Friday, August 7, 2009
Aug 7
New news on Papaw JR. He began having extreme pain again last Thursday, yep a week ago, but this time on the right side (I hope I have that straight). Mamaw called the PT folks who sent EMS. An ER check up showed no heart involvement so he was released to go home. They saw Dr. Bunnell this week who ordered an ultrasound and then an endoscopy. Both tests were completed and both showed NOTHING. The dr recommended that JR take his pain meds 3 times a day without waiting for the pain to kick in. The next step, I believe, is a trip to a diagnostic center in Houston. Stay tuned...
Monday, July 20, 2009
July 20
JR continues to improve, Michelle and Lucille both say he looks better than he has in months! YAY for good news. His weight seems to be stabilizing. The 3 daily PT sessions have helped JR gain some strength and there's talk of him going home sometime this week. The only lingering issue is with the urinary tract, but it is better at least, though still an issue. JR was moved to a larger hospital room late last week and is now in Room 501. It's amazing what you can get sometimes just by asking! Michelle went back to San Antonio on Sunday, I left Victoria on Wednesday evening. David and Wanda are left to shoulder the caregiver duties....we'll all be forever in their debt.
In other news, Lea Anne is now in the same hospital. Terry had a bad cold a couple of weeks ago and the assumption is that she caught the cold but her's developed into a pneumonia. She was admitted Friday night through the ER with high fever, a full blown mess it sounds. Her fever comes and goes and she'll likely be in the hospital for 2-3 more days. In her weakened state, it could be several weeks before she fully recovers. We all worry about her health due to her compromised immune system. I believe she's in room 465, but I could have mis-heard on a bad cell call.
Keep the prayer lines open for both our patients...
In other news, Lea Anne is now in the same hospital. Terry had a bad cold a couple of weeks ago and the assumption is that she caught the cold but her's developed into a pneumonia. She was admitted Friday night through the ER with high fever, a full blown mess it sounds. Her fever comes and goes and she'll likely be in the hospital for 2-3 more days. In her weakened state, it could be several weeks before she fully recovers. We all worry about her health due to her compromised immune system. I believe she's in room 465, but I could have mis-heard on a bad cell call.
Keep the prayer lines open for both our patients...
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
July 14
Mom and I visited with JR this evening. Lucille was there for a little while but JR wanted her to head home so she'd arrive before dark.
JR was moved to the skilled nursing floor this afternoon. He's in room 507 in an older section of Citizens but adjacent to where he had been staying in room 469.
He still is having UTI issues and someone dropped the ball on getting a urologist up to see him today. Arrgghh. He did have a visit from a Podiatrist so he has a fresh pedicure!
Tomorrow will start the physical therapy to begin rebuilding his strength. His weight is down to 157. He does seem to be eating meals well and drinking Ensure-type beverages between meals.
He was enjoying watching the all-star game this evening, had two 5mg vicodin tablets just before we told him goodnight. More tomorrow!
JR was moved to the skilled nursing floor this afternoon. He's in room 507 in an older section of Citizens but adjacent to where he had been staying in room 469.
He still is having UTI issues and someone dropped the ball on getting a urologist up to see him today. Arrgghh. He did have a visit from a Podiatrist so he has a fresh pedicure!
Tomorrow will start the physical therapy to begin rebuilding his strength. His weight is down to 157. He does seem to be eating meals well and drinking Ensure-type beverages between meals.
He was enjoying watching the all-star game this evening, had two 5mg vicodin tablets just before we told him goodnight. More tomorrow!
Monday, July 13, 2009
July 13
After a rough-ish morning, JR had a pretty good day today. I visited him and Lucille this morning and JR was having some double-you-over stomach cramps with audible gut gurgling. We were pretty concerned for a short while until he began relating that he'd had multiple drugs to promote gastric action. He asked for some oral pain med and got a little relief from that. I left around 1 this afternoon and went back at 4.
David, Wanda and Lucille were there this afternoon and JR looked and said he felt much better than during the morning. The cramping had stopped. During a nurse's visit I asked about the meds he was taking that might induce cramping. She said that one of the drugs was a laxative and that he didn't have to take it unless he felt he needed help in that area. YAY! Normal for one person isn't always normal for everyone, so she told him not to worry about refusing it if he was feeling well and "things" were moving normally.
