Sorry for not posting yesterday. It was actually a good day for the most part but I was in a bummed out depressed mood. I had been taken off TPN the night before and was starting to feel run-down and low on energy (now my responsibility, remember). Plus, I haven't been sleeping well for a few nights. So, I just wasn't in the mood for posting. I spent most of the day in bed or sitting on the toilet. One new twist, yesterday I was pooping like a geyser, which no doubt contributed to a little bit of dehydration. Seriously, I was on the pot every hour. Within a few days, my colon went from non-functional to overdrive. I think it's trying to find an equilibrium and it'll probably take a couple of days to adjust. Fingers crossed it'll happen sooner rather than later because I'm pooping more liquid than I'm drinking.
While I'll consider most of the day a successful step towards recovery, I had a minor slowdown late last night. I puked. A ton. And it burned. Came from my toes. Given all the pooping I'd done throughout the day, there's no way it could be anything I had to drink. Must have been digestive juices, acids, etc. A very disappointing end to an otherwise positive day.
Today, however my bowels seem to be acting a bit more normal. I'm not on the toilet more than half the day. Only every few hours today. Which I hope means the activity is normalizing. I actually woke up hungry and spent the day eating somewhat decent portions of mushy foods like oatmeal and creamy soup. Plus I've been drinking as often as possible to keep hydrated. I'm still not consuming large quantities (I probably eat as much as Lucy) but it's easier to eat than it was yesterday. The docs were rightfully concerned about last night's puking epidsode so will probably monitor me for an extra day or so (big bummer). But after nearly a month, an extra day isn't too big a deal. The wound is still infected. Today the nurse trained Erin and me to clean and re-pack it ourselves, since it won't be too feasible to visit a clinic 3 times a day when they ultimately spring me. Also, most of the drugs I've been on were discontinued and I was de-tethered from my month-long companion, IV pole "Fred." FREEDOM! They are definitely taking steps to wean me off of hospital care and it's having an effect on my spirits.
I've been in a much better mood today than yesterday. Without Fred, simple things like taking a shower are so much easier. When Lucy visited I had more freedom to play with her and bounce her on my lap. Even walking around the room is easier, without tubes knocking things off of shelves, etc. So, while there have been a couple of highs and lows the past couple of days, I'm generally in an optimistic mood and looking forward to taking more steps towards the Exit door.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Monday, June 8, 2009
Tasted better on the way down
Yup, the title explains it all. I wasn't feeling all that great after breakfast (probably too much liquid sitting in my belly), so I wasn't too hungry for lunch. I eventually ate a bowl of melon chunks (cantaloupe, I believe). Not the best and I wasn't really feeling it but I felt it necessary to eat SOMETHING. So I did. I left everything else on the tray. The burger certainly wasn't appealing and nothing else really tickled my fancy.
Anyway, a couple of hours later I began to feel queasy. And I puked. A lot. 400 cc. Basically all cantaloupe. It smelled and tasted exactly like what went down. Completely undigested. So, we'll consider lunch a failure.
Not too disconcerting, just a bit of a disappointment. I think I need to take things a little slower. Eat much smaller portions for the next few days. Incidentally, not too long after the return of the cantaloupe, the dinner tray was brought in. Turkey slices and mashed potatoes. I ate a small portion and it seems to be sitting well. Still a little queasy but not as bad as before. I think in a couple of hours my gut will adapt and it will all pass through. At least, that's the hope.
The TPN has officially been discontinued. So I'm now responsible for my nutrition and hydration (more reason to get past this minor queasiness). They also discontinued the narcotic pain meds. So now I get zero pain management. The surgical incisions still hurt a bit but the narcotics really haven't been doing much anyway. I don't think this will have any noticeable effect. Perhaps when the doctors finally sign off on my gut functionality, oral pain meds will have better effect.
Anyway, a couple of hours later I began to feel queasy. And I puked. A lot. 400 cc. Basically all cantaloupe. It smelled and tasted exactly like what went down. Completely undigested. So, we'll consider lunch a failure.
Not too disconcerting, just a bit of a disappointment. I think I need to take things a little slower. Eat much smaller portions for the next few days. Incidentally, not too long after the return of the cantaloupe, the dinner tray was brought in. Turkey slices and mashed potatoes. I ate a small portion and it seems to be sitting well. Still a little queasy but not as bad as before. I think in a couple of hours my gut will adapt and it will all pass through. At least, that's the hope.
The TPN has officially been discontinued. So I'm now responsible for my nutrition and hydration (more reason to get past this minor queasiness). They also discontinued the narcotic pain meds. So now I get zero pain management. The surgical incisions still hurt a bit but the narcotics really haven't been doing much anyway. I don't think this will have any noticeable effect. Perhaps when the doctors finally sign off on my gut functionality, oral pain meds will have better effect.
Real Food
As of this morning, the docs upgraded me to a low-fat diet. Normal food, just a little bland. The order was put in too late for breakfast, but lunch is sitting in front of me. A burger (I think I'll skip), fruit, veggies, apple juice and iced tea. I'm still taking things cautiously, so I won't eat most of it but it's progress nonetheless.
At the end of the day they will discontinue the TPN, which means I will now be completely responsible for my own nutrition and hydration. Just like a real boy.
At the end of the day they will discontinue the TPN, which means I will now be completely responsible for my own nutrition and hydration. Just like a real boy.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Dinnertime!
After lunch, I had a nice visit from Lucy and the in-laws. It's great how she's always in such a cheery mood. None of this phases her. Just a fun adventure with her Oma and Opa.
Dinner came at around 5:15 tonight. Since lunch arrived late (about 2:00ish) I was still a bit stuffed from the chicken broth and grape juice. So I wasn't too hungry. But, to prove my gut is still working, I picked through a dinner that consisted of: beef broth, water ice (first to eat, mmmm) and ice tea. Again, I left the Jell-O. Call me superstitious.
