Myra made it back to Bethesda today!
Her fever and infection have gone away. The drain tube in the liver was removed, as they were able to get all the infection out.
She got up 3 times today, the first two times going much better than the last time. Myra is really, really anxious to gain her strength back. You can imagine how laying in a bed for 2 months takes a toll on muscle strength and endurance.
She has had 2 sessions of Healing Touch this week and thinks its helping. Curt sat in on both these sessions and is still a skeptic of this process but if Myra thinks its working then he'll deal with his feelings :)
If you want to learn more about Healing Touch, please refer to the post on 12/31 which gets into more detail.
Myra really feels like your prayers are working- once again she's getting better and is very strong willed and determined to continue this progression of healing. She wants to go home!!!
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Friday, January 25, 2008
8 weeks| two months| 57 days | 1320 hours
Today marks 2 long months for Myra in the hospital.
She's a little bummed that she's been in the hospital so long and is really getting sick of this whole business.
She has been able to string 3 good days together and right now seems to be doing 'better' . She's had good blood pressure and heart rate. Dialysis has also gone well and she's gaining an appetite. The infection is still there but she is starting to feel better.
At this point, she'll be at St. John's for at least another week to make sure she kicks the infection. Hopefully the next stay at Bethesda will last a little longer, meaning she won't be back at St. John's with new issues.
Again Myra would like to extend her gratitude you've shown her and Curt with all your cards and prayers- they are so thankful for your thoughtfulness! I read her every comment on the blog and she loves hearing that people are thinking of her and always responds with "that was so sweet".
She's a little bummed that she's been in the hospital so long and is really getting sick of this whole business.
She has been able to string 3 good days together and right now seems to be doing 'better' . She's had good blood pressure and heart rate. Dialysis has also gone well and she's gaining an appetite. The infection is still there but she is starting to feel better.
At this point, she'll be at St. John's for at least another week to make sure she kicks the infection. Hopefully the next stay at Bethesda will last a little longer, meaning she won't be back at St. John's with new issues.
Again Myra would like to extend her gratitude you've shown her and Curt with all your cards and prayers- they are so thankful for your thoughtfulness! I read her every comment on the blog and she loves hearing that people are thinking of her and always responds with "that was so sweet".
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Myra got a 4am wake up call for a bath and CT scan. It took them all day to get around to doing the CT scan- they started at about 5pm and are still waiting for the Infectious & Disease Control Doctor to draw a conclusion.
When this Dr. first discovered the infection in the liver, they pulled out 150 cc's of infection. She is still draining about 40 cc's but is now the color of the drained liquid is the more like bile rather than the color of an infection. This is puzzling to the doctors and Myra still has a fever and feels icky because of that.
Like all of the obstacles Myra has encountered, she's not getting too excited about this latest setback until the doctors know what the problem is.
When this Dr. first discovered the infection in the liver, they pulled out 150 cc's of infection. She is still draining about 40 cc's but is now the color of the drained liquid is the more like bile rather than the color of an infection. This is puzzling to the doctors and Myra still has a fever and feels icky because of that.
Like all of the obstacles Myra has encountered, she's not getting too excited about this latest setback until the doctors know what the problem is.
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Sunday
Myra's fever has subsided now that they've put the drain tube into her liver. She is doing well and back in telemetry. She's even in a room that she's been in before. You know your hospital stay is too long when you start repeating rooms!
The nurses are happy to have her back- she's been such a joy and humorous bright spot for the nurses that help Myra.
The doctors are going to attempt to clean up the fistula that is in her arm. The fistula is where they go in for dialysis and was thought to be the source of infection. Turns out the liver is the source of infection but the fistula was very dirty.
If they can successfully clean the fistula up they can continue dialysis from that port. If not, they have to insert a new fistula into her chest. Pray they can clean it up so she doesn't' have to have another procedure!
The nurses are happy to have her back- she's been such a joy and humorous bright spot for the nurses that help Myra.
The doctors are going to attempt to clean up the fistula that is in her arm. The fistula is where they go in for dialysis and was thought to be the source of infection. Turns out the liver is the source of infection but the fistula was very dirty.