I got to meet Dr McNeil this evening and enjoyed hearing his take on JR's situation. Dr. MN said that there were "several" people leaving the skilled nursing (PT & rehab) unit (upstairs at Citizens) tomorrow morning and that they should have a spot for JR tomorrow afternoon. His view of the "lesions" on JR's lung was that there was something on the CT scan but nothing that they could identify. They have run multiple tests all showing no signs of cancer. The lung lesions could be an anomolly that will disappear on its own, or it could be something that will present itself more clearly in a few weeks. Dr. MN will see JR 2-3 times a week while in skilled nursing. Dr. Adams will not see JR during his stay in skilled nursing.
Dr McNeil figures that Adams will order a follow up xray and CT scan in about a month and depending on those views, he'll determine if another course of action is needed. For now, the plan is to build JR's strength in two-a-days upstairs so that he can walk 600 feet without much difficulty. Dr MN said that he originally thought JR would need 1-2 weeks of PT and rehab but after seeing JR looking good and sitting up tonight Dr MN didn't think it would take that long. Dr thinks they might be able to get JR back home in 7-10 days (maybe less!!) depending on how he responds to the PT and rehab. The dr did say that JR might need nursing care at home but that we'd cross that bridge later.
JR is still on antibiodics and flomax for his uriniary track infection and should be seeing a urologist in the next day or two. Other meds he's on are his normal thyroid medication, Lyrica and Colase. He gets oral vicodin as needed for pain, and only had one dose of that today.
That's all for now, things are looking much better from a week ago!
David, Wanda and Lucille were there this afternoon and JR looked and said he felt much better than during the morning. The cramping had stopped. During a nurse's visit I asked about the meds he was taking that might induce cramping. She said that one of the drugs was a laxative and that he didn't have to take it unless he felt he needed help in that area. YAY! Normal for one person isn't always normal for everyone, so she told him not to worry about refusing it if he was feeling well and "things" were moving normally.
I got to meet Dr McNeil this evening and enjoyed hearing his take on JR's situation. Dr. MN said that there were "several" people leaving the skilled nursing (PT & rehab) unit (upstairs at Citizens) tomorrow morning and that they should have a spot for JR tomorrow afternoon. His view of the "lesions" on JR's lung was that there was something on the CT scan but nothing that they could identify. They have run multiple tests all showing no signs of cancer. The lung lesions could be an anomolly that will disappear on its own, or it could be something that will present itself more clearly in a few weeks. Dr. MN will see JR 2-3 times a week while in skilled nursing. Dr. Adams will not see JR during his stay in skilled nursing.
Dr McNeil figures that Adams will order a follow up xray and CT scan in about a month and depending on those views, he'll determine if another course of action is needed. For now, the plan is to build JR's strength in two-a-days upstairs so that he can walk 600 feet without much difficulty. Dr MN said that he originally thought JR would need 1-2 weeks of PT and rehab but after seeing JR looking good and sitting up tonight Dr MN didn't think it would take that long. Dr thinks they might be able to get JR back home in 7-10 days (maybe less!!) depending on how he responds to the PT and rehab. The dr did say that JR might need nursing care at home but that we'd cross that bridge later.
JR is still on antibiodics and flomax for his uriniary track infection and should be seeing a urologist in the next day or two. Other meds he's on are his normal thyroid medication, Lyrica and Colase. He gets oral vicodin as needed for pain, and only had one dose of that today.
That's all for now, things are looking much better from a week ago!
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
July 7
JR had a decent night last night according to Michelle. He does prefer that someone spend the night in his room. Late yesterday, JR began running a low grade fever. Today test results showed a urinary tract infection. He now has a catheter and antibiodics.
Dr. Adams (pulmonologist) saw JR today and said that all the tests he had ordered have come back negative. The dr will continue to monitor the lungs to see if the fluid rebuilds.
Dr. Adams (pulmonologist) saw JR today and said that all the tests he had ordered have come back negative. The dr will continue to monitor the lungs to see if the fluid rebuilds.
Monday, July 6, 2009
July 6
Ted arrived back in Phoenix Sunday afternoon.
