ICU Day #17 / Hospital Day #50
Unbelievably, this is the 50th day in the hospital for Kathleen. Hope that we're not looking at 50 more.
As Kathy continues to make progress, some days are just work days. Her blood work showed that she still has a blood infection. So to prevent further problems, they needed to move the lines she has in place in her arms, neck and chest. This takes time and certainly a toll on her. But they were moved by late afternoon. Some new bleeding but they can continue to give her medicine and her dialysis. Hopefully, they'll be able to beat this lingering infection.
Still haven't heard from the docs. I'll need to be more of a pest on Thursday to get them to talk to me. :-8 I suspect that there are major problems in her belly that will continue to cause her problems. They haven't solved it in 50 days so I guess they can try some more.
But with all that said, she is certainly looking a lot more peaceful. Some color has returned, her swelling has gone down, she's breathing more normally (at least for her) and there are more signs that she can start to move. But it still going to be some time before she can rejoin us.
I continue to read Kathy all of the cards you have been sending. I also read her the many emails. She's heard from college and high school friends, her church groups, her friends in city management and her extended family across the country.
Started to solve a related problem today. Got caught in St. Charles Rock Road traffic at lunch which was no fun. I hope she thinks this is worth it. When she became sick she broke her glasses. Of course, she's been using her same eye doc for 30 years so I had to track down his number and office location so they could be repaired.
Nothing that time and money won't fix. But she'll want to read your cards herself.
I'll be back at the hospital on Thursday. Will give an update as soon as I can.
Wednesday, June 30, 2004
Tuesday 6/29 - Making Progress
ICU Day #16 / Hospital Day #49
Today Kathleen made more progress. She is still on the vent but is now setting the pace. The machine is assisting her. So this is good news.
She was able to handle the CAT scan procedure and the move around the hospital, so that is also good news.
However, she still has the internal hemorrhaging issue to resolve and is still on dialysis. These remain big obstacles.
It gets very frustrating that the doctors don't share the information on a timely basis with me. I'll have to be more vocal Wednesday to get them to contact me.
Today Kathleen made more progress. She is still on the vent but is now setting the pace. The machine is assisting her. So this is good news.
She was able to handle the CAT scan procedure and the move around the hospital, so that is also good news.
However, she still has the internal hemorrhaging issue to resolve and is still on dialysis. These remain big obstacles.
It gets very frustrating that the doctors don't share the information on a timely basis with me. I'll have to be more vocal Wednesday to get them to contact me.
Monday, June 28, 2004
Monday 6/28 - CAT Day
ICU Day #15 / Hospital Day #48
Another day and some more progress. These are very small improvements but they are good signs and are heading in the right direction. She appears to be tolerating her new ventilator and the lower settings. This will help over the coming weeks. But it is a slow and methodical process to wean someone from such high support. This vent focuses on the volume, not the amount of pressure in her lungs. She still has more to go before they can remove the vent. At best, a bit after July 4th. Learn more about ARDS HERE.
Kathy is scheduled for a CAT scan (computed tomography scan) later this afternoon. This will be the first test to see if she is stable enough to be moved around the hospital. They want to check on her mid-section for other problems now that her infections, breathing and blood pressure issues are stable. Hopefully, there will be good signs about her kidneys and her previous internal hemorrhaging.
Learn more about the history of X-Rays and CAT scans HERE.
Another day and some more progress. These are very small improvements but they are good signs and are heading in the right direction. She appears to be tolerating her new ventilator and the lower settings. This will help over the coming weeks. But it is a slow and methodical process to wean someone from such high support. This vent focuses on the volume, not the amount of pressure in her lungs. She still has more to go before they can remove the vent. At best, a bit after July 4th. Learn more about ARDS HERE.
Kathy is scheduled for a CAT scan (computed tomography scan) later this afternoon. This will be the first test to see if she is stable enough to be moved around the hospital. They want to check on her mid-section for other problems now that her infections, breathing and blood pressure issues are stable. Hopefully, there will be good signs about her kidneys and her previous internal hemorrhaging.
Learn more about the history of X-Rays and CAT scans HERE.
Sunday, June 27, 2004
Sunday 6/27 - Card Day
ICU Day #14 / Hospital Day #47
Kathy is resting this morning. She is still heavily medicated. But there are signs that she is starting to stir. Last night I brought her a CD player and her CDs. The nurses offered to play them for her.
