 |
| In the ambulance on the way to the hospital. |
Doug fell asleep right after getting the hospital room, but it did not last long. He slept about an hour and then woke up coughing and kept coughing until almost 5:00 this morning. An another angel came into our room at about 4:30. It was Dr. Ruiz, who is the head of the clinic and has designed the Mexican method for HSCT. He reviewed all the records, ordered another respiratory treatment and then ordered more medications. He told Doug not to worry, there is no infection and that they were going get the cough under control. He would be fine. He left, then Doug recieved a respiratory treatment and some other IV medications. We finally fell asleep and were able to sleep for a couple of hours, before the staff were back in to take vitals, change medications, order breakfast, change sheets, take more vitals....It was a busy morning, but the good news is that the cough was reduced.
 |
| Doug finally resting in the hospital. |
Marianne, our patient advocate who had taken care of our admission to the hospital for us showed up with Dr. Priesca at about 9:00 to check on us. Dr. Priesca looked Doug over, review the records and talked to Dr. Ruiz. They decided they really wanted Doug to come back to the apartment, because he was better and responding. The hospital is not a good place to be when you have a very low immune system. We learned that Doug's neutrophil, white blood cell count from last night was 200. Normal is 4,000 to 12,000. He had been at 5,600 on Monday, 1,900 on Wednesday, and yesterday, Thursday he was 200. This low of a count probably accounts for a lot of his weakness, brain fog, and sleepiness. But not all of it. Dr. Ruiz now believes that Doug may have been having an MS flare. Part of the treatment he has been given are IV steroids. I never thought about the coughing being an MS flair, but it makes some sense since there are no other signs of infection.
I was still really nervous to take Doug home. To change his sheets and move him in the bed, it took 4 people. To get him in and out of the bed it took two strong men. How am I going to care for him? However,I am also nervous having so many people in and out of the room and the risk for contamination. Bringing him to the hospital last night was a big risk with so many people involved with his treatment no matter how careful they are. Dr. Priesca reminded, breathing was the most important thing we needed to attend to last night.
 |
| Doug receiving a respitory treatment. |
Doug was much more with-it by noon. He could help me in dressing him. He was able to stand long enough to pivot into the wheelchair. Dr. Priesca knew I was still nervous. He told me to call him immediately if I need him or have any worries. Our driver said to call if anything happens and I need help. Tomorrow they want us to come to the clinic for more steroids and evaluation.
Dr. Priesca and Marianne walked us out to meet the van. Dr. Priesca wanted to take a picture of Doug and send it to Dr. Ruiz. Dr. Ruiz wanted to see for himself how Doug was looking. And then the orderly and Angel loaded Doug into the van and we returned to the apartment.
Angel our driver, and our building security got Doug out of the van and Angel pushed him up to the apartment and got him settled on the couch. I was carrying all the things I had taken with us from the night before, with some additional items they had given us at the hospital. The good news is that Doug is talking again, aware of what is happening and able to pivot into the chair.
I immediately got to work disinfecting the apartment. I had forgotten to leave the key in the midst of our crisis, for our housekeeper. After cleaning everything, floors, bathroom, handles, and washing sheets and clothes, I made us a light lunch. Doug was still doing pretty well but we were both really tired. It was time a nap. We have been pretty much sleepless for a couple of nights.
Tonight, Doug is coughing more, but not falling asleep. He is watching some TV and interactive. I think we will be okay, tonight, I hope.
Last thoughts, well there are a lot of them. First thanks to all the people who have sent prayers and well wishes today. Both Doug and I are supported by the kindness of so many! Our fellow patient Suzie offered her caregiver to come and help us. We may still take her up on it. We will see how today goes. And, I am amazed how well we have been taken care of here in Puebla. There are difficulties with being with nurses who only speak Spanish and we only speak English with just a tiny amount of Spanish. But it worked. IBeing here, will always be memberable experience. Having Dr. Priesca and Marianne with us for so much of the time made all the difference. Truly, these people are remarkable. Dr Priesca says, no thank you is necessary we are here to take care of you.
My friend Cory said today, two steps forward, one step back. Okay we are ready to move forward again!
Holy, most gracious God, thank you for all the angels that have surrounded us in these past 24 hours.
Thank you for the care of our doctors and medical staff. Be with us now as we move forward, seeking healing and new life. We pray that Doug's body will continue to heal as will the bodies of all those who are seeking healing along with us here in Puebla. Grant us the grace to accept the help we are given and see you in those around us. Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment