Hi,
Jeff again as the paid typist. Unfortunately, with my poor typing skills, I will never make any money at this....Again, I was handed a long hand note - told to TYPE IT UP BUB!
5/31/2017
Had trouble getting to sleep. Before bedtime, I had blood drawn and a new IV - Great way to end the day!
Earlier in the day, I tried multiple times to get a nurse to help me get on the "throne" (I.E. potty chair). I did manage to hop on to the chair, and hop off. Tried several times to get help. but I guess the nurses were busy with other patients. Even so, very annoying.
I was told at 7:00 this morning, that my procedure would be at 11:00. I was caught off guard when the transport team came at 8:00 and wheeled me to the procedure room. I was put into the CAT SCAN machine. After I was numbed, the doctor put a needle in the back of the knee. After the needle stick, I was given the bad news... the area behind my knee is inflamed and the liquid isn't - it is more gelatinous - Hair gel comes to mind. Procedure ends, unsucessfully.
So, I am back in my room - disappointed and frankly depressed. My nurse told me that I might have to go home and WAIT for the liquid to go somewhere else in my body. Seriously, THAT doesn't sound like much of an option to me. I've already been dealing with this for a month. Going home in the same condition as I was when I cam to the hospital simply does NOT feel like a reasonable solution.
Someone came in and suggested going to rehab - I declined. I told him that I saw NO reason to go there if my foot issue unresolved. Physical Therapy came by today. By using the therapist's foot under mine, I was able, for a short time to bear weight on my right foot. Rehab was again discussed. I agreed reluctantly to talk to Jeff about rehab, but I am VERY homesick and depressed.
(the hand written page stops)
Typists comments:
I spoke with Patti's doctor - and while I realize she is trying, does NOT have the best patient communications skills. About like trying to talk to a dog, (sometimes - cocks her head) is the only response. I specifically explained - now 10 days, and the condition is NO better at all. The doc did explain, that the real issue belongs to Orthopedics - so I specifically asked her to ramp up and keep the pressure on the Orthopedics team, to "think outside the box" - look for answers, because - "WAIT THIS TAKES TIME" - simply ISN'T GONNA CUT IT!!!! Basically there is little or no actual TREATMENT happening to actually TREAT this condition. TIME - well... HOW LONG DO WE WAIT DOC? (sometimes these things take MANY MONTHS she says)
Patti is extremely frustrated, and depressed. It certainly appears that NO PROGRESS has occurred and while they want to be conservitive, we need to be a bit more aggressive.
-J-
Wednesday, May 31, 2017
Tuesday, May 30, 2017
Remote Blog via Guest typist
5/30/17 7:18PM
Jeff here again - just returned from a visit with Patti at Hopkins.
She provided me with a hand written blog (WARNING LONG) - that I am supposed to post..... I am not the best typist, I do try to get the spelling errors to go away when using spell check. I will type this as close as I can to what she has written. - J-
Cuzilu here - remotely.
I am sure that Jeff has been doing a great job as guest blogger.
It is Friday and I am running out of food options! Nobody ever gives award to hospitals for the food they serve. I have my breakfast food down and now order the same thing every day. Frosty Flakes, peach slices, bread of some sort, and coffee. Lunch and dinner continue to be a crap shoot. The only thing that is positive! Who doesn't like chocolate brownies? Jeff simply doesn't crave chocolate, and frankly, I don't understand :-)
I had several groups of doctors visit me yesterday. Ortho, Neuro, Psychiatric nurse, and the "vampires" from the basement.
My body, actually my right leg, has been poked and prodded. I think I might be making progress. A test that is likely to happen tomorrow (typist insert - remember, this was written on Fri 5/26 - and this STILL has not happened - latest update is this is scheduled for tomorrow 5/31) an attempt to drain the fluid from my right calf. Will it make a difference to the pain in my calf and/or the numbness in my right foot? THIS is $64,000 question. (editor note - Two doctors have already been by to try and set expectations - that this **may** fail, due to the distinct possibility that the fluid is too thick to aspirate from her leg - THIS is causing MUCH anguish and fear for Patti)
My care if very good and the nurses take really good care of me. No reason to complain.