Oh, another good poop before dinner. Just to keep you informed.
Dinner came at around 5:15 tonight. Since lunch arrived late (about 2:00ish) I was still a bit stuffed from the chicken broth and grape juice. So I wasn't too hungry. But, to prove my gut is still working, I picked through a dinner that consisted of: beef broth, water ice (first to eat, mmmm) and ice tea. Again, I left the Jell-O. Call me superstitious.
Oh, another good poop before dinner. Just to keep you informed.
FOOD!
My lunch of broth and grape juice arrived a bit late, around 2pm. I was careful and took quite a while to eat it. But eat it I did. And it was good. (Note, I skipped the Jell-O. Best not to press my luck.)
So far, feeling fine. About an hour after eating everything, I pooped. So the guts seem to be still be functioning well. Hopefully that will continue.
So far, feeling fine. About an hour after eating everything, I pooped. So the guts seem to be still be functioning well. Hopefully that will continue.
Homestretch??
Maybe the title is a bit optimistic. Up to this point, we've been taking things very SLOWLY with regards to the aggressiveness of my treatment. Which is why posts have been few and far between. Not much to report when nothing changes from day to day. But yesterday I hit a couple of great milestones.
1) I pooped. Big. More than a few times.
2) I farted. A lot. So no, 55% less colon does NOT mean 55% less flatulence.
To recap, the NG tube has been out for about 5 days now. The "poops" that I reported last week were real but sort of false alarms. More anomalies from the surgery than anything legitimate. Trust me, yesterday's were real. So from last week until now, nothing new has really happened. Lucy's been doing great and I've gotten to see her almost every day. She's the shining point in every day. But now, with these new milestones, I've got a lot more to look forward to. Like daylight.
As of yesterday (really starting Friday), my gut feels "normal." As normal as it can feel with 24+ staples and an oozing pus infection. Oh, I did forget to update about that. I got a minor infection at the incision that is being drained and treated with antibiotics. No big deal but nasty gross. Anyway, since I'm now beginning to feel normal and, as attested to in #1 & #2 above, function normally, I feel confident in the title of this post. I'm nearing the homestretch. Don't have any specific timeframe and still want to play things slowly and cautiously but I can finally see a light at the end of this long, dark, depressing tunnel.
This morning the docs were pleased with the progress. They ordered that I start clear liquids, the first step towards eating real food. I'll be careful and not go overboard. We certainly don't want a repeat of the earlier jell-o fiasco.
Will keep posting as more news crops up. Nearing the homestretch, things will hopefully start to get a bit more exciting and I should have reason to post more frequently.
1) I pooped. Big. More than a few times.
2) I farted. A lot. So no, 55% less colon does NOT mean 55% less flatulence.
To recap, the NG tube has been out for about 5 days now. The "poops" that I reported last week were real but sort of false alarms. More anomalies from the surgery than anything legitimate. Trust me, yesterday's were real. So from last week until now, nothing new has really happened. Lucy's been doing great and I've gotten to see her almost every day. She's the shining point in every day. But now, with these new milestones, I've got a lot more to look forward to. Like daylight.
As of yesterday (really starting Friday), my gut feels "normal." As normal as it can feel with 24+ staples and an oozing pus infection. Oh, I did forget to update about that. I got a minor infection at the incision that is being drained and treated with antibiotics. No big deal but nasty gross. Anyway, since I'm now beginning to feel normal and, as attested to in #1 & #2 above, function normally, I feel confident in the title of this post. I'm nearing the homestretch. Don't have any specific timeframe and still want to play things slowly and cautiously but I can finally see a light at the end of this long, dark, depressing tunnel.
This morning the docs were pleased with the progress. They ordered that I start clear liquids, the first step towards eating real food. I'll be careful and not go overboard. We certainly don't want a repeat of the earlier jell-o fiasco.
Will keep posting as more news crops up. Nearing the homestretch, things will hopefully start to get a bit more exciting and I should have reason to post more frequently.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Weekend update
No new posts because, to be honest, there was nothing new to report, until now. I was kept on the non-narcotic pain control through the weekend, which worked quite well. On Saturday, we had two sets of visitors. Todd and Kimmie, friends from college, drove up from DC to spend a few hours with us. They later visited Philly and made a full day of the trip. Later in the afternoon, my sister Kim and brother-in-law Mark drove in from the far reaches of Connecticut. They enjoyed visiting not only with us but their niece Lucy as well (my sister being 5-1/2 months pregnant herself particularly enjoyed playing with Lucy). The stream of visitors continued on Sunday when my friend Maddog! and his wife Lisa (my e-parents...long story) stopped by for a few hours. They live nearby in Kensington, Philadelphia so the trip wasn't too much of a commute. Unfortunately Lucy wasn't with us at the time so when I feel better we might visit them before flying home.
While the visits from friends and family definitely kept me in good spirits, there was nothing new to report on the medical front. Nothing at all. The pain was still bad without the medicine I was getting. Still no bowel activity. In short, nothing had changed. Compared with after the first surgery, the doctors have been a bit more cautious and slower-going this time around. I agree with this and don't want to rush myself into another setback.
Finally on Monday progress became evident. I got the catheter out (yay!) and was able to pee right away (double yay!!). Bowel sounds had been heard throughout the day and, joy-of-joys, I pooped! Twice! YAY! My gut was now back to the point where it was pre-jello after the first surgery. Now, we just have to be extra cautious to make sure the bowel activity will remain constant and not decrease (or worse, disappear). So, the docs decided to keep NG suction on for another day, in order to give my weak digestive system more of a rest.
One bit of bad news occurred last night. The non-narcotic drug that had been so effective at managing my pain had to be discontinued. Unfortunately, if taken for too long it's known to cause kidney problems. The pain was still bad, but now the only option was to go back on the narcotics. The docs were able to effectively double the dosage, which did bring the pain to a manageable level. However, it also kept me completely doped and groggy. I couldn't keep my eyes open for more than 10 minutes at a time.
