Sunday, October 29, 2006
Standing by the Dock of the Bay
Sunday, seven of us meet Kathy at Sharps Hospital. Kathy was officially checked out for the afternoon. We got her in the car and headed to downtown San Diego. Kathy wanted to visit the Fish Market to have her favorite, red snapper. She commented it would be great, especially without being cut into a thousand pieces like the hospital. We easily navigated to the harbor and parked. We wheeled Kathy into the restaurant and were seated with a perfect view of San Diego bay and the aircraft carriers. It was perfect San Diego weather, 75 degrees and clear. Kathy loved it. We continued to have long lunch until Kathy tired. We headed back to the hospital around 4:00PM and she was ready to lie down. Overall it was a great adventure after three months inside the confines of a hospital. I told Kathy next weekend not to expect such royal treatment. She looked worried. I continued and told her she would be home to make her decisions. She nodded in agreement.
Mexico -Way down here you need a reason to move
I have put off my trip to Mexico for as long as possible. Kathy is doing great with Sharp’s round the clock care and physical therapy. It seems like a good time to get our loose ends finished before she comes home and needs some real assistance. I will be gone Monday morning till Thursday night. If anyone can visit with Kathy it would be helpful. With Kathy being more or less normal now, she gets awfully bored with the long days in the hospital. She especially finds the afternoons and dinnertimes especially long. So, if you have the time Kathy needs the support. We thank all of you for the prayers and well wishes.
Cheesebugers in Paradise
Every day Kathy is progressing remarkably well. On my visit yesterday Kathy was being tested on every meal for consumption. She needs to eat at least 75% of each meal 3 times per day to get off her tube feeding. She needs to do this at least 3 days in a row. We ended up having a little confusion yesterday because we had planned dinner around a special cheeseburger from In-N-Out Burger. I brought in the burgers and shakes and noticed she was just starring down at this big dinner. We worked together and everything got done. (You know what I mean) She passed and got to go last night, for the first time, without the tube.
Today is a special event day-her recreational therapist is allowing her to leave the hospital for 4 hours. The family is going to pick her up and take her to the San Diego Bay. If she feels good enough, we are going to attempt to take her to the Fish Market Restaurant to get some of her favorites. Could you have ever imagined last Saturday, after double Achilles surgery, we would be going out on the town today?
Kathy will go to her therapy conference Tuesday and probably be issued a release date. I anticipate the date to be at the end of this week or no later than one week more. It’s pretty exciting times-Kathy is at the point where everything’s going her way!
Today is a special event day-her recreational therapist is allowing her to leave the hospital for 4 hours. The family is going to pick her up and take her to the San Diego Bay. If she feels good enough, we are going to attempt to take her to the Fish Market Restaurant to get some of her favorites. Could you have ever imagined last Saturday, after double Achilles surgery, we would be going out on the town today?
Kathy will go to her therapy conference Tuesday and probably be issued a release date. I anticipate the date to be at the end of this week or no later than one week more. It’s pretty exciting times-Kathy is at the point where everything’s going her way!
Thursday, October 26, 2006
The Salt Mine
Kathy's enjoying her first supper tonight with Alyssa. Not really, she thought the food was very salty. Alyssa was'nt. If you want to bring outside food, it should not be spicy or salty. She cannot have any veggies like salads. Her menu does have many surprising options!
Everything needs to be in small amounts because Kathy is building up her capacity. Maybe call her at 858-939-4729 to converse these gastronomic issues directly to her.
Soul Food
Kathy scores another great day at Sharp. She took her swallow and eating test today and passed with flying colors. All the nurses and techs were jumping with joy when Kathy returned. She ordered chicken pot pie and pasta for lunch. Dinner she even ordered a Salisbury steak! The doctors will leave the feeding mechanism in her until Kathy shows she can eat the correct amount of daily nutrition. Kathy is so excited to have little things like milk. Her taste buds are very tender from the layoff but it’s just another step in her recovery.
Her daily rehabilitation team has her working hard. Liz today had her walk all around the facility inside and outside. She had her going up and down ramps and even up stairs. Between the 3-4 hours of therapy a day, Kathy is coming along very rapidly. The rumor is on Tuesday, during her patient conference, she will be assigned a discharge date. (I will bet money it's going to be on Friday the 3rd of November!)
Her shunt continues to operate well and she comments every day that things are clearer. She talked for hours with Alyssa tonight but was smart enough not to want to vote her absentee ballot. Except for minor things I would say Kathy’s recovery process is pretty clear.
