he has been awake he has been anxious to see his children tonight. He has also been thinking about the days ahead and the days far ahead, and is quite teary about them. Scott remains positive, but I think the reality of his situation is weighing on him today.
When he woke up yesterday he remembered he had had his leg amputated but he initially believed that he had been taken home and brought back to the ICU. He essentially "lost" a week of his life in confusion and then induced sleep. I think he is grieving this time and again he just desperately wants to go home.
When we have talked about Scott being transferred to the floor with the case worker and other medical staff, they all agree on one thing--We have to do things differently this time. Scott has to rest. He has to do physical therapy at least twice a day (I'm pushing for three times!). He needs to be on some sort of schedule. And again, he needs to rest. Lack of rest contributed to his problem last time-he was so terribly sleep deprived that his body could not and did not fight off the infection and contributed to his confused mind. This was very scary for us and we do not want this to happen again. I'll admit I am completely TERRIFIED of this happening again...if Scott, jerks in his sleep or murmurs somthing, I am filled with fear that his mind is not yet clear. I never want to see Scott like that again--to look at him and wonder what deep dark hole the real Scott was buried in. Scary stuff.
We are requesting approval to take him outside to see the light of day and breathe fresh air. As soon as he is out of the ICU, we should be able to do this. We are doing everything the medical staff asks of us and for now, that includes limiting Scott's visitors. We hope you will understand. This breaks Scott's heart because he loves you all and he wants to see you and talk with you (For example, about 15minutes after he woke up yesterday he asked me to call Greenline and speak with Jeri Ann or Lori-to tell them he was back, doing okay, and to pass the word along). He wants to socialize and talk on the phone like he used to, but the docs think he needs to focus on healing and getting well. We want Scott to get well too.
As most of you know, Scott has had MULTIPLE blood transfusions. We are organizing a blood drive to "pay it forward" and would love, love, love for all of you to be involved (and by involved I mean give up some blood! :). It will be held in Tremonton and the blood will go to IMC but unfortunately, it can't be arranged to go directly to Scott (we're praying he doesn't need anymore, anyways!) Scott has O+ blood type, so if you have that type, we would especially LOVE to replace the stock Scott has used and desperately needed. But ANY and EVERY blood type is welcome and will be used for another family just like ours! (How's that for a sales pitch?) So please, if you can, donate blood. I'll post details on the blog when we have the specifics.
Thanks again, for your continued support.
"A friend is someone who understands your past, believes in your future, and accepts you just the way you are" (Couldn't find the author...?)
Again, he can not be transfered from the ICU until he has been off this medication for 24hours. Pray that Scott's blood pressure can return to normal.
Otherwise, he is having a pretty good day. He has slept most of the day.
The few times he has been awake he has been anxious to see his children tonight. He has also been thinking about the days ahead and the days far ahead, and is quite teary about them. Scott remains positive, but I think the reality of his situation is weighing on him today.
When he woke up yesterday he remembered he had had his leg amputated but he initially believed that he had been taken home and brought back to the ICU. He essentially "lost" a week of his life in confusion and then induced sleep. I think he is grieving this time and again he just desperately wants to go home.
When we have talked about Scott being transferred to the floor with the case worker and other medical staff, they all agree on one thing--We have to do things differently this time. Scott has to rest. He has to do physical therapy at least twice a day (I'm pushing for three times!). He needs to be on some sort of schedule. And again, he needs to rest. Lack of rest contributed to his problem last time-he was so terribly sleep deprived that his body could not and did not fight off the infection and contributed to his confused mind. This was very scary for us and we do not want this to happen again. I'll admit I am completely TERRIFIED of this happening again...if Scott, jerks in his sleep or murmurs somthing, I am filled with fear that his mind is not yet clear. I never want to see Scott like that again--to look at him and wonder what deep dark hole the real Scott was buried in. Scary stuff.
We are requesting approval to take him outside to see the light of day and breathe fresh air. As soon as he is out of the ICU, we should be able to do this. We are doing everything the medical staff asks of us and for now, that includes limiting Scott's visitors. We hope you will understand. This breaks Scott's heart because he loves you all and he wants to see you and talk with you (For example, about 15minutes after he woke up yesterday he asked me to call Greenline and speak with Jeri Ann or Lori-to tell them he was back, doing okay, and to pass the word along). He wants to socialize and talk on the phone like he used to, but the docs think he needs to focus on healing and getting well. We want Scott to get well too.
As most of you know, Scott has had MULTIPLE blood transfusions. We are organizing a blood drive to "pay it forward" and would love, love, love for all of you to be involved (and by involved I mean give up some blood! :). It will be held in Tremonton and the blood will go to IMC but unfortunately, it can't be arranged to go directly to Scott (we're praying he doesn't need anymore, anyways!) Scott has O+ blood type, so if you have that type, we would especially LOVE to replace the stock Scott has used and desperately needed. But ANY and EVERY blood type is welcome and will be used for another family just like ours! (How's that for a sales pitch?) So please, if you can, donate blood. I'll post details on the blog when we have the specifics.
Thanks again, for your continued support.
"A friend is someone who understands your past, believes in your future, and accepts you just the way you are" (Couldn't find the author...?)
June 3, 2011
Scott is having a good morning, so far. Janiece and I (plus the nurse and the physical therapist) just finished getting Scott up (to the side of the bed). He had a quick "bath" and then laid back down again. He did great! He is now tuckered out and tucked back in bed.
He will probably be in the ICU for at least 24 more hours. His blood pressure was very low last night so he was placed on Norepinephrine to stabilize it. He now runs about 120-130/30-40. They turned the Norepinephrine off a few minutes ago to see how his blood pressure would react with out it. So far it is staying above what they want it to. He has to be off this medication for 24 hours before he can be transfered out of the ICU.
A few other issues we are working on today:
His albumin level is low again (this could be related to malnutrition or his liver impairment). They are replacing this through his IV.
His Potassium is also low today (so of course, his sodium is normal-remember their inverse relationship? ;) They are also replacing his Potassium through his IV.
He is resting peacefully now and we hope this continues.
I'll update more later tonight.
Thank you for continuing to check the blog and praying for Scott. We appreciate it so much.
He will probably be in the ICU for at least 24 more hours. His blood pressure was very low last night so he was placed on Norepinephrine to stabilize it. He now runs about 120-130/30-40. They turned the Norepinephrine off a few minutes ago to see how his blood pressure would react with out it. So far it is staying above what they want it to. He has to be off this medication for 24 hours before he can be transfered out of the ICU.
A few other issues we are working on today:
His albumin level is low again (this could be related to malnutrition or his liver impairment). They are replacing this through his IV.
His Potassium is also low today (so of course, his sodium is normal-remember their inverse relationship? ;) They are also replacing his Potassium through his IV.
He is resting peacefully now and we hope this continues.
I'll update more later tonight.
Thank you for continuing to check the blog and praying for Scott. We appreciate it so much.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
God is Love
I have to start this post by expressing my love for my husband's (but really ours) Grandpa Manning. I briefly wrote about him a few posts ago. He was bucked off a horse and lifeflighted to IMC a few days ago. He was in the ICU just a few doors down from Scott. He had a C6-C7 neck injury that left him paralyzed. He passed away earlier today. We are so sad but we know we will see him again. We are eternally grateful for the wonderful Plan of Salvation that a loving Heavenly Father laid out for each of us. We love you Grandpa Manning!