I spent the morning opening and reading her many get-well cards that have arrived at home this past week. I've taped them to her room wall so she'll see them and her nurses and docs will also know about how you are thinking of her and the boys.
Now that Kathy's breathing numbers are getting better, they've exchanged her vent for a kinder more gentler system that can assist her. It will help her meet her pressure settings rather than force them. If she continues to progress, she could be off the vent by next weekend. I would hope that they'd reduce her sedation after that time. I'll have to talk to her doctors on Monday to find out their plan for sure.
Learn more about the history of sending greeting cards by clicking HERE.
Kathy is resting this morning. She is still heavily medicated. But there are signs that she is starting to stir. Last night I brought her a CD player and her CDs. The nurses offered to play them for her.
I spent the morning opening and reading her many get-well cards that have arrived at home this past week. I've taped them to her room wall so she'll see them and her nurses and docs will also know about how you are thinking of her and the boys.
Now that Kathy's breathing numbers are getting better, they've exchanged her vent for a kinder more gentler system that can assist her. It will help her meet her pressure settings rather than force them. If she continues to progress, she could be off the vent by next weekend. I would hope that they'd reduce her sedation after that time. I'll have to talk to her doctors on Monday to find out their plan for sure.
Learn more about the history of sending greeting cards by clicking HERE.
What are ARDS & Scleroderma?
Here's a link from the Missouri Bar concerning medical directives and living wills which you may find interesting. Click HERE. This is worth reading and having in place BEFORE you need medical care.
Adult (or Acute) Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) is a medical condition which prevents the normal breathing process from taking place. ARDS occurs when there is severe inflammation in both lungs resulting in an inability of the lungs to function properly. ARDS is a devastating, often fatal, inflammatory lung condition that usually occurs in conjunction with catastrophic medical conditions, such as pneumonia, shock, sepsis (or severe infection throughout the body, sometimes also referred to as systemic infection, and may include or also be called a blood or blood-borne infection), and trauma. It is a form of sudden and often severe lung failure. Lung failure means that the lungs can no longer carry out their normal function of getting oxygen into the blood and removing carbon dioxide from the body.
ARDS Links
ARDS Support Center - Frequently Asked Questions
ARDS - National Institute of Health
Systemic Sclerosis ("scleroderma") is a rare, chronic autoimmune (arthritis) disease that primarily affects females who are 30 to 50 years old at onset. It is a serious illness that can affect any part of the body. It is broken down into categories such as Diffuse, Limited, CREST, and Overlap. Learn more at the sclero website
This type is often referred to as the "disease that turns people into stone" for the distinctive skin hardening that often occurs eventually. The hardening typically affects the hands, causing the fingers to curl inward.
There are dozens of symptoms of Systemic Sclerosis, and a huge variance in how people are affected by it. Often the illness develops slowly, with vague initial symptoms such as swelling of the hands, carpal tunnel syndrome, sensitivity to cold, fatigue, heartburn, difficulty swallowing, shortness of breath, and reduced endurance.
Scleroderma can be quite difficult to diagnose, and many people are misdiagnosed with CFS, lupus, or rheumatoid arthritis in the beginning. Many people with scleroderma may have comparatively mild symptoms for decades, while those with the rare form of rapid-onset Diffuse Scleroderma, may quickly suffer disability, disfigurement, and even death.
The Cause of Scleroderma remains largely unknown. It is not contagious or cancerous. You can't catch it by kissing, holding hands, sharing eating utensils, or through sexual intercourse. Only about 1-2% of cases are genetic. Sometimes scleroderma is caused by chemical or environmental exposures.
Unfortunately, there is no proven treatment or cure for any form of scleroderma. However, there are effective treatments for many of the symptoms, many experimental treatments and clinical trials, and plenty of ways to lessen symptoms and adapt to the illness.
