Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Weekend / Memorial Day - Update (5/29)

Drum roll, please. Dad was given permission to eat some more popsicles over the weekend. And although they didn't taste as good as they did a month ago, it was better than nothing! The nurses used the popsicles not only to give Dad some extra calories, but also to test the healing in his stomach. See, the dye from the popsicle should end up ONLY in the stoma, and not in any of the 2 remaining drain tubes--that's exactly what happened, which means that the stomach/intestine connection is healing correctly.

The doctor's even think that solid food is on its way in a couple of days. Speaking of which, an update on the fungal infection they detected after his second surgery: they had him on a cocktail of antibiotics to help fight off the intestinal infection. They took him off the drugs and are waiting for another culture to see if the infection has gone.

Dad has also been walking around a couple times a day, making more and more progress with each day. Craig was with him his this weekend, and his parents will be traveling down this weekend. The doctor's are saying that he may be discharged soon, and when that happens he'll be on his way back to Rochester. He'll be much easier to visit when he's back here!

He's on some medication now that really disorients him, so it's hard chatting on the phone--he has a difficult time remembering simple things. Hopefully that drug is weaned down a bit as the days pass, and hopefully he'll be able to take some phone calls from those of you asking to speak with him!

More news to come,
Adam

Thursday, May 24, 2012

Thursday - AM Update (5/24)

After 5 weeks of hospital time, Dad feels very discouraged and very dry. He knows he shouldn't, but it's hard to miss such nice weather and SUMMER! He is focusing on pushing himself to walk further and further each day, knowing that he cannot be discharged until he can walk on his own. Eating is another challenge (once he is allowed).

They gave Dad an EKG this morning to help diagnose the drop in pulse (it was usually 70-80 bpm, but was 55). One doctor (the transplant doc) said this was most likely due to his blood pressure medicine; they will work with him to find a better dose to prevent this in the future. The hemoglobin and hematocrit are low.

Dr. Ahrendt just stopped by and gave us an update: Dad looks to be 7-10 days out from being discharged. It's crazy to believe, but this discharge seems conditional. He'd be required to move in to a secondary care facility in Rochester--at least he'll be closer to friends and family! With his walking progress yesterday, the doctor feels that Dad will have enough energy to handle the 5 hour ride back to Rochester. His duration of stay in this new facility will depend on how fast he recovers his strength. He says, "I'm up for the challenge. My goal is to walk around my two-mile loop without stopping!"

The doctor also says that the two remaining drains looks good: the one hose (in his chest) is still draining fluid, which is caused by the inflammation near the diaphragm (this will dissipate once Dad moves around more and his heart can clear the excess fluid. The second hose is draining fluid from his stomach. Normally, his stomach is filled with bile and other digestive enzymes. Because the doctor wishes to have the stomach/small intestine connection as healed as possible, they will continue to drain his stomach of these fluids. This is why he cannot eat or drink anything until they see more healing around this area. But a good sign is that some of this fluid IS making it's way through his intestines--at least we know everything seems to be working.

He is still receiving TPN. He will continue to receive this form of nutrition until his stomach/intestine heals more.

I will be departing this afternoon, and Craig will be here tomorrow.

Adam

Wednesday - PM Update (5/23)

This afternoon Dad walked the furthest he's walked ever! Even though he said it was hard he looked good when he got back, and even stayed alert for hours afterward (he usually is so exhausted he passes out).

Dad and I played some cards, and watched some dirt biking videos.

Around 8pm he started sleeping heavily, and continued through the night. He experienced a big drop in pulse--they will look into this more tomorrow morning.

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Wednesday - AM Update (5/23)

Dad has been sitting in his chair since 9am today! I brought him his laptop and he's been trying to work the darn thing. He says, "I can't remember any of my passwords, and don't know how to get on to my blog!"

He is waiting for his physical therapy (the daily walk around the floor). They tell him he won't be eating for another week or two (this includes water). They want him to heal more before introducing solid food or water.

He is still not accepting phone calls because he's "out of it". At least he's asking for his laptop, which will pre-occupy him when he's bored. Hey, who knows, maybe he'll figure out how to get back online and comment on how I'm doing with this blog!

I'll be here until tomorrow afternoon, and then Craig will arrive once again for the long weekend!