Her daily rehabilitation team has her working hard. Liz today had her walk all around the facility inside and outside. She had her going up and down ramps and even up stairs. Between the 3-4 hours of therapy a day, Kathy is coming along very rapidly. The rumor is on Tuesday, during her patient conference, she will be assigned a discharge date. (I will bet money it's going to be on Friday the 3rd of November!)
Her shunt continues to operate well and she comments every day that things are clearer. She talked for hours with Alyssa tonight but was smart enough not to want to vote her absentee ballot. Except for minor things I would say Kathy’s recovery process is pretty clear.
Prada Watch Out!
As you can see my boots are in my favorite color. What a difference they make. I guess walking is a lot easier when your not trying to be a ballerina. I'm off and away!
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
Run Forrest
Kathy’s been quite the item of discussion around the Sharp facility. The therapist think Kathys progress has been so remarkable her recovery should been better documented. Why? They wanted to put Kathy on the Sharp Experience, there Hospital publication that highlights the truly amazing stories.
As Sunday moved into Monday, Kathy had her surgery boots removed and totally new casts put on. Kathy commented this was the most painful experience she can recall in her life. The staff let Kathy get her breath and they got her up to walk. It was painful but rewarding.
By today Kathy is motoring around like no ones business. In therapy this morning she’s using a walker and went a couple hundred yards today! Her feet are flat and unless for some strange reason, I predict she is going to walk fine with or without her boots. Her legs are working well, both left and right and over the next week she should get her tone back.
The greatest news is Kathy says the “Fog” continues to lift so it appears the shunt is working as designed. I still never got hooked up with Dr. Kureshi concerning what type was installed but it seems to be doing just fine. Her voice is stronger, her level of cognitive abilities are almost normal and she appears jumps and bounds ahead of yesterday. Every day’s becoming a treat, just coming in and seeing Kathy’s progress !
As Sunday moved into Monday, Kathy had her surgery boots removed and totally new casts put on. Kathy commented this was the most painful experience she can recall in her life. The staff let Kathy get her breath and they got her up to walk. It was painful but rewarding.
By today Kathy is motoring around like no ones business. In therapy this morning she’s using a walker and went a couple hundred yards today! Her feet are flat and unless for some strange reason, I predict she is going to walk fine with or without her boots. Her legs are working well, both left and right and over the next week she should get her tone back.
The greatest news is Kathy says the “Fog” continues to lift so it appears the shunt is working as designed. I still never got hooked up with Dr. Kureshi concerning what type was installed but it seems to be doing just fine. Her voice is stronger, her level of cognitive abilities are almost normal and she appears jumps and bounds ahead of yesterday. Every day’s becoming a treat, just coming in and seeing Kathy’s progress !
Saturday, October 21, 2006
Break a Leg
I'm in Kathy’s room at Sharp rehabilitation as I write this entry. Good old room 148-2. Kathy is sleeping after her successful double surgery. She came back to her room around 6:00 PM tonight from ICU. She was awake and talking but seemed weak. I asked her how she felt and she said she was uncomfortable. She has two casts on her feet that go from below her knees down to her toes. It looks like the movies. The great news is her feet look like they are in the right position. We talked and agreed it’s going to hurt like hell tomorrow.
I was surprised how alert Kathy was after her surgery. Her shunt seems to be working OK because she responded positively to my questions concerning her shunts performance. She also showed little or no hangover from her surgery anesthesia. She asked the RN for more pain medication and she was hungry.
At this point I guess you take everything in stride. Kathy is motivated to get home so I hope things will go well next week. She is a position to do really well over the next couple of weeks. Let’s GO KATHY!
I was surprised how alert Kathy was after her surgery. Her shunt seems to be working OK because she responded positively to my questions concerning her shunts performance. She also showed little or no hangover from her surgery anesthesia. She asked the RN for more pain medication and she was hungry.
At this point I guess you take everything in stride. Kathy is motivated to get home so I hope things will go well next week. She is a position to do really well over the next couple of weeks. Let’s GO KATHY!
Friday, October 20, 2006
Air Kathy
Kathy is having foot surgery on Saturday. They gave us little notice. Kathy has the classic dropping foot that people acquire during their extended bed stay. She was unable to work the problem out in physical therapy sessions.
The best solution is to do the surgery ASAP after identification. She gets the surgery tomorrow! At 2:00 PM Kathy will have her Achilles tendons cut and her feet placed in plaster boots for the next 4 weeks. The bad news is, she will be in the boot for at least 8 weeks!
The good news is that Kathy will come out running. She will have the best outcome possible having this surgery. Women who wear HIGH HEALS TOO MUCH also need this surgery.