Scleroderma Links
I Have Scleroderma - http://www.ihavescleroderma.com
International Scleroderma Network - http://www.sclero.org/
Scleroderma Foundation - http://www.scleroderma.org/
Surviving Scleroderma - http://www.sclerodermasupport.com
Adult (or Acute) Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) is a medical condition which prevents the normal breathing process from taking place. ARDS occurs when there is severe inflammation in both lungs resulting in an inability of the lungs to function properly. ARDS is a devastating, often fatal, inflammatory lung condition that usually occurs in conjunction with catastrophic medical conditions, such as pneumonia, shock, sepsis (or severe infection throughout the body, sometimes also referred to as systemic infection, and may include or also be called a blood or blood-borne infection), and trauma. It is a form of sudden and often severe lung failure. Lung failure means that the lungs can no longer carry out their normal function of getting oxygen into the blood and removing carbon dioxide from the body.
ARDS Links
Systemic Sclerosis ("scleroderma") is a rare, chronic autoimmune (arthritis) disease that primarily affects females who are 30 to 50 years old at onset. It is a serious illness that can affect any part of the body. It is broken down into categories such as Diffuse, Limited, CREST, and Overlap. Learn more at the sclero website
This type is often referred to as the "disease that turns people into stone" for the distinctive skin hardening that often occurs eventually. The hardening typically affects the hands, causing the fingers to curl inward.
There are dozens of symptoms of Systemic Sclerosis, and a huge variance in how people are affected by it. Often the illness develops slowly, with vague initial symptoms such as swelling of the hands, carpal tunnel syndrome, sensitivity to cold, fatigue, heartburn, difficulty swallowing, shortness of breath, and reduced endurance.
Scleroderma can be quite difficult to diagnose, and many people are misdiagnosed with CFS, lupus, or rheumatoid arthritis in the beginning. Many people with scleroderma may have comparatively mild symptoms for decades, while those with the rare form of rapid-onset Diffuse Scleroderma, may quickly suffer disability, disfigurement, and even death.
The Cause of Scleroderma remains largely unknown. It is not contagious or cancerous. You can't catch it by kissing, holding hands, sharing eating utensils, or through sexual intercourse. Only about 1-2% of cases are genetic. Sometimes scleroderma is caused by chemical or environmental exposures.
Unfortunately, there is no proven treatment or cure for any form of scleroderma. However, there are effective treatments for many of the symptoms, many experimental treatments and clinical trials, and plenty of ways to lessen symptoms and adapt to the illness.
Scleroderma Links
Saturday, June 26, 2004
Saturday 6/26 - PEEP day
ICU Day #13 / Hospital Day #46
This morning I spent an hour or so with Kathleen. She still has the VRE so we must don our gloves and gown to enter her room. Her vent settings have changed for the better again. She is still at 35% oxygen ratio but her PEEP rate has come down to 10 (it had been in the high 20's). They are working on the PEEP rate today to see how well she can tolerate that change before they make other setting changes. Her frequency is at 26 (down from 40 last week). These are good signs that she will be able to breath again on her own. At best, 7-10 days away from that.
She is still on dialysis and is losing a lot of her previous swelling. There are still many hurdles to face. But she is heading is the right direction.
I turn on the Cardinal games for her when I am in the room---usually a replay of the previous days game. I also leave the evening nurses notes on the bulletin board when the game starts and which cable channel it's on so they don't have any reason NOT to turn the TV on for her.
Will post more when I visit her again tonight.
This morning I spent an hour or so with Kathleen. She still has the VRE so we must don our gloves and gown to enter her room. Her vent settings have changed for the better again. She is still at 35% oxygen ratio but her PEEP rate has come down to 10 (it had been in the high 20's). They are working on the PEEP rate today to see how well she can tolerate that change before they make other setting changes. Her frequency is at 26 (down from 40 last week). These are good signs that she will be able to breath again on her own. At best, 7-10 days away from that.
She is still on dialysis and is losing a lot of her previous swelling. There are still many hurdles to face. But she is heading is the right direction.
I turn on the Cardinal games for her when I am in the room---usually a replay of the previous days game. I also leave the evening nurses notes on the bulletin board when the game starts and which cable channel it's on so they don't have any reason NOT to turn the TV on for her.
Will post more when I visit her again tonight.