Words can not express what I want to share with each of you tonight. I hope my attempt will show you some glimpse of an amazing moment.
They had stopped Scott's sedation medication mid morning to help him wake up before they took the breathing tube out. Scott had not even budged hours after the medication was turned off. The nurse thought it would still be a long time before he was ready to be extubated.
Our parents slipped down to the cafeteria to eat and I joined them a few minutes after. We ate and made our way back up to the ICU. Mom and I went in first to check on Scott's progress. When we made it to the door, I saw that the Respiratory Therapist was packing up the ventilator. We quickly saw that Scott had been extubated. Mom and I went on the side of his bed and touched him and told him how much we loved him. Scott started to cry and we all shed many happy and thankful tears. Scott was back.
I called Janiece and told her with so much happiness in my heart that Scott was awake and he was himself. I put the phone next to Scott's ear and heard his dear wife tell him how much she loved him in between sobs. There was not a dry eye in the room. Thank you Janiece for loving Scott so much! I can't explain the magnitude and emotion that was in these moments. I can only say that I am blessed to have been there.
I asked the nurse how Scott how the extubation had went and this is what she told me:
Scott had been so very sedated she did not expect him to wake before she left at 7:00 tonight. She went in to check on him around 2:00 and he had his eyes open. The nurse asked Scott if he was ready to have the breathing tube taken out and he calmly shook his head yes.
They took the breathing tube out minutes later. After Scott had a minute to recover, in his raspy voice he asked where Janiece and his children were. The nurse explained that Janiece had gone home to attend Shaunie's graduation ceremony. Scott started to cry and said "I really wanted to go to that."
Shaunie, I know your Dad is so proud of you and it broke his heart to not be there for you tonight. The nurse commented on how she could feel his love for you and his great sadness that he had missed this important milestone in your life. He would have given anything to have been able to go.
Mom and I saw Scott moments after this and only moments after I had found out that Grandpa Manning passed away. Both moments were peaceful, calm, filled with love, happiness, and comfort.
Scott did not remember much initially, but as the night has progressed he is remembering more and more. I think he senses how ill he was. He desperately wants to go home, and we desperately want to take him home (when he is ready, of course!).
We are hugging everyone a little tighter tonight and thanking God for his comforting peace and his endless love.
We have so much to be grateful for.
Words can not express what I want to share with each of you tonight. I hope my attempt will show you some glimpse of an amazing moment.
They had stopped Scott's sedation medication mid morning to help him wake up before they took the breathing tube out. Scott had not even budged hours after the medication was turned off. The nurse thought it would still be a long time before he was ready to be extubated.
Our parents slipped down to the cafeteria to eat and I joined them a few minutes after. We ate and made our way back up to the ICU. Mom and I went in first to check on Scott's progress. When we made it to the door, I saw that the Respiratory Therapist was packing up the ventilator. We quickly saw that Scott had been extubated. Mom and I went on the side of his bed and touched him and told him how much we loved him. Scott started to cry and we all shed many happy and thankful tears. Scott was back.
I called Janiece and told her with so much happiness in my heart that Scott was awake and he was himself. I put the phone next to Scott's ear and heard his dear wife tell him how much she loved him in between sobs. There was not a dry eye in the room. Thank you Janiece for loving Scott so much! I can't explain the magnitude and emotion that was in these moments. I can only say that I am blessed to have been there.
I asked the nurse how Scott how the extubation had went and this is what she told me:
Scott had been so very sedated she did not expect him to wake before she left at 7:00 tonight. She went in to check on him around 2:00 and he had his eyes open. The nurse asked Scott if he was ready to have the breathing tube taken out and he calmly shook his head yes.
They took the breathing tube out minutes later. After Scott had a minute to recover, in his raspy voice he asked where Janiece and his children were. The nurse explained that Janiece had gone home to attend Shaunie's graduation ceremony. Scott started to cry and said "I really wanted to go to that."
Shaunie, I know your Dad is so proud of you and it broke his heart to not be there for you tonight. The nurse commented on how she could feel his love for you and his great sadness that he had missed this important milestone in your life. He would have given anything to have been able to go.
Mom and I saw Scott moments after this and only moments after I had found out that Grandpa Manning passed away. Both moments were peaceful, calm, filled with love, happiness, and comfort.
Scott did not remember much initially, but as the night has progressed he is remembering more and more. I think he senses how ill he was. He desperately wants to go home, and we desperately want to take him home (when he is ready, of course!).
We are hugging everyone a little tighter tonight and thanking God for his comforting peace and his endless love.
We have so much to be grateful for.
The Best News in the Whole Wide World
Scott was just extubated (the breathing tube was taken out). He is calm and he is back to being Scott. He remembers getting his leg amputated but doesn't remember much from the time after he left the ICU the first time.
I have so many things I want to tell you all about, but right now I just want to continue to stand by Scott's bed and squeeze his hand...and now he is squeezing back.
With so much happiness and gratitude,
April
I have so many things I want to tell you all about, but right now I just want to continue to stand by Scott's bed and squeeze his hand...and now he is squeezing back.
With so much happiness and gratitude,
April
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Summary of the day
I did attend rounds today and it was a really good experience. I feel much better about how Scott is doing and had my questions answered.
Here's a summary of the day, including what I learned in rounds:
The medical team was pleased with Scott's CT scan results, last night. They did want to do further testing and do a CT scan of his legs to ensure their was nothing concerning with them (blood clots, infection). The surgeon who did Scott's amputation evaluated Scott this morning and looked closely at his wound. He felt 100% confident that he had removed all the infection in Scott's leg and that Scott's current infection was not in his amputated leg. This is great news.
They also wanted to do another CT scan of his abdomen and one of his pelvis. He had all of these done about an hour ago and we don't know any results yet.
They believe that Scott's confusion (delirium) was brought on by infection (we'll get to that in a bit) and by sleep deprivation. It came on very acutely (that evening he was joking and visiting with us and by night he didn't know where he was).
Scott has a UTI (Urinary Tract Infection) and is being treated with antibiotics. They believe that the UTI is a contributor but not the only offender...and an infection somewhere else is brewing, but they are not sure yet.
They wanted to do a lumbar puncture (AKA Spinal Tap) to get a sample of Scott's spinal fluid to rule out meningitis. Unfortunately, they would need to roll Scott on his abdomen to get the sample and he couldn't be moved like that today. I'm not sure when or if they still plan on doing this test.
A bit of background...when Scott was admitted (two weeks ago tomorrow) his WBC (white blood cell) count was normal. This is completely shocking for what a terrible infection Scott had. It should have been very elevated to show that Scott's immune system was kicking in to fight off the first infection.
Currently his WBC count is normal (4.2), although he again has an infection. The doctors think that Scott's immune system is not quite working like it should. They are not trusting/relying on his lab results (at least the WBC count) to determine infection.
Scott's labs did show that he had a very low hematocrit (19.9) and hemoglobin (6.8), because of this he needed to have a blood transfusion and he received two units this morning. His platelets were also lower than I have seen them since his admission (they were 40-Scott's have been between 50-60 and normal is above 150).