I will post you tomorrow on her progress. She again will have surgery at Sharp Hospital. It will be at 2:00 PM and Kathy will be moved to ICU around 4:00 PM. She will probably stay on the 9th floor until Sunday. On Sunday she will be moved back to her room. I will keep you all posted! I hear it is a very painful post surgery!! PRAY!
The best solution is to do the surgery ASAP after identification. She gets the surgery tomorrow! At 2:00 PM Kathy will have her Achilles tendons cut and her feet placed in plaster boots for the next 4 weeks. The bad news is, she will be in the boot for at least 8 weeks!
The good news is that Kathy will come out running. She will have the best outcome possible having this surgery. Women who wear HIGH HEALS TOO MUCH also need this surgery.
I will post you tomorrow on her progress. She again will have surgery at Sharp Hospital. It will be at 2:00 PM and Kathy will be moved to ICU around 4:00 PM. She will probably stay on the 9th floor until Sunday. On Sunday she will be moved back to her room. I will keep you all posted! I hear it is a very painful post surgery!! PRAY!
Shunt Up!
Kathy’s latest condition has raised a lot of concern over the last few days. Kathy’s potential for shunt malfunction is in question. She has classic symptoms of shunt malfunctions: headaches, loss of previous abilities, vision problems, tiredness, sore neck, cognitive abilities and the foggy head syndrome. I notified Dr. Kureshi and Dr. Jahan that her shunt was not delivering the results.
The whole story started on Tuesday when her vital signs digressed. On Saturday, Sunday and Monday Kathy was extraordinary. Wednesday and Thursday her performance dropped off dramatically. I found out that shunts are rather complex beasts and their performance success can vary by 20%.
I have looked into the medical process “ventricular shunts” and it is a complex world. I feel comfortable with the expertise of Dr. Kureshi. I just wonder if the shunt is a fixed shunt, an adjustable shunt or a self adjusting shunt. The GOOD news! Kathy was much better today. She had dropped half her side effects and I’m hoping this means she has a self adjusting shunt. I am waiting for more information……..
The whole story started on Tuesday when her vital signs digressed. On Saturday, Sunday and Monday Kathy was extraordinary. Wednesday and Thursday her performance dropped off dramatically. I found out that shunts are rather complex beasts and their performance success can vary by 20%.
I have looked into the medical process “ventricular shunts” and it is a complex world. I feel comfortable with the expertise of Dr. Kureshi. I just wonder if the shunt is a fixed shunt, an adjustable shunt or a self adjusting shunt. The GOOD news! Kathy was much better today. She had dropped half her side effects and I’m hoping this means she has a self adjusting shunt. I am waiting for more information……..
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
Kathy's the Buzz of Sharp
Today was again a patient doctor conference day. (The difference is Kathy attended with me for the first time) We meet this morning and everyone was very excited about Kathy’s new progress. The buzz in the building was all about Kathy and her recovery. Everyone was so ecstatic about her change after surgery. They have seen it before but enjoy seeing Kathy in such a different light.
Her doctors reported medically everything looked good with the shunt “surgery” recovery going well. Her nurses reported Kathy is much more attentive to her daily personal grooming and actually can move herself around quite well. Physical, occupational and play therapy all reported their pleasure in her sudden progress. Kathy speech therapist was the most excited. He’s really an excitable emotional person and he showed it today! The staff thinks Kathy will still need a couple more weeks in the hospital before she can come home. She can now really start her rehabilitation therapy!
Not everything for Kathy is out of this world. Kathy still has tremendous headaches from surgery on and off during the day. Her focusing ability in one eye has weakened. She did have her swallow test today and failed. The good news is she is cleared to drink thicker liquids like milkshakes and pureed food. (She can still come home with the feeding tube the nursing staff commented) Her speech therapist is going to give her electrical stimulation of the throat to improve the strength of her swallowing mechanics.
Being in bed for 10 weeks has made Kathy’s feet point down to much. The lack of time standing on her feet has made her tendons stretch too much. She could try to get her feet straightened in therapy but this could take many additional weeks of painful walking. Even afterwards there would be no guarantee Kathy would walk normally. This has necessitated a decision to have surgery on her feet now. Everyone assures us this is an outpatient surgery. The surgeon cuts a unique S pattern in the back of her feet that allows the feet to be stretched out and angle normally. They then fit her immediately into a walking boot similar to someone with a badly strained or broken foot. Since weight is shared up and down her leg she should be able to walk in the cast the very next day. The time for recovery is less with additional confidence that she should walk normally. She will probably have the surgery in the next few days.