Michelle stayed with JR last night and said he slept well. Today, Dr. McNeil reported that most every test has come back with negative results, which is good news. One or two other tests are still to come. The fluid level remains low in JR's lung, also good news. His appetite remains good and he's walking out to the hall and back a few times each day. JR is still on iv fluids and pain meds as needed. He's not using the pain meds much. He had some pain in his shoulder over the weekend, but the all-over extreme pain has not returned. Thankfully!!
Some minor swelling in his legs may be the result of inactivity. An sonogram showed no clots or other worrisome cause. JR will begin in-room physical therapy tomorrow to build strength and perhaps reduce the swelling.
Dr. Adams, the pulmonologist, will see JR tomorrow. JR still would like someone to stay the night with him, so the kids are taking turns for now.
Michelle stayed with JR last night and said he slept well. Today, Dr. McNeil reported that most every test has come back with negative results, which is good news. One or two other tests are still to come. The fluid level remains low in JR's lung, also good news. His appetite remains good and he's walking out to the hall and back a few times each day. JR is still on iv fluids and pain meds as needed. He's not using the pain meds much. He had some pain in his shoulder over the weekend, but the all-over extreme pain has not returned. Thankfully!!
Some minor swelling in his legs may be the result of inactivity. An sonogram showed no clots or other worrisome cause. JR will begin in-room physical therapy tomorrow to build strength and perhaps reduce the swelling.
Dr. Adams, the pulmonologist, will see JR tomorrow. JR still would like someone to stay the night with him, so the kids are taking turns for now.
Friday, July 3, 2009
July 3
Not a lot of news to report today. Ted said JR had a real good day, was enjoying any clear liquid the cafeteria delivered! Later today his diet was changed to normal foods. Dr. McNeil made rounds this evening but had no news to report on any of the tests. The holiday weekend will likely mean that none of the test results will be given till Monday. All the stomach issues have disappeared and his pain level remains very low to completely gone!
Michelle is staying overnight in JR's room tonight.
Michelle is staying overnight in JR's room tonight.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
July 2
JR saw pulmonologist Dr. Robin Adams today. The visit was spent mainly getting JR's complete medical history going way back to the 1960's when he had his oil field accident and the first of the back surgeries. (As a side note, when my dad began his medical journey at MD Anderson, he dictated his medical history and we typed it up on a word doc. Anytime a new dr entered the picture, we had a copy of dad's history for the new doctor's files. It was a HUGE time saver.)
Earlier today, JR had a series of sonograms on his heart and abdomen, covering all the organs. I haven't heard any results from that scan yet. Dr. Adams ordered some additional blood tests, xrays and also drained the fluid from JR's lung. They took off 700 cc's. JR told Ted the procedure was not painful, that he only felt pressure. The fluid was tinged with blood which they say surprised Dr Adams. The elevated liver enzyme level that was discovered in the ER has apparently returned to normal and does not seem to be an issue any longer.
Dr Shapu (sp?) a neurologist has been added to the team. He has ordered another CT scan tomorrow on the spine just to rule out any issues from the past surgeries.
After JR had a tough night alone last night, Ted said he was going to stay with JR tonight. JR told Ted this afternoon that his pain level was lower than it had been in weeks. YAY, that's some awesome news!
Earlier today, JR had a series of sonograms on his heart and abdomen, covering all the organs. I haven't heard any results from that scan yet. Dr. Adams ordered some additional blood tests, xrays and also drained the fluid from JR's lung. They took off 700 cc's. JR told Ted the procedure was not painful, that he only felt pressure. The fluid was tinged with blood which they say surprised Dr Adams. The elevated liver enzyme level that was discovered in the ER has apparently returned to normal and does not seem to be an issue any longer.
Dr Shapu (sp?) a neurologist has been added to the team. He has ordered another CT scan tomorrow on the spine just to rule out any issues from the past surgeries.
After JR had a tough night alone last night, Ted said he was going to stay with JR tonight. JR told Ted this afternoon that his pain level was lower than it had been in weeks. YAY, that's some awesome news!
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
July 1, 8:00pm
Dr. McNeil was in to see JR at around 7 this evening. Ted think's the doctor is in his mid to late 30's. The doctor assured everyone that he WILL find out what's going on with JR.
