Day 8 in the hospital - UPDATE at bottom

[Kathleen808]

Well, here we are on our 8th night in the hospital. Roller coaster is an understatement. I know I am preaching to the choir when I say this is such an emotional swing.
Dick's surgery, to clear the small bowel from adhesions went well Monday night. It has been real up and down with getting the bowels to wake up and they have been concerned that the part of the bowel that was hung up might have been too damaged to heal. Finally today, Friday, they think it is starting to work. The surgeon showed us the video of the operation on his ipad. It was incredible to watch them cut the adhesions away. The movie was from the tiny camera that was inserted inside of Dick. Truly incredible.
They have been working on getting Dick's blood pressure down. Dick started the day great, walking around (with his IV, pain meds, etc), shaving and having a friend visit Then he has quite a headache that came on today and they are not sure if that is from lack of nutrition or the high blood pressure. They started nutrition going in his port tonight. Of course we first had to deal with them not being able to draw blood from the port and having to put in a thinner of sorts. Finally 1.5 hours later they were able to draw blood and start the nutrition. He is not happy that he has been pushing his pain medicine button for the headache. He had really come down on it and then he started back up today. Hopefully that damn headache will go away.
Family has arrived to help and our college aged daughter flew in from California for the weekend. Dick loved seeing her today! She will spend the day here at the hospital tomorrow and then fly back to California on Sunday. It is wonderful having her home.
That's our update. Family and friends have been incredible. Please hold Dick in your prayers and loving thoughts.

Aloha,
Kathleen

[raym]

I'm sorry things have been quite bumpy! I know being in the hospital sucks, especially when things are not going they way you want. Hoping he is able to get on some real food and move towards getting out.

[vickitwo]

Kathleen,

I sure hope that the bowel is on the mend and that they can keep the high BP in check. I know how uplifting it must be for you and Dick to have your daughter home. We have three in college and there is nothing that makes my DH happier than when they are home for a visit. Sending healing prayers your way.

[Hapa]

Sounds like he is on his way to healing. Bowel obstructions are so scary. My dh has had 3 in 6 weeks. He stubbornly stays home to ride them out. Thankfully, they did resolve on their own. Hope your dh is coming home soon!

[BrownBagger]

Thanks for the update, Kathleen. Please give my regards to Dick.

[NWgirl]

Thinking of you all. I hope the headache eases off soon. Hospital stays are never fun.

[Kathryn in MN]

Sorry to hear he is still struggling so much. Some pain meds give me headaches. Maybe a switch in pain meds might help?

[orcasres]

Good thoughts coming your way. Hospital stays are hard, but it really does sound like he is making progress. I used to get two day migraines, so I really have sympathy with a headache that will not quit.

Glad for the family visit. Lois

[edinaman]

Thank you for the update. Hopefully they will get the headache pain under control. Wishing both of you the best.
Jeff

[Voxx66]

Sounds very scary but at least it seems to be heading in the right direction now. Wishing the best for you.

[CRguy]

Sending POSI+++++ vibes to you and Dick and hoping you can get the big kahuna outta da big house soona !

Cheers
CRguy

[pukalania]

Dear Kathleen,
So sorry to hear you are still stuck there...when my hubby was in the hospital awaiting the system to wake up..they gave him a pill to stimulate the "awakening"...and i'm so sorry i didn't take the name of that medecine but it was blue in color, he took it once a day until everything started moving..good luck hope you are out of there soon!

[PGLGreg]

Is Dick at Castle? I'll be there this Tuesday and Friday for a colonoscopy from Dr. Jao. Best wishes for Dick and you.

[skypup]

Sending best wishes to all!

[Mojo]

Hoping things are getting better on all accounts, hugs.