Friday, June 25, 2004
Friday 6/25 - Ameliorate
ICU Day #12 / Hospital Day #45
Kathy had another good day. Still heavily medicated and is unable to communicate with us. They've reduced her vent settings again a bit today. She remains on dialysis so that is helping to reduce the swelling. Still has multiple infections which they are fighting. Her blood pressure goes up whenever I'm talking to her so things must be getting back to normal already :-)
Many of you have asked how the boys are doing during this time. For the most part they are handling this very well. They do know mom is severly ill and that they can not yet see her. I tell them about her condition each day and relay their messages to her. Jon reads this blog so he knows the story too. They have been very busy this summer so that has kept them occupied every day. They've gone swimming, gone to movies, played at the park, shopped, played with friends, been a "keeper for a day" at the zoo, played minigolf, and attended volleyball camp so far. Next week is a church camp so they'll be busy again. Mom would want us to keep going. I've been very fortunate to have many helpers so that I can start back to work and to get the boys to their activities. Thank you!
Word for the Day - Ameliorate
Kathy had another good day. Still heavily medicated and is unable to communicate with us. They've reduced her vent settings again a bit today. She remains on dialysis so that is helping to reduce the swelling. Still has multiple infections which they are fighting. Her blood pressure goes up whenever I'm talking to her so things must be getting back to normal already :-)
Many of you have asked how the boys are doing during this time. For the most part they are handling this very well. They do know mom is severly ill and that they can not yet see her. I tell them about her condition each day and relay their messages to her. Jon reads this blog so he knows the story too. They have been very busy this summer so that has kept them occupied every day. They've gone swimming, gone to movies, played at the park, shopped, played with friends, been a "keeper for a day" at the zoo, played minigolf, and attended volleyball camp so far. Next week is a church camp so they'll be busy again. Mom would want us to keep going. I've been very fortunate to have many helpers so that I can start back to work and to get the boys to their activities. Thank you!
Word for the Day - Ameliorate
Thursday, June 24, 2004
Thursday 6/24 - Helping Hand
ICU Day #11 / Hospital Day #44
Mid Day Report - Kathleen remains on dialysis. It is helping to reduce the excess fluids and the extreme swelling. She still looks very tired and remains heavily sedated. Her oxygen ratio has been moved down to 40% from its 100% last Thursday. She did test positive for the VRE so she will start a new antibiotic today. They also plan to replace several of the lines that are drawing blood and pumping in the fluids to prevent infection.
Yesterday Mark and Nancy from the city dropped off two giant cards from the city managers titled "Helping Hand for Kathleen". They read the many comments from the city managers around town. Kathleen has been a SLACMA member for a number of years and served in a number of leadership roles including president of the association. The cards are now posted on the walls for her to see when she wakes. I also plan to read them again to her tonight.
Plan to be back later tonight so I will update after that. - Rodger
Mid Day Report - Kathleen remains on dialysis. It is helping to reduce the excess fluids and the extreme swelling. She still looks very tired and remains heavily sedated. Her oxygen ratio has been moved down to 40% from its 100% last Thursday. She did test positive for the VRE so she will start a new antibiotic today. They also plan to replace several of the lines that are drawing blood and pumping in the fluids to prevent infection.
Yesterday Mark and Nancy from the city dropped off two giant cards from the city managers titled "Helping Hand for Kathleen". They read the many comments from the city managers around town. Kathleen has been a SLACMA member for a number of years and served in a number of leadership roles including president of the association. The cards are now posted on the walls for her to see when she wakes. I also plan to read them again to her tonight.
Plan to be back later tonight so I will update after that. - Rodger
Wednesday, June 23, 2004
Wednesday 6/23 - Gloves and Gowns
ICU Day #10 / Hospital Day #43
Kathy has had another peaceful day. Not much progress on the vent settings. A few were set back a bit since it appeared she was not tolerating the lower/slower pace. But considering how much she improved over last week, this does not yet appear to be a concern. She is also tolerating the dialysis well and is getting rid of some of the excess fluids. This is helping to reduce the swelling and she is looking a bit thinner.
What did change today was a possible lab result of a Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus infection. They are going to retest. So we now must wear gowns and gloves when visiting Kathy. The docs today didn't think this was going to be a big problem for her since her blood pressure looks good. Not so much for her or our protection, but rather to prevent this possible bug from spreading inside the ICU. Click HERE for some info on VRE.
I also have some new on a special gift/visit Kathy received today. But it's time for dinner and some fun with the boys. Will update on Thursday.