This morning, after waking in a narcotic-induced haze, I met with the docs and they decided to clamp the NG tube for the morning. The logic being, if I can tolerate a long period without suction, then my bowel activity is beginning to function normally. Well, the test was a success. After reconnecting to suction, very little fluid was observed which means things are operating somewhat normally. So, early in the afternoon, another decision was made to completely remove the NG tube. The docs want it removed for at least 24 hours before I start eating. We could have clamped the tube overnight to make sure bowel activity is proper. But that would be an additional day of waiting. To this point we've been slow and cautious. Now I'm optimistic that the activity is returning, so pulling the tube was, I believe, the right decision. We'll see what tomorrow brings. So far no serious pains or discomfort. Fingers-crossed, all will continue to go smoothly.
While the visits from friends and family definitely kept me in good spirits, there was nothing new to report on the medical front. Nothing at all. The pain was still bad without the medicine I was getting. Still no bowel activity. In short, nothing had changed. Compared with after the first surgery, the doctors have been a bit more cautious and slower-going this time around. I agree with this and don't want to rush myself into another setback.
Finally on Monday progress became evident. I got the catheter out (yay!) and was able to pee right away (double yay!!). Bowel sounds had been heard throughout the day and, joy-of-joys, I pooped! Twice! YAY! My gut was now back to the point where it was pre-jello after the first surgery. Now, we just have to be extra cautious to make sure the bowel activity will remain constant and not decrease (or worse, disappear). So, the docs decided to keep NG suction on for another day, in order to give my weak digestive system more of a rest.
One bit of bad news occurred last night. The non-narcotic drug that had been so effective at managing my pain had to be discontinued. Unfortunately, if taken for too long it's known to cause kidney problems. The pain was still bad, but now the only option was to go back on the narcotics. The docs were able to effectively double the dosage, which did bring the pain to a manageable level. However, it also kept me completely doped and groggy. I couldn't keep my eyes open for more than 10 minutes at a time.
This morning, after waking in a narcotic-induced haze, I met with the docs and they decided to clamp the NG tube for the morning. The logic being, if I can tolerate a long period without suction, then my bowel activity is beginning to function normally. Well, the test was a success. After reconnecting to suction, very little fluid was observed which means things are operating somewhat normally. So, early in the afternoon, another decision was made to completely remove the NG tube. The docs want it removed for at least 24 hours before I start eating. We could have clamped the tube overnight to make sure bowel activity is proper. But that would be an additional day of waiting. To this point we've been slow and cautious. Now I'm optimistic that the activity is returning, so pulling the tube was, I believe, the right decision. We'll see what tomorrow brings. So far no serious pains or discomfort. Fingers-crossed, all will continue to go smoothly.
Friday, May 29, 2009
3 days of updates in one
Sorry I haven't posted since Tuesday. Wednesday was a boring and depressing day. Absolutely nothing new to report. Everything was the same. That is to say, my bowels didn't appear to wake up. I spent most of the day wallowing in self-pity and depression. After 8+ days, I was getting tired of the whole situation. The highlight of the day was when, later in the day, I was wheeled away to have a few X-Rays taken. A few hours later, I was wheeled back to the same part of the hospital for a CT Scan (foreshadowing??).
Foreshadowing, indeed. Just like with the first X-rays that were taken when I was admitted, the new set showed my bowels to be swollen and distended ABOVE the point where the surgery was performed. Below the surgical "patch" the colon was deflated and atrophied. In other words, for some reason an obstruction had reappeared at the site of surgery. Such was the news I woke to yesterday morning. Still depressed from Wednesday, the surgical team came in early yesterday morning to inform me that another surgery would be needed to remove the scar tissue that caused the obstruction. As with the first surgery, there was very little time for discussion. Erin and I talked it over for 5 - 10 minutes before agreeing that another surgery would be the best course of action (the other option being to wait for days on end, with no action being taken and no guarantee of improvement). As before, within a short time frame I was wheeled back to surgery for a repeat of the earlier fun and games.
The surgery was a success and the scar tissue was removed. It's still too soon to determine whether or not bowel activity will return to normal, or how soon, but the doctors all seem optimistic. The worst part of this second surgery was the post-op pain. Since the surgeons went through the same incisions and retracted all the same muscles, the trauma to my gut built on what was already pretty beat up from the first surgery. Needless to say, the pain was unbearable. In the recovery room, they pumped me full of all flavors of narcotics, all mixed in heart-stopping cocktails (morphine, dilaudid, fentanol, etc). It took a little while but I was ultimately able to tolerate the pain well enough to return to my regular room.
For most of the rest of the day I slept and/or begged for narcotics. As the anesthesia and recovery room cocktails began to wear off the single dosage I was prescribed was insufficient. Around 1:30 in the morning I woke screaming in pain. Unfortunately, my throat was so dry and scratchy that there was no noise behind my screams. I called the nurse and we spent the next couple of hours battling with the on-call resident to increase the dosage of the pain med. Unfortunately, this particular resident was extremely cautious with narcotics and I had to wait until the attending arrived at around 7am before the pain medication was adjusted to a point that allowed for minor comfort. By the afternoon I was switched to a non-narcotic pain med that made the pain tolerable to the point that I could walk around, sit up and even change my clothes.
So, that's where we are right now. I'm still a little groggy and woozy but not too badly. The pain is manageable and I feel nearly human. I hope that in the next day or so I can go off the narcotics and become more alert. Fingers crossed, in the same timeframe it'll be nice to see bowel activity starting back up again.