Adam

*Note: I was a few days behind, and was just able to publish 3 days worth of updates. Feel free to review them below!

Tuesday - Update (5/22)

Allie left today at 2 in the afternoon, and I arrived at 11:30pm. Dad was happy to see me, and we chatted for a bit before I went to my rented room. He was very upbeat, and of course happy to see me. I woke him up, which means he's been able to sleep better and be better rested.

Late last night the doctors removed one abdominal tube (two more to go!). He's been walking around, but his body is still extremely weak. He enjoys sitting in his chair, and does so for a several hours a day.

He doesn't have much pain. He has only a little nausea at night (most likely from the TPN).

I'll update more tomorrow!
Adam

Monday - Update (5/21)

As you may understand, Dad still has some tubes in him. There must've been some miscommunication that lead us all to believe they had removed all the tubes--unfortunately, this is not the case. He currently has 3 tubes: one in his chest and 2 in his abdomen. They did remove his catheter on Sunday.

Dad has been nauseous from time to time, and they suspect it has something to do with the amount of TPN they administer to his digestive system. Today, though his nausea is better.

His Potassium and Sodium levels are normal. Phosphate is 2.3 low (normal is 2.5). His hemoglobin was 8.1 on Saturday, but is now 9.1 (so that's better).

His Createnine is .07 (his normal has been 1.2).

As you all know, he has moved from the ICU to a special care unit, and private room (still 6109). The nurses are treating him quite well, and Dad is in better spirits each day.

Adam

Monday, May 21, 2012

Weekend - Update (5/20)

Allie has been spending time with her father, and the reports are good. Nothing out of the ordinary, other than hearing he doesn't want to be in the hospital any more.

Still no food or water at this point. He gets up and walks a few times a day, but not very far.

They did have to re-insert another drainage tube in his chest (more fluid build-up), and they rearranged another so that it would not scrape (possibly infect) his liver.

 Adam

Friday, May 18, 2012

Friday - Update (5/18)

Allie and I both talked with Dad yesterday and today. He certainly enjoys talking with us, but has a difficult time speaking loudly and clear. Even though an in-person visit would be best, a phone call does enough. He is still not taking calls from friends--he is too weak and sometimes incomprehensible.

I've been told today that Dad has tubes back in him. Fluid is building up in his abdomen again, especially near his liver. Tubes are no big deal at this point, but the risk of infection is greater.

He is still not allowed to drink, let alone eat. They are trying to exercise him but his body is pretty weak, and his muscles aren't yet used to physical exertion.

Allie is heading down this weekend on Sunday until Tuesday. I arrive Tuesday until Thursday. It'll be good to spend some quality hospital room time with him.

His hemoglobin is dropping down to the low 8.x, but all other levels seem OK.

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Wednesday - Update (5/16) - 4 weeks later

28 days ago today Dad was under the knife, and even though he's had a lot thrown at him he seems to be coming through alright! And no better day than today to announce that Dad no longer has any tubes draining fluids from him!! He must feel very relieved; I know his family is.

The nurses have had him up and walking around today. I've tried calling him to chat but he's probably exhausted from the trip to and from the hallway.

His hemoglobin is at 9.6 (it's varying). He is still not allowed to drink anything, just sucking on wet sponges--how delicious. His major surgery incision looks healthy. His blood pressure and temperature also are in good ranges. Hopefully more good news to come!

Tuesday - Update (5/15)

Today, Allie mentioned that Dad had the other tube in his lung removed--which means his lungs are on a good road to recovery.

Allie gave Dad a shave today; he was looking pretty grizzly.

Nothing more to update today, things have been relatively quiet. I certainly don't mind not typing!

Adam

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Monday - Update (5/15)

Not much to report today. Allie was spending a lot of time in Dad's room. He was very tired and slept on and off, and ultimately slept the majority of the day.

They changed his dressings and gave him some pain killers to help take the edge off. The thoracic team was deciding to remove one of the lung tubes--they remove his left lung tube. This is great progress!!

Dad really wants to get up and move around, but the team will not let him yet (too many tubes in him). I'll update more tomorrow when Allie returns home. This will mark the first time Dad will go many days without visitors.. So if you were going to send a card, now is the perfect time! I will make the trip again next week (Tue - Thrus).