Kathy has had another peaceful day. Not much progress on the vent settings. A few were set back a bit since it appeared she was not tolerating the lower/slower pace. But considering how much she improved over last week, this does not yet appear to be a concern. She is also tolerating the dialysis well and is getting rid of some of the excess fluids. This is helping to reduce the swelling and she is looking a bit thinner.
What did change today was a possible lab result of a Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus infection. They are going to retest. So we now must wear gowns and gloves when visiting Kathy. The docs today didn't think this was going to be a big problem for her since her blood pressure looks good. Not so much for her or our protection, but rather to prevent this possible bug from spreading inside the ICU. Click HERE for some info on VRE.
I also have some new on a special gift/visit Kathy received today. But it's time for dinner and some fun with the boys. Will update on Thursday.
Tuesday, June 22, 2004
Tuesday 6/22 - Day of Rest
ICU Day #9 / Hospital Day #42
More of the same today. Rather pretty quiet for her. They had lowered her vent settings a bit today but brought that back up by this evening because it was causing her discomfort. She did start dialysis again and this should help the swelling. She is in acute renal failure which means that there's a chance this can be reversed. She really needs her kidneys to restart. Probably can go 3-4 more weeks before they think she's in chronic renal failure which would mean she'd always need dialysis 3 times a week. They are also still giving antibiotics for her infections.
Several of you have asked why Kathy is on the ventilator. When she moved to the ICU, she was having many problems, including what appeared to be ARDS (Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome) most likely called by reaction to an infection. She already had lung issues, so having this complication is not helpful. Click HERE for more information on ARDS. As you'll read, this is a major complication of trauma and severe infections.
More of the same today. Rather pretty quiet for her. They had lowered her vent settings a bit today but brought that back up by this evening because it was causing her discomfort. She did start dialysis again and this should help the swelling. She is in acute renal failure which means that there's a chance this can be reversed. She really needs her kidneys to restart. Probably can go 3-4 more weeks before they think she's in chronic renal failure which would mean she'd always need dialysis 3 times a week. They are also still giving antibiotics for her infections.
Several of you have asked why Kathy is on the ventilator. When she moved to the ICU, she was having many problems, including what appeared to be ARDS (Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome) most likely called by reaction to an infection. She already had lung issues, so having this complication is not helpful. Click HERE for more information on ARDS. As you'll read, this is a major complication of trauma and severe infections.
Monday, June 21, 2004
Monday 6/21 - Don't Quit
ICU Day #8 / Hospital Day #41
It was a great relief this weekend to have Kathy make some improvements. Success seems measured not in making great leaps forward but to not take giant falls back. She is still so critically ill that it is hard to really get charged up that she's going to pull through this crisis.
As I speak to Kathy's friends and family, I often talk about how I am telling her what's going on and how she is doing "better". As I try to take a positive outlook, I think I am misleading some of you about the real nature of her condition. Most of you upon seeing her would be terribly disappointed. But I know she is "better" than she was just a few days ago. And that is what I am telling her. She is a strong fighter and can make it through this ordeal.
This morning when I was checking emails and getting ready to start yet another day of my new routine, I looked up from Kathy's computer desk and saw a poem she had pinned to the message board. She must have known that she'd need it here one day. It seemed very appropriate so I took it along to read to her:
Don't Quit
----------
When things go wrong as they sometimes will;
When the road you're trudging seems all uphill;
When the funds are low, and the debts are high;
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh.
When care is pressing you down a bit --
Rest if you must, but don't you quit.
Success is failure turned inside out;
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt;
And you never can tell how close you are;
It may be near when it seems so afar.
So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit --
It's when things go wrong that you mustn't quit.
So with all that said, today was another better day. Her blood pressure was better. And they have reduced the frequency and oxygen mix ratios. This means she is not being forced to breath as fast, as deep and with as much oxygen on the ventilator as she was before. She has also been removed from the neuralmuscular blockade; although she is now more sedated with other medicines. She'll start dialysis again to help with the swelling. We hope that her kidneys restart soon. If every day there can be progress like this, then there truly appears to be hope.
I was there this morning when the physical therapist came in to work with her. Because Kathy has been in bed for so long and has become swollen with excess fluids, it is very important that her joints are massaged to prevent them from locking. In one hopeful sign, it Kathy appeared to squeeze my hand when her leg was being bent. She was probably in great pain so I was glad to be there holding her. A bit later with the other leg, I could see that her eye brows were also scrunched.
