Stan Here:
The hours turn to days, day to weeks and weeks to months. The last time I wrote it seemed like things were going in the right direction but since then everything has not made much progress. We are told that it is just a matter of waiting and all we can really do is trust that is the case. Problem is that it is 34 days now and for Deb it is starting to feel like eternity. It just plain and simple is a long time in the hospital and while she is doing the best she can with it it is really starting to wear on her. It seems like everyday seems like the next day will bring in some news but it just does not happen. Feels a little like climbing a mountain with no top. Last week Deb had a few moments of a broken spirit but the next day seemed fine again. Today she had some issues this morning with nausea but that seemed to subside as the day went on. I will post anything we have new but for now that's what we have. Looking forward to better days which we remain confident will come.
Stan
Sunday, December 30, 2012
Tuesday, December 25, 2012
The Stockings Were Hung by the Chimney with Care
Stan Here:
Some of the kids were over last night between the Christmas Eve services. Seems like for years they have done something for the services. Mieke had to lead something at 6 and then Ross and Rumy had to play at 11. And that is way it has been for years. Anyway you did not have to look all that far to sense than something was really different. The presents are not all that wrapped and the stockings are not all that stuffed. What we decided to do is wait for Deb to get home before we have the annual celebration. So they told me to keep watering the tree and with a little luck we can perhaps have everyone home again next weekend and enjoy a normal day with Deb around home again. We had thought about bringing some things up here for some sort of party but we all voted against that.
It is Christmas day. It is hard to tell much progress but experience tells us that sometimes the pain after surgery can increase some in the first few days and that is what we have today. It has been 5 times now that Deb's incision has been opened and closed. I suggested the other day just installing a zipper but the fact that after they are done this is what things are starting to look like in her midsection. Been one tough haul. But the sensation now is that things feel like they want to start working and once that happens the road to home becomes a little shorter. I could use a few gift suggestions so if anyone has any let me know. I think things go on sale Wednesday so we might be able to up the anty on the gifts this year now that they can make it out of the store and under the tree post Christmas.
We are doing OK . Been really different but their seems many reasons for optomism. Her voice is good, her spirits are better, her hair is growing back in and she smiles more. Keep you posted on any updates but that is what we have for now.
Stan
Some of the kids were over last night between the Christmas Eve services. Seems like for years they have done something for the services. Mieke had to lead something at 6 and then Ross and Rumy had to play at 11. And that is way it has been for years. Anyway you did not have to look all that far to sense than something was really different. The presents are not all that wrapped and the stockings are not all that stuffed. What we decided to do is wait for Deb to get home before we have the annual celebration. So they told me to keep watering the tree and with a little luck we can perhaps have everyone home again next weekend and enjoy a normal day with Deb around home again. We had thought about bringing some things up here for some sort of party but we all voted against that.
It is Christmas day. It is hard to tell much progress but experience tells us that sometimes the pain after surgery can increase some in the first few days and that is what we have today. It has been 5 times now that Deb's incision has been opened and closed. I suggested the other day just installing a zipper but the fact that after they are done this is what things are starting to look like in her midsection. Been one tough haul. But the sensation now is that things feel like they want to start working and once that happens the road to home becomes a little shorter. I could use a few gift suggestions so if anyone has any let me know. I think things go on sale Wednesday so we might be able to up the anty on the gifts this year now that they can make it out of the store and under the tree post Christmas.
We are doing OK . Been really different but their seems many reasons for optomism. Her voice is good, her spirits are better, her hair is growing back in and she smiles more. Keep you posted on any updates but that is what we have for now.
Stan
Sunday, December 23, 2012
Finally a good Report
Stan Here:
Well here it is. Surgery is over. The whole problem was being caused by a kink about 6" away from where they had previously resectioned. This was very good news. What it means is that they did not have to resection the spot that they had done before and once they got the kink fixed they could tell that the barium started to flow through like it was supposed to. Deb is quite releived and happy although she is just now starting to converse and undersstand the whole thing. It is 1:30 now and the whole thing started at 7:30 this morning.
A couple of other good things. There had been some worry that the pockets of infection that existed could cause some problems with deterioration of surronding tissue. This was not as bad as they feared. In other words they said that things looked good in there and the tissue was in better shape than they had expected. The fact that they did not have to cut again the intestinal tract will speed up the process of introducing foods. The orignal spot they fixed 4 weeks ago was well healed and did not have the scar tissue they supected was causing the problem in the first place.