I miss not being home. I miss the "girls" and likely on some level they miss me too. I am supposed to have liquid removed from my leg, and I'm pretty sure that some amount of pain will be involved. My goal is to be able to walk out of the hospital. Today is Friday and I am supposed to have an ultra sound test today. I don't know what they will find during the test, but I am keeping my fingers crossed that the doctors find something/anything - I am truly that desperate...
I am trying very hared to imagine a time, hopefully in the near future, when I'll be able to actually walk again. Notice, I am not asking for something ridiculously out of reach, like becoming thinner overnight! :-)
When you can't get around, it the little things you miss: your bed, showering, clean hair and teeth, and a change of clothes.
It's a three day weekend, which means that Jeff will get to sleep in a bit instead of getting up at "o dark thirty", and he''ll be able to stay in bed until the girls wake up, which is normally 7:00 or so.
Saturday:
Yesterday, I had an ultra scan of my knee and leg. Results: Fluid on my knee and in my calf. Solution? On Tuesday, Yes, you read that right, my leg's fluid will be drained. It's too early to know whether I'll be "cured" after the procedure. (editors note - this DID NOT happen today - now, rescheduled for tomorrow). It's Saturday and there is a holiday vibe among the staffers. Requests for blankets or help to go to the bathroom are slow.
Sunday:
I was waken at 6:30AM so they could weigh me (huh?) First, I was fast asleep and when I became fully awake, I asked the $1000 question... WHY am I being weighed? Then they realized it was for a different patient. Next, they wanted me to use the "potty chair" Now, I know that when I use it, it makes less work for them, but for me, it more like torture. I know I only have to hop one time to get to the chair. I will say that my "dismount" is a perfect 10.
Tuesday: May 30th
I encouraged Jeff to stay home over the weekend. He really needs to take the time for himself. I was lonely, I'll admit that, but thankfully I found enough cheesy television to watch. The show "street outlaws" which is about men who basically race down the street. And, these are the men that spend thousands of dollars on their race cars, and they also bet big money on the outcome of the races. I am talking about bets that sometimes start at $1000. Notice that I said "START"! The show is addicting and I am not quite sure why I like it so much, but I do.
(editors note - the hand written note ends)
I hope my editing/typing skills are acceptable - difficult for me...
-J-
Jeff here again - just returned from a visit with Patti at Hopkins.
She provided me with a hand written blog (WARNING LONG) - that I am supposed to post..... I am not the best typist, I do try to get the spelling errors to go away when using spell check. I will type this as close as I can to what she has written. - J-
Cuzilu here - remotely.
I am sure that Jeff has been doing a great job as guest blogger.
It is Friday and I am running out of food options! Nobody ever gives award to hospitals for the food they serve. I have my breakfast food down and now order the same thing every day. Frosty Flakes, peach slices, bread of some sort, and coffee. Lunch and dinner continue to be a crap shoot. The only thing that is positive! Who doesn't like chocolate brownies? Jeff simply doesn't crave chocolate, and frankly, I don't understand :-)
I had several groups of doctors visit me yesterday. Ortho, Neuro, Psychiatric nurse, and the "vampires" from the basement.
My body, actually my right leg, has been poked and prodded. I think I might be making progress. A test that is likely to happen tomorrow (typist insert - remember, this was written on Fri 5/26 - and this STILL has not happened - latest update is this is scheduled for tomorrow 5/31) an attempt to drain the fluid from my right calf. Will it make a difference to the pain in my calf and/or the numbness in my right foot? THIS is $64,000 question. (editor note - Two doctors have already been by to try and set expectations - that this **may** fail, due to the distinct possibility that the fluid is too thick to aspirate from her leg - THIS is causing MUCH anguish and fear for Patti)
My care if very good and the nurses take really good care of me. No reason to complain.
I miss not being home. I miss the "girls" and likely on some level they miss me too. I am supposed to have liquid removed from my leg, and I'm pretty sure that some amount of pain will be involved. My goal is to be able to walk out of the hospital. Today is Friday and I am supposed to have an ultra sound test today. I don't know what they will find during the test, but I am keeping my fingers crossed that the doctors find something/anything - I am truly that desperate...
