Sorry that there has been a gap in updates, sometimes we need to just get away from it all. However, we do realize that so many of you rely on the updates to keep you informed as to status, so we will try to stay on track in the future.
The last two days have been very good relative to blood pressure control. With a tweak here and there, they have kept her BP within acceptable ranges. Her meds list looks like a copy of War & Peace, but, whatever it takes! There was a 3:00 AM issue as her heart rate began to fluctuate. A quick EKG was done (yes at 3:00 am - no one sleeps here - especially the patients) and a new med was added bringing things back under control. A magnesium deficiency is the suspected culprit. Do you believe all the "stuff" that is in our body? This has been a quite a learning experience for all of the Deffs.
There were no plasma or dialysis treatments on Saturday. She did have an apheresis treatment this morning. Her platelet levels have been very good, so there is talk of slowly weening her off the apheresis, starting with every other day. The goal for dialysis is three times a week. Won't it be great when these are as an out-patient!
Life in the MICU can be very tough to watch. Alyssa has seen things in the rooms around her that have been very difficult to watch. Three different people died within the last 12 hours in the room next to her (she said that if she ever comes back here, that she sure doesn't want it to be in that room).
Watching how families deal with illness and death has been very interesting to observe. It runs the gamut from emotional screaming to gentle sobbing to even threatening the nurses. The ability to multi-task has always been a key element to being a great nurse, we just never realized that it included dealing with all the baggage that the family members bring into the room. They need to be nurses, psychiatrists, cops, social workers and more. A tough job for sure!
Speaking of great nurses, Elise is back tonight after a well deserved day off. It's 11:00 PM now and she's washing and braiding Alyssa's hair. We were also included in their pizza dinner tonight. What a great change from eating hospital food! Again, service above and beyond! Lys's smile is bigger than ever tonight!
Tomorrow we'll update on some test updates and the narrowing of what caused all of this.
dd
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
I know my mom and I can relate on this posting thats for sure. Its so hard not to get attached and the families.
ReplyDeleteI am so happy to about Elyse- I believe I remember her. Glad she has her "own" cheerleader. Hang in there Alyssa and so glad you are smiling and eating pizza! And also good news re: your platelets.
Dave we really appreciate the updates. I also updates my parents as they don't make it on the computer daily.
Alyssa- keep smiling! :)
Hi Alyssa! Glad your dad got to update the blog. We had some worried friends when no news was posted! It has to be tiring for all of you to keep going over all this but everyone appreciates it! I hear you have a nice room with a view!! Maybe I can come during lunch tomorrow and check it out! It's suppose to be warm tomorrow...what a nice thought! You'll be out of there to enjoy it for yourself soon! Have a good night. Love you! Aunt Sandy
ReplyDeleteHi Alyssa,
ReplyDeleteI know you don't me very well, but I'm your mom's cousin. Ever since I heard you were sick, I have been following the blog daily. Really appreciate your dad doing it. Heard you have been moved to a private room --- that is just great!! Keep up the good work!! Thoughts and prayers are always with you. I will write again soon ... tell your mom I said "hi!"
Diane Dupree