More later, but I wanted to get this out for people who have followed. Before I close I want to thank the people of Beechwood who joined in prayed in a special right as the procedure was going on this morning. Greg TenBrink said this morning that he was not sure if it had ever, (in his ministry) happened that surgery for going on right during the service. He presented a touching prayer along with the entire congregation. I think if Deb ever needs anything done again we might try to set it up for Sunday morning. Thanks everyone who talked and prayed with me this morning!!!!
Stan
Well here it is. Surgery is over. The whole problem was being caused by a kink about 6" away from where they had previously resectioned. This was very good news. What it means is that they did not have to resection the spot that they had done before and once they got the kink fixed they could tell that the barium started to flow through like it was supposed to. Deb is quite releived and happy although she is just now starting to converse and undersstand the whole thing. It is 1:30 now and the whole thing started at 7:30 this morning.
A couple of other good things. There had been some worry that the pockets of infection that existed could cause some problems with deterioration of surronding tissue. This was not as bad as they feared. In other words they said that things looked good in there and the tissue was in better shape than they had expected. The fact that they did not have to cut again the intestinal tract will speed up the process of introducing foods. The orignal spot they fixed 4 weeks ago was well healed and did not have the scar tissue they supected was causing the problem in the first place.
More later, but I wanted to get this out for people who have followed. Before I close I want to thank the people of Beechwood who joined in prayed in a special right as the procedure was going on this morning. Greg TenBrink said this morning that he was not sure if it had ever, (in his ministry) happened that surgery for going on right during the service. He presented a touching prayer along with the entire congregation. I think if Deb ever needs anything done again we might try to set it up for Sunday morning. Thanks everyone who talked and prayed with me this morning!!!!
Stan
Saturday, December 22, 2012
Eve of yet another Surgery...........
When things have been as crazy and unpredictable as the past month has been, it gets a little comfusing who you have told what to and when. So thank goodness for this blog, which I will now update on the latest.
Unfortunately, the surgery on Nov. 26 did not work. The area where they reattached my large intestine formed adhesions, or scar tissue, but whatever the case, it just never opened up to have a chance of working. They finally came to this diagnosis with a Small Bowel Follow through test using Barium. After pretty much all day on an xray table and even more xrays taken in my bed, it finally showed that the Barium was just not getting through, in fact the Barium was coming through one in my abcess drains, Kind of gross, I felt a bit like the Incrdible Hulk with Green junk coming from my body. Sorry if that is just too much information for some.
I am receiving my 4th bag of packed red blood cells now to get my body a bit more ready for surgery. My Hgb was down to 7 . I felt better after they pulled my one tube out of my nose this am. Still have the NG tube in place hooked up to intermittent suction. I took a shower this am and that really helped me feel like a person again.. My parents came to visit and Mieke had thrown in a bag a Santa hat which I wore most of the day.
My one big dissappointment today was they were unable to successfully place an epidural in my back for pain relief after my surgery tomorrow. They had a real hard time getting the cath placed, and then when they went to do the test dose, you guessed it. It must have been in a blood vessel because I had all the bad signs that we watch for every time I help with a labor epidural, ringing in the ears, heart racing etc etc. He offered to try again, but after all that, I took it as a sign it was just not meant to be.
I am not quite sure were this run of "bad Luck" or whatever you call it is coming from. I know I am so fortunate to have no signs of cancer now, and I am so fortunate to have so many people praying and caring for me, but I am just at a loss as how to take all this, other than it is a lesson in patience and whatever doesn't kill you makes you stronger. So if that is true everyone, you had better watch out because I will liturally be as strong as the Incredible Hulk if I make it out of here.
My Vermeulen Family Christmas party was today starting at 3pm. It was fun being included by facetiming on our phones. It was at my youngest brother Ken and his wife Shelly's house in Rockford. Not everyone was there but a houseful, and with the looks of the food and goodies, it looked like a good time was had by all. Three of the four pregnant grandkids were there, so next year will really be different. Little Drake, 3 yrs old now and his mommy is due in a month. He was so cute helping anyone who wanted help opening their gift, but then most content entertaining himself with his new motorcycle.
I think I may get a few of the party people stopping by tonight.
Some of you may be wondering the same thing myself and my family is wondering? How do you know it will work this time?? Only faith, the Dr. did say they would not use staples this time, but hand stich the annastomosis. He also said they would use "fresh sections " of bowel to help improve the prognosis of it working . Other than those things, what else can we do but pray ?? So again, I covet your prayers and someday we will look back at this crazy time and say "remember when" ?? I really long for those days. Christmas with our immediate family my have to be pushed backed a little, big deal. I think Ross and Rumy are playing a little in church tomorrow and Christmas Eve. Again I am so thankful for the livestream (although I may be down in surgery) and have to miss something, rats!!