I am trying very hared to imagine a time, hopefully in the near future, when I'll be able to actually walk again. Notice, I am not asking for something ridiculously out of reach, like becoming thinner overnight! :-)
When you can't get around, it the little things you miss: your bed, showering, clean hair and teeth, and a change of clothes.
It's a three day weekend, which means that Jeff will get to sleep in a bit instead of getting up at "o dark thirty", and he''ll be able to stay in bed until the girls wake up, which is normally 7:00 or so.
Saturday:
Yesterday, I had an ultra scan of my knee and leg. Results: Fluid on my knee and in my calf. Solution? On Tuesday, Yes, you read that right, my leg's fluid will be drained. It's too early to know whether I'll be "cured" after the procedure. (editors note - this DID NOT happen today - now, rescheduled for tomorrow). It's Saturday and there is a holiday vibe among the staffers. Requests for blankets or help to go to the bathroom are slow.
Sunday:
I was waken at 6:30AM so they could weigh me (huh?) First, I was fast asleep and when I became fully awake, I asked the $1000 question... WHY am I being weighed? Then they realized it was for a different patient. Next, they wanted me to use the "potty chair" Now, I know that when I use it, it makes less work for them, but for me, it more like torture. I know I only have to hop one time to get to the chair. I will say that my "dismount" is a perfect 10.
Tuesday: May 30th
I encouraged Jeff to stay home over the weekend. He really needs to take the time for himself. I was lonely, I'll admit that, but thankfully I found enough cheesy television to watch. The show "street outlaws" which is about men who basically race down the street. And, these are the men that spend thousands of dollars on their race cars, and they also bet big money on the outcome of the races. I am talking about bets that sometimes start at $1000. Notice that I said "START"! The show is addicting and I am not quite sure why I like it so much, but I do.
(editors note - the hand written note ends)
I hope my editing/typing skills are acceptable - difficult for me...
-J-
Thursday, May 25, 2017
Continued GUEST blogger 5/25/17
Jeff here - continuing as the GUEST at the request of my lovely bride.
I spent a couple of hours at the hospital in Baltimore (Johns Hopkins) with Patti yesterday afternoon/evening. I did meet two of the docs - floor or "provider" docs.
For those of you that are not aware, Johns Hopkins is a teaching hospital, and as such, you get to meet new docs/nurses in training - under supervision of the resident and instructor.
Our primary care doctor, is a Professor in the School of Medicine - and of course, still has a few regular patients. She is simply a wonderful doc, and provider - while it is a bit of a hike to Baltimore for us, (about 50 miles) - the care has always been wonderful.
The current discussions have moved from rehab - now to home care... with Medicare providing some assistance with nursing, Physical Therapy, bathing, etc. They are even talking about providing a rental hospital bed for some period, since she really can't go up the stairs... and they don't really want her sitting in the recliner 24x7.
Patti was fretting - because during these discussions - the word DISCHARGE was tossed about, and I spoke to our primary care doc, that she did not seem READY - yet - and she explained that the discussions by some of the floor personal were premature - we are just PLANNING HERE...DON'T FRET..
Clearly, it does take some time to get authorizations, and make arrangements, so all these discussions are simply in the preliminary - what CAN we do, phase....in order to make reasonable and rational decisions. However, to this fellow, and Patti as well, it simply feels like the ol' "push 'em out" routine.
Current status - as of late yesterday afternoon, just before dinner, the knee is getting better, less swollen, less pain. The right calf/foot still bad. There is still a need to drain/absorb the fluid that has pooled from the ruptured cyst, and determine if there is a "impinged nerve" - Orthopedics, and even Neurology will probably be more involved. Apparently, the normal treatment for a Baker's cyst is elevate the affected leg, cold (ice) packs, rest, and time..followed by Physical Therapy.
The nursing staff has been great! Patti is still struggling and frustrated, because this is taking so long, and we are being told - THIS CONDITION TAKES TIME.... (so, HOW LONG is reasonable?) the unanswered question.
I kinda suspect, that Patti will be discharged tomorrow - or Fri - before the holiday weekend.
We will see....