What they do know so far is that JR's liver enzymes are out of whack, probably due to dehydration coupled with the nausea and pain meds and perhaps the fluid still in his lung is playing a role. Dr. says that fluid in your lung is very painful and can cause pain at other sites in the body. He first wants to get JR's stomach settled and his hydration level back to normal, apparently he was pretty dehydrated upon his arrival at the ER. The IV will continue at least through the night. Other meds given in the IV are for nausea which seems to have subsided (or the meds are working) completely. JR has a self administering pain medication that he can give himself every hour. The pain has gone from very severe to about a 3 on a scale of 1 to 10. Dr. Mc Neil is on call all night and will see JR around 6 am for another check.
Tomorrow there will be an assortment of tests, xrays and blood work to begin to figure out a cause for the liver enzymes and the fluid on the lung. They will use the test results to determine if the appropriate action is to drain the lung.
Tonight Michelle and Lucille are heading back to Pt Lavaca. My earlier post was incorrect, David was the one with the nausea in the middle of the night last night, not Wanda...sorry about that. Anyhow, Dave and Wanda are staying near Victoria at her mom's or brother's house, Ted was unclear. Michelle and Lucille will get back in time for the 6 am doctor visit tomorrow morning. Wanda's soon-to-be daughter in law, Tiffany, is a nurse in another area of Citizen's, so that's nice to have some family on the doctor and nurse side!
Ted will stay in Victoria at my parents house. Ted says JR's color has improved steadily throughout the day and he seems to be feeling a lot better. JR has a good nursing shift to help him through the night, they have him set up so that bodily functions are pretty simple to reduce the risk of falling.
The phone in the room is unplugged, JR just doesn't feel up to phone chats or visitors yet. If anyone wants to help, please continue offering prayers and good wishes for JR and his doctors. Ted, Wanda, David and Michelle all have their cell phones glued to their hips, so it's probably best to call one of them if you need to touch base. Here are their numbers, Ted-480.262.5219;
David-361.550.2735, Wanda-361.920.3093 and Michelle-210.347.7201
I'll update again as soon as I hear anything!
What they do know so far is that JR's liver enzymes are out of whack, probably due to dehydration coupled with the nausea and pain meds and perhaps the fluid still in his lung is playing a role. Dr. says that fluid in your lung is very painful and can cause pain at other sites in the body. He first wants to get JR's stomach settled and his hydration level back to normal, apparently he was pretty dehydrated upon his arrival at the ER. The IV will continue at least through the night. Other meds given in the IV are for nausea which seems to have subsided (or the meds are working) completely. JR has a self administering pain medication that he can give himself every hour. The pain has gone from very severe to about a 3 on a scale of 1 to 10. Dr. Mc Neil is on call all night and will see JR around 6 am for another check.
Tomorrow there will be an assortment of tests, xrays and blood work to begin to figure out a cause for the liver enzymes and the fluid on the lung. They will use the test results to determine if the appropriate action is to drain the lung.
Tonight Michelle and Lucille are heading back to Pt Lavaca. My earlier post was incorrect, David was the one with the nausea in the middle of the night last night, not Wanda...sorry about that. Anyhow, Dave and Wanda are staying near Victoria at her mom's or brother's house, Ted was unclear. Michelle and Lucille will get back in time for the 6 am doctor visit tomorrow morning. Wanda's soon-to-be daughter in law, Tiffany, is a nurse in another area of Citizen's, so that's nice to have some family on the doctor and nurse side!
Ted will stay in Victoria at my parents house. Ted says JR's color has improved steadily throughout the day and he seems to be feeling a lot better. JR has a good nursing shift to help him through the night, they have him set up so that bodily functions are pretty simple to reduce the risk of falling.
The phone in the room is unplugged, JR just doesn't feel up to phone chats or visitors yet. If anyone wants to help, please continue offering prayers and good wishes for JR and his doctors. Ted, Wanda, David and Michelle all have their cell phones glued to their hips, so it's probably best to call one of them if you need to touch base. Here are their numbers, Ted-480.262.5219;
David-361.550.2735, Wanda-361.920.3093 and Michelle-210.347.7201
I'll update again as soon as I hear anything!