He continues to have low sodium, which they are calling a "chronic problem." His sodium today was 127. His magnesium level was also low (1.7) and he received IV replacement of magnesium today as well.
They have not checked another ammonia level today and the doctors do not believe that Scott's confusion is related to his liver.
They also started the diuretic again (Lasix) to try and rid Scott of the extra fluid. Again his fluid intake is far exceeding his output and he is very swollen again. His hands look like puffy marshmallows.
Scott also had a NG tube placed (a tube down the nose- to give meds, suck fluid out of the belly, etc). I pray, pray, pray that they will be able to take this out before they wake Scott up, because he is going to hate that(who wouldn't?).
They talked in rounds today about placing a feeding tube and starting to feed Scott, but it has happened yet. The nutritionist came and talked to me about what Scott liked to eat, how his appetite usually is, etc. I told him he is a "meat and potatoes" kind of guy but somehow I don't believe that will be in his feeding tube. :)
Scott still has the breathing tube and their is no definite time frame for when they will try to extubate (take it out) him. The medication he is currently on to keep him sedated is not the best to allow Scott to reach a deep sleep (REM). They want to change him to a different medication to sedate him as well as allow him to be in a deep sleep.
He continues to do the work (breathing) on his own, although he did need a little assist when they were moving him around to do the CT scan.
They are also watching Scott's skin closely and changing his position frequently. Again, pray that Scott's skin can heal and not have any further insult. The last thing he needs is a bed sore.
Here is the plan:
Besides the UTI they are still looking for another source of infection. The honest truth though is, that we many never really know. Again, he is on three different antibiotics and it should cover any bugs.
They will keep him sedated and intubated at least for the night and see what tomorrow brings.
They will continue the antibiotics, while we wait to see if the infection manifests itself.
He does appear to be resting but he is moving his arms and head more tonight than he was this morning.
Here's a summary of the day, including what I learned in rounds:
The medical team was pleased with Scott's CT scan results, last night. They did want to do further testing and do a CT scan of his legs to ensure their was nothing concerning with them (blood clots, infection). The surgeon who did Scott's amputation evaluated Scott this morning and looked closely at his wound. He felt 100% confident that he had removed all the infection in Scott's leg and that Scott's current infection was not in his amputated leg. This is great news.
They also wanted to do another CT scan of his abdomen and one of his pelvis. He had all of these done about an hour ago and we don't know any results yet.
They believe that Scott's confusion (delirium) was brought on by infection (we'll get to that in a bit) and by sleep deprivation. It came on very acutely (that evening he was joking and visiting with us and by night he didn't know where he was).
Scott has a UTI (Urinary Tract Infection) and is being treated with antibiotics. They believe that the UTI is a contributor but not the only offender...and an infection somewhere else is brewing, but they are not sure yet.
They wanted to do a lumbar puncture (AKA Spinal Tap) to get a sample of Scott's spinal fluid to rule out meningitis. Unfortunately, they would need to roll Scott on his abdomen to get the sample and he couldn't be moved like that today. I'm not sure when or if they still plan on doing this test.
A bit of background...when Scott was admitted (two weeks ago tomorrow) his WBC (white blood cell) count was normal. This is completely shocking for what a terrible infection Scott had. It should have been very elevated to show that Scott's immune system was kicking in to fight off the first infection.
Currently his WBC count is normal (4.2), although he again has an infection. The doctors think that Scott's immune system is not quite working like it should. They are not trusting/relying on his lab results (at least the WBC count) to determine infection.
Scott's labs did show that he had a very low hematocrit (19.9) and hemoglobin (6.8), because of this he needed to have a blood transfusion and he received two units this morning. His platelets were also lower than I have seen them since his admission (they were 40-Scott's have been between 50-60 and normal is above 150).
He continues to have low sodium, which they are calling a "chronic problem." His sodium today was 127. His magnesium level was also low (1.7) and he received IV replacement of magnesium today as well.
They have not checked another ammonia level today and the doctors do not believe that Scott's confusion is related to his liver.
They also started the diuretic again (Lasix) to try and rid Scott of the extra fluid. Again his fluid intake is far exceeding his output and he is very swollen again. His hands look like puffy marshmallows.
Scott also had a NG tube placed (a tube down the nose- to give meds, suck fluid out of the belly, etc). I pray, pray, pray that they will be able to take this out before they wake Scott up, because he is going to hate that(who wouldn't?).
They talked in rounds today about placing a feeding tube and starting to feed Scott, but it has happened yet. The nutritionist came and talked to me about what Scott liked to eat, how his appetite usually is, etc. I told him he is a "meat and potatoes" kind of guy but somehow I don't believe that will be in his feeding tube. :)
Scott still has the breathing tube and their is no definite time frame for when they will try to extubate (take it out) him. The medication he is currently on to keep him sedated is not the best to allow Scott to reach a deep sleep (REM). They want to change him to a different medication to sedate him as well as allow him to be in a deep sleep.
He continues to do the work (breathing) on his own, although he did need a little assist when they were moving him around to do the CT scan.
They are also watching Scott's skin closely and changing his position frequently. Again, pray that Scott's skin can heal and not have any further insult. The last thing he needs is a bed sore.
Here is the plan:
Besides the UTI they are still looking for another source of infection. The honest truth though is, that we many never really know. Again, he is on three different antibiotics and it should cover any bugs.
They will keep him sedated and intubated at least for the night and see what tomorrow brings.
They will continue the antibiotics, while we wait to see if the infection manifests itself.
He does appear to be resting but he is moving his arms and head more tonight than he was this morning.
Some Answers...but not all
I'm sitting by Scott's bed while I type this. It's difficult to see him intubated and with a million things strapped to his hands and arms. But he looks like he is resting comfortably and so much more peaceful than he has been the last two days.
11:30pm turned into 2:45amlast night this morning, before Scott was able to have his CT scan and we were able to hear the results.
Apparently, his blood gases weren't "okay." His bicarb (one of the labs from his blood gases-to tell how well Scott was oxygenating his body) was low and they did not want to do the CT scan until he was able to receive a replacement of bicarb through his IV. This took awhile.
Overall, Scott's CT scan looked good.
He DOES NOT have any problems with his brain.
He DOES NOT have any blood clots.
He DOES NOT have any problems with his heart.
Praise God! These were some of the main concerns and we are now able to rule them out.
A plueral effusion (a build up of fluid between the tissues that line the lungs and chest cavity)was noted on his CT Scan on his lungs.
And of course, his liver impairment was noted on his CT scan. His liver is very small, but I don't know how it compares to his CT scan he had done months ago, when his liver problem was first diagnosed.
Right now, they believe that Scott has another infection (but not the same one that required his leg to be amputated). He again is on three antibiotics.
I haven't heard much about his labs and am waiting for them to round on Scott to learn more. They usually don't include family on these rounds, but I asked (nicely, of course :) to be included. their is a team of doctors helping Scott, sometimes the family never sees them. The ICU is it's own little world, it is great, and we are so pleased with Scott's care. I'm so grateful he is here and their is not a doubt in my mind that this is what Scott needs right now. I am struggling though, because it feels like we are at their mercy (which we are in so many ways). I'm an information person-I like to see the lab report, I want to read the CT scan myself, I want to hear for myself what the doctors have to say about Scott and what the plan is.