She's not quiting and neither are we.
It was a great relief this weekend to have Kathy make some improvements. Success seems measured not in making great leaps forward but to not take giant falls back. She is still so critically ill that it is hard to really get charged up that she's going to pull through this crisis.
As I speak to Kathy's friends and family, I often talk about how I am telling her what's going on and how she is doing "better". As I try to take a positive outlook, I think I am misleading some of you about the real nature of her condition. Most of you upon seeing her would be terribly disappointed. But I know she is "better" than she was just a few days ago. And that is what I am telling her. She is a strong fighter and can make it through this ordeal.
This morning when I was checking emails and getting ready to start yet another day of my new routine, I looked up from Kathy's computer desk and saw a poem she had pinned to the message board. She must have known that she'd need it here one day. It seemed very appropriate so I took it along to read to her:
Don't Quit
----------
When things go wrong as they sometimes will;
When the road you're trudging seems all uphill;
When the funds are low, and the debts are high;
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh.
When care is pressing you down a bit --
Rest if you must, but don't you quit.
Success is failure turned inside out;
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt;
And you never can tell how close you are;
It may be near when it seems so afar.
So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit --
It's when things go wrong that you mustn't quit.
So with all that said, today was another better day. Her blood pressure was better. And they have reduced the frequency and oxygen mix ratios. This means she is not being forced to breath as fast, as deep and with as much oxygen on the ventilator as she was before. She has also been removed from the neuralmuscular blockade; although she is now more sedated with other medicines. She'll start dialysis again to help with the swelling. We hope that her kidneys restart soon. If every day there can be progress like this, then there truly appears to be hope.
I was there this morning when the physical therapist came in to work with her. Because Kathy has been in bed for so long and has become swollen with excess fluids, it is very important that her joints are massaged to prevent them from locking. In one hopeful sign, it Kathy appeared to squeeze my hand when her leg was being bent. She was probably in great pain so I was glad to be there holding her. A bit later with the other leg, I could see that her eye brows were also scrunched.
She's not quiting and neither are we.
Sunday, June 20, 2004
Sunday 6/20 - Mother's Day
ICU Day #7 / Hospital Day #40
Today is Father's Day. But I'd like to think it's still Mother's Day. Kathy was resting well this morning. they lowered the frequency of her ventilator and her oxygen level was reduced slightly again. These are good signs. But the crisis remains that her kidneys have not restarted.
Interesting what a small world we really live in. One of Kathy's strongest supporter at the hospital is on the pastoral staff there. Kathy had met her many times during her first month in the hospital but I had never met her since our schedules never crossed.
But how did Kathy meet her? She is also a parishioner at a local church where I know the pastor and his wife. The pastor pointed her in Kathy's direction several weeks ago since he knew they'd get along quite well.
And how do I know the pastor and his family? He and I went to college together over 20 years ago in Southern California where we had both grown up. We also studied together in England and traveled through Europe together. By chance he was posted to a church here in town and now lives in the subdivision next to us. Our children go to school together and we see them many times throughout the year. They have been very helpful to us especially this past week.
When Kathy crashed into the ICU last Monday, it was a very confusing time. As I was standing outside the ICU unit where 6 doctors and nurses were frantically working to stabilize Kathy, I turned around and saw someone also watching. It was her new friend who had just happened to be walking through the ICU at that moment.
We needed someone to help us understand where she was, the hows and whys of the ICU and help us sort out the emotions of the new level of medical care. We also needed the practical help of clearing Kathy's personal belongings from her prior hospital room. She was the right person at the right time. Exactly who we needed at exactly the right time. Thank you Dottie!
What is the chance of that?
Today is Father's Day. But I'd like to think it's still Mother's Day. Kathy was resting well this morning. they lowered the frequency of her ventilator and her oxygen level was reduced slightly again. These are good signs. But the crisis remains that her kidneys have not restarted.
Interesting what a small world we really live in. One of Kathy's strongest supporter at the hospital is on the pastoral staff there. Kathy had met her many times during her first month in the hospital but I had never met her since our schedules never crossed.