-J-
I spent a couple of hours at the hospital in Baltimore (Johns Hopkins) with Patti yesterday afternoon/evening. I did meet two of the docs - floor or "provider" docs.
For those of you that are not aware, Johns Hopkins is a teaching hospital, and as such, you get to meet new docs/nurses in training - under supervision of the resident and instructor.
Our primary care doctor, is a Professor in the School of Medicine - and of course, still has a few regular patients. She is simply a wonderful doc, and provider - while it is a bit of a hike to Baltimore for us, (about 50 miles) - the care has always been wonderful.
The current discussions have moved from rehab - now to home care... with Medicare providing some assistance with nursing, Physical Therapy, bathing, etc. They are even talking about providing a rental hospital bed for some period, since she really can't go up the stairs... and they don't really want her sitting in the recliner 24x7.
Patti was fretting - because during these discussions - the word DISCHARGE was tossed about, and I spoke to our primary care doc, that she did not seem READY - yet - and she explained that the discussions by some of the floor personal were premature - we are just PLANNING HERE...DON'T FRET..
Clearly, it does take some time to get authorizations, and make arrangements, so all these discussions are simply in the preliminary - what CAN we do, phase....in order to make reasonable and rational decisions. However, to this fellow, and Patti as well, it simply feels like the ol' "push 'em out" routine.
Current status - as of late yesterday afternoon, just before dinner, the knee is getting better, less swollen, less pain. The right calf/foot still bad. There is still a need to drain/absorb the fluid that has pooled from the ruptured cyst, and determine if there is a "impinged nerve" - Orthopedics, and even Neurology will probably be more involved. Apparently, the normal treatment for a Baker's cyst is elevate the affected leg, cold (ice) packs, rest, and time..followed by Physical Therapy.
The nursing staff has been great! Patti is still struggling and frustrated, because this is taking so long, and we are being told - THIS CONDITION TAKES TIME.... (so, HOW LONG is reasonable?) the unanswered question.
I kinda suspect, that Patti will be discharged tomorrow - or Fri - before the holiday weekend.
We will see....
-J-
Wednesday, May 24, 2017
Still Guest blogger - 5/24/17
Hi,
Jeff here again - still as guest.
It has been officially determined that Patti's issue is GOUT of the KNEE. Gout you say - that is of course for the Rich and over-indulgent. Well, I promise you - Patti and I are neither of those.
Patti is still in alot of pain, and her right foot and leg are still extremely painful.
There was talk, of sending her to a rehabilitation facility instead of the hospital, since, the current word is wait for the fluid to drain or be absorbed and she will get better.
I questioned the Doc this morning - how long do we wait for - the "be patient - it takes time" diagnosis to make things better.
Additionally, Patti has what is called a Baker's cyst (so named by Dr. Baker that first documented this), which is a cyst that develops behind the knee. At some point, one of the dogs, jumped up on the bed, and landed on Patti's leg. She heard and felt a "POP" - and apparently this was the cyst rupturing. Now, all the fluid in that cyst, has gone down into her calf and foot. And, this is causing additional issues. We are told, that we have to wait for this fluid to be re-absorbed within the tissue.
Meanwhile, Patti is unable to put any weight or pressure on her right leg/foot without excruciating pain. Sitting, and being totally inactive does nothing to help make it better... ahh, the ol' Catch-22.
I am hopeful that we can get some better resolution other than - wait... wait... wait... (so how long is reasonable? - this already has been a couple of weeks)
Patti is becoming increasingly frustrated and depressed, and we KNOW that is not a good thing.
I will head to Hopkins again this afternoon - we will see what I learn.
-J-
Jeff here again - still as guest.
It has been officially determined that Patti's issue is GOUT of the KNEE. Gout you say - that is of course for the Rich and over-indulgent. Well, I promise you - Patti and I are neither of those.
Patti is still in alot of pain, and her right foot and leg are still extremely painful.
There was talk, of sending her to a rehabilitation facility instead of the hospital, since, the current word is wait for the fluid to drain or be absorbed and she will get better.
I questioned the Doc this morning - how long do we wait for - the "be patient - it takes time" diagnosis to make things better.