I had time to go through her physical therapy today and it was quite remarkable. She was a completely different person today. She followed commands easily, had a wide range of motion in her body and showed the physical conditioning she has had her whole life. Last week she could barely stand without assistance and barely walk. (I called it more like being dragged around) Today she not only walked with little assistance but twice down the test run! Her therapist today was Liz and she is very strong and demanding. She really gave Kathy a tough workout. It’s worth it because she stated to me that 99% of her patients walk out of the rehabilitation center when they go home! GO KATHY!
Her doctors reported medically everything looked good with the shunt “surgery” recovery going well. Her nurses reported Kathy is much more attentive to her daily personal grooming and actually can move herself around quite well. Physical, occupational and play therapy all reported their pleasure in her sudden progress. Kathy speech therapist was the most excited. He’s really an excitable emotional person and he showed it today! The staff thinks Kathy will still need a couple more weeks in the hospital before she can come home. She can now really start her rehabilitation therapy!
Not everything for Kathy is out of this world. Kathy still has tremendous headaches from surgery on and off during the day. Her focusing ability in one eye has weakened. She did have her swallow test today and failed. The good news is she is cleared to drink thicker liquids like milkshakes and pureed food. (She can still come home with the feeding tube the nursing staff commented) Her speech therapist is going to give her electrical stimulation of the throat to improve the strength of her swallowing mechanics.
Being in bed for 10 weeks has made Kathy’s feet point down to much. The lack of time standing on her feet has made her tendons stretch too much. She could try to get her feet straightened in therapy but this could take many additional weeks of painful walking. Even afterwards there would be no guarantee Kathy would walk normally. This has necessitated a decision to have surgery on her feet now. Everyone assures us this is an outpatient surgery. The surgeon cuts a unique S pattern in the back of her feet that allows the feet to be stretched out and angle normally. They then fit her immediately into a walking boot similar to someone with a badly strained or broken foot. Since weight is shared up and down her leg she should be able to walk in the cast the very next day. The time for recovery is less with additional confidence that she should walk normally. She will probably have the surgery in the next few days.
I had time to go through her physical therapy today and it was quite remarkable. She was a completely different person today. She followed commands easily, had a wide range of motion in her body and showed the physical conditioning she has had her whole life. Last week she could barely stand without assistance and barely walk. (I called it more like being dragged around) Today she not only walked with little assistance but twice down the test run! Her therapist today was Liz and she is very strong and demanding. She really gave Kathy a tough workout. It’s worth it because she stated to me that 99% of her patients walk out of the rehabilitation center when they go home! GO KATHY!
Sunday, October 15, 2006
Amazing Grace!
WOW is all I can say! Kathy’s surgery appears to be an unqualified success. The best description for what has happened in in her own very words, “it feels like I just came out of a fog”. When we visited today, she seemed to be mentally alert, talkative and concerned about her visitors. She acts very much like someone who has just awakened from a concussion; short on current events answers (like the current President or what year we're in?) but knows most generalities.
The amazing thing is she has taken control of her body movements and this should help immensely during physical, speech and occupational therapy classes. She actually requested to sit on the side of the bed this afternoon instead of lying down! She exhibits good humor, sharp wit and other strong emotion feelings. No more starring and easy distractions to contend with!
I’m truly "blown out of the water" when I compare before and after surgery. It is a miracle! I think each one of you will feel the same. She is currently experiencing some post surgery pain which seems to affect her sleeping mainly. We hope this will pass also.
If you are interested in visiting, I recommend visiting during the morning and early afternoon. With her freshness in the morning, I have come to the conclusion, Kathy and her visitors will share a more meaningful visit. Our family wants to thank all of you for your prayers and well wishes this weekend-IT WORKED!
The amazing thing is she has taken control of her body movements and this should help immensely during physical, speech and occupational therapy classes. She actually requested to sit on the side of the bed this afternoon instead of lying down! She exhibits good humor, sharp wit and other strong emotion feelings. No more starring and easy distractions to contend with!
I’m truly "blown out of the water" when I compare before and after surgery. It is a miracle! I think each one of you will feel the same. She is currently experiencing some post surgery pain which seems to affect her sleeping mainly. We hope this will pass also.
If you are interested in visiting, I recommend visiting during the morning and early afternoon. With her freshness in the morning, I have come to the conclusion, Kathy and her visitors will share a more meaningful visit. Our family wants to thank all of you for your prayers and well wishes this weekend-IT WORKED!