When Scott was intubated last night, the ventilator was doing all the work for him. It was breathing for Scott 100%, not necessarily because he could not do any of it on his own, but because he needed it would allow him to rest. This morning, he is still on the ventilator, but he is doing the work (breathing) himself.
His nurse last night told me that the intubation went really well. They did not have any difficulty placing the tube and Scott was sedated well and did not fight it. I was extremely worried about this and was so happy to hear this report.
I have a few concerns I want to address when I attend rounds this morning (yes, I am that annoying family member) :)
Questions to be addressed:
Scott is swelling again. He was on a diuretic before he came to the ICU but he has not had it since. With only a few hours under his belt, his hands and leg/foot are once again swollen.
Where do they believe the infection originated? (UTI? Lungs? Central line?). I realize that this is not top priority because he is being treated for every and any bug, but I think we can take steps in the future, for preventing, this if we could now where it came from.
What is the tentative time frame to leave Scott intubated/sedated? (initially we heard 2-3 days, but the nurse last night acted like it might be longer)
I also want to ensure his skin is being watched closely. He has a few areas of breakdown and I am terrified that they may turn into something worse if we do not watch closely and turn/move him often.
I have so many questions. I realize and know, that there are not going to be specific answers for many of them. I know we have to take this day by day, and it is difficult to predict how long he will be on the ventilator (or any other given problem) because tomorrow might be different than today.
I'm satisfied that he appears to be resting and I can't tell you how much I am praying that his brain is peaceful too--that these sleep induced days are doing what we hope they are.
I will update again after the rounds.
Much love,
April
11:30pm turned into 2:45am
Apparently, his blood gases weren't "okay." His bicarb (one of the labs from his blood gases-to tell how well Scott was oxygenating his body) was low and they did not want to do the CT scan until he was able to receive a replacement of bicarb through his IV. This took awhile.
Overall, Scott's CT scan looked good.
He DOES NOT have any problems with his brain.
He DOES NOT have any blood clots.
He DOES NOT have any problems with his heart.
Praise God! These were some of the main concerns and we are now able to rule them out.
A plueral effusion (a build up of fluid between the tissues that line the lungs and chest cavity)was noted on his CT Scan on his lungs.
And of course, his liver impairment was noted on his CT scan. His liver is very small, but I don't know how it compares to his CT scan he had done months ago, when his liver problem was first diagnosed.
Right now, they believe that Scott has another infection (but not the same one that required his leg to be amputated). He again is on three antibiotics.
I haven't heard much about his labs and am waiting for them to round on Scott to learn more. They usually don't include family on these rounds, but I asked (nicely, of course :) to be included. their is a team of doctors helping Scott, sometimes the family never sees them. The ICU is it's own little world, it is great, and we are so pleased with Scott's care. I'm so grateful he is here and their is not a doubt in my mind that this is what Scott needs right now. I am struggling though, because it feels like we are at their mercy (which we are in so many ways). I'm an information person-I like to see the lab report, I want to read the CT scan myself, I want to hear for myself what the doctors have to say about Scott and what the plan is.
When Scott was intubated last night, the ventilator was doing all the work for him. It was breathing for Scott 100%, not necessarily because he could not do any of it on his own, but because he needed it would allow him to rest. This morning, he is still on the ventilator, but he is doing the work (breathing) himself.
His nurse last night told me that the intubation went really well. They did not have any difficulty placing the tube and Scott was sedated well and did not fight it. I was extremely worried about this and was so happy to hear this report.
I have a few concerns I want to address when I attend rounds this morning (yes, I am that annoying family member) :)
Questions to be addressed:
Scott is swelling again. He was on a diuretic before he came to the ICU but he has not had it since. With only a few hours under his belt, his hands and leg/foot are once again swollen.
Where do they believe the infection originated? (UTI? Lungs? Central line?). I realize that this is not top priority because he is being treated for every and any bug, but I think we can take steps in the future, for preventing, this if we could now where it came from.
What is the tentative time frame to leave Scott intubated/sedated? (initially we heard 2-3 days, but the nurse last night acted like it might be longer)
I also want to ensure his skin is being watched closely. He has a few areas of breakdown and I am terrified that they may turn into something worse if we do not watch closely and turn/move him often.
I have so many questions. I realize and know, that there are not going to be specific answers for many of them. I know we have to take this day by day, and it is difficult to predict how long he will be on the ventilator (or any other given problem) because tomorrow might be different than today.
I'm satisfied that he appears to be resting and I can't tell you how much I am praying that his brain is peaceful too--that these sleep induced days are doing what we hope they are.
I will update again after the rounds.
Much love,
April
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
A Terrible, No Good, Very Bad Day
Scott is back in the ICU. When he first got there, a lot of blood work was done. We don't know any results on those yet.
They are specifically concerned about and want to rule out any heart issues, blood clots, and infection that may not be appropriately treated.
They did do some blood gases (blood from the arteries to determine how well Scott was oxygenating his body). The only news I have heard on this was that his results were "okay" but that he was working very hard to keep them there.
He did have an EKG and an Echo (ultrasound) done on his heart so far, and both of those were normal.
They are currently intubating Scott (putting a breathing tube in) while the rest of us cry in the waiting room.
Before they had us step out so they could intubate Scott, I climbed up on the bed so I could kiss his face and I told him I loved him. Despite the fog he has been living in, he responded back "I love you the most."
They are planning on doing a full body CT scan around 10:30 tonight and results should be back betweeen 11:30-12:00. We are waiting here for the results.
They are specifically looking for any blood clots, any problems with Scott's brain, and want to get a good look at his lungs.
I'll post results late tonight or early tomorrow morning.
Scott is going to be sedated for the next 2-3 days, while the breathing tube is in. Hopefully, this will allow his body to get the rest it so desperately needs, while the docs try to fix any physical problems. Our hope is when he is awakened, our Scott will be back.
Again, at this time Scott cannot have any visitors. We know how many people love Scott and are supporting and praying for him-please never stop. We appreciate it so much and know God is watching over Scott. He just needs this time to heal and get well, and the doctors think he can do this best in a calm, controlled environment. Thank you so much for understanding. We so look forward to when we can have visitors again.
Our hearts are filled with sorrow for this setback. In so many ways, he is starting over. We want nothing more than for Scott to wake up renewed and in better health than he is in today. Please continue to pray for Scott.
They are specifically concerned about and want to rule out any heart issues, blood clots, and infection that may not be appropriately treated.
They did do some blood gases (blood from the arteries to determine how well Scott was oxygenating his body). The only news I have heard on this was that his results were "okay" but that he was working very hard to keep them there.
He did have an EKG and an Echo (ultrasound) done on his heart so far, and both of those were normal.
They are currently intubating Scott (putting a breathing tube in) while the rest of us cry in the waiting room.
Before they had us step out so they could intubate Scott, I climbed up on the bed so I could kiss his face and I told him I loved him. Despite the fog he has been living in, he responded back "I love you the most."
They are planning on doing a full body CT scan around 10:30 tonight and results should be back betweeen 11:30-12:00. We are waiting here for the results.
They are specifically looking for any blood clots, any problems with Scott's brain, and want to get a good look at his lungs.
