Monday June 22. At 10 AM.
Hi, everyone! Sorry I haven't blogged for a couple of days, but the wait is worth it. Today, Pat is being discharged. To home. No rehab or physical therapy or anything else. Home. Pat is in good spirits and very little discomfort.
Pat has been wearing street clothes for a couple of days so now all the docs think she is boring. Still have one stupid drain, but there is a much better chance of getting rid of this one later.
We'll send an update when we are home!
Greg
Monday, June 22, 2015
Friday, June 19, 2015
June 19,Friday
Hi, followers! Pat continues to improve. Today one of the drains has come out, and, although there is one more drain left, it looks like the output is going down and it will probably come home with us but I think it will come out soon. The IV meds have stopped. The docs are keeping an IV in but Pat doesn't have to drag an IV pole around all the time. Pat is in great spirits because it looks like we are on track to come home early next week. She is eating well and her discomfort is minimal. This is all good. Vi gets to stay with Pat all night, and Suanne is coming for a visit.
More soon!
Hi, followers! Pat continues to improve. Today one of the drains has come out, and, although there is one more drain left, it looks like the output is going down and it will probably come home with us but I think it will come out soon. The IV meds have stopped. The docs are keeping an IV in but Pat doesn't have to drag an IV pole around all the time. Pat is in great spirits because it looks like we are on track to come home early next week. She is eating well and her discomfort is minimal. This is all good. Vi gets to stay with Pat all night, and Suanne is coming for a visit.
More soon!
Thursday, June 18, 2015
Thursday, June 18, 9 PM
Hi, followers! Pat is doing very well. Walking around the unit, ordering food (her diet has been advanced), getting rid of more of her (initially about 6) IV lines, and just doing better. She is in good spirits and ready to come home. I know Pat is better when she starts to make long-term plans.
I'd talk about the weather (hot, thunderstorms, hot) but we spend most of our time indoors. And I guess I'm doing better when I can talk about the weather.
Our plans are to come home next week (Monday 6/22 or very shortly thereafter). Pat's goal is to get back into circulation as soon as possible!
Greg
Hi, followers! Pat is doing very well. Walking around the unit, ordering food (her diet has been advanced), getting rid of more of her (initially about 6) IV lines, and just doing better. She is in good spirits and ready to come home. I know Pat is better when she starts to make long-term plans.
I'd talk about the weather (hot, thunderstorms, hot) but we spend most of our time indoors. And I guess I'm doing better when I can talk about the weather.
Our plans are to come home next week (Monday 6/22 or very shortly thereafter). Pat's goal is to get back into circulation as soon as possible!
Greg
Wednesday, June 17, 2015
June 17 12:45 PM
Pat and I are together in her room in the ICU, but the plan is to go to the regular floor today. Pat was advanced to clear liquids, so we did one of our favorite things: watch a Big Bang Theory while we have lunch together. It was fun; it always is.
Pat went three times around the ICU today and was really moving. Things continue to move in the right direction. We did a lot of nice things - a back rub, brushed her hair, watched some TV together, just like regular stuff.
Still some IVs and a couple of drains in, but overall less stuff to drag around.
Pat is really looking forward to coming home, and it looks like it will be early next week.
A short message because it's a pretty uneventful day. Just the way we like it!
Greg & Pat
Pat and I are together in her room in the ICU, but the plan is to go to the regular floor today. Pat was advanced to clear liquids, so we did one of our favorite things: watch a Big Bang Theory while we have lunch together. It was fun; it always is.
Pat went three times around the ICU today and was really moving. Things continue to move in the right direction. We did a lot of nice things - a back rub, brushed her hair, watched some TV together, just like regular stuff.
Still some IVs and a couple of drains in, but overall less stuff to drag around.
Pat is really looking forward to coming home, and it looks like it will be early next week.
A short message because it's a pretty uneventful day. Just the way we like it!
Greg & Pat
Tuesday, June 16, 2015
June 16 6:15 PM
I with Pat and she just got done with a walk down the hall and was ready for more. The docs were in a little earlier and she's doing so well they are taking out more of her line and she will probably go back to the regular floor tomorrow. Just ice chips for now, though.
_____________________________________
Pat sez: "Hi and thanks for all your prayers and thoughts. I did it right this time. I'm grateful to the nurses and doctors here at the NIH and I'm getting excellent care. Hi to my boys and Valerie and my grandgirls and thanks to Valerie for keeping up the facebook page.