Until next time. I love you all!!, Deb
Unfortunately, the surgery on Nov. 26 did not work. The area where they reattached my large intestine formed adhesions, or scar tissue, but whatever the case, it just never opened up to have a chance of working. They finally came to this diagnosis with a Small Bowel Follow through test using Barium. After pretty much all day on an xray table and even more xrays taken in my bed, it finally showed that the Barium was just not getting through, in fact the Barium was coming through one in my abcess drains, Kind of gross, I felt a bit like the Incrdible Hulk with Green junk coming from my body. Sorry if that is just too much information for some.
I am receiving my 4th bag of packed red blood cells now to get my body a bit more ready for surgery. My Hgb was down to 7 . I felt better after they pulled my one tube out of my nose this am. Still have the NG tube in place hooked up to intermittent suction. I took a shower this am and that really helped me feel like a person again.. My parents came to visit and Mieke had thrown in a bag a Santa hat which I wore most of the day.
My one big dissappointment today was they were unable to successfully place an epidural in my back for pain relief after my surgery tomorrow. They had a real hard time getting the cath placed, and then when they went to do the test dose, you guessed it. It must have been in a blood vessel because I had all the bad signs that we watch for every time I help with a labor epidural, ringing in the ears, heart racing etc etc. He offered to try again, but after all that, I took it as a sign it was just not meant to be.
I am not quite sure were this run of "bad Luck" or whatever you call it is coming from. I know I am so fortunate to have no signs of cancer now, and I am so fortunate to have so many people praying and caring for me, but I am just at a loss as how to take all this, other than it is a lesson in patience and whatever doesn't kill you makes you stronger. So if that is true everyone, you had better watch out because I will liturally be as strong as the Incredible Hulk if I make it out of here.
My Vermeulen Family Christmas party was today starting at 3pm. It was fun being included by facetiming on our phones. It was at my youngest brother Ken and his wife Shelly's house in Rockford. Not everyone was there but a houseful, and with the looks of the food and goodies, it looked like a good time was had by all. Three of the four pregnant grandkids were there, so next year will really be different. Little Drake, 3 yrs old now and his mommy is due in a month. He was so cute helping anyone who wanted help opening their gift, but then most content entertaining himself with his new motorcycle.
I think I may get a few of the party people stopping by tonight.
Some of you may be wondering the same thing myself and my family is wondering? How do you know it will work this time?? Only faith, the Dr. did say they would not use staples this time, but hand stich the annastomosis. He also said they would use "fresh sections " of bowel to help improve the prognosis of it working . Other than those things, what else can we do but pray ?? So again, I covet your prayers and someday we will look back at this crazy time and say "remember when" ?? I really long for those days. Christmas with our immediate family my have to be pushed backed a little, big deal. I think Ross and Rumy are playing a little in church tomorrow and Christmas Eve. Again I am so thankful for the livestream (although I may be down in surgery) and have to miss something, rats!!
Until next time. I love you all!!, Deb
Thursday, December 20, 2012
Bad Times Here
Stan Here:
I think we all kind of yearn for the time when some good reports could come out of here but that just is not the case. It seems that no matter what is done they cannot get things going the way we should. Seems like one problem after another and very frankly Deb is really very sick. They have set up some different test for Friday. Things are looking a little like there is a kink in the intestinal area. Things are kind of pointing to another surgery on Saturday. There is some chance that the procedure they are going to do tomorrow will help things and prevent surgery but given the fact that things are not seeming to go that way for us Deb is pretty much resigned to having to undergo surgery again.
Some people have asked if that means reversing again and having to redo the illeiostomy bag. So far that is not in the cards. The medical people are still confident they can find the problem and prevent that.
One of the difficult things with the duration of time and the difficulty Deb has encountered is that her spirits are very low and she feels quite ill. The NG tube is still in and many more tubes and devices all of which cause various types of discomfort. Although we have often tried to write these with a optimistic flavor I would say I would be more accurate if I would say that it is really hard to be that right now.
Many people have asked "anything we can do?" Well I am not sure what to say about that. Talking is a problem with that NG tube in. The room is full of plants and greetings (thank you). Perhaps the only thing I can think of right now is that the time here goes by so slow and Deb does spent some time each day reading e-mails and responses to the blogs and she does seem to treasure those. I will keep you posted with the updates. Of the encounters we have had it seems that this one has proportion and difficulty level that we could have never expected. One of the more intense things I have seen. Yet with all of this we do have hope for a good outcome in the long run. How we look forward to that time.
