Thursday, July 24, 2008

We're Settling In

OK, we have some more information. Pneumonia has been ruled out. Katie's lungs are just fine. Her bowels are moving - albeit slowly. Her blood pressure is rising. Her heart rate is slowing. Her fevers keep coming and going still, but none have been very high. She is pretty well stabilized at this point.

One theory that the doctors currently have is that Katie really did have a bacterial infection of some kind and that the antibiotics killed off the bacteria fast enough that the sudden lack of bacteria in her blood stream caused the drop in blood pressure. Nobody knows for sure because the cultures still have not grown any bacteria.

Katie has stopped complaining about aches and pains everywhere except in her belly. I'm not sure why all the other aches and pains have gone away. She is not on any stronger pain killer than Tylenol and she was on that at home and it wasn't working any more. As for her belly pain, the doctors are narrowing the causes down. They have tried anti-nausea medicine and Katie has had a bowel movement with no change in the amount of perceived pain. The next theory to be tested in that she may be experiencing heart burn so they are going to give her an antacid. This is a good thing for two reasons. First, it might help alleviate the pain. Second, the last time we had an extended stay here and remained on antibiotics the entire time, Katie began to vomit blood because the antibiotics messed up her stomach so badly. The antacid should help to line the stomach and prevent that from happening again.

Also, just like the last time, we are here until two things happen. Katie has to be fever free for 48 hours and her ANC has to start climbing again. Until that happens, we are residents of Baird 5. So if things go smoothly from this point on and she has no more fevers and her ANC starts climbing, we could be home as soon as Monday or Tuesday. However, every fever that she gets, will push that date back further and further. Plus, we don't know if her ANC has stopped dropping yet, or if it has further to drop still. Time will tell.

By the way, I haven't mentioned something very important yet. Today is mine and Amy's fourth wedding anniversary. We didn't plan on spending it in the hospital, but at least we get to spend it together. I snuck out first thing this morning and bought her a card in the gift shop. Flowers were out of the question. They aren't allowed in the isolation units that Katie is currently staying in. Amy has promised to give me a present gift on our anniversary as well. She said that I could shared the hospital bed with Katie tonight, and she would take the chair. Now that's love.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi Amy and Rick,
We've been thinking a lot about Katie and all of you, and since I hadn't heard, I went fishing to see if you did have a blog site, which I found. Sorry to hear Katie is going through such a tough time. She's right where she needs to be at this point, and we'll pray for higher ANC's and no fevers. The anxiety of waiting for those promising numbers can take a toll on everyone. If there's anything we can ever do, please let us know. For now, know that we are thinking of you all, and sending our best wishes for a quick ANC recovery for Katie.

Take care.
Janet, Mike and Jeffrey Blais
(Newport)

Tina Miller said...

Hey guys,
So sorry to hear about Katie and what a tough time she is having. I hope things go fast this time for her so you don't need to be in the hospital real long. What a night you all had you all must have been so tired! Poor Katie that must have really taken a toll on her, poor kid! Well Take care and hope all goes nice and smooth for you all.

HAPPY ANIVERSARY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dave and I were just laughing at what Amy said! that is too funny! That sure is true love now isn't it.. I am sorry you 2 have to spend it in the hopstial but you are together and I guess thats all that counts you have th most important people right around you and I am sure Josh is close.. Take care and we wish you the best..
Tina

Anonymous said...

Ah! Happy anniversary!! Could Katie be luckier than to have you two for parents? I don't think so. Love to you all,
Joanie