I'll post results late tonight or early tomorrow morning.
Scott is going to be sedated for the next 2-3 days, while the breathing tube is in. Hopefully, this will allow his body to get the rest it so desperately needs, while the docs try to fix any physical problems. Our hope is when he is awakened, our Scott will be back.
Again, at this time Scott cannot have any visitors. We know how many people love Scott and are supporting and praying for him-please never stop. We appreciate it so much and know God is watching over Scott. He just needs this time to heal and get well, and the doctors think he can do this best in a calm, controlled environment. Thank you so much for understanding. We so look forward to when we can have visitors again.
Our hearts are filled with sorrow for this setback. In so many ways, he is starting over. We want nothing more than for Scott to wake up renewed and in better health than he is in today. Please continue to pray for Scott.
Back to ICU
They are getting ready to transfer Scott back to the ICU.
He is stable, but needs closer monitoring.
More details later.
He is stable, but needs closer monitoring.
More details later.
Where to Start...
This will be long. I've never been one to give the "short story" so sit down and read if you have a few minutes...
Let me preface this by saying I only write these words with the upmost love and respect for my brother. I also write this with Janiece's permission. It's difficult to do, because of the (ridiculous) negative stigma that sometimes follows this type of problem. But this is real, and Scott has no control over this.
I think we all expected some "bumps in the road" but no one was prepared for this type of battle.
Two nights ago, Scott became increasingly confused. Janiece and sweet Shelby were with him that night, and the night was long and terrible. Scott did not know where he was or what was going on. He was confused, but he was not angrily confused at the time. Janiece and Shelby were up all night with him, trying to comfort him.
Initially, it was believed that the confusion was the result of a medication reaction. Scott is not on many medications. He was only on one antiobiotic (Unasyn) at the time, a diuretic (Lasix), Potassium, and the very rare, occasional pain medication. He had one dose of pain medication (in 24 hours) and he was given this many hours before the onset of his confusion.
On Monday morning, blood work was completed and there were no significant findings or changes from his previous lab work. As has been the "normal" for Scott for the past 11 days-his platelets were low and his sodium was low. Nothing that they thought would have caused his confusion.
Another thought was that Scott was confused because of continious sleep deprivation-hence the order for no visitors. Only Janiece, Shelby, and our parents were here on Monday morning/afternoon and they were only in the waiting room and not in Scott's room. The hope was that Scott could get the much needed rest he needed, if his environment was quiet and people free.
Unfortunately, sleep would not come. At some point during the day, Scott started pulling on all "foreign objects" on his body. This included his central line (the line that goes in his neck to give meds and get labs-he pulled it out about three inches) and one of the vacuums on his leg.
I received a phone call at around 7:30 last night to come to the hospital asap. Scott was more confused, and angrily confused at this point. He did not want to take any of the medications that he needs to get well...he wanted me to look them up for him because in his mind, everyone had ill intent. He recognized and trusted his family but he did not trust the medical staff.
By the time I got there, Scott was sitting up on the side of the bed and trying to leave. He did not know he was in the hospital or anything that had happened to him in the last 11 days. He did not understand why he could not just get up and walk out of here.
I looked up the medications for him, per his request, but he refused to take them then. Finally a bit later we were able to give him some medication to help calm him down and decrease his anxiety. This helped momentarily and he laid back down in bed.
The doctor was there and thought that a few things could be going on with Scott.
1)Another infection of some sort.
2)Sleep deprived confusion
3)Medication reaction
Janiece, Shelby, and I stayed in the room with Scott and willed and prayed for sleep to come for Scott. It did not. He did not sleep for one single minute last night. I should know, neither did I! He wanted to get out of bed, he wanted to pull everything off of him. He did take his medications from me, when I promised him that I had got them for him, and they were safe to take. The medications did not help him at all.
At two am, he was given a blessing--That he could be calm, that sleep would come, that the medications would work.
At three am, Janiece and Shelby went to the trailer to try and sleep. They had now been two nights without rest. Our parents came and I continued to stay with him. Sleep still evaded Scott and he was fighting some battle that only he knew.
At four am, the doctor came in to evaluate Scott, again. The doctor pulled out his central line (the rest of the way). He thought that the central line could have been a source of infection and it wasn't working right anyway, since Scott has pulled on it early in the day. They started a new IV (in his left arm) and drew blood for some further lab testing. This was not the same doctor that had previously seen Scott and he felt confident that Scott was septic (full of infection) again and this was causing his confusion. He started Scott on two more antibiotics (so three total, now) and we waited for the labs.
The lab results showed a few things...all subtle but all could contribute to his confusion.
1) Scott's lactate was 2.8. This result is high but not "scary" high, but something to monitor. It's elevated result could be showing the beginning of a new infection, for Scott. (Lactate can show a few things...a severe infection, and liver function among others. Obviously, these two were the things we were specifically looking for).
2) Scott's ammonia level had gone from 16 to 28 in less than 12 hours. This isn't a high result, but the fact that it had increased so rapidly was concerning. The liver is responsible for converting ammonia into urea and then it leaves our bodies through our urine. An elevated ammonia level can result in confusion. It also means Scott's liver was not converting the ammonia like it should.
3) Scott's urinalysis (a quick test to see if the urine has an infection, or blood, etc in it) came back questionable for a UTI. An undiagnosed/untreated UTI could lead to confusion.
A brain CT scan was also schedule today to rule out any problems there. This has not been done yet.
Scott still did not sleep and his confusion did not subside despite our best efforts.
Around 9:00 this morning the internal medicene doctor came to see Scott, as well as the surgeon who did his amputation. Both of them were very concerned about Scott. The surgeon felt like a contributing factor to the confusion was Scott's poor pain management. Most of this is Scott's choice-he did not want to take the pain medication and has had very little for having an amputation. The surgeon thought that his could have triggered his confusion.
Scott had a PICC line (basically a long term IV placed in his arm)placed late morning, to give him the iv medications he desperately needs. He had no improvement in his confusion this morning.
A specialist also came this morning and said Scott had "Medical Delirium." Basically, an acute onset of confusion that could be contributed to any of the things, I wrote about in this post, as well as a big list of other things.
Finally, he feel asleep for the first time in two days, today at 2:00pm. It is now almost four and he is just starting to stir a bit.
We are all very concerned for Scott. The doctors are very concerned for Scott. Something is definitely not right. They are considering transfering him back to the ICU tonight.
Out of all of this, the one line that the Doctor said that keeps running through my head is "this is temporary." It's so difficult to watch Scott be so confused. I told a tearful Shelby last night, to remember that this isn't Scott. It's easy to know this, because if you look into his eyes, you can see it just isn't him. He looks scared and it is heartbreaking. We know he will not remember this and we only pray that we can forget it also.
Let me preface this by saying I only write these words with the upmost love and respect for my brother. I also write this with Janiece's permission. It's difficult to do, because of the (ridiculous) negative stigma that sometimes follows this type of problem. But this is real, and Scott has no control over this.
I think we all expected some "bumps in the road" but no one was prepared for this type of battle.
Two nights ago, Scott became increasingly confused. Janiece and sweet Shelby were with him that night, and the night was long and terrible. Scott did not know where he was or what was going on. He was confused, but he was not angrily confused at the time. Janiece and Shelby were up all night with him, trying to comfort him.