Friday, October 13, 2006
Kathy is at SHARP not SCRIPPS-She is Doing Fine
I talked to Dr. Kureshi tonight and he was pleased with the surgery he performed on Kathy this afternoon. Everything went as predicted. Now we both realize that the rest is up to God with her progress. He made no promises but felt things would improve. He is naturally someone who does not promise anything. This I imagine is from his experiences and the shear nature of being a neurosurgeon.
Big Change, Kathy was NOT moved because at the last minute De. Kureshi decided to do the surgery at SHARP and not SCRIPPS. (Possible complications) Kathy is resting in ICU at SHARP and Dr. Kureshi felt she would be moved back to her room possibly Saturday. So everyone who has volunteered to assist me during this busy time-Kathy is either in SHARP ICU or in her room. Again that’s to everyone, especially Debbie, Mickey and Macy! I’ll report her progress later and were hoping for the best!
Big Change, Kathy was NOT moved because at the last minute De. Kureshi decided to do the surgery at SHARP and not SCRIPPS. (Possible complications) Kathy is resting in ICU at SHARP and Dr. Kureshi felt she would be moved back to her room possibly Saturday. So everyone who has volunteered to assist me during this busy time-Kathy is either in SHARP ICU or in her room. Again that’s to everyone, especially Debbie, Mickey and Macy! I’ll report her progress later and were hoping for the best!
Thursday, October 12, 2006
As the Shunt Turns
Dr. Kureshi has decided to move in and install a shunt in Kathy head as described in the Blog earlier. He can only reserve two dates in October, tomorrow or October 27th! With the pressure moving higher it was decided sooner than later. (They called me at 2:00 PM today to tell me) He claims it is a relative simple operation with all of the normal disclaimers. He will install a drain in Kathy head behind her ear and run a tube from the valve under the skin to her stomach to drain.
Late morning they will transport Kathy from Sharp to Scripps Mercy. The surgery will commence at 2:30 PM and should take a hour or two. She should be in surgery ICU shortly afterwards. Her stay will be based on how stable she is. When she is stable they will transport her back to Sharp Hospital. (You all have her old Mercy ICU number)
Everyone from Dr. Kureshi, Dr. Jahan to the nursing staff thinks Kathy will benefit from the surgery. Her fluids seemed to build slowly over the last days and this has resulted in her responses going downhill. Her shaking has increased, her hands and feet have curled up and her concentration is diminished. They took a MRI and it showed increased fluid levels. All signs point to performing the surgery. I will keep you posted on her progress……
Late morning they will transport Kathy from Sharp to Scripps Mercy. The surgery will commence at 2:30 PM and should take a hour or two. She should be in surgery ICU shortly afterwards. Her stay will be based on how stable she is. When she is stable they will transport her back to Sharp Hospital. (You all have her old Mercy ICU number)
Everyone from Dr. Kureshi, Dr. Jahan to the nursing staff thinks Kathy will benefit from the surgery. Her fluids seemed to build slowly over the last days and this has resulted in her responses going downhill. Her shaking has increased, her hands and feet have curled up and her concentration is diminished. They took a MRI and it showed increased fluid levels. All signs point to performing the surgery. I will keep you posted on her progress……
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
Help-I will be gone for two days this week
I am traveling to Charlotte, North Carolina for a customer event this Friday and Saturday. It would be helpful if anyone could visit Kathy on these days. Again, the best times are after 12:00 PM and up until 7:00 PM. I will fly back Sunday and can be with Kathy in the early afternoon. A thousand thanks to anyone who can visit!
Cruising Altitude
Talked to Dr. Jahan about getting Kathy’s surgery changed back to an earlier date this month. Dr. Kureshi changed her date to accommodate my scheduling. I did not realize it would be 15 days later! I suggested to Dr. Jahan the sooner Kathy could get the new PT line installed the faster she is going to get to the next level He agreed and is working to get a sooner date.
It just seems like the pressure is slowly building back in her head. She has kind of just held steady this week and her attention span is just not there. I’ve talked to others and they concur. This surgery should relieve this problem and hopefully produce a break out.
Kathy talks very well on the phone and is slightly more mobile. She can talk, when she feels like it, to her visitors. Her mental abilities are better this week-in occupational therapy she played Yahtzee! We sneak her a little bit of milk, jello and other things and just cross our fingers about her swallowing! I hope she will be able to pass her next swallow test because the darn feeding tube is still in her stomach. With that out and the PT line in, maybe we can just get the heck out of here.
Kathy had Debbie, Milt, Pat, Athene, Alecia, Alyssa, Leslie and I as visitors today. Alyssa and Alecia did her nails and she looks great. She seems a little off today but maybe she’s just tired. Her mind seems to be fine but the old saying “mind over body” is difficult. Maybe tomorrow she’ll bounce back!