Sara - prepare for the biggest night of giving ever!
Stephanie - well, a Lily is a lovely flower to have in the family garden (and hi to Charlie and Tom from me)
Marcia - your message came through loud and clear, and thank you. (Marcia, mail gets through to the hotel where I stay faster than it gets to the NIH. The address is 7740 Wisconsin Ave but I can't remember the zip right now. It is on one the earlier posts and I'll put it in the next post. We may not be here that long! - Greg)
Renia - Your note made me smile to tell us about mom's roses! Mom will love to hear about this when she comes in.
Ria - thanks so much. I hope you're feeling better and in my mind I'm sitting in the garden with you right now!
I love you all so much!"
________________________
Pat loves your messages and we read every one. More tomorrow!
Greg
I with Pat and she just got done with a walk down the hall and was ready for more. The docs were in a little earlier and she's doing so well they are taking out more of her line and she will probably go back to the regular floor tomorrow. Just ice chips for now, though.
_____________________________________
Pat sez: "Hi and thanks for all your prayers and thoughts. I did it right this time. I'm grateful to the nurses and doctors here at the NIH and I'm getting excellent care. Hi to my boys and Valerie and my grandgirls and thanks to Valerie for keeping up the facebook page.
Sara - prepare for the biggest night of giving ever!
Stephanie - well, a Lily is a lovely flower to have in the family garden (and hi to Charlie and Tom from me)
Marcia - your message came through loud and clear, and thank you. (Marcia, mail gets through to the hotel where I stay faster than it gets to the NIH. The address is 7740 Wisconsin Ave but I can't remember the zip right now. It is on one the earlier posts and I'll put it in the next post. We may not be here that long! - Greg)
Renia - Your note made me smile to tell us about mom's roses! Mom will love to hear about this when she comes in.
Ria - thanks so much. I hope you're feeling better and in my mind I'm sitting in the garden with you right now!
I love you all so much!"
________________________
Pat loves your messages and we read every one. More tomorrow!
Greg
June 16 at 1:15 PM
I'm in Pat's room right now. She is still in the ICU, and being closely watched, but she is doing very, very well. She is up in the chair right now but taking a short nap. She is chatty with the nurses and even talked to our boys this morning. Numbers are good, she is fairly comfortable, and is doing her incentives spirometer very well (that's the inhalation thingie where you see how good you can inhale). Nothing by mouth yet but a few ice chips, but because of the kind of surgery she had it may be another day or so before she gets anything. The ICU staff let her mom stay in the room with her last night and that made Pat very happy. The nurses are really nice and doing a good job with her care. Last time we were here, we reached this point in her recovery almost two weeks post op.
Thanks for the notes from everyone. Sara, the biggest thing for Pat was not missing Night of Giving. She was a absolutely set on that. I'm pretty sure she'll make it just fine.
So, so far, so good. I'll add another note tonight for everyone, and when Pat wakes up I'll read all your comments to her. We're well set for 'stuff' that we need here.
Greg
I'm in Pat's room right now. She is still in the ICU, and being closely watched, but she is doing very, very well. She is up in the chair right now but taking a short nap. She is chatty with the nurses and even talked to our boys this morning. Numbers are good, she is fairly comfortable, and is doing her incentives spirometer very well (that's the inhalation thingie where you see how good you can inhale). Nothing by mouth yet but a few ice chips, but because of the kind of surgery she had it may be another day or so before she gets anything. The ICU staff let her mom stay in the room with her last night and that made Pat very happy. The nurses are really nice and doing a good job with her care. Last time we were here, we reached this point in her recovery almost two weeks post op.
Thanks for the notes from everyone. Sara, the biggest thing for Pat was not missing Night of Giving. She was a absolutely set on that. I'm pretty sure she'll make it just fine.
So, so far, so good. I'll add another note tonight for everyone, and when Pat wakes up I'll read all your comments to her. We're well set for 'stuff' that we need here.
Greg
Monday, June 15, 2015
June 15 at 9:30 PM
To Pat's followers. This is a very late blog because it was a very late surgery. It was started about 8 am (the prep and things) with the surgery itself starting at 9 am and ending about 9 pm. Vi and I spent a long time in the waiting room alone, but the OR staff called us at regular intervals for updates. We haven't seen her yet, as at this time she is being 'woken up' from surgery and will be coming back to her room in ICU in a little while and we'll see her then.