Foreshadowing, indeed. Just like with the first X-rays that were taken when I was admitted, the new set showed my bowels to be swollen and distended ABOVE the point where the surgery was performed. Below the surgical "patch" the colon was deflated and atrophied. In other words, for some reason an obstruction had reappeared at the site of surgery. Such was the news I woke to yesterday morning. Still depressed from Wednesday, the surgical team came in early yesterday morning to inform me that another surgery would be needed to remove the scar tissue that caused the obstruction. As with the first surgery, there was very little time for discussion. Erin and I talked it over for 5 - 10 minutes before agreeing that another surgery would be the best course of action (the other option being to wait for days on end, with no action being taken and no guarantee of improvement). As before, within a short time frame I was wheeled back to surgery for a repeat of the earlier fun and games.
The surgery was a success and the scar tissue was removed. It's still too soon to determine whether or not bowel activity will return to normal, or how soon, but the doctors all seem optimistic. The worst part of this second surgery was the post-op pain. Since the surgeons went through the same incisions and retracted all the same muscles, the trauma to my gut built on what was already pretty beat up from the first surgery. Needless to say, the pain was unbearable. In the recovery room, they pumped me full of all flavors of narcotics, all mixed in heart-stopping cocktails (morphine, dilaudid, fentanol, etc). It took a little while but I was ultimately able to tolerate the pain well enough to return to my regular room.
For most of the rest of the day I slept and/or begged for narcotics. As the anesthesia and recovery room cocktails began to wear off the single dosage I was prescribed was insufficient. Around 1:30 in the morning I woke screaming in pain. Unfortunately, my throat was so dry and scratchy that there was no noise behind my screams. I called the nurse and we spent the next couple of hours battling with the on-call resident to increase the dosage of the pain med. Unfortunately, this particular resident was extremely cautious with narcotics and I had to wait until the attending arrived at around 7am before the pain medication was adjusted to a point that allowed for minor comfort. By the afternoon I was switched to a non-narcotic pain med that made the pain tolerable to the point that I could walk around, sit up and even change my clothes.
So, that's where we are right now. I'm still a little groggy and woozy but not too badly. The pain is manageable and I feel nearly human. I hope that in the next day or so I can go off the narcotics and become more alert. Fingers crossed, in the same timeframe it'll be nice to see bowel activity starting back up again.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
High calorie diet
After fasting for 9 days, last night I FINALLY received my custom bag of TPN. 2400 calories, straight to the veins. Better than any cheesesteak. For the first time in days, I woke up this morning without the lightheaded dizziness I'd been experiencing due to malnourishment. Hell, if I could lug this bag and IV pole around with me all the time, I'd be in great shape!
Oh, and to all my Disco teammates, a couple of cute physical therapists have been coming by to make sure I do all my exercises. They put MJ to shame. I'm game ready, kids! Except for the sutures, scars, pain, etc.
Oh, and to all my Disco teammates, a couple of cute physical therapists have been coming by to make sure I do all my exercises. They put MJ to shame. I'm game ready, kids! Except for the sutures, scars, pain, etc.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Happy Memorial Day - some good news
Well, with the new NG tube in place, I feel fine. No nauseau, etc. Of course, I'm not able to eat anything. Had I tolerated the clear liquids yesterday, today would be my day for a full small meal. But no such luck. Back to no food at all.
Which, if my calendar is correct, means I've not eaten a meal since the saturday of our Frisbee tournament (May 16). In other words, I've gone nine (9) full days without food (OK, I had a couple small pretzel nuggets on Sunday the 17th, but that's hardly a meal). Unfortunately, the docs didn't really start their clocks until the day of admittance, which was Monday the 19th, or 7 days ago. Either way, it's been over a week without proper nutrition. A fast any spiritual yogi would be proud of.
So, today, I'm ordered to get total parenteral nutrition (TPN). Look it up. Basically custom-tailored food through your veins. A special nursing team just finished installing the PICC line (look it up) to allow for the thickness of the TPN. With luck, by the end of the day I'll be fattening up and putting back a few LBs.
Which, if my calendar is correct, means I've not eaten a meal since the saturday of our Frisbee tournament (May 16). In other words, I've gone nine (9) full days without food (OK, I had a couple small pretzel nuggets on Sunday the 17th, but that's hardly a meal). Unfortunately, the docs didn't really start their clocks until the day of admittance, which was Monday the 19th, or 7 days ago. Either way, it's been over a week without proper nutrition. A fast any spiritual yogi would be proud of.
So, today, I'm ordered to get total parenteral nutrition (TPN). Look it up. Basically custom-tailored food through your veins. A special nursing team just finished installing the PICC line (look it up) to allow for the thickness of the TPN. With luck, by the end of the day I'll be fattening up and putting back a few LBs.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Sunday setback
On Saturday, late afternoon, another milestone. Even though I was a little apprehensive about it, the NG tube was removed. This is the tube that sucks any accumulated bile, fluids, etc out of my stomach so the gut doesn't distend and swell up. It's only supposed to be removed when the bowels are functioning adequately to move the fluid through (ultimately winding up in the toilet). I'm always a bit cautious to want the tube removed too soon mainly because their insertion is about the most unpleasant and uncomfortable experience a patient might endure without anesthetic. Despite the progress I was making and how well I was feeling, I wasn't fully on board with pulling the tube without being absolutely completely sure I wouldn't need it again (foreshadowing much?).
Anyway, the tube was pulled and I felt fantastic. I was able to wash my face. I cleaned myself up nicely. Really started to feel human. Even organized my room a little bit. I now looked like most other patients...just a single IV in my arm. I had more freedom to move around than I'd had in a week. I went to bed (after another poop, thank you very much) and slept even better than the night before.
Early Sunday morning the docs came in and told me I was to start eating clear liquids that day. WOOHOO! Bring on the Jello! I went to the bathroom and had the best poop to date! My bowels were working! I'm good to go! I really thought I was nearing the home stretch.