It just seems like the pressure is slowly building back in her head. She has kind of just held steady this week and her attention span is just not there. I’ve talked to others and they concur. This surgery should relieve this problem and hopefully produce a break out.
Kathy talks very well on the phone and is slightly more mobile. She can talk, when she feels like it, to her visitors. Her mental abilities are better this week-in occupational therapy she played Yahtzee! We sneak her a little bit of milk, jello and other things and just cross our fingers about her swallowing! I hope she will be able to pass her next swallow test because the darn feeding tube is still in her stomach. With that out and the PT line in, maybe we can just get the heck out of here.
Kathy had Debbie, Milt, Pat, Athene, Alecia, Alyssa, Leslie and I as visitors today. Alyssa and Alecia did her nails and she looks great. She seems a little off today but maybe she’s just tired. Her mind seems to be fine but the old saying “mind over body” is difficult. Maybe tomorrow she’ll bounce back!
Monday, October 09, 2006
Dog Day Afternoon
Right now Kathy’s rehabilitation is going steady but slow. She is incrementally improving everyday but no big steps or breakthroughs. At times I get frustrated about her progress. I guess I expected her to be walking more and being more like she was. It’s been 5 weeks since we have gotten to Sharp and I worry that she has peaked. Well let’s hope not!
The good news is Kathy’s antibiotic IV is finally out after 2 months! She no longer needs her pic line on her arm, FREEDOM. That irritating machine is out of her room with is constant alarms and bells. One more line to go and Kathy will be free of all her attachments. What line is that? It’s her feeding tube. Last week Kathy again failed her swallow test and the tube looks like its going to be in her for a couple of weeks. BUMMER!
When ever anyone is visiting Kathy, you should ask her to do her swallow exercises. I keep reminding Kathy that if she can pass it and start eating, the earlier she’s going home. Kathy really is at the point where she wants to come home. Maybe this is a good motivation for her? Let’s hope so!
The good news is Kathy’s antibiotic IV is finally out after 2 months! She no longer needs her pic line on her arm, FREEDOM. That irritating machine is out of her room with is constant alarms and bells. One more line to go and Kathy will be free of all her attachments. What line is that? It’s her feeding tube. Last week Kathy again failed her swallow test and the tube looks like its going to be in her for a couple of weeks. BUMMER!
When ever anyone is visiting Kathy, you should ask her to do her swallow exercises. I keep reminding Kathy that if she can pass it and start eating, the earlier she’s going home. Kathy really is at the point where she wants to come home. Maybe this is a good motivation for her? Let’s hope so!
Thursday, October 05, 2006
A Surgeon's Work is Never Done!
I went down to visit Kathy with Alecia and watched her go through her different rehabilitation classes. Kathy was especially alert and operational today and went through her classes with verve. The buzz in the hospital was that Kathy was talking much more and was actually hitting the call button and asking for assistance. Everyone was pretty up about her rehabilitation progress this week!
I did have another medical conversation with Dr. Jahan this morning. He commented that he wanted me to call Dr. Kureshi office about Kathy’s latest CT scan. I called Dr. Kureshi and he was concerned that Kathy’s fluid level was still too high for his comfort. He explained the following: Kathy’s spine produces fluid that flows between the spine and the brain. This fluid flows into her ventricles. The problem is the spine produces it and expunges it also. The valves between her spine and brain are scarred from the infection and do not let enough of the fluid pass back into the spine to be expunged. The fluid builds up and create high pressure in Kathy’s ventricles. This could impede her recovery short and long term. The best way to cure this is to install a permanent PT line from her brain that empties into her stomach. (He was happy about her clinical results from the spinal tap but the fluid level is now back to almost before the tap) This operation would entail a cut into the skin in back of her ear area and he would drill a small hole and install a line and valve from her head to her stomach. He would attach a thin line and run it underneath the skin into the stomach which would automatically at all times drain the excess fluid. This would be a permanent connection for the rest of her life.
What are the ups and downs of this operation? The downs would be the potential for a complication during the surgery. He feels this is minimal. The ups would be Kathy possibly could recover at a greater rate with normal brain pressures. This would allow for a permanent solution to the fluid build up. He has been right ON with Kathy’s care so I asked him if it would be OK to consult with Kathy. I explained the benefits to Kathy and she agreed to go forward. He plans to do the surgery in 10 days or so. This would evolve taking Kathy to Scripps for the day to do the surgery and then transferred her back to Sharp’s afterwards. I will post everyone on the date!