Vi plans on spending the night in Pat's room. She has a very nice nurse who gave Pat and I an 'intro' to the ICU. It was nice but the place still gives me the willies from last time. Ugh. The Surgeon talked to us afterwards. It was a long surgery because they were very meticulous, but Pat did well and there was very little blood loss, comparatively, for a surgery this long and involved, and that is GOOD. Pat just had the drain in for so long and all the inflammation in the area made things trick for the surgeon.
I miss my Patricia and can't wait to see her. I'll do a follow up blog in the morning tomorrow.
Greg
To Pat's followers. This is a very late blog because it was a very late surgery. It was started about 8 am (the prep and things) with the surgery itself starting at 9 am and ending about 9 pm. Vi and I spent a long time in the waiting room alone, but the OR staff called us at regular intervals for updates. We haven't seen her yet, as at this time she is being 'woken up' from surgery and will be coming back to her room in ICU in a little while and we'll see her then.
Vi plans on spending the night in Pat's room. She has a very nice nurse who gave Pat and I an 'intro' to the ICU. It was nice but the place still gives me the willies from last time. Ugh. The Surgeon talked to us afterwards. It was a long surgery because they were very meticulous, but Pat did well and there was very little blood loss, comparatively, for a surgery this long and involved, and that is GOOD. Pat just had the drain in for so long and all the inflammation in the area made things trick for the surgeon.
I miss my Patricia and can't wait to see her. I'll do a follow up blog in the morning tomorrow.
Greg
Sunday, June 14, 2015
June 14, 10:30 PM
Thanks for your comments everyone (even 'unknown'). Pat remains in good spirits the night before surgery. She has been doing her breathing exercises and walking around the unit and following instructions (how often have you heard me say that?).
We took some time this afternoon and marked 'HANDLE WITH CARE' on Pat's tummy, using a purple surgical skin marker and stencils. We want the surgeons to know we mean business! We feel everything is about as ready as it can be.
Both boys called with good wishes and Pat got a serenade from the grandgirls. We're also sending congratulations to our nephew Travis who graduates with an MBA in California. Cool!
And thanks to Brian at home and everyone in the neighborhood taking care of the house.
So, more soon!
Greg & Pat
Thanks for your comments everyone (even 'unknown'). Pat remains in good spirits the night before surgery. She has been doing her breathing exercises and walking around the unit and following instructions (how often have you heard me say that?).
We took some time this afternoon and marked 'HANDLE WITH CARE' on Pat's tummy, using a purple surgical skin marker and stencils. We want the surgeons to know we mean business! We feel everything is about as ready as it can be.
Both boys called with good wishes and Pat got a serenade from the grandgirls. We're also sending congratulations to our nephew Travis who graduates with an MBA in California. Cool!
And thanks to Brian at home and everyone in the neighborhood taking care of the house.
So, more soon!
Greg & Pat
Saturday, June 13, 2015
June 13, Saturday
Okay, here we go. Pat & Co. had a nice long talk with the doctors from the endocrine surgery team, including the surgeons who did her surgery almost 2 years ago. They went over the procedure in a fair bit of detail. They're mostly happy with her lab results, and as of now, the plan is to for it. Surgery will be Monday, June 15. I probably won't be able to give any detailed updates until late in the day, but I'll try. For those of you following on facebook, Valerie may have updates.
Saturday and Sunday are boring days here at the hospital (Pat is remaining an inpatient) and most stuff on the NIH campus is closed, but Pat and I took a walk outside and up to the patient library. Once out, Pat wanted to go everywhere, so we walked around the gardens at the Safra Lodge, which are very pretty. It's a nice place for families to get away from the Clinical Center for a bit, though the weather here has been a bit on the warm side (in the 90s).
So, we are gearing up for the OR. It will take most of the day, they think, but are hopeful that Pat will be ready for discharge in a week (Pat would like to get right off the table and into the car, if she could). It would be fantastic if she was ready to come home in a week. We'll see.
The nurses at the Clinical Center have been quite nice and very helpful, doing the best they can to keep up with changing doctor's orders. There's a lot to keep track of. The rooms look like hospital rooms just about anywhere in the US.
Thanks to Ria for her reply and update, and enjoy the garden! And thanks to everyone following the blog; it's nice to know you're out there.