I will try to update a little more on the events for those that follow. Thanks again for staying with us through all of this and please keep Deb in your thoughts and prayers.
Stan
Mieke here....
Mom just wanted me to write a little bit about how much she enjoyed watching the kid's program last night. It was fun to see it live over livestream. She saw everyone saying hello and really liked watching the kids. It was a lot of work and I'm pretty glad that it's over considering all that is going on. I am grateful to be done with school tomorrow so I can spend more time with mom here at the hospital. She needs to get better, this whole thing is rediculous and I can't believe she is still here. Christmas is a time that we love to spend together, as so many people do, and I am really very sad to spend it like this.
I think we all kind of yearn for the time when some good reports could come out of here but that just is not the case. It seems that no matter what is done they cannot get things going the way we should. Seems like one problem after another and very frankly Deb is really very sick. They have set up some different test for Friday. Things are looking a little like there is a kink in the intestinal area. Things are kind of pointing to another surgery on Saturday. There is some chance that the procedure they are going to do tomorrow will help things and prevent surgery but given the fact that things are not seeming to go that way for us Deb is pretty much resigned to having to undergo surgery again.
Some people have asked if that means reversing again and having to redo the illeiostomy bag. So far that is not in the cards. The medical people are still confident they can find the problem and prevent that.
One of the difficult things with the duration of time and the difficulty Deb has encountered is that her spirits are very low and she feels quite ill. The NG tube is still in and many more tubes and devices all of which cause various types of discomfort. Although we have often tried to write these with a optimistic flavor I would say I would be more accurate if I would say that it is really hard to be that right now.
Many people have asked "anything we can do?" Well I am not sure what to say about that. Talking is a problem with that NG tube in. The room is full of plants and greetings (thank you). Perhaps the only thing I can think of right now is that the time here goes by so slow and Deb does spent some time each day reading e-mails and responses to the blogs and she does seem to treasure those. I will keep you posted with the updates. Of the encounters we have had it seems that this one has proportion and difficulty level that we could have never expected. One of the more intense things I have seen. Yet with all of this we do have hope for a good outcome in the long run. How we look forward to that time.
I will try to update a little more on the events for those that follow. Thanks again for staying with us through all of this and please keep Deb in your thoughts and prayers.
Stan
Mieke here....
Mom just wanted me to write a little bit about how much she enjoyed watching the kid's program last night. It was fun to see it live over livestream. She saw everyone saying hello and really liked watching the kids. It was a lot of work and I'm pretty glad that it's over considering all that is going on. I am grateful to be done with school tomorrow so I can spend more time with mom here at the hospital. She needs to get better, this whole thing is rediculous and I can't believe she is still here. Christmas is a time that we love to spend together, as so many people do, and I am really very sad to spend it like this.
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
I am still a patient here at Spectrum
I can hardly believe my own words when I write it down. Today is the third week anniversary since my take down surgery. I have had another complication of a large infected fluid pocket. I had to make another trip to Interventional Radiology where they place a new drain and attached to there accordion drains to empty the fluid out of me and then hopefully get the bowel back to normal. One other problem they see on CT scan is that my small bowel is somewhat enlarged and they need to do a small bowel follow through to test what is going on there. I can hardly believe I have had all these complication's. I am trying hard to think positive and the everything is going to be alright. I think Stan and other friends and relatives are starting to say she is getting worse, do you think maybe she should go to U OF M?? Some people don;t think it;s a good idea to go back to Holland, a smaller hospital. I am thankful to my friends who have spent time here helping to figure the best pain medication that I should be on. I am trying to stay upbeat, but this had gone way beyond my wildest dreams. I will miss Mieke's kids Musical but I still be able to watch her on the Livestream.
Friday, December 14, 2012
Little update
I want to keep you all informed that my procedure I was waiting all day for got postponed until tomorrow am. Bummer!! They said I could have full liquids, so really wanted Stan to go get me a Frosty, he said no way, not back to and from that parking lot. I told him, next time he comes to see me, call first, in case I am having that Frosty craving. He did try and get me a milk shake from the cafe, but they were closed. So I had to settle for a "nutritional shake" from the kitchen. Do you think they taste that good? No other wise they wouldn't be called nutritional. Oh well, I shall survive this. After watching the school shooting stuff all day, little things seems so unimportant.
My friend from church reminded me of the following: If you are free Wed. night, I hope you check out Mieke's choir. Hope the livestream works for you and me!!
