I took Mom to the ER this morning around 7:30. They immediately started an IV, first with a bolus and then they slowed the rate to 250 ccs an hour (which is still fairly fast) - Normally an IV rate will be 75 to 100 ccs an hour. A bolus is when they infuse a large amount of fluids for the purpose of rapidly achieving the needed therapeutic results.
They also gave her Dilaudid for pain and Zofran for her nausea. She was feeling a little bit better but was still in quite a bit of pain. Her pain started out at a 9 on a scale of 1-10 (with 10 being the worst pain ever) and it was a 7 when I left about 3:oo this afternoon. It will take them a while to get it back to a somewhat comfortable level.
The blood tests they did in the ER showed most were within normal levels. They tested her liver and pancreas enzymes to see if they were elevated which would have been indicative of the stent being blocked. There was a slight elevation in her bilirubin level but nothing to be overly concerned about. An elevated bilirubin level indicates the liver is not removing bile due to a possible blockage. It can also be caused by other factors, such as is in newborns who are jaundiced.
She made it up to her room around 1:00. The doctor ordered an ultrasound to see if her stent was blocked again. Because of her condition, they did the US in her room rather than taking her to the US lab. The US was completed before I left; however, I don't know what the results were.
I know she was really tired when I left. The US was fairly painful as they had to press on her abdomen to get clear pictures.
Her oncologist will be in tomorrow morning (usually between 3 and 4 in the morning). I'm not sure what he will order her plan of care and treatment to be. Mom is suppose to discuss the possibility of a feeding tube. If she doesn't, I will be at the hospital Thursday morning around 3.
Several of you have asked about Dodo. She is planning on coming to be with Mom tomorrow. I look forward to having her here. She's a great support.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
4 comments:
Carol,
Al & I, together, pray for you everyday and often through the day as we think of you. We hope the IV's are helping you to become stronger.
We would email you more, but don't think you have a laptop yet.
We love you,
Al & Marilyn
Lori & Stacey,
Thank you for taking such good care of Carol and being so willing to fulfill her wishes.
We appreciate you and wish we were closer to visit her more.
Love,
Marilyn & Al
Lori - where can a person send cards, etc? I have lots of neat frog pics for Carol when she gets her LAPTOP! (hint, hint)
I think of you all often...love and prayers every day...
Cheryl S.
Aunt Carol,
Our love and prayers go to you. You are very loved. This world is just temporary and full of pain. We are so thankful that your life is in God's hands through the blood of Jesus. Only He knows the timing of life and we trust in that. He has you in His hands.
We love you dearly!
Scott, Sherry, Caleb, Meagan, and Luke Hammond in Germany
Post a Comment