If they can successfully clean the fistula up they can continue dialysis from that port. If not, they have to insert a new fistula into her chest. Pray they can clean it up so she doesn't' have to have another procedure!
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Thursday
Myra had her procedure to insert the drain tube into the liver. It went well and everything is in place! They were able to drain 5 ounces of infection out of the liver. The drain tube will be in place for 1-5 weeks, depending on the drainage and how the area heals.
Myra was not put out for the surgery (she would have preferred to have been) but they did numb the area. She was quite anxious leading up to the procedure, as she was fearful of pain. Luckily, it was fairly simple and pain-free.
She was quite hungry after all this business because they intended to do this yesterday but couldn't due to her clotting levels. So, she didn't eat yesterday or today, well for a couple of ice chips but what good is that :)
She enjoyed a nice dinner and a big, fat nap after all was said and done.
Please pray for a quick recovery from this and that she feels better once the infection is removed from her body.
Myra was not put out for the surgery (she would have preferred to have been) but they did numb the area. She was quite anxious leading up to the procedure, as she was fearful of pain. Luckily, it was fairly simple and pain-free.
She was quite hungry after all this business because they intended to do this yesterday but couldn't due to her clotting levels. So, she didn't eat yesterday or today, well for a couple of ice chips but what good is that :)
She enjoyed a nice dinner and a big, fat nap after all was said and done.
Please pray for a quick recovery from this and that she feels better once the infection is removed from her body.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Update
Myra's spirit has been a little low the last couple of days. She's getting "sick" of infections and other things that set her back.
The doctors think they've discovered the source of her infection. A PT scan shows that there is an abscess in her liver. They wanted to operate today to insert a drain today but her INR levels were bad. Not sure what INR technically stands for, but it means her blood clotting abilities. Unfortunately her levels were unacceptable for surgery. She received 2 bags of frozen plasma to help thicken her blood.
If her clotting levels rise tomorrow then she will have surgery to have the drain placed.
She did have dialysis today and that was successful.
The doctors think they've discovered the source of her infection. A PT scan shows that there is an abscess in her liver. They wanted to operate today to insert a drain today but her INR levels were bad. Not sure what INR technically stands for, but it means her blood clotting abilities. Unfortunately her levels were unacceptable for surgery. She received 2 bags of frozen plasma to help thicken her blood.
If her clotting levels rise tomorrow then she will have surgery to have the drain placed.
She did have dialysis today and that was successful.
Monday, January 14, 2008
Monday
Myra felt a bit better today. Her temp is still high at just under 100 degrees. The doctors inserted a new dialysis catheter inserted into a new location so she can receive dialysis. The area that the original dialysis catheter was in her arm tested negative as the source of infection.
She also began working with a doctor from Disease Control so they can begin to fight the blood infection that she has.
She also began working with a doctor from Disease Control so they can begin to fight the blood infection that she has.
Sunday, January 13, 2008
6 Weeks
Friday marked the 6th week of Myra's hospitalization.
Myra had a rough weekend. She's had a fever the last two nights and is testing positive for an infection. Her fever was at 102.9 today. Because of the infection, the doctors removed the dialysis catheter that was placed in her arm the same time they did the mastectomy Its been a convenient point of entry for the dialysis, but because its an opening to her body this means that its also an open door for infection. They removed the catheter in hopes of getting rid of the infection.
With the high fever came some confusion today. She had no appetite and spent most of the day either shivering cold or sweating.
Her blood pressure was also pretty low this weekend- with the top number bouncing between 70 and 80. That also contributes to the confusion she experienced today.
Her heart rate was increased as well and is hopefully a side effect of the fever.
Her kidney specialist has ordered some meds that will help elevate the blood pressure.
She had more blood cultures today and will have additional blood tests tomorrow, so please pray for a negative result for infection. At this point, they will not do dialysis tomorrow. Hopefully her condition will improve over the next 24 hours and they can do dialysis on Tuesday.