Okay, here we go. Pat & Co. had a nice long talk with the doctors from the endocrine surgery team, including the surgeons who did her surgery almost 2 years ago. They went over the procedure in a fair bit of detail. They're mostly happy with her lab results, and as of now, the plan is to for it. Surgery will be Monday, June 15. I probably won't be able to give any detailed updates until late in the day, but I'll try. For those of you following on facebook, Valerie may have updates.
Saturday and Sunday are boring days here at the hospital (Pat is remaining an inpatient) and most stuff on the NIH campus is closed, but Pat and I took a walk outside and up to the patient library. Once out, Pat wanted to go everywhere, so we walked around the gardens at the Safra Lodge, which are very pretty. It's a nice place for families to get away from the Clinical Center for a bit, though the weather here has been a bit on the warm side (in the 90s).
So, we are gearing up for the OR. It will take most of the day, they think, but are hopeful that Pat will be ready for discharge in a week (Pat would like to get right off the table and into the car, if she could). It would be fantastic if she was ready to come home in a week. We'll see.
The nurses at the Clinical Center have been quite nice and very helpful, doing the best they can to keep up with changing doctor's orders. There's a lot to keep track of. The rooms look like hospital rooms just about anywhere in the US.
Thanks to Ria for her reply and update, and enjoy the garden! And thanks to everyone following the blog; it's nice to know you're out there.
Friday, June 12, 2015
June 12, 2015 at 2 pm
I'm in Pat's room and she's between 'stuff.'
The cardiologists came by and told Pat she does indeed have a heart. Pat's favorite person today was a phlebotomist who got the poke right away with very little discomfort.
Basically, we're hoping for a quiet weekend. We're hoping you have one also, though we know some of our friends will be working).
Greg & Pat
I'm in Pat's room and she's between 'stuff.'
The cardiologists came by and told Pat she does indeed have a heart. Pat's favorite person today was a phlebotomist who got the poke right away with very little discomfort.
Basically, we're hoping for a quiet weekend. We're hoping you have one also, though we know some of our friends will be working).
Greg & Pat
Thursday, June 11, 2015
June 11 2015 9:45 pm
Pat has had quite a busy day. Several doctor visits, an MRI, discussions with social work ( - don't worry, she's not in trouble - as far as I know - yet - ), telemetry, and occasional food. She is taking it all in stride, with a smile, even the MRI and the paper gown she had to wear. The decision of whether or not to do surgery is still in process. But, some of the 8,168,402 tests they did today look better.
Today brought a classic, typical of all hospitals, I think. The 'doctor pod' came by in the morning and said they wanted Pat to get as much protein as possible. But at the same time she was made NPO for her MRI, would miss lunch, and dinner would be late. So much for pushing proteins. At home, I'd make her a hamburger just the way she likes them.
So far, no deer. Two years ago I got a call from the desk clerk at the Lodge. He said I'd left the side door open on the van, and, as it was dusk, deer would likely get inside to eat anything they could find (fortunately, there wasn't much edible!).
Thanks for your comments, because Pat loves them.
More tomorrow!
Greg
Pat has had quite a busy day. Several doctor visits, an MRI, discussions with social work ( - don't worry, she's not in trouble - as far as I know - yet - ), telemetry, and occasional food. She is taking it all in stride, with a smile, even the MRI and the paper gown she had to wear. The decision of whether or not to do surgery is still in process. But, some of the 8,168,402 tests they did today look better.
Today brought a classic, typical of all hospitals, I think. The 'doctor pod' came by in the morning and said they wanted Pat to get as much protein as possible. But at the same time she was made NPO for her MRI, would miss lunch, and dinner would be late. So much for pushing proteins. At home, I'd make her a hamburger just the way she likes them.
So far, no deer. Two years ago I got a call from the desk clerk at the Lodge. He said I'd left the side door open on the van, and, as it was dusk, deer would likely get inside to eat anything they could find (fortunately, there wasn't much edible!).
Thanks for your comments, because Pat loves them.
More tomorrow!
Greg
Wednesday, June 10, 2015
June 10, 9:30 PM
Pat is now inpatient, so they are drawing blood, and doing tests, and asking, oh, perhaps 10^6 questions. There is as yet uncertainty about surgery, but lots of doctors have been in to visit. One was a 6 foot 8in Belgian, and Pat just had to look aghast and exclaim - "A Belgian, talking to a Dutch person?"
