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| How bad can it be? He's got his puzzle book and a shake! |
Robert was admitted to the hospital on Friday. There was some debate about putting him in ICU or a regular room and he was kept in the ER for several hours until they eventually settled on a regular room with Telemetry monitoring.
His diagnosis: pneumonia in the right lung and Sepsis.
They started him on antibiotics (two different kinds) but yesterday and today his fever has ranged from "normal" to over 100 degrees. That may not seem like much but for Robert with his diminished cognitive reserves, it takes a huge toll. His blood pressure is low anyway but since Friday it has fluctuated from low to holy-crap low.
Today, they took more blood to run culture tests and also took another chest x-ray. I've been at the hospital all weekend in order to talk to the doctor when he does rounds in the morning and also through the shift changes so the nurses are able to meet me and I can reiterate certain details about Robert: give him his meds on time and he won't have an increase in seizures, he has seizures but doesn't convulse during them, he enjoys his food so it may take a couple of hours to finish his tray.
The important stuff.
He certainly seems better but not out of the woods yet. I am comforted by the fact that he's in a regular room and, when he's not sleeping (which he has been a LOT), he's joking around and working on his word search puzzle.
I have so many things to write about this whole ordeal including a difference of opinion with Other Brother about how necessary it is to stay at the hospital all day long since nurses go to school for a reason as well as a few beefs with New Home (shocker!) but will save those for another day when I'm not quite so tired.
Thank you all for your support and well wishes and thoughts and prayers. I've told Robert that he has a lot of people praying for him and thinking of him and hoping he gets better.
His response: a simple "thank you."
More later . . .
10 comments:
So thankful he's on the mend Trish. I hope he continues to improve xx
Thanks, Louise! The docs are still trying to figure out if he has something else going on, too, but there are definite signs of improvement! I really appreciate you being in our corner. :-)
I'm relieved to know Robert is improving, Trish. He looks quite chipper in the photo--as if he's on a cruise!
I tried leaving a message before but had difficulty signing in - will see if this goes better. In the meantime, I am thinking of you and Robert. The sepsis does sound very scary. How hard to have to trust hospital staff to take care of him.
How are YOU doing? Be sure to take care of you, too.
Judy Stone-Goldman
The Reflective Writer
http://www.thereflectivewriter.com
Personal-Professional Balance Through Writing
Goodness, you guys have been through a lot this year. As Judy asked, how are You holding up? I know how exhausting it can be keeping watch at the hospital. I just saw your FB status & had to laugh! Drs are just people & you have every right to question their treatment.
Hugs to you & Robert. Atti says his paws are in prayer...
Heidi & Atticus
Love and miss you all bunches. Hope Rob is doing better. Tell him my love and prayers are with him. I will be praying hard for fast heeling and with lots of love. Stay strong for him. Love you all. Hugs.
Your cuz
Chris Wright
As you know, Trish, I know something about all this. Last August I came so close to losing Jon. I don't think I have ever been so frightened and so vulnerable. My love and all my positive energy is with you, Robert, and all those who love you both.
bill austin howe
Bill, Thank you for all of your positive energy! Robert and I both were appreciative of the support from my online community and I know you know what it's like sitting by a hospital bed. Hugs to you, John & your pups. :-)
Chris, I talked to Robert about you and told him you were sending support and love. He said he remembered you (his long term memory is great; short term, not so much). :-) I'm so happy we've reconnected - life's too short not to! Hugs to you and your family.
Heidi, I was never intimidated by lawyers (which is a running joke between my former managing partner and I) and I guess I just don't have the "deferential to doctors" gene. :-) My next post will be about advocacy for your loved one and one of the tips will be don't be afraid to question the doctor! After all, we know our loved one better than anyone. We know what baseline is and when something is "off." Love the pics you post of your pup - so adorable; so much energy!
Judy, How sweet of you to think of me too! I'm doing much better now that Robert's out of the hospital and I've gotten some rest. Doctors make rounds at such unpredictable hours, it was necessary for someone to be at the hospital most of the time. It's hard to "relax" in that setting! Robert is doing better but still has that extra dose of sleepiness so we'll be following up with neuro. Hope you are well!
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