My friend from church reminded me of the following: If you are free Wed. night, I hope you check out Mieke's choir. Hope the livestream works for you and me!!
In case you haven't heard, Beechwood is now streaming video LIVE of the 9:30 worship services. You can watch/listen starting at 9:25am on Sunday from this link: http://new.livestream.com/
Another Drain needed REALLY???
Ok, I figured it was about time I updated the blog. I wish I was reporting that I was packing my room and excited about going home, but that is not the case. I am instead NPO (nothing Permitted Orally) again waiting to have another procedure done down in the Interventional Radiology Dept. I had a CT scan yesterday to see if my previous fluid pocket was empty and if they could pull my drain. Well, looks like that one is drained, but I have another large fluid filled area on the other side. Soooooo, they hopefully can reposition this one to move over to that area without having to make another insicion.
To back up a couple of days, Wed. I felt pretty good and tolerated clear liquids well all day. Thurs. they advanced me to a soft diet (real food) but I have to be able to squish everything under a fork. So I had a little Cr. of wheat for breakfast, a little soup and grilled cheesh for lunch, but then yesterday about an hour after that, I had the most severe discomofort , pressure and nausea I have EVER had. I didn't know what was wrong, I thought, I am never going to try and eat again. They gave me all kinds of meds and finally it passed a bit. Then last night the CT-scan showed the new fluid filled pocket and the pressure on the left side began to make a bit more sense. So Greg, all those good things you heard me order for supper, br and lunch, didn't happen.
Dr.s are hoping when this is drained hopefully my bowels will know what to do and then maybe I can get out of here. I feel bad for messing up my family and friends month, I really never would have done it now, except I thought, I would be relaxing at home in time for Christmas.
Stan brings in my cards and Christmas cards everyday. Thank you all so much for yourbeautiful well wishes, etc. I have had such nice visits from friends, pastors,family. The staff love coming in my room because it smells so good and looks so festive. I have a saxaphone playing reindeer from the North Pole (with a little help from Jean), just got the most beautiful varigated red and white pointsettia plant from Deb and Dave. My sister and brother- in- law sent me a candy cane Amaryillis plant in a cute red/white pot. Laurie and Conrad thanks for the red pointsettia plant in cute white pot with the ting ting and glitter.
Had a nice visit from old grade school friend Ellen who is a nurse and frequent pt herself. She knew I would be ready for a new pair of gripper slippers to get rid of the hospital issued grey ones. Boy was she right, they stretch out and are not the most flattering things.
I am so saddened to hear on the news about the school shooting in Conneticut. My heart just breaks for those families. What is wrong with this world?? Ross just told me that he and Rumy may be playing at our church before Christmas, he knows what will cheer me up. Mieke's kid's choir is putting on their big production next Wed. night and they are singing a couple songs at each service this Sunday. She has a big dress rehearsal tomorrow. I was supposed to be her helper, right hand man. Big help hun?? I know she and the kids will do wonderful. Please Beechwood tape Sunday for me??
Anyone going to the Nutcracker tomorrow night, you know who is in the pit. Enjoy, I am there in spirit.... I can still enjoy the reason for the season with my plants and my Christmas music playing on Pandora.
To back up a couple of days, Wed. I felt pretty good and tolerated clear liquids well all day. Thurs. they advanced me to a soft diet (real food) but I have to be able to squish everything under a fork. So I had a little Cr. of wheat for breakfast, a little soup and grilled cheesh for lunch, but then yesterday about an hour after that, I had the most severe discomofort , pressure and nausea I have EVER had. I didn't know what was wrong, I thought, I am never going to try and eat again. They gave me all kinds of meds and finally it passed a bit. Then last night the CT-scan showed the new fluid filled pocket and the pressure on the left side began to make a bit more sense. So Greg, all those good things you heard me order for supper, br and lunch, didn't happen.
Dr.s are hoping when this is drained hopefully my bowels will know what to do and then maybe I can get out of here. I feel bad for messing up my family and friends month, I really never would have done it now, except I thought, I would be relaxing at home in time for Christmas.
Stan brings in my cards and Christmas cards everyday. Thank you all so much for yourbeautiful well wishes, etc. I have had such nice visits from friends, pastors,family. The staff love coming in my room because it smells so good and looks so festive. I have a saxaphone playing reindeer from the North Pole (with a little help from Jean), just got the most beautiful varigated red and white pointsettia plant from Deb and Dave. My sister and brother- in- law sent me a candy cane Amaryillis plant in a cute red/white pot. Laurie and Conrad thanks for the red pointsettia plant in cute white pot with the ting ting and glitter.
