Back in the hospital

[Uben]

I took Carol back to the hospital yesterday. She wasn't eating anything solid and would only drink one bottle of Ensure and a quart of water or so a day. She was looking jaundiced and very thin from the chest up, and from there down was very swolen due to fluid retention. I knew it was time to get her attention. I called the chemo doc and she called ahead so we wouldn't have to wait in the ER waiting room which was filled with sick people coughing and wheezing. The waiting room was packed, and the hospital was full. People wait until the first of the year to go in due to deductibles, and it's also prime time flu season.

They attended to her promptly, and she was looking much better just a couple of hours later due to the glucose infusion. I hated to have to do it because she just hates hospital stays.....who doesn't? They will be draining off the excess fluid in her abdomen which will relieve the pressure on her diaphram that was making it more difficult to breathe.

On the good side, she hasn't had too bad of a reaction to the chemo. She's had a bellyache or two, but no vomiting, I guess because she hasn't been eating solids. She will be there for two or three days at least to get stronger.

I have arranged to have a home health service assist me in getting her well again. They will provide RNs to monitor her health and others to assist in her in therapies, bathing, and will even cook meals and clean if necessary. I don't really need anyone to clean and cook, I can do that. I'm almost compulsive when it comes to cleaning. It helps me keep my mind from wandering off to places I don't want it to go. Anyway, I'm going all out in an attempt to get her well. If I have to, I will hire a full-time nurse to assist her at home until she's well again.

All of her friends, and believe me, there are many, want to see her. That is understandable, but I have been keeping her isolated because it's flu seaon and the time of year when everyone gets sick. No one comes into my home unless it's absolutely necessary, and those who do must a wear a mask. Of course, they understand.

[Irishonly]

1. I am so sorry you and Carol are having to go through this

I think everyone hates the hospital.Carol will get better there and I hope she is home before you can blink your eyes. It sounds like you have a great chemo doctor and I am so glad Carol didn't have to wait for hours. She sure didn't need to catch a bug on top of her retaining fluid and being so weak.

Having someone to help the both of you is a great idea. When Carol is able to have visitors and I don't blame you for not having anyone over at this time you can get some surgical masks and disposable gloves and have them wear them. They can keep their germs to themselves.

Remember to take care of yourself, too, Uben.

[sinkingfeeling]

2. Got my fingers crossed that Carol will be improving all year.

[JohnnyLib2]

3. Good for you for going right after whatever is needed.

I know the pressure (as husband and brother) of taking steps that your wife might not be happy about, temporarily, and that upset the household routine. But, "taking care" means just that..... so a pat on the back for the action this week. Hope you are taking care of YOU, as said above.

Many prayers for healthier days ahead.....

[KC]

4. As ive

Said before, Carol is so lucky to have you and such a wonerful support group. I'm sure friends understand you're doing this because of your love and protection of her. And it's so important to keep her away from other germs, I know because that is what just happened to me.. A sick aid with bronchitis gave it to me..not what I need at all.
The home health people can be a real help for you and Carol when she is home.
Take care and please get rest yourself when you can!
Love to you both
Me