Ted here. This is the first time since the first day I got here that it is just Kathy & I. Has it really been only nine days?!? Cindi had to leave. Jess is on her way back up. We all talk about how lucky we are to have Kathy. I have to add that Kathy is so lucky to have so many great friends!
Talk seems to be along the lines of switching from a fast acting oral pain relief with the pain button to a slow acting oxcy drip with the pain button. Right now, the pain is tolerable.
Lung tubes have been removed! No more quart size bags of lung juice on each side of her! Way to fill those bags Baby! Lungs are clear and breathing is good. Every tube that gets removed is another victory!
It sucks to think about leaving tonight. Kathy isn't due for her next surgery until Thursday. I can go home tonight, work tomorrow and make it back for surgery. Hopefully, Jess can put some pics on this sight. I've taken a bunch, just don't know how to put them on this blog. Kathy will want to approve which ones get posted anyway.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
NEXT!
I hope the worst night is behind us.
Kathy accidentally pulled her I.V. out when the x-ray tech came to get her.
That was bloody. Blood thinners do that.
New shift. New nurse again. Insisting on repositioning Kathy every two hours. We tried to tell the nurse that Kathy was repositioning all night trying to crawl out of her own skin to escape the pain. Any movement of her leg causes excruciating pain. The new nurse is by the book. Doesn't give in to Kathy's requests. Cindi has never seen The Excorcist, but the look Kathy just gave the new nurse when denied again, as Kathy growled, "WHO ARE YOU?" was classic.
Apparently the new nurse, Nurse Ratchett, thinks we have been pushing Kathy's pain button for her (We haven't been).
We got the lecture from one of her doctors about the dangers involved in doing that. We're not idiots!
Besides, even if we were (and we're not), the thing is on a timer that only allows the doctor set amount between a restricted time period.
I talked to Nurse Ratchett about hoping this isn't just a job to her. A caring bedside manner, even when you go by the book, can mean all the difference in the world. I think calling her out on this has helped. Nurse Ratchett has changed her demeaner. A little softer, little more patient.
Saw x-rays of the pins & plates in her lower leg/knee. It looks like that game "Pick Up Sticks". They wouldn't let me take pictures of it because of privacy laws!?! We can get a C.D. of it later.
Still not able to move or feel her toes or most of her left foot. Found out from the doc that Kathy still has one more surgery on her left knee to go. It won't be as bad as this last one though.
I don't know if she could do that again.
Kathy accidentally pulled her I.V. out when the x-ray tech came to get her.
That was bloody. Blood thinners do that.
New shift. New nurse again. Insisting on repositioning Kathy every two hours. We tried to tell the nurse that Kathy was repositioning all night trying to crawl out of her own skin to escape the pain. Any movement of her leg causes excruciating pain. The new nurse is by the book. Doesn't give in to Kathy's requests. Cindi has never seen The Excorcist, but the look Kathy just gave the new nurse when denied again, as Kathy growled, "WHO ARE YOU?" was classic.
Apparently the new nurse, Nurse Ratchett, thinks we have been pushing Kathy's pain button for her (We haven't been).
We got the lecture from one of her doctors about the dangers involved in doing that. We're not idiots!
Besides, even if we were (and we're not), the thing is on a timer that only allows the doctor set amount between a restricted time period.
I talked to Nurse Ratchett about hoping this isn't just a job to her. A caring bedside manner, even when you go by the book, can mean all the difference in the world. I think calling her out on this has helped. Nurse Ratchett has changed her demeaner. A little softer, little more patient.
Saw x-rays of the pins & plates in her lower leg/knee. It looks like that game "Pick Up Sticks". They wouldn't let me take pictures of it because of privacy laws!?! We can get a C.D. of it later.
Still not able to move or feel her toes or most of her left foot. Found out from the doc that Kathy still has one more surgery on her left knee to go. It won't be as bad as this last one though.
I don't know if she could do that again.
you can skip this
Ted at 12:18 A.M. Good thing this place has an all night eatery. Cindi went to see what we can get for dinner. That gives me time to write more.
Kathy still stirs, but stays asleep for the most part. Not the kind of sleep that would refresh you or I.
The fan that Cindi bought is making Kathy's balloons move around.
About 15 pillows piled on the bed function as comfort cradles and guides.
The worst surgery is behind Kathy, next scheduled is Thursday.
Hey! food's here! Gotta go!
Kathy still stirs, but stays asleep for the most part. Not the kind of sleep that would refresh you or I.
The fan that Cindi bought is making Kathy's balloons move around.
About 15 pillows piled on the bed function as comfort cradles and guides.
The worst surgery is behind Kathy, next scheduled is Thursday.
Hey! food's here! Gotta go!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)