Had a nice visit from old grade school friend Ellen who is a nurse and frequent pt herself. She knew I would be ready for a new pair of gripper slippers to get rid of the hospital issued grey ones. Boy was she right, they stretch out and are not the most flattering things.
I am so saddened to hear on the news about the school shooting in Conneticut. My heart just breaks for those families. What is wrong with this world?? Ross just told me that he and Rumy may be playing at our church before Christmas, he knows what will cheer me up. Mieke's kid's choir is putting on their big production next Wed. night and they are singing a couple songs at each service this Sunday. She has a big dress rehearsal tomorrow. I was supposed to be her helper, right hand man. Big help hun?? I know she and the kids will do wonderful. Please Beechwood tape Sunday for me??
Anyone going to the Nutcracker tomorrow night, you know who is in the pit. Enjoy, I am there in spirit.... I can still enjoy the reason for the season with my plants and my Christmas music playing on Pandora.
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Hospital Day 15
Mieke was here tonight to help me post some misc pics.
This is the beautiful arrangement from my very special PEO sisters
News Flash-----NG tube is OUT!!!
I am so happy to report that they pulled my NG tube out this am around 6:30. I thought I might wake up some of my family with this news, but most of them were getting ready for work and so happy to hear the good news. I could have that removed after one day of it being connected to dependent drainage and there wasn't that much in there, so hopefully it's passing down . So my diet for a while is small sips of water. They just hope I don't fill up again and get naseated . My throat is much happier now. It is still afraid to swallow. That should be better as the day goes on. I was able to take my 1st shower in a while, and boy does that make one feel so much better.
The Dr. was in this am and when I asked min if he was a betting man, when would I be able to go home. Says,"Well, I not a betting man". Ok, I said, what's your best guess when I can go home, he said hopefully by the weekend. So...........There is progress to be made. With Mieke's help I will add a few pictures tonight.
Jackie also added to my IV pole friends, Now Woody isn't so alone, he has his girlfriend Jesse. She picked these up at a garage sale last summer, and just knew they would come in handy.
Expecting a few friends to visit today, sure will be more fun now that I can swallow and talk without that tube. The only thing I have to worn people is that when nature calls, I have to go then!!
Until more exciting news in the saga of Deb's bowels................
The Dr. was in this am and when I asked min if he was a betting man, when would I be able to go home. Says,"Well, I not a betting man". Ok, I said, what's your best guess when I can go home, he said hopefully by the weekend. So...........There is progress to be made. With Mieke's help I will add a few pictures tonight.
Jackie also added to my IV pole friends, Now Woody isn't so alone, he has his girlfriend Jesse. She picked these up at a garage sale last summer, and just knew they would come in handy.
Expecting a few friends to visit today, sure will be more fun now that I can swallow and talk without that tube. The only thing I have to worn people is that when nature calls, I have to go then!!
Until more exciting news in the saga of Deb's bowels................
Monday, December 10, 2012
Not an Abscess, just fluid filled
I thought I would title this post that way, because it is clear bloody drainage which means it is not an infection, just fluid causing lots of pressure and as the drain works with accordion type suction that hopefully the 'ol bowels will decide to start working sometime soon.
They never did tell me when I was scheduled, they just showed up at my room around 8:30 and said, time to go. Good thing I didn't have family that wanted to be here before I went down. Anyways, it went well, the drain is accually coming out from the area where my stoma used to be. It has been a bit tender there requiring IV pain med occ. I think I finally got rid of the fevers, being on two different Antibiotics since last night, that I can actually lay in my bed not shivering for the first time in two weeks. It did help me to have the Dr. explain that even though I have had fevers for the whole time here, It really would not have had a walled of pocket of fluid like it is now. Something they can drain, etc. It would just have looked like diffuse abdominal fluid everywhere.
So now if you want to know what to pray for, that the bile type fluid that is being sucked out of my stomach gets to be a lot smaller amt. That would means that things are flowing in the downward direction.
For getting rid of this NG tube!! They just don't dare pull it out for fear of having to reinsert it.
They have had to restart my peripheral IV again. they use such small 25 guage butterflies instead of angiocaths, they just don't last. They are not like L&D nurses who use 18 guages. (Now those are what are meant to stay working)
Just went to another jog around the hallways with Woody. Another sad Lions loss. Until tomorrow.....
Note from Stan: Deb wrote this in the middle of the night and I cannot figure out a few of the lines. She has some pretty heavy pain stuff so I trust that you get the picture. She had a nuch better day today. Even had a few laughs today and a ride around the hospital with Jackie pushing the wheelchair.