They brought me a food tray that contained 2 4-oz cups of apple juice and one 4-oz container of orange jello. (Also coffee, but I thought that was a bad idea.) I couldn't help but enjoy every drop of it. The AJ was cold and refreshing. The jello was slimy and playful in my mouth. All of it, mmmmmmmmmm. I was happy. And I felt happy for about a half hour or so. Then I started to feel just a little bit nauseous. Not too badly, and I didn't worry too much about it. But a little queasy nonetheless. I told the nurses and they ordered me a prescription of an anti-nauseau drug to settle things a little bit.
Early in the afternoon my Uncle Steve, Aunt Cindy and cousin Katie stopped by, after driving all the way from Tolland, CT. They claimed to be the Gregson representatives to report back to my folks how well I'm being cared for. I think in reality, they wanted to see and play with Lucy. Of course Erin brought her by and everybody had a great time. It was a wonderful visit and it was so great of them to make the long trip. Unfortunately, during the course of their visit my nauseau got progressively worse and worse. After a couple of hours, I was curled up in bed doing whatever I could to avoid vomiting. So, to my Gregson relatives, sorry for my antisocial behavior toward the end of your visit. It meant a lot to see you and to know that you were willing to make such a long trip just to see me. I know my folks also appreciated it. I just started to feel horrible and wish I was in a better condition to spend more time with you.
Not long after they left, I started to puke. A lot. We (me, docs, nurses) decided that my gut wasn't quite ready to tolerate clear liquids just yet. As the doc explained to me, the bowel is extremely sensitive. It goes into shutdown mode at the slightest disturbance. Which is why it was shutdown for 4+ days after surgeons cut it, prod it, moved it around and patched it back together. I guess the instant any kind of food hit the bowel, the same thing happened. A minor little shock that it couldn't quite tolerate, so it decided to play opossum for a short (hopefully?) period of time. I was puking because all my gut fluids were backing up again and my stomach was getting full. Time for the NG tube.
During hospitalizations past, whenever I was ready to try clear liquids, after being on NG suction for a long period of time, the docs would simply clamp off the tube and disconnect it from suction. Leave the tube in just in case it's needed again. Going back to the beginning of this post, that's essentially why I wasn't too keen on pulling the tube so eagerly. I felt it could be left in and I could eat with it in. Now, I needed a new tube. Bad enough when I first got it in the ER almost a week ago. At least I was expecting it and knew I needed it. Hell, I wanted it back then. But now I was so pissed off and anxious and apprehensive and worked up about the whole situation that I was a nervous wreck. On her first attempt, the nurse couldn't get it in. Mostly my fault, because I was so tensed up, I didn't make it easy for her. So we took a break for a bit while she consulted with the doc. About an hour later the doc came in and we discussed everything. Thankfully, a different doc than the one who ordered the original tube removed, who I think I'm going to ask be removed from my service. This guy was NOT condescending, very respectful and fully understood my reservations. He put me at ease and made sure we'd make it go as smoothly as possible. Plus, he ordered me a decent dose of Ativan to soothe my nerves a bit. It was actually the doctor himself who placed the NG tube. A lot of people questions doctors' abilities to do such mundane procedures. It's usually the nurses who are best at such things. But this doc is kind of the "closer." He's called in when others have trouble. And he was good. Very confident and firm, yet respectful. For anyone who's never had one, placing an NG in a conscious patient requires teamwork (or else a lot of brute force and blood). The doc and patient work together to get it in. I've had tons of tubes, so I know my role. But a lot of docs and nurses have different techniques. This doc read my cues and I knew what he was doing at all times. One of the smoothest NG placements I've ever had. Kudos to him for a great job.
As soon as the tube hit my stomach, it was like striking an oil field. The pressure was so great that it geysered out of the tube and splattered all over the bed, etc. I've never seen such pressure buildup with any of the tubes I've had before. But he got it hooked up to a suction canister quickly and the relief for me was immediate. In fact, within 15 minutes, the canister was completely full (1500 mL!!!) and I called in the nurses to change it out. Within another 5 minutes, it filled up another 400 mL. Plus the 400 mL I puked up beforehand and there was over 2300 mL fluid built up in my stomach that was unable to work its way south. No wonder I was so nauseous. That's some potent jello!
So, with these setbacks, Sunday ended with me more depressed than I'd been. I was looking forward to eating and moving forward with my recovery. Instead, I'm now setback at least a day or two, until my bowels can recover from this latest "trauma." Hopefully they'll wake up soon, 'cause I really liked that jello!
Anyway, the tube was pulled and I felt fantastic. I was able to wash my face. I cleaned myself up nicely. Really started to feel human. Even organized my room a little bit. I now looked like most other patients...just a single IV in my arm. I had more freedom to move around than I'd had in a week. I went to bed (after another poop, thank you very much) and slept even better than the night before.
Early Sunday morning the docs came in and told me I was to start eating clear liquids that day. WOOHOO! Bring on the Jello! I went to the bathroom and had the best poop to date! My bowels were working! I'm good to go! I really thought I was nearing the home stretch.
They brought me a food tray that contained 2 4-oz cups of apple juice and one 4-oz container of orange jello. (Also coffee, but I thought that was a bad idea.) I couldn't help but enjoy every drop of it. The AJ was cold and refreshing. The jello was slimy and playful in my mouth. All of it, mmmmmmmmmm. I was happy. And I felt happy for about a half hour or so. Then I started to feel just a little bit nauseous. Not too badly, and I didn't worry too much about it. But a little queasy nonetheless. I told the nurses and they ordered me a prescription of an anti-nauseau drug to settle things a little bit.