Pat was filling out her medical questionnaire, and answering questions as only Pat can. Some examples:
Any mental status changes? "No. That's my story and I'm sticking to it."
Any patient devices? "My stupid drain."
Do you have any dietary restrictions? "Fat, sugar, and anything tasty."
When asked if she smoked, she checked 'former and current smoker' (Pat has never touched a cigarette in her life). She mis-read the question.
Question: Does anything interfere with your learning? Ans: 'Low blood sugar.' (When Pat read this one to me, I almost keeled over.)
So, boring news for today. Pat did want me to thank Kris and Shirley for the books. She and Vi have brought some along, read some, and all books will be donated into the patient / family library at the NIH (patients and families of patient can take these books and return them at will, and the donations are much appreciated, so thanks!)
More soon, and thanks for following!
Greg
Pat is now inpatient, so they are drawing blood, and doing tests, and asking, oh, perhaps 10^6 questions. There is as yet uncertainty about surgery, but lots of doctors have been in to visit. One was a 6 foot 8in Belgian, and Pat just had to look aghast and exclaim - "A Belgian, talking to a Dutch person?"
Pat was filling out her medical questionnaire, and answering questions as only Pat can. Some examples:
Any mental status changes? "No. That's my story and I'm sticking to it."
Any patient devices? "My stupid drain."
Do you have any dietary restrictions? "Fat, sugar, and anything tasty."
When asked if she smoked, she checked 'former and current smoker' (Pat has never touched a cigarette in her life). She mis-read the question.
Question: Does anything interfere with your learning? Ans: 'Low blood sugar.' (When Pat read this one to me, I almost keeled over.)
So, boring news for today. Pat did want me to thank Kris and Shirley for the books. She and Vi have brought some along, read some, and all books will be donated into the patient / family library at the NIH (patients and families of patient can take these books and return them at will, and the donations are much appreciated, so thanks!)
More soon, and thanks for following!
Greg
June 10 2015
Hi to all!
Pat and I arrived safely at the Hotel late last night. Pat's mom came with us, which was great because it is a long ride and it made the trip a lot easier (I really mean that). We made smores and sang campfire songs ...
Well, we made it all in one day, anyway. The trip would have been far more enjoyable if God had simply taken the entire state of Pennsylvania and moved it out of the way. There is no bit of level ground except at the top and bottom of curves. Brian is managing the fort at home.
Pat will be going into the Clinical Center today to check in, have blood drawn, have doctors do mysterious things, and make plans.
Thanks to everyone following us. Pat's mom will have a room in the Safra Lodge which is really nice because it is right on the NIH campus just a short walk from the clinical center and is really a nice place for her to stay.
I will be at the Bethesda Court Hotel (also a nice place to stay) Room 333
7740 Wisconsin Ave
Bethesda MD 20815
(Steph - things will probably arrive here sooner than they will navigate the NIH campus mail system).
Ever since Pat and I met (40 years ago) she has had long hair, but for this visit she got it cut quite short. She's still cute, and if I can get the blog to upload a picture I'll post it here.
Thanks to everyone for your thoughts, prayers, and (((hugs)))! Every message gets read to Pat verbatim and she really loves getting them.
More soon!
Greg
Hi to all!
Pat and I arrived safely at the Hotel late last night. Pat's mom came with us, which was great because it is a long ride and it made the trip a lot easier (I really mean that). We made smores and sang campfire songs ...
Well, we made it all in one day, anyway. The trip would have been far more enjoyable if God had simply taken the entire state of Pennsylvania and moved it out of the way. There is no bit of level ground except at the top and bottom of curves. Brian is managing the fort at home.
Pat will be going into the Clinical Center today to check in, have blood drawn, have doctors do mysterious things, and make plans.
Thanks to everyone following us. Pat's mom will have a room in the Safra Lodge which is really nice because it is right on the NIH campus just a short walk from the clinical center and is really a nice place for her to stay.
I will be at the Bethesda Court Hotel (also a nice place to stay) Room 333
7740 Wisconsin Ave
Bethesda MD 20815
(Steph - things will probably arrive here sooner than they will navigate the NIH campus mail system).
Ever since Pat and I met (40 years ago) she has had long hair, but for this visit she got it cut quite short. She's still cute, and if I can get the blog to upload a picture I'll post it here.
Thanks to everyone for your thoughts, prayers, and (((hugs)))! Every message gets read to Pat verbatim and she really loves getting them.
More soon!
Greg
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