They never did tell me when I was scheduled, they just showed up at my room around 8:30 and said, time to go. Good thing I didn't have family that wanted to be here before I went down. Anyways, it went well, the drain is accually coming out from the area where my stoma used to be. It has been a bit tender there requiring IV pain med occ. I think I finally got rid of the fevers, being on two different Antibiotics since last night, that I can actually lay in my bed not shivering for the first time in two weeks. It did help me to have the Dr. explain that even though I have had fevers for the whole time here, It really would not have had a walled of pocket of fluid like it is now. Something they can drain, etc. It would just have looked like diffuse abdominal fluid everywhere.
So now if you want to know what to pray for, that the bile type fluid that is being sucked out of my stomach gets to be a lot smaller amt. That would means that things are flowing in the downward direction.
For getting rid of this NG tube!! They just don't dare pull it out for fear of having to reinsert it.
They have had to restart my peripheral IV again. they use such small 25 guage butterflies instead of angiocaths, they just don't last. They are not like L&D nurses who use 18 guages. (Now those are what are meant to stay working)
Just went to another jog around the hallways with Woody. Another sad Lions loss. Until tomorrow.....
Note from Stan: Deb wrote this in the middle of the night and I cannot figure out a few of the lines. She has some pretty heavy pain stuff so I trust that you get the picture. She had a nuch better day today. Even had a few laughs today and a ride around the hospital with Jackie pushing the wheelchair.
Saturday, December 8, 2012
Not a small abscess, a Large One.......
Quick update. The CT scan showed that I have a 5cm x 25cm fluid filled pocket in my abdomen. For this reason they are going to put a drain in tomorrow am down in Interventional Radiology. They use the CT scan to help them see where they are going to place the drain in the right place. They will send some of the fluid to see if it is bacterial. This is almost getting ridiculous how many different complications I am having. Hopefully once the abcess is draining, my bowels will start to function better,
Some of you have asked about if I still have the NG tube in, yes, and they had to start another peripheral IV in my left arm. I feel like such a pincushion. The nurses are all giving me great care. It hurts to talk with this tube rubbing in the back of my throat. I have heard from many of you that have had the experience of an NG tube, you can relate to my discomfort.
I did have the unique experiece of seeing all three of my kids today. Stan was up with some more beautiful red carnations to rejuvenate the Christmas greens arrangement he gave me seems like a long time ago. Alden and Mary came by on their way to cut down their Christmas Tree. Mieke stopped by with two of her girl friends that were bridemaids. They were in town to see their new house.
Ross came by in between his two GRS concerts. He was getting quite the looks in his tuxedo. Probably the best dressed visitor this floor has seen in a while. It really is fun how EVERYONE smiles and comments on my IV pole Woody. I think everyone loves him.
I will let you know how the drain placement goes tomorrow. Stan needs to pick up one of his 96 yr old girlfriends for church tomorrow. He said he would come up in the am if I wanted him to. I said, no you
will be much more helpful doing a good deed. Good night.....
Some of you have asked about if I still have the NG tube in, yes, and they had to start another peripheral IV in my left arm. I feel like such a pincushion. The nurses are all giving me great care. It hurts to talk with this tube rubbing in the back of my throat. I have heard from many of you that have had the experience of an NG tube, you can relate to my discomfort.
I did have the unique experiece of seeing all three of my kids today. Stan was up with some more beautiful red carnations to rejuvenate the Christmas greens arrangement he gave me seems like a long time ago. Alden and Mary came by on their way to cut down their Christmas Tree. Mieke stopped by with two of her girl friends that were bridemaids. They were in town to see their new house.
Ross came by in between his two GRS concerts. He was getting quite the looks in his tuxedo. Probably the best dressed visitor this floor has seen in a while. It really is fun how EVERYONE smiles and comments on my IV pole Woody. I think everyone loves him.
I will let you know how the drain placement goes tomorrow. Stan needs to pick up one of his 96 yr old girlfriends for church tomorrow. He said he would come up in the am if I wanted him to. I said, no you
will be much more helpful doing a good deed. Good night.....
Very Special Visitors
Carlos and Juve Mendoza are friends that I meet on my mission trips to Gracias, Honduras. They happened to be in the US and when Deb S. told them about my recent events and hospitalization they insisted on coming up and praying over me. Juve had breast cancer herself 11 years ago and is now cancer free and it is her mission to love and witness to other cancer patients. They feel so strong in the power of prayer, because all the other women that she was with during her chemo and radiation are all gone now. It was a very tender and loving time being with them.