Additionally, Patti has what is called a Baker's cyst (so named by Dr. Baker that first documented this), which is a cyst that develops behind the knee. At some point, one of the dogs, jumped up on the bed, and landed on Patti's leg. She heard and felt a "POP" - and apparently this was the cyst rupturing. Now, all the fluid in that cyst, has gone down into her calf and foot. And, this is causing additional issues. We are told, that we have to wait for this fluid to be re-absorbed within the tissue.
Meanwhile, Patti is unable to put any weight or pressure on her right leg/foot without excruciating pain. Sitting, and being totally inactive does nothing to help make it better... ahh, the ol' Catch-22.
I am hopeful that we can get some better resolution other than - wait... wait... wait... (so how long is reasonable? - this already has been a couple of weeks)
Patti is becoming increasingly frustrated and depressed, and we KNOW that is not a good thing.
I will head to Hopkins again this afternoon - we will see what I learn.
-J-
Monday, May 22, 2017
Guest Blog today 5/22/17 - Patti update
Hi,
Jeff here - as the GUEST blogger today.
Patti is currently in Johns Hopkins Hospital - with a horrible right knee and leg. She is unable to walk or put any weight on her right leg.
On Friday, after much drama, only a small part documented here due to the level involved, Patti was seen in a followup to the Wed visit at the local orthopedist. His comment was - hmmm, your knee seems better - (not as far as Patti was concerned) -
When asked about the pain, possible nerve inflammation due to the Baker's Cyst, he simply said, you will need to see someone else - Neurosurgeon or Neurologist for nerves. The lab results were not complete, and the preliminary results showed some concerns, and additional blood work was ordered.
To add insult to injury, it appeared that because she was a Medicare patient, her chart was
On Sat morning, the decision was to head to Hopkins for pain control, and a better diagnosis.
So, we checked in at 4:00P on Sat afternoon. When I went to visit yesterday, she had already several tests, including more fluid from her knee, x-rays, a CT scan and IV antibiotics. She still in a lot of pain, and unable to stand or walk. Already this morning (Monday Morning) the official diagnosis is Gout of the knee and foot.
It is not yet clear what the treatment will be. We are awaiting input from the Orthopedic team for the next set of treatments. but at least - at Hopkins, our doctor is managing this, and we will get proper diagnosis and treatment - they very seldom use the "I don't know" at Johns Hopkins.
I assume that since we now have an actual diagnosis, Hopkins will develop a treatment plan, and we can put this incident behind us... whew.
That is all that is fit to print for today.
-J-
Jeff here - as the GUEST blogger today.
Patti is currently in Johns Hopkins Hospital - with a horrible right knee and leg. She is unable to walk or put any weight on her right leg.
On Friday, after much drama, only a small part documented here due to the level involved, Patti was seen in a followup to the Wed visit at the local orthopedist. His comment was - hmmm, your knee seems better - (not as far as Patti was concerned) -
When asked about the pain, possible nerve inflammation due to the Baker's Cyst, he simply said, you will need to see someone else - Neurosurgeon or Neurologist for nerves. The lab results were not complete, and the preliminary results showed some concerns, and additional blood work was ordered.
To add insult to injury, it appeared that because she was a Medicare patient, her chart was
On Sat morning, the decision was to head to Hopkins for pain control, and a better diagnosis.
So, we checked in at 4:00P on Sat afternoon. When I went to visit yesterday, she had already several tests, including more fluid from her knee, x-rays, a CT scan and IV antibiotics. She still in a lot of pain, and unable to stand or walk. Already this morning (Monday Morning) the official diagnosis is Gout of the knee and foot.
It is not yet clear what the treatment will be. We are awaiting input from the Orthopedic team for the next set of treatments. but at least - at Hopkins, our doctor is managing this, and we will get proper diagnosis and treatment - they very seldom use the "I don't know" at Johns Hopkins.
I assume that since we now have an actual diagnosis, Hopkins will develop a treatment plan, and we can put this incident behind us... whew.
That is all that is fit to print for today.
-J-
Thursday, May 18, 2017
Another Day, More Drama .......