But how did Kathy meet her? She is also a parishioner at a local church where I know the pastor and his wife. The pastor pointed her in Kathy's direction several weeks ago since he knew they'd get along quite well.
And how do I know the pastor and his family? He and I went to college together over 20 years ago in Southern California where we had both grown up. We also studied together in England and traveled through Europe together. By chance he was posted to a church here in town and now lives in the subdivision next to us. Our children go to school together and we see them many times throughout the year. They have been very helpful to us especially this past week.
When Kathy crashed into the ICU last Monday, it was a very confusing time. As I was standing outside the ICU unit where 6 doctors and nurses were frantically working to stabilize Kathy, I turned around and saw someone also watching. It was her new friend who had just happened to be walking through the ICU at that moment.
We needed someone to help us understand where she was, the hows and whys of the ICU and help us sort out the emotions of the new level of medical care. We also needed the practical help of clearing Kathy's personal belongings from her prior hospital room. She was the right person at the right time. Exactly who we needed at exactly the right time. Thank you Dottie!
What is the chance of that?
Saturday, June 19, 2004
Saturday 6/19 - The Win Column
ICU Day #6 / Hospital Day #39
Today has been another "better" day for Kathleen. Improvements are slight: she is still severely ill. But every step forward, no matter how small, means getting closer to her goal of returning home to us. She is still heavily medicated and requires extensive usage of the ventilator. But there are some small signs of improvement. We'll take that for the day. I spent a lot of time with her today making sure she knew we were there for her and letting her catch up on the latest news. I hope that she is able to hear and understand all of this. Mark today in the "win" column.
You just never know where or when someone can give you that extra lift during the day. Yesterday while getting the boys their haircuts (it's been such a long 5 weeks that I had neglected this), we met a new (to us) beautician. The boys explained that their mother was in the hospital. She shared with them that in 1985, she was the first patient at the same hospital who had the neuralmuscular blockade that Kathy is now using as standard treatment. This women shared that she could remember every time someone came in and touched her and often could recall the goings on around her. The beautician was also a former student of Kathy's brother who is a teacher. The boys were thrilled to hear such good news. So with her cousin Carolyn's help, I went back to the hospital to tell Kathy that she had rallied for the day, that there were so many people pulling for her and that we all really wanted her back.
Today has been another "better" day for Kathleen. Improvements are slight: she is still severely ill. But every step forward, no matter how small, means getting closer to her goal of returning home to us. She is still heavily medicated and requires extensive usage of the ventilator. But there are some small signs of improvement. We'll take that for the day. I spent a lot of time with her today making sure she knew we were there for her and letting her catch up on the latest news. I hope that she is able to hear and understand all of this. Mark today in the "win" column.
You just never know where or when someone can give you that extra lift during the day. Yesterday while getting the boys their haircuts (it's been such a long 5 weeks that I had neglected this), we met a new (to us) beautician. The boys explained that their mother was in the hospital. She shared with them that in 1985, she was the first patient at the same hospital who had the neuralmuscular blockade that Kathy is now using as standard treatment. This women shared that she could remember every time someone came in and touched her and often could recall the goings on around her. The beautician was also a former student of Kathy's brother who is a teacher. The boys were thrilled to hear such good news. So with her cousin Carolyn's help, I went back to the hospital to tell Kathy that she had rallied for the day, that there were so many people pulling for her and that we all really wanted her back.
Friday, June 18, 2004
Friday 6/18 - 9th Inning Rally
Sometimes small things can make all the difference. Thursday was a very, very, bad day for Kathy. The doctors told me last night that she needed a good day today.
A few hopeful signs: very slight breathing improvement, some small improvements in blood pressure, some signs that her kidneys *may* be restarting (though this is not really known). Let's pray and hope that these are signs for the future. She'll need many more good days like today.
This email came in to me this morning from one of Kathy's long-time friends and I thought many of you would enjoy reading it. I've changed the names to protect the guilty ;-):
"I have been praying for Kath nightly for the past four years. I can not begin to tell you that I understand what you and your family are going through right now, but I want you to know how we both feel about Kathy. She is by far the strongest, most faithful person we have ever known. I mean in our lives. The spirit and strength that has radiated from her since the day we met her (20 some odd yrs ago) has always impressed us. Along with the Polish stubbornness that she could not control, only makes us love her more. If any one deserves a miracle it's Kathy. I also believe that her faith in the Lord has prepared her for this battle and if this is her time she will be ready to serve. I know this is not easy for you, but for her, I believe, she is ready.