Deb S. is a very dear friend who along with her husband and others in charge of the Brigade plan many life changing trips for not only all the patients they see, but life impacting experiences for the team members. Mieke went two years as well. We hoped to go to together her junior year in high school. Well, that didn't work out because 5 days before we were supposed to leave, I fell going down my basement stairs, carrying a box of Christmas ornaments. I broke my wrist. But, Mieke was she too afraid to go without me?? No way, she couldn't wait to go, All the women friends on the trip assured me that they would look after her like their own child, so she had LOTS of moms that year.
The next Jan, we were hoping to go together again, only to find out I had thyroid cancer and needed surgery. She had another amazing trip. She would love to go again with Aaron someday.
Jackie brought up Woody to put a smile on my face, when you press his belt buckle he has a whole bunch of lines he repeats. He gets lots of looks and smile as I go on my walks around the halls.
Now for today's update: Sat. Dec. 8
First I wanted to share that yesterday was a big day for our family. 17 years ago my Dad received his liver transplant at U of M. He is doing so well, and we thank God for so many more years than we ever thought we would be fortunate enough to have him be here with us. We love you Dad!!
Had a rough night, had a fever of 102.2, they did blood cultures and I am having a CT scan of my abdomen to see if there might be a small abcess causing the fevers.
They just started another peripheral IV line. The TPN IV fluids are running and because that raises your blood sugar, they are always checking my blood sugar and giving me Insulin. I have been having a few small diarrhea type movements from below, and now they want to test for C-Diff, (just in case)
They shoot my poor abdomen with Lovenox (anti embolism) shots and and shoot the Insulin in my belly too. My poor thighs are both so bruised from having Heparin twice a day shots, that I tried to refuse them, they said, no way, we are not going to have you throw a clot on our watch. So they agreed to once a day Lovenox. I am getting very discouraged and beginning to wonder if I made the right decision about this surgery. Please continue your prayers for healing, I an soooooo anxious to get out of this place.
Friday, December 7, 2012
NG tube in
I thought I had better give an update. Still nothing good happening here at the hospital. I was so miserable and uncomfortable yesterday that they did an abdominal xray which showed I have an ileus (bowels not working) . They put down an NG tube (naso gastric) tube and hooked me up to suction. They got 3 liters of fluid out right away. My Dr. just came in, said they are going to start TPN IV nourishment today. He assures me it will happen someday. So stay tuned................
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
Hurdles and Turtles
Stan Here:
Of course the desire is to tell you that every day and moment brings progress. These last few days though have stalled a bit and there has been quite a bit of discomfort. As Deb"s system tries to get everything started again we were warned that there might be some nausea and she has had her share of that plus some real issues with pain in her midsection. So it seems like a few more obstacles need to be passed and now after 8 days up here it seems like things are kind of moving real slow. They are looking at doing a few test to look at why things are slower than projected. (They just came in and said they wanted to wait a while longer before they do that.) So we are in the waiting and hoping mode.
Deb has been able to have some food but it is on the prison camp proportion scale. A little jello, some broth and a Popsicle or two. Pretty meager. Still with all of this there is some good news.
During the surgery they took some biopsy samples and those came back negative from the lab. So that at least keeps the spirits up. Still no potential go home date. Some good stuff has to happen before we can think about that.
Ross just came home from an 18 day trip with a Broadway on tour group doing Fiddler on the Roof. He is glad to be home and now has lots of work with Grand Rapids Symphony. Traveling to all the locations and staying in hotels is just plain work. They sold out most of the shows so in that way it was good. Many days they had to do 2 shows which really is a long time on the instrument.
I will keep updating the progress. Thanks for following.
Stan
Saturday, December 1, 2012
Taking Longer
Stan Here:
What we have here is the all time diet program. It has now been six days since any food or water. We have been finding out that it is not all that unusual for things to take that long. But the rules are no food and or water till everything inside starts working again and that has not happened yet. I was kind of thinking Deb might get out of here on Sunday at least but now it looks like it is going to be a few days longer. Once food is introduced it will still be a slow process and they want to prove that she can handle all types of food. They start with clear liquids and then move forward from there but that has not even started yet. People ask "is she starving"? Yes there is some hunger but not what you might expect for so long a time without anything.
I would say that boredom is part of the picture. Other than the food issue she looks like she could go home now. Took 4 walks today and it looks to me it is easier for her to get up and down and around the hall than a few days ago. I does seem like a long time to be up here. You know you're in for a while when the people in the lobby that stamp the parking ramp passes know your name.
That's all for now. We will update if anything new comes up.
Stan
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