Early in the afternoon my Uncle Steve, Aunt Cindy and cousin Katie stopped by, after driving all the way from Tolland, CT. They claimed to be the Gregson representatives to report back to my folks how well I'm being cared for. I think in reality, they wanted to see and play with Lucy. Of course Erin brought her by and everybody had a great time. It was a wonderful visit and it was so great of them to make the long trip. Unfortunately, during the course of their visit my nauseau got progressively worse and worse. After a couple of hours, I was curled up in bed doing whatever I could to avoid vomiting. So, to my Gregson relatives, sorry for my antisocial behavior toward the end of your visit. It meant a lot to see you and to know that you were willing to make such a long trip just to see me. I know my folks also appreciated it. I just started to feel horrible and wish I was in a better condition to spend more time with you.
Not long after they left, I started to puke. A lot. We (me, docs, nurses) decided that my gut wasn't quite ready to tolerate clear liquids just yet. As the doc explained to me, the bowel is extremely sensitive. It goes into shutdown mode at the slightest disturbance. Which is why it was shutdown for 4+ days after surgeons cut it, prod it, moved it around and patched it back together. I guess the instant any kind of food hit the bowel, the same thing happened. A minor little shock that it couldn't quite tolerate, so it decided to play opossum for a short (hopefully?) period of time. I was puking because all my gut fluids were backing up again and my stomach was getting full. Time for the NG tube.
During hospitalizations past, whenever I was ready to try clear liquids, after being on NG suction for a long period of time, the docs would simply clamp off the tube and disconnect it from suction. Leave the tube in just in case it's needed again. Going back to the beginning of this post, that's essentially why I wasn't too keen on pulling the tube so eagerly. I felt it could be left in and I could eat with it in. Now, I needed a new tube. Bad enough when I first got it in the ER almost a week ago. At least I was expecting it and knew I needed it. Hell, I wanted it back then. But now I was so pissed off and anxious and apprehensive and worked up about the whole situation that I was a nervous wreck. On her first attempt, the nurse couldn't get it in. Mostly my fault, because I was so tensed up, I didn't make it easy for her. So we took a break for a bit while she consulted with the doc. About an hour later the doc came in and we discussed everything. Thankfully, a different doc than the one who ordered the original tube removed, who I think I'm going to ask be removed from my service. This guy was NOT condescending, very respectful and fully understood my reservations. He put me at ease and made sure we'd make it go as smoothly as possible. Plus, he ordered me a decent dose of Ativan to soothe my nerves a bit. It was actually the doctor himself who placed the NG tube. A lot of people questions doctors' abilities to do such mundane procedures. It's usually the nurses who are best at such things. But this doc is kind of the "closer." He's called in when others have trouble. And he was good. Very confident and firm, yet respectful. For anyone who's never had one, placing an NG in a conscious patient requires teamwork (or else a lot of brute force and blood). The doc and patient work together to get it in. I've had tons of tubes, so I know my role. But a lot of docs and nurses have different techniques. This doc read my cues and I knew what he was doing at all times. One of the smoothest NG placements I've ever had. Kudos to him for a great job.
As soon as the tube hit my stomach, it was like striking an oil field. The pressure was so great that it geysered out of the tube and splattered all over the bed, etc. I've never seen such pressure buildup with any of the tubes I've had before. But he got it hooked up to a suction canister quickly and the relief for me was immediate. In fact, within 15 minutes, the canister was completely full (1500 mL!!!) and I called in the nurses to change it out. Within another 5 minutes, it filled up another 400 mL. Plus the 400 mL I puked up beforehand and there was over 2300 mL fluid built up in my stomach that was unable to work its way south. No wonder I was so nauseous. That's some potent jello!
So, with these setbacks, Sunday ended with me more depressed than I'd been. I was looking forward to eating and moving forward with my recovery. Instead, I'm now setback at least a day or two, until my bowels can recover from this latest "trauma." Hopefully they'll wake up soon, 'cause I really liked that jello!
Hospital Patience
As I mentioned in the last post, I woke in a great mood Saturday. I slept well the night before, I was looking forward to seeing Lucy again...had a nice visit with Jim. I was generally in good spirits. But, mood swings in hospitals are like roller coaster rides. I'm not quite sure what happened but by the time Erin showed up in the afternoon, I was cranky and unpleasant to be around. We got in a little fight. No big deal, one of those millions of little fights that couples get into all the time. I don't even completely remember what it was about (I'm sure Erin will remind me at an inopportune time). Mainly, I'm jealous, depressed, angry, sad and just plain tired of being here. And feeling guilty for putting her through all this. This post is, in a way, an attempt to make amends.
Erin's been a rock through all of this. I can't imagine how hard it is to deal with an infant at home and a extremely ill husband in the hospital. She's been jumping back and forth every day for over a week now. It definitely is taking a toll on her and I won't blame her if she wants to cry, throw things, run away and just bury her head in the sand until it's all over. But she keeps sticking with it, coming in to visit me every day with a cheery smile, trying hard to keep me in a good mood. Erin, I love you and could not get through this without you. Your steadfast support is what's keeping me sane and without you this would be unbearable.
Both of our folks have also been fantastic throughout all of this. Erin's parents (Jim/Petra) have been the best babysitters anyone could ask for while Erin deals with me and hospital issues. OK, I'm sure it's not tortuous for them to spend so much time with their only granddaughter, but they are doing a lot. Their normally active social schedules have been tempered back a bit. They gave up their bedroom so Erin could use it for her and Lucy. And they are constantly going out of their way to make these difficult times as easy as possible for Erin and me.
My folks (Wayne/Debi) down in Florida are making it possible for us to stay in NJ long beyond our original 4 day weekend trip. They drive a half hour each way every day to take care of our dogs. They are keeping up the house (OK, mainly Debi, while Wayne makes sure the TV remote doesn't collect dust). Coordinating with neighbors various chores, etc. In addition to their own day-to-day responsibilities, they're taking care of ours as well, so that when we return there will be little chaos awaiting us.
So to our folks, THANKS! You've been the biggest help anyone could ask for throughout all of this. We love you all and are fortunate beyond words to have such wonderful parents to support through any "crisis."
