Several good things happened over the weekend.
The doctors could not control Bill’s pain with medications without overdosing him. He could only handle a small dosage, and it would last for hours, but during that time he had trouble eating, standing, speaking and was disorientated.
Finally, on Saturday afternoon, they put him on a PCAP (self- administer pump) that he could control the pain on demand.
Because he is on the pain medication (Dilaudid- .1mg every 10 min as needed) the staff wants someone in the room with him 24 hours a day. This is a huge relief to me. A “sitter” is by his bedside to assist him when I am not at the hospital. The charge nurse just asks me what my schedule is for the following day, and the other hours are covered. I can now stay at the hospital every other day for 24+ hours and go home for an evening.
The first night the sitter was here, she had Bill pushing the button for medication all night and day. He had 17 doses in 24 hours. The quantity was low for the time period, but the effects were over the top. Once again he could not communicate, eat or walk.
Since I have arrived at 1:30pm on Easter, Bill has had 2 doses of medication (9 hour timespand), he is not in pain, is eating well, and communicating again. I am now the Nurse Nazi and have laid down the law with the aides.
Bill received platelets twice over the weekend. Both were single donor, a 5 unit bag and a 10 unit bag. If you gave at LifeSource Blood Bank, know that your platelets were needed. Bill also had a reaction both days. It becomes more difficult to “type” his blood as he receives units of blood from a variety of people.
It is too soon for Neutrophil results, hopefully by Wednesday I will know more.
It was a weekend full of ups and downs, but overall, Bill seems better on this Monday morning.
Amen
Each day is a new adventure.
Hope you all had a wonderful Easter
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8 comments:
We are all grateful for Nazi Nancy, not matter the area over which she is the Nazi!
Those hills and valleys make for an interesting journey, I will say. So thankful they have "regulated" the pain. It will help everyone, I am sure.
The original Food Nazi is so thankful that the Nurse Nazi is obsessive about Bill's care. Believe me, if you don't watch over it (with God's help, I will add) no one else will!
I hope every day moves you in a positive direction, and hopefully into a more "typical" routine! 3 meals a day and sleep at night - what a novel idea!!
Keep us posted, as you always do. It helps those of us who live in the "Valley" all the time!!!
Love, prayers, and good health!
Gail
We are so proud of you Nurse Nazi Nancy. You have to take control of his comfort because you understand him better than anyone on earth. Having the opportunity to sleep away from the hospital is vital to your health. Bill needs you to be healthy. We pray for you and Bill. We will continue to P.U.S.H. We know it works. We have living proof of how it works miracles.
Love Tom and Sherry
It is definitely good to know that uncle bill's pain is under control. Comfort is the goal. Keeping his daily activities a routine is hard to do. It's wonderful to hear that the hospital is providing a sitter so you can receive some rest. May God's healing hands work on Uncle Bill.
Much Love & Prayers,
E.B.
With so many Nazis in the family, I am sure that you will be out of the valley.
I will continue to P.U.S.H. for God to lend a healing hand.
Thinking of you and praying often.
Love,
Paula
Nobody knows Bill better than Nancy. Easter brought a renewal of life to Bill and his recovery. We are so very proud of him.
Love and prayers, Janet and George
You go girl! Use your "teacher voice" and whip those people into shape. Bill, your job is to eat, sleep when you need to, and keep making those steps to better days. Our job is to keep PUSHing...and we are!
Love you, Ann and Jim Reego
Dear Nancy, Your stamina and courage are a testimony of God's hand in your life. We are all praying for you and Bill. Love you so much, miss seeing you, you are in my thoughts so very often. I wake up and look over at the beautiful drape window treatment your creative hands did and pray for you!! Judy
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