Initially, it was believed that the confusion was the result of a medication reaction. Scott is not on many medications. He was only on one antiobiotic (Unasyn) at the time, a diuretic (Lasix), Potassium, and the very rare, occasional pain medication. He had one dose of pain medication (in 24 hours) and he was given this many hours before the onset of his confusion.
On Monday morning, blood work was completed and there were no significant findings or changes from his previous lab work. As has been the "normal" for Scott for the past 11 days-his platelets were low and his sodium was low. Nothing that they thought would have caused his confusion.
Another thought was that Scott was confused because of continious sleep deprivation-hence the order for no visitors. Only Janiece, Shelby, and our parents were here on Monday morning/afternoon and they were only in the waiting room and not in Scott's room. The hope was that Scott could get the much needed rest he needed, if his environment was quiet and people free.
Unfortunately, sleep would not come. At some point during the day, Scott started pulling on all "foreign objects" on his body. This included his central line (the line that goes in his neck to give meds and get labs-he pulled it out about three inches) and one of the vacuums on his leg.
I received a phone call at around 7:30 last night to come to the hospital asap. Scott was more confused, and angrily confused at this point. He did not want to take any of the medications that he needs to get well...he wanted me to look them up for him because in his mind, everyone had ill intent. He recognized and trusted his family but he did not trust the medical staff.
By the time I got there, Scott was sitting up on the side of the bed and trying to leave. He did not know he was in the hospital or anything that had happened to him in the last 11 days. He did not understand why he could not just get up and walk out of here.
I looked up the medications for him, per his request, but he refused to take them then. Finally a bit later we were able to give him some medication to help calm him down and decrease his anxiety. This helped momentarily and he laid back down in bed.
The doctor was there and thought that a few things could be going on with Scott.
1)Another infection of some sort.
2)Sleep deprived confusion
3)Medication reaction
Janiece, Shelby, and I stayed in the room with Scott and willed and prayed for sleep to come for Scott. It did not. He did not sleep for one single minute last night. I should know, neither did I! He wanted to get out of bed, he wanted to pull everything off of him. He did take his medications from me, when I promised him that I had got them for him, and they were safe to take. The medications did not help him at all.
At two am, he was given a blessing--That he could be calm, that sleep would come, that the medications would work.
At three am, Janiece and Shelby went to the trailer to try and sleep. They had now been two nights without rest. Our parents came and I continued to stay with him. Sleep still evaded Scott and he was fighting some battle that only he knew.
At four am, the doctor came in to evaluate Scott, again. The doctor pulled out his central line (the rest of the way). He thought that the central line could have been a source of infection and it wasn't working right anyway, since Scott has pulled on it early in the day. They started a new IV (in his left arm) and drew blood for some further lab testing. This was not the same doctor that had previously seen Scott and he felt confident that Scott was septic (full of infection) again and this was causing his confusion. He started Scott on two more antibiotics (so three total, now) and we waited for the labs.
The lab results showed a few things...all subtle but all could contribute to his confusion.
1) Scott's lactate was 2.8. This result is high but not "scary" high, but something to monitor. It's elevated result could be showing the beginning of a new infection, for Scott. (Lactate can show a few things...a severe infection, and liver function among others. Obviously, these two were the things we were specifically looking for).
2) Scott's ammonia level had gone from 16 to 28 in less than 12 hours. This isn't a high result, but the fact that it had increased so rapidly was concerning. The liver is responsible for converting ammonia into urea and then it leaves our bodies through our urine. An elevated ammonia level can result in confusion. It also means Scott's liver was not converting the ammonia like it should.
3) Scott's urinalysis (a quick test to see if the urine has an infection, or blood, etc in it) came back questionable for a UTI. An undiagnosed/untreated UTI could lead to confusion.
A brain CT scan was also schedule today to rule out any problems there. This has not been done yet.
Scott still did not sleep and his confusion did not subside despite our best efforts.
Around 9:00 this morning the internal medicene doctor came to see Scott, as well as the surgeon who did his amputation. Both of them were very concerned about Scott. The surgeon felt like a contributing factor to the confusion was Scott's poor pain management. Most of this is Scott's choice-he did not want to take the pain medication and has had very little for having an amputation. The surgeon thought that his could have triggered his confusion.
Scott had a PICC line (basically a long term IV placed in his arm)placed late morning, to give him the iv medications he desperately needs. He had no improvement in his confusion this morning.
A specialist also came this morning and said Scott had "Medical Delirium." Basically, an acute onset of confusion that could be contributed to any of the things, I wrote about in this post, as well as a big list of other things.
Finally, he feel asleep for the first time in two days, today at 2:00pm. It is now almost four and he is just starting to stir a bit.
We are all very concerned for Scott. The doctors are very concerned for Scott. Something is definitely not right. They are considering transfering him back to the ICU tonight.
Out of all of this, the one line that the Doctor said that keeps running through my head is "this is temporary." It's so difficult to watch Scott be so confused. I told a tearful Shelby last night, to remember that this isn't Scott. It's easy to know this, because if you look into his eyes, you can see it just isn't him. He looks scared and it is heartbreaking. We know he will not remember this and we only pray that we can forget it also.
Not Good
Things with Scott, have not improved. Once again, please, no visitors. Physically and mentally something serious is wrong with Scott. The doctors have a few suscipicions, but are working diligently to pinpoint a cause. Please wait until the Scott we all love and know is "back" with us again, before coming by.
I have a huge update I need to take the time to sit down and write. But I am currently getting ready to go back to the hospital. Check back tonight and I will have more details and the time to write all that has happened in the last 24 hours.
In the meantime, please pray for Scott. Pray for peace of mind. Pray that sleep will come for him. Pray that the medications will help him. Pray for Janiece and the kids. Pray that we can find what is causing his new problems and treat them quickly and appropriately. Please pray.
I have a huge update I need to take the time to sit down and write. But I am currently getting ready to go back to the hospital. Check back tonight and I will have more details and the time to write all that has happened in the last 24 hours.
In the meantime, please pray for Scott. Pray for peace of mind. Pray that sleep will come for him. Pray that the medications will help him. Pray for Janiece and the kids. Pray that we can find what is causing his new problems and treat them quickly and appropriately. Please pray.
Monday, May 30, 2011
No new news
Not much to update...Scott is still confused. They are still asking for no visitors and this may be the case for a few days. Our parents even came to see Scott and they were not allowed in. Scott also had his phone "taken away" so no more confused calls could be made.
We're sad about this little set back. We hope that whatever is causing this will soon be fixed and Scott will be back to being Scott.
We're sad about this little set back. We hope that whatever is causing this will soon be fixed and Scott will be back to being Scott.
No Visitors
Scott had a rough night last night, and the doctors have enforced a "No Visitor" policy today. Thank you for understanding.
Janiece said that last night Scott was very confused. He didn't know who he was or where he was at. He is still confused this morning.
They are running a bunch of tests to see if they can pinpoint what is going on.
They are also redressing his leg today and putting on new drains.
He did hurt his shoulder also last night, when he was trying to get up but he hasn't complained about that today.
Obviously, I have not been to the hospital today but will get phone updates from Janiece and post them throughout the day.