Adam

Sunday, May 13, 2012

Weekend - Update (5/13)

Allie is now with her father until Tuesday. His parents left Saturday morning. They removed one of his drainage tubes, and packed it with sterile gauze. This has been a very painful experience for Dad--he has been taking some pain medicine, which has made him sleepy. This wound will take a long time to heal, but we're happy the tube is out! The less, the better.

His lungs are inflating (as expected) from the tubes inserted a couple days ago. They may remove one of them tomorrow. They are assisting with clearing out the phlegm and fluid that has been building up over the past several weeks. If he walked around a bit more it'd clear on its own, but they are keeping him down because of his low hemoglobin levels. On Friday, his hemo was 7.5, and today (Sunday) it was 10. The way up is good.

They are not allowing Dad to suck on popsicles, only ice chips. He can't wait until he has permission to have something with some taste.

I'm sure Dad appreciates having Allie around for the next couple of days, then perhaps I'll make my way down there in the middle of the week.

Thursday, May 10, 2012

Thursday Evening Update - (5/10)

They decided to insert one tube into each of Dad's lungs to help drain fluid. He now has two additional tubs in his chest. They took him down 2 hours ago, and he is still in the recovery room (with no updates).

More info to come,
Adam

Thursday - Update (5/10)

Dad is doing OK today. The doctors say they will need to transfuse a unit of blood for him: his white blood cell count is very low. They have him on IVs of drugs to stimulate his bone marrow, but they say it's not doing enough to raise his white blood cell count. 

The transfusion should take place today, and is low risk. His hemoglobin level is 7.5.

They are also considering inserting a physical drain in Dad's lungs. The doctors are not 100% set on this idea, but they need to drain the fluid from his lungs somehow.

Adam

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Wednesday - Update (5/9)

Dad is doing well today and is enjoying his own room. His white blood cell count is a little low, but his platelets and hemoglobin are all very stable. His blood pressure is healthy, his fever is gone and the nurses are seeing such a huge improvement in him!

He and I chatted today, which tires him out a lot (I guess I have a lot to say!). But he seems in good spirits. He is still not allowed to sip water or chew ice chunks--he will have to wait to hear the results from the culture from the fluid drained from his abdomen Monday (they expect to have them tomorrow).

More information tomorrow,
Adam


Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Tuesday - Update (5/8)

Dad has been released from the ICU! He was out of his bed (finally!) and sitting in a chair for a couple hours today--he is extremely tired and rehab will hurt, but I'm sure he's happy to be out of that bed.

His parents are with him today through this week, and he is accepting mail again!

Room 6109 is his room #. He still will not be accepting calls.

Scott Carey
UPMC Passavant, Room 6109
9100 Babcock Boulevard
Pittsburgh, PA 15237

Monday, May 7, 2012

Monday Evening - Update (5/7)

Dad is out of the procedure, and he called me to tell me he was alright. The doctors sent samples of the fluid to be cultured, and will let me know when they have more information.

We spoke for about 15 minutes, and seemed optimistic. He's been in a bed for almost 3 weeks, which has left him pretty tired and weak. He doesn't know when he'll be released from the ICU, but hopes it is soon--he's eager to get back on his feet.

He was telling me where he wants to travel to when he gets out. But I think Rochester is a good first destination!!


Monday Afternoon - Update (5/7)

While changing Dad's dressings, the nurse noticed an atypical colored fluid around his sutures. They took another scan and found more fluid in Dad's abdomen and he is needing to have this drained. He is NOT going in for another surgery (which is a relief); instead, they will simply drain this fluid and send it off to the lab. The doctors fear that there is a significant infection that is causing this fluid build-up. Once they culture the results, they should know if the fluid is caused by an infection or if it's just a result from inflammation.

Results could take up to two days. He is getting the procedure done now; I will update the blog when I hear how it goes.

Sunday, May 6, 2012

Weekend - Update (5/6)

Not much new to report on. Craig was with Dad all weekend, and was able to talk to him on and off. Dad slept quite a lot. When he was awake he would take a bit but had constant hiccups. These, you can image, really aggravated his incision and was jarring to his body.