To Erin, what more can I say? There's no one else who I'd trust to be by my side right now. I look forward to seeing you everyday no matter what mood I'm in (I'll try to keep it pleasant). Without you my depression would be deep and dark. So thank you for providing the light I need to get through every day. I love you beyond words and am so lucky to have you by my side as we get through this ordeal.
Erin's been a rock through all of this. I can't imagine how hard it is to deal with an infant at home and a extremely ill husband in the hospital. She's been jumping back and forth every day for over a week now. It definitely is taking a toll on her and I won't blame her if she wants to cry, throw things, run away and just bury her head in the sand until it's all over. But she keeps sticking with it, coming in to visit me every day with a cheery smile, trying hard to keep me in a good mood. Erin, I love you and could not get through this without you. Your steadfast support is what's keeping me sane and without you this would be unbearable.
Both of our folks have also been fantastic throughout all of this. Erin's parents (Jim/Petra) have been the best babysitters anyone could ask for while Erin deals with me and hospital issues. OK, I'm sure it's not tortuous for them to spend so much time with their only granddaughter, but they are doing a lot. Their normally active social schedules have been tempered back a bit. They gave up their bedroom so Erin could use it for her and Lucy. And they are constantly going out of their way to make these difficult times as easy as possible for Erin and me.
My folks (Wayne/Debi) down in Florida are making it possible for us to stay in NJ long beyond our original 4 day weekend trip. They drive a half hour each way every day to take care of our dogs. They are keeping up the house (OK, mainly Debi, while Wayne makes sure the TV remote doesn't collect dust). Coordinating with neighbors various chores, etc. In addition to their own day-to-day responsibilities, they're taking care of ours as well, so that when we return there will be little chaos awaiting us.
So to our folks, THANKS! You've been the biggest help anyone could ask for throughout all of this. We love you all and are fortunate beyond words to have such wonderful parents to support through any "crisis."
To Erin, what more can I say? There's no one else who I'd trust to be by my side right now. I look forward to seeing you everyday no matter what mood I'm in (I'll try to keep it pleasant). Without you my depression would be deep and dark. So thank you for providing the light I need to get through every day. I love you beyond words and am so lucky to have you by my side as we get through this ordeal.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Brian hospital/surgery in so. Jersey
OK, this isn't a Lucy-related post, per se. We're a bit behind, but we'll get to those in a bit. For now, here's an important update for a bunch of people who've been curious about what's been going on with me:
For those who haven't heard, Erin, Lucy and I were visiting her folks in south Jersey, while participating in an ultimate frisbee tournament. Sometime Saturday night I experienced a minor stomachache. No big deal, since I'm used to digestive turmoil. On Sunday the pain and nauseau got worse and I sidelined myself for most of the tourney. Sunday night I was unable to sleep and spent most of my time in the bathroom, trying to puke or crap or both. None of which happened. I recognized that the symptoms were similar to what I experienced in the past, when I was a kid in Oklahoma. As in the past, I hoped that by falling asleep I would wake up in better condition. But I was unable to sleep at all. So late Monday morning Erin and I made the decision to visit the ER. Note, our flight home to St. Pete was supposed to be Monday late afternoon, so by this time we changed our flight to the following day. Little did I know...
In the ER, stomachache patients aren't too high up on the triage scale. But after I finally got X-Rays taken, I shot quickly to a high priority. Apparently one section of my colon was extremely distended and swollen. Gastroenterologists and surgeons were consulted to determine the severity of the symptoms. Surgery was concerned that if the colon swelled too much it would perforate, which would cause another set of problems. So, after the X-Rays, I was sent for a CT Scan to get better details of the "injury." Less than one hour after returning from CT, the surgical team came in and told me I need surgery ASAP. By now it was about 10pm. They said it couldn't wait until morning. My colon was twisted like a sausage casing and no body fluids (bile, secretions, etc) were able to pass the obstructed area, causing it to further swell.
After the shocking realization that I would be rushed for major surgery without much thought or discussion, things began to happen quickly. Erin followed me to the surgical floor at around 10:30 and she waited with her father until surgery finished at 2:00am-ish. The details on this part of the timeline are a bit fuzzy, but you get the idea. In a matter of a few short hours, approximately 55% of my colon was removed and left in Camden, NJ, a place where most things shitty belong.
For me, Tuesday was pretty much a doped up wash. I didn't get out of bed and was in excruciating pain. The levels of dilaudid were so high that I was constantly doped into oblivion. On Wednesday, after spending some time working with the nurses and docs to adjust the pain med, the pain became more bearable and I was able to move around the room a bit. Finally by Thursday I was becoming more "human." Still not peeing or pooping but coherent and functional. The highlight of the day was when the in-laws brought Lucy to visit me downstairs in the hospital's pavilion. I hadn't seen her since Monday and she lit up my day! My throat to this point has been extremely scratchy because I've been so dehydrated and hadn't consumed anything by mouth. They removed my catheter early Thursday morning but it was premature. The muscles were still in too much shock to function properly and I was unable to pee. So, unfortunately, they had to shove a fresh tube in my winkie Thursday night.
By Friday, I was definitely on the road to recovery. Docs heard the first faint bowel sounds, indications that the patched colon was starting to function again. They removed the catheter again and I was actually able to pee. What a milestone! Still difficult, but manageable. For the first time, I was taken completely off all pain meds. BIG MISTAKE! I didn't realize how doped up I had been until this point. The pain was not so much in my gut, but from the incisions of the surgery itself. I couldn't move, it hurt so bad. Erin and I tried walking around the hallway and I cringed the entire time. Nearly passed out when I returned to bed. We were able to convince the docs to give me a lower level of pain meds. Still excruciating, but bearable enough that I can function. A problem with narcotics is that they inhibit bowel activity. So it's a Catch-22. Live with unbearable pain and your gut starts to work, or getted all doped and happy but stay in the hospital an extra few days. I think we found a happy compromise. For the first time, I was able to sleep well through the night (with the help of sleeping meds).