I did have another medical conversation with Dr. Jahan this morning. He commented that he wanted me to call Dr. Kureshi office about Kathy’s latest CT scan. I called Dr. Kureshi and he was concerned that Kathy’s fluid level was still too high for his comfort. He explained the following: Kathy’s spine produces fluid that flows between the spine and the brain. This fluid flows into her ventricles. The problem is the spine produces it and expunges it also. The valves between her spine and brain are scarred from the infection and do not let enough of the fluid pass back into the spine to be expunged. The fluid builds up and create high pressure in Kathy’s ventricles. This could impede her recovery short and long term. The best way to cure this is to install a permanent PT line from her brain that empties into her stomach. (He was happy about her clinical results from the spinal tap but the fluid level is now back to almost before the tap) This operation would entail a cut into the skin in back of her ear area and he would drill a small hole and install a line and valve from her head to her stomach. He would attach a thin line and run it underneath the skin into the stomach which would automatically at all times drain the excess fluid. This would be a permanent connection for the rest of her life.
What are the ups and downs of this operation? The downs would be the potential for a complication during the surgery. He feels this is minimal. The ups would be Kathy possibly could recover at a greater rate with normal brain pressures. This would allow for a permanent solution to the fluid build up. He has been right ON with Kathy’s care so I asked him if it would be OK to consult with Kathy. I explained the benefits to Kathy and she agreed to go forward. He plans to do the surgery in 10 days or so. This would evolve taking Kathy to Scripps for the day to do the surgery and then transferred her back to Sharp’s afterwards. I will post everyone on the date!
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
Check Me Out!
Tuesday was Sharp's bi-monthly review of patient progress. The goal of the meeting is to update family members on the patient's progress. The following issues were discussed:
First: Medical Doctor: Dr Jahan was pleased with Kathy's overall medical progress. She is doing great, except that pesky fever she is going through. He is recommending Kathy gets another MRI and CT scan to update Dr. Kureshi. Overall, Dr. Jahan thinks Kathy will improve over the next two to three weeks if she remains hospitalized.
Second: Occupation Rehabilitation: Robbie commented Kathy continues in a"total assist" mode and her sessions are inconsistant. Kathy performs only when she stands and does her exercises. Robbie was hoping for Kathy to make more progress after her spinal tap than she has.
Third: Physical Rehabilitation: Lori commented Kathy is hanging in there. She has progressed to the point of using a walker during rehabilitation. Her right leg is still unable to move normally and needs assistance. She is encouraged! Kathy needs to stay focused on exercise.
Forth: Speech Therapy: Lance can tell Kathy is more responsive after her spinal tap. Her core activity is improving and her speech is clearer. She can identify most objects and printed words. Kathy can construct sentences and initiate conversations. He feels overall, she has progressed well over the last week.
Fifth: Her Case Worker: Christine feels the insurance might allow Kathy to stay another week or two. The staff agrees with me on one thing, Kathy is progressing and two to three weeks of therapy would be very beneficial to her overall recovery. Fight the insurance company!
Go SHARP STAFF! YOU ARE THE BEST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
First: Medical Doctor: Dr Jahan was pleased with Kathy's overall medical progress. She is doing great, except that pesky fever she is going through. He is recommending Kathy gets another MRI and CT scan to update Dr. Kureshi. Overall, Dr. Jahan thinks Kathy will improve over the next two to three weeks if she remains hospitalized.
Second: Occupation Rehabilitation: Robbie commented Kathy continues in a"total assist" mode and her sessions are inconsistant. Kathy performs only when she stands and does her exercises. Robbie was hoping for Kathy to make more progress after her spinal tap than she has.
Third: Physical Rehabilitation: Lori commented Kathy is hanging in there. She has progressed to the point of using a walker during rehabilitation. Her right leg is still unable to move normally and needs assistance. She is encouraged! Kathy needs to stay focused on exercise.
Forth: Speech Therapy: Lance can tell Kathy is more responsive after her spinal tap. Her core activity is improving and her speech is clearer. She can identify most objects and printed words. Kathy can construct sentences and initiate conversations. He feels overall, she has progressed well over the last week.
Fifth: Her Case Worker: Christine feels the insurance might allow Kathy to stay another week or two. The staff agrees with me on one thing, Kathy is progressing and two to three weeks of therapy would be very beneficial to her overall recovery. Fight the insurance company!
Go SHARP STAFF! YOU ARE THE BEST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Monday, October 02, 2006
A Special Group
I wish to thank everyone for all the prayers and best wishes for Kathy’s speedy recovery. The flowers and gifts have been wonderful and appreciated. Many of you have visited Kathy during her hospital stay and I thank you very much.