Janiece said that last night Scott was very confused. He didn't know who he was or where he was at. He is still confused this morning.
They are running a bunch of tests to see if they can pinpoint what is going on.
They are also redressing his leg today and putting on new drains.
He did hurt his shoulder also last night, when he was trying to get up but he hasn't complained about that today.
Obviously, I have not been to the hospital today but will get phone updates from Janiece and post them throughout the day.
Sunday, May 29, 2011
This isn't my life
Alternate Titles to this post:
Thank you God, for these trials. I am stronger now. Can we be done?
I couldn't make this up if I tried.
Someone wake me up!
I can't tell you how many times over the last few weeks I have told my husband, that "I can't believe this is happening to us" I really can't explain how it feels. It is some sort of strange twilight zone.
The other day on the way to the hospital, I was filling up my car with gas. As I watched the hundreds of cars driving past me, I thought about how most of the people in those cars, were going about their daily lives, not realizing how much mine had changed. How lucky, they were I thought and how unfair for me.
You see, two weeks ago I was in Georgia with my mother-in-law attending her 47 year old sister's funeral. She died way too young from pancreatic cancer. In December of 2010, as far as she knew, she was healthy and five months later she was gone.
My flight landed on Wednesday the 18th and I was supposed to leave for a work conference in Texas on the 20th. Only 18 hours later, on May 19th, my brother was lifeflighted to IMC. A few hours after that he had his leg amputated and was traveling the fine line between life and death.
I didn't go to Texas and I am so glad.
On Sunday the 22nd, my sister in law and my sweet three year old niece were in a car accident. They were basically T-Boned by someone going 60 who ran a red light. Despite some bruising and a broken arm for my sister in law, they are thankfully going to be okay.
Last night, my husband's grandpa (age 66) was bucked off a horse and had a c6-c7 neck injury. They told us last night he is paralyzed from the neck down. He was lifeflighted yesterday to the same hospital Scott is in. Currently he is on the same floor, in the ICU, only a few doors down from Scott's old room.
You know the saying-"It could always be worse?" Well, last night proved that it really always can be. I'm so sad. It just doesn't seem possible that this could be happening to people I know, love, and care so much about. Now when I go to the hospital I see my side of my family and my in laws and it just isn't right.
Once again, it feels like time is standing still for our family, while the rest of the world is still spinning.
If you've read this blog in its entirety you would have read the different scriptures, I've included on some posts. I haven't been getting home from the hospital until late most nights. Each night despite the late hour, I can't turn my brain off. Part of me thinks that if I lay down in bed before sleep comes, I'll be consumed with grief. So each night, I have been studying my scriptures under a different subject. Some of my subjects have been- grief, the Atonement, love, weakness, suffering, strength, eternal families, and more.
Today, my thoughts have once again returned to the Atonement. As I was reading, I thought about Heavenly Father watching his Son, Jesus Christ, on the cross and wanting nothing more than to save him, to ease his suffering, and yet he withheld, because of his eternal love for each of us.
I want nothing more than for Heavenly Father to ease these burdens from my family. My vision is not as clear as our Heavenly Father's and I'm selfish. I hate this. I want to go back to three weeks ago, when we all went about our daily lives and every.single.member of my family could walk with ease.
I know there are so many blessings to be seen throughout all of this, and I'm praying each day for the ability to see more clearly how truly blessed we are. I also think it's okay to feel sad right now.
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16
Thank you God, for these trials. I am stronger now. Can we be done?
I couldn't make this up if I tried.
Someone wake me up!
I can't tell you how many times over the last few weeks I have told my husband, that "I can't believe this is happening to us" I really can't explain how it feels. It is some sort of strange twilight zone.
The other day on the way to the hospital, I was filling up my car with gas. As I watched the hundreds of cars driving past me, I thought about how most of the people in those cars, were going about their daily lives, not realizing how much mine had changed. How lucky, they were I thought and how unfair for me.
You see, two weeks ago I was in Georgia with my mother-in-law attending her 47 year old sister's funeral. She died way too young from pancreatic cancer. In December of 2010, as far as she knew, she was healthy and five months later she was gone.
My flight landed on Wednesday the 18th and I was supposed to leave for a work conference in Texas on the 20th. Only 18 hours later, on May 19th, my brother was lifeflighted to IMC. A few hours after that he had his leg amputated and was traveling the fine line between life and death.
I didn't go to Texas and I am so glad.
On Sunday the 22nd, my sister in law and my sweet three year old niece were in a car accident. They were basically T-Boned by someone going 60 who ran a red light. Despite some bruising and a broken arm for my sister in law, they are thankfully going to be okay.
Last night, my husband's grandpa (age 66) was bucked off a horse and had a c6-c7 neck injury. They told us last night he is paralyzed from the neck down. He was lifeflighted yesterday to the same hospital Scott is in. Currently he is on the same floor, in the ICU, only a few doors down from Scott's old room.
You know the saying-"It could always be worse?" Well, last night proved that it really always can be. I'm so sad. It just doesn't seem possible that this could be happening to people I know, love, and care so much about. Now when I go to the hospital I see my side of my family and my in laws and it just isn't right.
Once again, it feels like time is standing still for our family, while the rest of the world is still spinning.
If you've read this blog in its entirety you would have read the different scriptures, I've included on some posts. I haven't been getting home from the hospital until late most nights. Each night despite the late hour, I can't turn my brain off. Part of me thinks that if I lay down in bed before sleep comes, I'll be consumed with grief. So each night, I have been studying my scriptures under a different subject. Some of my subjects have been- grief, the Atonement, love, weakness, suffering, strength, eternal families, and more.
Today, my thoughts have once again returned to the Atonement. As I was reading, I thought about Heavenly Father watching his Son, Jesus Christ, on the cross and wanting nothing more than to save him, to ease his suffering, and yet he withheld, because of his eternal love for each of us.
I want nothing more than for Heavenly Father to ease these burdens from my family. My vision is not as clear as our Heavenly Father's and I'm selfish. I hate this. I want to go back to three weeks ago, when we all went about our daily lives and every.single.member of my family could walk with ease.
I know there are so many blessings to be seen throughout all of this, and I'm praying each day for the ability to see more clearly how truly blessed we are. I also think it's okay to feel sad right now.
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16
Sunday's Report
Can you believe it's been 10 days since we entered this "new" stage in our life? Feels like a moment ago, and yet a lifetime ago, all at once.
I'm happy to report that Scott is doing pretty well. His nurse yesterday morning was excellent and called the docs to get Scott's pain medication changed around a bit, which is working better. The only problem though, is Scott "wants to tough it out". I keep trying to remind him that it is easier to stay on top of it, rather than chase it. Scott overall has had very little pain medication-I'm completely amazed. I used to work for Acute Pain Services, and keep trying to convince him he needs more....but he is strong and resilient and isn't taking much. I know it bothers me more than him, because I just don't want to see him hurt.
His sodium and potassium still haven't balanced out and returned to normal yet. They are continuing to give him IV replacement of these to help. He is still on a water restriction but can have other fluids so that is helping. His sodium was at 126 today (normal 135-145).
Scott was carrying a lot of extra fluid and was SO swollen just a few days ago. He continues to receive Lasix (a diuretic to get the fluid off...this diuretic also effects his sodium and potassium levels) and from looking at him you can tell that it is working. His once tight wrist band now easily slips off. He is also having a normal output now.