Oh, the biggest milestone of all occurred on Friday. I POOPED! Twice! The first time was late in the afternoon. Trying to pee, something else snuck out just a bit. "Holy crap!" I though, it's crap. The first "proof" that my bowels are finally starting to work normally. And about 4 days post-surgery, which is supposedly the common time for such things to start happening. Then, just before bed I was treated with another "movement" of joy. Ahh, sweet dreams!
I woke on Saturday after my best sleep of the whole ordeal, in good spirits. My father in-law Jim stopped by with a change of clothes. I got a new IV (from a rookie nurse who took 3 tries). Later this afternoon Erin will trade out with Jim and then a few hours later Lucy is supposed to visit again. Better go clean myself up and get presentable for my ladies!
(P.S. For those wondering, Jim was able to talk USAirways into refunding all flight change fees and issue us open-ended returns. So for all the trouble we've had with them in the past, I commend their small bit of humanity this one time.)
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Oma and Opa visit Lucy (again)
Oma and Opa (the Garnetts) visited their beloved granddaughter this past weekend. It's amazing to watch how Lucy interacts with them. She was transfixed with Oma's dutch songs and loved tugging Opa's beard. We had a fun few days starting with a trip to a blueberry patch and topped off with a walk through a local botanical garden. Too bad Daddy wasn't feel well enough to fully enjoy the walk. But otherwise, a wonderful visit.
Oma and Opa visit Lucy
Lucy's 1st Easter w/ Grandma
It's a little late for this post; Grandma took Lucy for the day before Easter so Mommy and Daddy could have some ultimate frisbee time. Grandma planned an arts and crafts day and Lucy drew some FANTASTIC pictures. A regular Renoir in the making!
Here's the link:
Lucy's Easter with Grandma
Monday, April 6, 2009
Lucy and Natalia watch Ultimate Frisbee
On Sunday Erin and I played with our Ultimate Frisbee team in a pre-season scrimmage against a local college team. We whipped the young kids' asses!
Lucy and her friend Natalia shared some stadium seating while watching the game.
Lucy's First Prom!
On Saturday, I took Lucy as my date to the Prom. (Erin went stag, but I let her hang out with us cool kids.) Our friend Marti hosts a charity "prom" event every year. We all put on our best duds, ca. when we actually would have attended prom for real. My tux pants went nicely with Erin's side ponytail.Lucy was in the running for Prom Queen but lost to the skeezy head cheerleader. Of course, since she was asleep during the coronation she didn't have much of a chance to impress the judges. There'll always be your real prom, Lucy. You'll take your Daddy then, too, won't you??
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Lucy attacked!
Lucy was playing quietly be herself when she was viciously attacked by some of her friends.
Direct link HERE
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| Lucy attacked! |
Direct link HERE
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Lucy rockin' and ROLLING!!!
IT'S THE VIDEO EVERYONE'S BEEN WAITING FOR!
This morning Erin and I watched Lucy roll onto her back. It's actually the second time she's done it but I was too stunned an in awe the first time to remember to grab a camera. Before anyone says anything, yes, we're the bad parents who put her to sleep on her tummy.
Direct link HERE
This morning Erin and I watched Lucy roll onto her back. It's actually the second time she's done it but I was too stunned an in awe the first time to remember to grab a camera. Before anyone says anything, yes, we're the bad parents who put her to sleep on her tummy.
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Monday, March 9, 2009
Sawgrass Park
This past weekend our friend Ami from Washington, DC was in town visiting. On Sunday we visited Sawgrass nature park to take advantage of the beautiful weather. Lucy met a new friend. Click image for full album:
Direct link
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| Sawgrass Park with Ami and Armadillo |
Direct link
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Lucy assorted pics
Well, once again I'm posting and Erin's not. We know who cares. Anyhoo...
Here are links to a few pics taken in the past week or so.
Lucy's friend Charlotte visits
Lucy alert and attentive
A nighttime beach picnic
Toodles for now. Hopefully Erin will post something soon.
Here are links to a few pics taken in the past week or so.
Lucy's friend Charlotte visits
Lucy alert and attentive
A nighttime beach picnic
Toodles for now. Hopefully Erin will post something soon.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
3 months old, long overdue
Ok, it's been a long time and Erin's been slacking on updates. Where are we? Lucy's now just over 3 months old. Still a small thing, at about 10-1/2 pounds and 23 inches. Christmas was great, with both families in town.
Gregson Christmas 2008
As you can imagine, Lucy was ignored and didn't get any presents:
But, that was a month and a half ago. Since then, Lucy's grown like a weed (nearly double her birth weight) and is FINALLY on a fairly routine schedule. Sleeping great through most of the night and taking regular naps throughout the day.
She's also becoming a lot of fun. We find ourselves playing with her all the time. In fact, just yesterday I caught her playing by herself while I snuck off to make a sandwich (which the dog proceeded to eat). Check it out:
Direct link HERE
That's our brief update for now. Will add more when time allows. There's a wedding coming up, so I'm sure more photos will be taken.
Gregson Christmas 2008
As you can imagine, Lucy was ignored and didn't get any presents:
But, that was a month and a half ago. Since then, Lucy's grown like a weed (nearly double her birth weight) and is FINALLY on a fairly routine schedule. Sleeping great through most of the night and taking regular naps throughout the day.
She's also becoming a lot of fun. We find ourselves playing with her all the time. In fact, just yesterday I caught her playing by herself while I snuck off to make a sandwich (which the dog proceeded to eat). Check it out:
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That's our brief update for now. Will add more when time allows. There's a wedding coming up, so I'm sure more photos will be taken.
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