July 1, 2:00pm
I've had two text messages from Michelle. The first at 12:30 said that she had talked to JR and that the original pain on his left side was back but that his stomach was better. He was resting well at that point. Just now at 2:45 she tells me that he's in a lot of pain in that original site. No doctor has been seen yet, so I'm afraid no one knows much of anything.
I did talk to my dad an hour ago. He went by the hospital this morning but did not visit with JR. I was on my cell phone in a dicey coverage area, but I think he said that Wanda had similar nausea in the middle of the night last night. Lucille had some over the weekend too, so perhaps that part of the ailment could have been a bug. Just a guess on my part, hopefully the dr will be by soon and give us all something to go on.
Ted should be arriving in Victoria any minute. I hope to have some news by 5 and will update then if I do.
I did talk to my dad an hour ago. He went by the hospital this morning but did not visit with JR. I was on my cell phone in a dicey coverage area, but I think he said that Wanda had similar nausea in the middle of the night last night. Lucille had some over the weekend too, so perhaps that part of the ailment could have been a bug. Just a guess on my part, hopefully the dr will be by soon and give us all something to go on.
Ted should be arriving in Victoria any minute. I hope to have some news by 5 and will update then if I do.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
June 30, 2009
To update everyone, JR is at Citizen's hospital in Victoria Room 469. He will undergo two new tests on Wednesday to try to determine what is making him so ill.
His symptoms are continued extreme weakness, nausea & diarrhea, severe pain and stomach cramping. He was admitted to the hospital late this evening after arriving at the ER. I.V. narcotics gave him a little relief. Dr McNeill is the ER doc of record. He and the pulmonologist Dr. Robin Adams will review JR's case tomorrow. I'm told that JR had iv fluids this evening but that due to the amount of fluid already on his lungs, the doctors were not going to continue the iv until they can rule out any cardiac issues. Tests on his heart in Pt. Lavaca last week were all clear with no signs of any trouble. Citizen's Hospital will likely rerun all the tests JR had (cya I imagine or a way to get $$ from the insurance companies, but I digress) in Pt Lavaca.
Ted is flying into San Antonio first thing in the morning. David and Wanda had already planned to be off work Wednesday to take JR to his already scheduled pulmonology appointment, so they will be available at the hospital along with Ted and Michelle and Lucille to get any reports and help with any decisions. Lea Anne is in Dickinson tonight, she is having, I think minor, surgery tomorrow to replace the batteries in her pain management devise. The scary part for me this evening were reports from JR's brother that JR said he just didn't want to fight anymore.
So, my prayer Dear Lord, is for strength and healing for your servant JR. Give wisdom and divine guidance to the doctors and nurses who are caring for him. Give patience and calm to friends and family members who love JR dearly and are hoping and praying for his complete recovery.
I will update as I receive info from Victoria. My cell phone number is 480.262.3275.
His symptoms are continued extreme weakness, nausea & diarrhea, severe pain and stomach cramping. He was admitted to the hospital late this evening after arriving at the ER. I.V. narcotics gave him a little relief. Dr McNeill is the ER doc of record. He and the pulmonologist Dr. Robin Adams will review JR's case tomorrow. I'm told that JR had iv fluids this evening but that due to the amount of fluid already on his lungs, the doctors were not going to continue the iv until they can rule out any cardiac issues. Tests on his heart in Pt. Lavaca last week were all clear with no signs of any trouble. Citizen's Hospital will likely rerun all the tests JR had (cya I imagine or a way to get $$ from the insurance companies, but I digress) in Pt Lavaca.
Ted is flying into San Antonio first thing in the morning. David and Wanda had already planned to be off work Wednesday to take JR to his already scheduled pulmonology appointment, so they will be available at the hospital along with Ted and Michelle and Lucille to get any reports and help with any decisions. Lea Anne is in Dickinson tonight, she is having, I think minor, surgery tomorrow to replace the batteries in her pain management devise. The scary part for me this evening were reports from JR's brother that JR said he just didn't want to fight anymore.
So, my prayer Dear Lord, is for strength and healing for your servant JR. Give wisdom and divine guidance to the doctors and nurses who are caring for him. Give patience and calm to friends and family members who love JR dearly and are hoping and praying for his complete recovery.
I will update as I receive info from Victoria. My cell phone number is 480.262.3275.
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