Thanks for the good wishes and prayers. Just a brief note to fill you in. J-Man is in acute renal failure and liver failure and they aren't sure why. Some of the tests aren't showing anything definitive, and others can't be done because of wonky lab work. In addition, they found multiple blood clots in his affected leg (the paralyzed side).
It's all very complex and everyone is scratching his or her head about what to do. At this point, not knowing the cause, all they can do is treat the symptoms, but he remains puffed up like a blowfish. If you took a pin to his feet and legs, he'd spurt fluid everywhere. Hmmm, maybe I should suggest that....
But J-Man, being who he is, is in good spirits and usually has the staff chuckling before they leave the room. He and I are light and dark that way. As he puts it, he feels fine, but everyone tells him he's sick! I am glad he's not uncomfortable.
In addition, he's in my hospital, with some of my friends taking care of him--and me, too, bless their hearts. Since I work nights, there are many of the day therapists, staff, and various and sundry services I have never met or have only talked with over the phone. They don't know me, or that I'm a nurse, yet they treat him with compassion and patience and sincere good will. It makes me feel much more comfortable when I need to leave him, which isn't often.
DD is coming in tonight, so we are grateful for the long weekend, and her understanding co-workers. Her dad adores her, and I think she will feel better being able to see him for herself. My neighbor has allowed me to put Tandi in her fenced-in back yard so that Tandi doesn't have to spend hours and hours in her crate, and that has been wonderful.
We feel really blessed with family, friends, neighbors, and a wonderful staff of folks at the hospital, from the volunteers to housekeeping to ancillary services and the medical/nursing personnel. Though we have been on the other side of the chart more than once, each time I swap places I take away a new perspective on my own job.
Saturday at the movies is cancelled for this week. If we ever get to just watch the television in his room, I nod off anyway, and my brain is mush.
Have a great weekend, everyone!
5 comments:
Oh, Stephanie -- I hope they find the cause and are able to get J-Man back home quickly and that you can get some rest! I'll be thinking of you!
Oh, Stephanie! I hope that your experience continues to be so positive - there's nothing like a wonderful hospital staff to help us thru these difficult times. Please know that friends, known and un, are wishing you and your family well!
The human body is a very complex thing, and I hope an inspiration strikes someone and the cause is found for this mystery. In the meantime, thinking of you both.
That's so hard and you have such a great attitude. Here's hoping things turn better, very soon. Hang in their, hon!
glad DD can make it!!
and yes, I'll tell you again...get some rest girl!
love ya.
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