5/18/2017
Yesterday, Jeff took me for an ultrasound of my calf. I went in believing that there could/would be absolutely nothing wrong, because that's the way it turns out for me. Mind you, I don't want there to be "something" hugely wrong, but would like to know why my calf hurts so much. Turns out, I have a teeeeny blood clot in my leg. When we got home last night, Jeff pulled up one of those so attractive white support hose over my leg. From a fashion statement, my look is now complete - I'm a complete mess.
Tomorrow, Stacey and Benjamin are coming to take me back to see the ortho doctor and we'll see what he has to say. Pretty tired of parking my sore, old body into my recliner hour after hour. Me complain? To that I say "nah"! Here's what I do know: when you can't do something, you want to do it so very much. Showering (that would be lovely), having clean hair (also lovely). When Stacey is here she washes my hair, which makes me look a "tad" bit less like a crazy woman. Not, that I particularly care at this point.
I "walked" away from my new recliner desk area earlier this morning, and when I returned, there was no surprise that the girls had gotten to the table and upended my glass of water. Since I wanted to do a few things at the computer, I put the big gate up, which will keep my space free and clear of nosy noses.
This is short, because my time for sitting in this chair is up. Back I go to my recliner.
Later, P
Yesterday, Jeff took me for an ultrasound of my calf. I went in believing that there could/would be absolutely nothing wrong, because that's the way it turns out for me. Mind you, I don't want there to be "something" hugely wrong, but would like to know why my calf hurts so much. Turns out, I have a teeeeny blood clot in my leg. When we got home last night, Jeff pulled up one of those so attractive white support hose over my leg. From a fashion statement, my look is now complete - I'm a complete mess.
Tomorrow, Stacey and Benjamin are coming to take me back to see the ortho doctor and we'll see what he has to say. Pretty tired of parking my sore, old body into my recliner hour after hour. Me complain? To that I say "nah"! Here's what I do know: when you can't do something, you want to do it so very much. Showering (that would be lovely), having clean hair (also lovely). When Stacey is here she washes my hair, which makes me look a "tad" bit less like a crazy woman. Not, that I particularly care at this point.
I "walked" away from my new recliner desk area earlier this morning, and when I returned, there was no surprise that the girls had gotten to the table and upended my glass of water. Since I wanted to do a few things at the computer, I put the big gate up, which will keep my space free and clear of nosy noses.
This is short, because my time for sitting in this chair is up. Back I go to my recliner.
Later, P
Wednesday, May 17, 2017
Here I am Again
5/17/2017
"Freed from my recliner prison", I'll spent a few minutes writing a blog, which I'm sure will be short. I feel an obligation - a good obligation - to the people who follow my blogs on a regular basis. Therefore, when days go by and you guys don't hear from me, you may "wander" off to another blog. And, we can't have that, can we!
I'm having another test done today to see if there is a physical problem with my calf. Likely there isn't, but I guess it never hurts to check things out. Jeff will have to take time off from work again, to take me. Stacey and Benjamin are going to take me to my Friday appointment.
The a/c man has just reached out to me. Our upstairs unit, which was installed last year, has stopped working. We believe that the source of the problem is with the girls and chewing on insulation and/or pipes. The temperate is rising this week, so it will be good to get it fixed. I've even bought some chicken wire that Jeff can cut and stake down around all the piping.
Hope it's a beautiful day in your neck of the woods. More later.
P
"Freed from my recliner prison", I'll spent a few minutes writing a blog, which I'm sure will be short. I feel an obligation - a good obligation - to the people who follow my blogs on a regular basis. Therefore, when days go by and you guys don't hear from me, you may "wander" off to another blog. And, we can't have that, can we!
I'm having another test done today to see if there is a physical problem with my calf. Likely there isn't, but I guess it never hurts to check things out. Jeff will have to take time off from work again, to take me. Stacey and Benjamin are going to take me to my Friday appointment.
The a/c man has just reached out to me. Our upstairs unit, which was installed last year, has stopped working. We believe that the source of the problem is with the girls and chewing on insulation and/or pipes. The temperate is rising this week, so it will be good to get it fixed. I've even bought some chicken wire that Jeff can cut and stake down around all the piping.
Hope it's a beautiful day in your neck of the woods. More later.
P
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