On a side note, Shirley and Conrad who are friends of Curt & Myra have been keeping some friends that live in Harris updated on Myra's condition. That friend was at church 2 weeks ago and asked the congregation to pray for Myra's recovery.
Curt & Myra were very touched by that gesture. So thank you Shirley and Shirley's friend in Harris!
Myra had a rough weekend. She's had a fever the last two nights and is testing positive for an infection. Her fever was at 102.9 today. Because of the infection, the doctors removed the dialysis catheter that was placed in her arm the same time they did the mastectomy Its been a convenient point of entry for the dialysis, but because its an opening to her body this means that its also an open door for infection. They removed the catheter in hopes of getting rid of the infection.
With the high fever came some confusion today. She had no appetite and spent most of the day either shivering cold or sweating.
Her blood pressure was also pretty low this weekend- with the top number bouncing between 70 and 80. That also contributes to the confusion she experienced today.
Her heart rate was increased as well and is hopefully a side effect of the fever.
Her kidney specialist has ordered some meds that will help elevate the blood pressure.
She had more blood cultures today and will have additional blood tests tomorrow, so please pray for a negative result for infection. At this point, they will not do dialysis tomorrow. Hopefully her condition will improve over the next 24 hours and they can do dialysis on Tuesday.
On a side note, Shirley and Conrad who are friends of Curt & Myra have been keeping some friends that live in Harris updated on Myra's condition. That friend was at church 2 weeks ago and asked the congregation to pray for Myra's recovery.
Curt & Myra were very touched by that gesture. So thank you Shirley and Shirley's friend in Harris!
Friday, January 11, 2008
Friday- A Roller Coaster
Just when things were looking up for Myra......she got a blood infection and was transferred back to St. John's on Thursday where she is being treated with antibiotics.
She was able to take dialysis yesterday and her heart rate and blood pressure are both looking good.
She was able to take dialysis yesterday and her heart rate and blood pressure are both looking good.
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Monday & Tuesday
Myra is feeling pretty good the last two days. She had dialysis on Monday along with 2 sessions of physical therapy.
Tuesday she had more therapy and she is really, really sore from starting to use muscles again. She said everything hurts, including her neck where she had whip lash years ago. Going from lying flat on your back for 5 1/2 weeks to slight movement will do that to a person.
Her blood pressure dipped in the middle of the night and "Dr. Myra" thinks its because she's getting too much insulin. She and her doctor consulted and he concurred with her that she is possibly getting too much insulin, so they've cut back slightly.
I say "Dr. Myra" but with a level of seriousness. She really is her own advocate and knows her body best. If we had listened to one of her kidney specialists who suggested to stop dialysis only 3 weeks ago, she probably wouldn't be with us anymore. Myra said "Everybody keeps telling me I'm getting worse, but I feel better and I want to fight".
Fight Myra,Fight!
Tuesday she had more therapy and she is really, really sore from starting to use muscles again. She said everything hurts, including her neck where she had whip lash years ago. Going from lying flat on your back for 5 1/2 weeks to slight movement will do that to a person.
Her blood pressure dipped in the middle of the night and "Dr. Myra" thinks its because she's getting too much insulin. She and her doctor consulted and he concurred with her that she is possibly getting too much insulin, so they've cut back slightly.
I say "Dr. Myra" but with a level of seriousness. She really is her own advocate and knows her body best. If we had listened to one of her kidney specialists who suggested to stop dialysis only 3 weeks ago, she probably wouldn't be with us anymore. Myra said "Everybody keeps telling me I'm getting worse, but I feel better and I want to fight".
Fight Myra,Fight!
Sunday, January 6, 2008
1/6 Weekend Recap
Myra had a pretty good and stable weekend. She's adjusting nicely to Bethesda. She has been working on trying to stand up and was able to do so today. She can only last a few seconds on her feet but she's so happy to be able to do that.
We noticed a nice progression in her eating. Up until last week, she could really only manage to eat a few bites and would tire so quickly that she could hardly chew during the end of her meal (which consisted of eating about 1/4 of her plate and Curt happily cleaning up the leftovers.)