Dad is still in the ICU and is still very weak. He called Allie today and she mentions that he sounds really good! Later this week (Tuesday) his parents will return to Pittsburgh to keep Scott company. At this point, I think that he just needs more time to rest up and get back on his feet.

He is still infected with a intestinal fungus which is very hard to get rid of. They have him on a number of meds to try to break this up--during this time he is considered very contagious. That's no fun!

Adam

Saturday, May 5, 2012

Friday - Update (5/4)

Today was a really great day. Craig arrived, and told us that Dad had less fluid in his chest than previous days, so they removed one of his chest tubes (used for drainage).

He has been catching up on his sleep, and slowly coming back to reality (although it's very difficult so far away from home).

He currently has a temperature of 100.5--they are checking him over for any sign of infection or abnormality. Aside from that, he seems to be doing well they say, and continues to recover.

Adam

Thursday, May 3, 2012

Thursday - Update (5/3)

More good news today. Dad called me up from the ICU! Which means that he is off his ventilator, and no longer intubated. I will say he is very very fuzzy and still confused (somewhat) as to what he's going through, but it was good to share a few words with him.

The fluid in his lungs is dissipating. His creatinine is 0.8!! No temp, and they will review several different cultures tonight to make sure he is free of infection.

There is still fluid around his lungs, which they are now blaming on congestive heart failure, but this is the first time I've heard the nurse mention that. Although, it may make sense that his heart cannot circulate enough O2-rich blood to the places he needs in order to heal. Regardless, he is still draining fluids from his chest, and continues to make progress. I would like to emphasize that he has NOT suffered a heart attack; also, that the ultra/echo sound on his heart two days ago revealed a strong-beating ticker!!


Craig will be with Scott over the weekend, and Dad was very pleased to hear that!

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Wednesday Evening - Update (5/2)

I just spoke to the night nurse, and they mention that Dad is just as well as we had left him earlier today. He has been put on anti-biotic and anti-viral cocktails to help eliminate the fungal infection. Vitals still very stable, and his kidney is in great shape (his creatinine is 1.1).

We hope to continue to hear more good news tomorrow!

Adam

Wednesday Afternoon - Update (5/2)

The nurses told me that they identified a fungal "infection" in Dad's digestive system. The treatment for this is anti-biotics, which they are administering soon. Because it is considered an infectious disease, Allie and I are washing our hands regularly.

We've also been updated that his bicep pick went in alright, and it is providing the blood they need for continued tests and monitoring.

Adam

Wednesday Morning - Update (5/2)

Dad's condition hasn't changed much since last night. He is currently on his way to have the pick-line re-established in his right bicep. His blood pressure is still normal, blood oxygen and hemoglobin levels are good. Platelets are at 31, and white blood cells are around the same.

He is still intubated with the breathing ventilator, and is still being supported by the drugs and the machines he's hooked up to. Although, from time to time Allie and I have a chance to talk to him--only allowing to ask yes or no questions, but he knows who we are and that we are here for him. He squeezes our hand (after we yell at him a couple of times :), but it's good to communicate with him even this little bit.

Adam

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Tuesday Afternoon - Update (5/1)

6 days ago the doctors took blood samples from Dad's pick line in his right bicep (an easier way to draw blood without stabbing him each time). Over this period of time, Dad's white blood cell count has been up and down--and when it is up it means his body is fighting an infection.

The doctor's believe that the pick-line may be the source of the infection (the cultures taken from the pick line are positive for infection, while culture taken from his hand are negative); so, Dad is on his way to have this line replaced. It should be a straight-forward procedure. Allie and I are leaving the hospital now, but will return later.

Quick update: Dad's platelet count was too low to make the swap, so they will wait until they speak with Dad's surgeon/doctor. Hopefully he gives permission to receive more platelets soon.

Adam

Tuesday Morning - Update (5/1)

Dad is back on the ventilator. A necessary step (even though its in the wrong direction). His blood pressure has normalized, but he still has a lot of fluid in his lungs. He has no fever and a relatively decent white blood count so pneumonia is not a threat.

The nurse here says that Dad will be on this ventilator for a few days, and will remain in the ICU for several more days after that, or until his lungs are clear. Of course, the time may be longer, or shorter--they are not sure. It's up to Dad's body to heal itself now; he's been through a lot.

I'll update again this evening.

Adam