Today, Scott "hopped" from point A to point B. From what I hear it was pretty amazing. He made a goal to do it and he did! He is trying to weasel his way out of going to rehab, and the evil sister (me) is trying to convince him of the importance of going.
Because of all the fluid and now losing all the fluid, Scott's poor stretched skin is very delicate. He has a few little blisters that are being watched closely.
Remember the blister I wrote about a few days ago on Scott's amputated leg? A special wound doctor came in to evaluate it. He lanced and drained it and redressed it. He also added a third vacuum type drain to Scott's leg and so far this is helping. He did this yesterday and when he looked at it today again, he wanted to talk to Scott's surgeon about redoing Scott's entire leg dressing/drains. We haven't heard anything else on this, yet.
The liver transplant doctor also came in to see Scott today and helped us set some goals and have a timeline. He really feels like Scott's immediate problem is obviously, to get over his current illness and heal well. Scott needs to fully heal from this and right now his liver issues are stable. They will watch his lab results closely, but truly the focus now, is to heal and have the best health possible before entering a risky, big surgery like a liver transplant.
I'm so proud of Scott and realize everyday how important family is. I love my family.
I'm happy to report that Scott is doing pretty well. His nurse yesterday morning was excellent and called the docs to get Scott's pain medication changed around a bit, which is working better. The only problem though, is Scott "wants to tough it out". I keep trying to remind him that it is easier to stay on top of it, rather than chase it. Scott overall has had very little pain medication-I'm completely amazed. I used to work for Acute Pain Services, and keep trying to convince him he needs more....but he is strong and resilient and isn't taking much. I know it bothers me more than him, because I just don't want to see him hurt.
His sodium and potassium still haven't balanced out and returned to normal yet. They are continuing to give him IV replacement of these to help. He is still on a water restriction but can have other fluids so that is helping. His sodium was at 126 today (normal 135-145).
Scott was carrying a lot of extra fluid and was SO swollen just a few days ago. He continues to receive Lasix (a diuretic to get the fluid off...this diuretic also effects his sodium and potassium levels) and from looking at him you can tell that it is working. His once tight wrist band now easily slips off. He is also having a normal output now.
Today, Scott "hopped" from point A to point B. From what I hear it was pretty amazing. He made a goal to do it and he did! He is trying to weasel his way out of going to rehab, and the evil sister (me) is trying to convince him of the importance of going.
Because of all the fluid and now losing all the fluid, Scott's poor stretched skin is very delicate. He has a few little blisters that are being watched closely.
Remember the blister I wrote about a few days ago on Scott's amputated leg? A special wound doctor came in to evaluate it. He lanced and drained it and redressed it. He also added a third vacuum type drain to Scott's leg and so far this is helping. He did this yesterday and when he looked at it today again, he wanted to talk to Scott's surgeon about redoing Scott's entire leg dressing/drains. We haven't heard anything else on this, yet.
The liver transplant doctor also came in to see Scott today and helped us set some goals and have a timeline. He really feels like Scott's immediate problem is obviously, to get over his current illness and heal well. Scott needs to fully heal from this and right now his liver issues are stable. They will watch his lab results closely, but truly the focus now, is to heal and have the best health possible before entering a risky, big surgery like a liver transplant.
I'm so proud of Scott and realize everyday how important family is. I love my family.
Saturday, May 28, 2011
May 27, 2011
Scott is doing pretty well today. He is still having some pain, but much more tolerable than yesterday.
His sodium is lower today than yesterday. :( Today it was 122 (normal is 135-145). So once again, all he wants is wanter, and that is the one thing he can't have.
He also has a medium size blister all along the side of amputated leg, underneath the dressing. We are waiting to talk to the doctor about this. He has been having a TON of drainage out of that leg too, which they said was okay.
Scott loves hospital food! 
Hannah giving Scott some loves. Remember- "It's okay!"
More detailed update later....Friday, May 27, 2011
One more day down
Scott has had a pretty good day.
Pain is still an issue. Overall he does feel better than last night, but he is still quite painful. If I wrote all the phrases Scott, said this blog would be rated R. :) So, use your imagination when I asked him how is pain was tonight.
Part of the problem was that when he was getting up today, he accidentally hit his "stubbie" (this is the nickname Scott has chosen for his amputated leg) on the chair, really hard. Where he hit his leg, is still bothering him.
He is also having muscle spasm pains. I think these are bothering him the most. Janiece did ask the doctor this morning if he could have some muscle relaxers or something, but the doc did not think they would help much. In the last surgery, to create "stubbie," all of Scott's leg muscles were literally pulled down and layered under his upper leg bones, a few inches thick. The doc said that this was the way they "have done it for years." He said that before they did this technique that the bone actually had a tendency to work it's way out of the skin! Ouch!
We're glad that they have this technique to prevent this from happening, but you can imagine the stress that the muscles have been put through, and the pain that it is causing, now.
Guess what? Today the doc told Scott and Janiece that his amputated leg weighed 73 pounds!! Heavy with infection and fluid! Mick weighs 78 pounds. I still can't believe it.
The emotions are setting in a little bit, and Scott has been a little sad, today. Time slows down in the hospital and all we can do is think. He's been thinking about what is going to happen when he gets home. He has been thinking about how their home needs to modified and all other things that providing husbands, think about. He is surrounded by love, support, and encouragement and we are taking it one day at a time.
I received even more cards in the mail today and brought them right up to the hospital. His walls in his new room are filling up! Thank you! One of the nurses said "You're room looks like a home!" This is exactly what I wanted! Again, thank you so much.
Pain is still an issue. Overall he does feel better than last night, but he is still quite painful. If I wrote all the phrases Scott, said this blog would be rated R. :) So, use your imagination when I asked him how is pain was tonight.
Part of the problem was that when he was getting up today, he accidentally hit his "stubbie" (this is the nickname Scott has chosen for his amputated leg) on the chair, really hard. Where he hit his leg, is still bothering him.
He is also having muscle spasm pains. I think these are bothering him the most. Janiece did ask the doctor this morning if he could have some muscle relaxers or something, but the doc did not think they would help much. In the last surgery, to create "stubbie," all of Scott's leg muscles were literally pulled down and layered under his upper leg bones, a few inches thick. The doc said that this was the way they "have done it for years." He said that before they did this technique that the bone actually had a tendency to work it's way out of the skin! Ouch!
We're glad that they have this technique to prevent this from happening, but you can imagine the stress that the muscles have been put through, and the pain that it is causing, now.
Guess what? Today the doc told Scott and Janiece that his amputated leg weighed 73 pounds!! Heavy with infection and fluid! Mick weighs 78 pounds. I still can't believe it.
The emotions are setting in a little bit, and Scott has been a little sad, today. Time slows down in the hospital and all we can do is think. He's been thinking about what is going to happen when he gets home. He has been thinking about how their home needs to modified and all other things that providing husbands, think about. He is surrounded by love, support, and encouragement and we are taking it one day at a time.
I received even more cards in the mail today and brought them right up to the hospital. His walls in his new room are filling up! Thank you! One of the nurses said "You're room looks like a home!" This is exactly what I wanted! Again, thank you so much.
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