This last week we've noticed she's able to finish most of her plate and does so without tiring too much or needing a nap after her meal! She was even able to take down two "Dusty sized" tacos at dinner tonight. Now that's some improvement!
We noticed a nice progression in her eating. Up until last week, she could really only manage to eat a few bites and would tire so quickly that she could hardly chew during the end of her meal (which consisted of eating about 1/4 of her plate and Curt happily cleaning up the leftovers.)
This last week we've noticed she's able to finish most of her plate and does so without tiring too much or needing a nap after her meal! She was even able to take down two "Dusty sized" tacos at dinner tonight. Now that's some improvement!
Friday, January 4, 2008
1/4
Myra made it safely to Bethesda today. They moved her on a stretcher by ambulance. The nursing staff at St. John's all lined up to see her off and Myra really enjoyed that.
She had a successful dialysis and enjoyed "Tilapia Friday" at Bethesda. She also had tator tots with her fish and said they were just delish....she hasn't had a tator tot in months and was happy to find tator tots to be on her diabetic menu.
She also saw Dr. Poor who was doing rounds at Bethesda. Dr. Poor is one of her kidney specialists that was with Myra during her most critical days in ICU. After she commented to him that she is still here, he replied with "you are one determined lady, Myra and I'm so glad!"
Still waiting to hear about the second opinion on the blood sample from the Mayo Clinic.
She had a successful dialysis and enjoyed "Tilapia Friday" at Bethesda. She also had tator tots with her fish and said they were just delish....she hasn't had a tator tot in months and was happy to find tator tots to be on her diabetic menu.
She also saw Dr. Poor who was doing rounds at Bethesda. Dr. Poor is one of her kidney specialists that was with Myra during her most critical days in ICU. After she commented to him that she is still here, he replied with "you are one determined lady, Myra and I'm so glad!"
Still waiting to hear about the second opinion on the blood sample from the Mayo Clinic.
Thursday, January 3, 2008
1/3
Myra's heart rate and blood pressure have been stable for the last couple of days.
She has also been able to get up for a bit (with lots of assistance) and sit in a chair and even take a few steps around the room! She said it was the most wonderful feeling to be able to do that!
Her blood results have not come back yet (and we don't know what the hold up is) but the doctors do know that she has an infection in her blood. At this point, they don't know where it stems from but an additional blood test yesterday will help determine that.
She's also been working more with her kidney specialist that she's been with for years. He has changed her medications and so far so good. She's been on extra meds since she entered the hospital and he wants to give her body a chance to heal, so he's removed some of the meds and she is in the same medication boat as she was when she first went into the hospital.
She has continued with physical therapy and yesterday they taught her a leg muscle. She said she can really feel that one!
She said she's seen a change in how she feels. Her speech is better. Her hearing has been regained and she is so much more clear.
She also has higher energy levels and thinks this could be a result of the iron infusions she's been receiving.
Friday, if all is well, she should be on her way back to Bethesda.
Thanks again for all the nice comments you've sent her way- I read her every comment and she always says "well that was sweet"....so please, keep them coming!
She has also been able to get up for a bit (with lots of assistance) and sit in a chair and even take a few steps around the room! She said it was the most wonderful feeling to be able to do that!
Her blood results have not come back yet (and we don't know what the hold up is) but the doctors do know that she has an infection in her blood. At this point, they don't know where it stems from but an additional blood test yesterday will help determine that.
She's also been working more with her kidney specialist that she's been with for years. He has changed her medications and so far so good. She's been on extra meds since she entered the hospital and he wants to give her body a chance to heal, so he's removed some of the meds and she is in the same medication boat as she was when she first went into the hospital.
She has continued with physical therapy and yesterday they taught her a leg muscle. She said she can really feel that one!
She said she's seen a change in how she feels. Her speech is better. Her hearing has been regained and she is so much more clear.
She also has higher energy levels and thinks this could be a result of the iron infusions she's been receiving.
Friday, if all is well, she should be on her way back to Bethesda.
Thanks again for all the nice comments you've sent her way- I read her every comment and she always says "well that was sweet"....so please, keep them coming!
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