I wanted to acknowledge a "special group of people" with a heatfelt and deep "WE LOVE YOU" for coming by frequently and supporting Kathy during her Sharp’s stay! THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR LOVE AND PRAYERS!
The Troopers!
Athene and Jonathan
Debbie and Mickey
Randy, Kiki and Megan
Trevor, Jennifer and Alyssa
Merilee
King
Alecia
I wanted to acknowledge a "special group of people" with a heatfelt and deep "WE LOVE YOU" for coming by frequently and supporting Kathy during her Sharp’s stay! THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR LOVE AND PRAYERS!
The Troopers!
Athene and Jonathan
Debbie and Mickey
Randy, Kiki and Megan
Trevor, Jennifer and Alyssa
Merilee
King
Alecia
Looking on The Bright Side
Dr. John Jahan, Kathy’s primary doctor, stopped by during physical therapy and we had a good chat. He gave me mostly good news on Kathy’s physical condition. The spinal and brain fluid removed from Kathy a week ago, tested clean. Her overall red and blood cell concentrations are very good. The biggest news was her improved progress on two of her oldest and longest medical conditions.
Kathy, as we all know, has been on various pain medications during and after her three back operations. She has had extreme back pain for now almost 6 years! This medication has put a huge strain on her internal organs, especially her liver. Dr. Jahan was happy to report Kathy has recently worked down to an extremely small amount of pain medication. This was possible because of her extensive stay in a controlled hospital environment and her body’s decision to focus less on her old pain centers and transition its priority thinking to her other problems. (It’s kind of like hitting your one thumb with the hammer to reduce the pain feeling in the thump you just hit?) With the reduction of pain medication, plenty of rest, controlled environment and a good steady supply of high quality diet, Kathy’s liver functions are back to normal. So when Kathy gets out of this mess, she can have some positives to help her handle all the crap she had to go through.
Kathy’s current medical problems center on a lower track infection that's giving her elevated temperatures. When I left tonight, her temperature had climbed above 100 degrees from the infection. This was the third day of her body going up and down on this infection. Hopefully the doctors will get it under control before it triggers anything else!
Tomorrow I will meet her team in the conference room to review her progress. I will report back to all of you how far they feel she has come since being at Sharp’s for four weeks. Wow, it’s already October!
Kathy, as we all know, has been on various pain medications during and after her three back operations. She has had extreme back pain for now almost 6 years! This medication has put a huge strain on her internal organs, especially her liver. Dr. Jahan was happy to report Kathy has recently worked down to an extremely small amount of pain medication. This was possible because of her extensive stay in a controlled hospital environment and her body’s decision to focus less on her old pain centers and transition its priority thinking to her other problems. (It’s kind of like hitting your one thumb with the hammer to reduce the pain feeling in the thump you just hit?) With the reduction of pain medication, plenty of rest, controlled environment and a good steady supply of high quality diet, Kathy’s liver functions are back to normal. So when Kathy gets out of this mess, she can have some positives to help her handle all the crap she had to go through.
Kathy’s current medical problems center on a lower track infection that's giving her elevated temperatures. When I left tonight, her temperature had climbed above 100 degrees from the infection. This was the third day of her body going up and down on this infection. Hopefully the doctors will get it under control before it triggers anything else!
Tomorrow I will meet her team in the conference room to review her progress. I will report back to all of you how far they feel she has come since being at Sharp’s for four weeks. Wow, it’s already October!
Sunday, October 01, 2006
Just Shopping
Kathy always loves to shop and I brought her a new catalog to look over. She forgot I was even there!
Here Comes the Sun
Kathy and I are sitting outside as I write this update. We are so lucky the weather is San Diego is always beautiful. Kathy is really enjoying her time out of her hospital room and soaking up the rays. Overall this has been a good week with great progress reviews from her speech and occupational therapists. The last few days Kathy has had a slight fever and some stomach issues. I hope to get these straightened out with her team at our meeting on Tuesday and able to report back to you.
The next two weeks are very important for Kathy because everyone is trying to get her home. Anytime you can visit and try to get her to engaged would be helpful. That would be making a strong effort to get her to communicate and push her. I think she is much more capable than she is showing. She just feels like not doing things because of all the recovery issues. Let's try to get her going!
The next two weeks are very important for Kathy because everyone is trying to get her home. Anytime you can visit and try to get her to engaged would be helpful. That would be making a strong effort to get her to communicate and push her. I think she is much more capable than she is showing. She just feels like not doing things because of all the recovery issues. Let's try to get her going!
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