There is nothing we can say or do to comfort you at this time, but believe that there is a network of people out here that have experienced the life of Kathy and we will all be here when you need us." - C, A, M, T and L C.
A few hopeful signs: very slight breathing improvement, some small improvements in blood pressure, some signs that her kidneys *may* be restarting (though this is not really known). Let's pray and hope that these are signs for the future. She'll need many more good days like today.
This email came in to me this morning from one of Kathy's long-time friends and I thought many of you would enjoy reading it. I've changed the names to protect the guilty ;-):
"I have been praying for Kath nightly for the past four years. I can not begin to tell you that I understand what you and your family are going through right now, but I want you to know how we both feel about Kathy. She is by far the strongest, most faithful person we have ever known. I mean in our lives. The spirit and strength that has radiated from her since the day we met her (20 some odd yrs ago) has always impressed us. Along with the Polish stubbornness that she could not control, only makes us love her more. If any one deserves a miracle it's Kathy. I also believe that her faith in the Lord has prepared her for this battle and if this is her time she will be ready to serve. I know this is not easy for you, but for her, I believe, she is ready.
There is nothing we can say or do to comfort you at this time, but believe that there is a network of people out here that have experienced the life of Kathy and we will all be here when you need us." - C, A, M, T and L C.
Thursday, June 17, 2004
Thursday 6/17 - Bad Day We Don't Want to See Again
Today has proven to be a tough day for Kathleen. She continues to fight numerous battles. Your continued prayers will be greatly appreciated. - Rodger
AM REPORT
I spent the morning at Kathy's bedside reading to her several cards we have recently received. Not sure if she can hear us or not since they have her so knocked out. But I'd like to think that she can.
This morning she's pretty much at the same point she was yesterday. Some signs a bit better, others just OK. They are giving her some more blood products. By my count, she's had over 20 units since she was first admitted last month.
She had a couple of hours of dialysis last night which she seemed to tolerate. They are looking to get her another continuous machine but apparently they are all in use and the extra one is being repaired. Go figure.
I'll get another update from the ICU staff later this afternoon and will post what I can.
AM REPORT
I spent the morning at Kathy's bedside reading to her several cards we have recently received. Not sure if she can hear us or not since they have her so knocked out. But I'd like to think that she can.
This morning she's pretty much at the same point she was yesterday. Some signs a bit better, others just OK. They are giving her some more blood products. By my count, she's had over 20 units since she was first admitted last month.
She had a couple of hours of dialysis last night which she seemed to tolerate. They are looking to get her another continuous machine but apparently they are all in use and the extra one is being repaired. Go figure.
I'll get another update from the ICU staff later this afternoon and will post what I can.
Wednesday, June 16, 2004
Wednesday 6/16 - So Many Battles
A better day, sort of. Kathy is still heavily medicated to assist her breathing and to help her not to know what's happening while she's in ICU.
The doctors have a better feel today for what's going on and they are working hard to understand each of her issues and to develop a treatment plan.
- Still in ICU
- Still on ventilator; Reduced her Oxygen level.
- New antibiotic to fight possible fungal infection
- Dialysis has started to attempt to reverse her renal shutdown.
The doctors have a better feel today for what's going on and they are working hard to understand each of her issues and to develop a treatment plan.
- Still in ICU
- Still on ventilator; Reduced her Oxygen level.
- New antibiotic to fight possible fungal infection
- Dialysis has started to attempt to reverse her renal shutdown.
Tuesday, June 15, 2004
Tuesday 6/15 - Assessing the Issues
Kathy remains in ICU. Bad news of the day is that her kidneys have shut down. After a lot of conversations with her new docs in ICU as well as her other doctors who have worked with her for the past 4 years, it appears this renal issue may be temporary. They will start continuous dialysis tonight.
Monday, June 14, 2004
Monday 6/14 - Crashing to ICU
Very bad day. Kathy had been out of it since Sunday and this morning was having difficulty breathing. Moved to the ICU for more intesive doctor and nursing care.
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