Hello again friend and family,
New news!! Mom's Urinary output is back to normal and yesterdays Ultrasound showed there is no permanent kidney damage from this event.
Her Blood Sugars have come up into the 200's (better high sugar than low sugar - High sugar can be treated with counter-active measures MUCH easier than Low Blood Sugars.)
Her blood pressure was low last night - and she was given Coreag (a high BP med, she usually takes everynight) which caused her Blood Pressure to plummet. At about 1-1:30 am They had to kick in higher doses of epinephrine to counter-act that. BECAUSE of her needing Epinephrine, she will be in ICU for another day, Looks like she will move to a regular on Saturday sometime. Epipinephrine can only be administered in ICU to assure close monitoring.
She still has a central line and an arterial Line, for targeted monitoring.
Her Potassium level is back in the normal range.
The results of the CAT scan show there were no new Neurological events. It did show evidence of the mini-stroke she had a few years back that took the sight in her left eye (or is it right?)... But nothing New. AWESOME NEWS!
At this time it appears she may have a full recovery from this. Thank You for your prayers and positive energies. We will continue to update this blog throughout her hospital stay and recovery.
Peace, Love and Blessings,
Becky Sue
Friday, September 17, 2010
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Kaggie's Kidney update September 16, 2010
Hello Dear Friends and family.
Here is an update on what we know and what is suspected but is as yet, to be confirmed.
I spoke with Mom's Nurse Karen, who related that mom was having an increase in renal output.
under normal circumstances a person usually creates around 30 - 35 cc's of urine, an hour. Earlier today, the goal was for mom to be able to produce 20 cc's an hour. At that time, she was putting out about 16-17. By this evening, She was producing high 70's and low 80's of cc's of urine. This is good!
They took her off several IV's. She ate lunch and Dinner. And her potassium levels had come down from 7 (very dangerous and not good for the heart) to a more normal 4.5 (above 5 is alarming).
They have her on what they call D10, which is Dextrose 10%. They are still working at getting her blood glucose levels into a normal range. As Merri stated, upon admittance to the ICU her Blood sugar was at 25. (they scarily followed that number with the phase "which is not conducive to life".
Before they kick me out for shift change her Glucose level was 40 or low 50. Normal (for you non-diabetics, is 80 -120.) Which leads me to what is believed to be the cause of the kidney failure.... It is believe, but not confirmed that there was an unintentional Overdose of an oral diabetic medication called Metformin. Since mom had been having tummy trauma - she was not eating normally. And Since she was not eating normally, she was not creating the high levels of blood sugar that we diabetics fight. However she was still vigilant in her medication routine. She was taking her prescribed dose of Metformin, which effectively lowers blood sugar. but her sugars were not high because of her altered food intake due to the tummy trauma. So the Metformin did its job by lowering her blood sugars. And did it too well. Karen the Nurse explained that the low sugar state shocks the kidneys. And the Metformin is processed through the kidneys and is expelled in the urine. since there was little to no urinary out put, the Metformin was able to brew like a stalled storm. So that is what is suspected as the cause.
The things we are still waiting for answers on would be: 1 - The results of the CAT scan they did to check her brain last night. And 2- the Results of the abdominal ultrasound they performed around 4:30 or 5 pm this evening.
Karen her nurse stated that if she keeps up this level of improvement, she should be out of the ICU sometime on Friday and moved to a standard care floor. During my time with mom and Karen, the possibility of dialysis was not mentioned. So I am not saying it is not still possible, probable or otherwise, I am stating it was not mentioned. Karen told mom several times she was proud of her terrific improvements.
Mom is tired, (as anyone who has experienced very low, or even slightly low blood sugar can relate to.) She needs to get up every 20 to 30 minutes to sit on the "pot" She is outputting lots of fluids there. And they measure it all!! They posted a portable commode near her bed so she can quickly access it as she needs to with out having to buzz the nurse to get to perma potty in the corner of the room. She still has an arterial line in her neck and a central line on her right arm. Plus the Urinary catheter, so she is still quite tethered.
Last night Merri stayed the night with her, and got ZERO sleep. Today Melanie was with her through the day and was able to cat nap on a pile of pillows in her room. Tonight Cory will be on mom watch. And I will relieve him At shift change time, until Mel can get there in the morning around 10 am. I cannot miss more than a couple hours of work, then back to the hospital to relieve Mel, until Barb comes in for the night shift at 8pm Friday night. I will spend Saturday day and night with her. And we will go from there.
So that is what we know at this point.
Thank you all for the continued Prayers and positive energies.
PS: For Local Family.... The Clara and Harvey Wolfe Reunion that was scheduled for this Saturday has been postponed to an undetermined date until we cross this hurdle.
Here is an update on what we know and what is suspected but is as yet, to be confirmed.
I spoke with Mom's Nurse Karen, who related that mom was having an increase in renal output.
under normal circumstances a person usually creates around 30 - 35 cc's of urine, an hour. Earlier today, the goal was for mom to be able to produce 20 cc's an hour. At that time, she was putting out about 16-17. By this evening, She was producing high 70's and low 80's of cc's of urine. This is good!
They took her off several IV's. She ate lunch and Dinner. And her potassium levels had come down from 7 (very dangerous and not good for the heart) to a more normal 4.5 (above 5 is alarming).
They have her on what they call D10, which is Dextrose 10%. They are still working at getting her blood glucose levels into a normal range. As Merri stated, upon admittance to the ICU her Blood sugar was at 25. (they scarily followed that number with the phase "which is not conducive to life".
Before they kick me out for shift change her Glucose level was 40 or low 50. Normal (for you non-diabetics, is 80 -120.) Which leads me to what is believed to be the cause of the kidney failure.... It is believe, but not confirmed that there was an unintentional Overdose of an oral diabetic medication called Metformin. Since mom had been having tummy trauma - she was not eating normally. And Since she was not eating normally, she was not creating the high levels of blood sugar that we diabetics fight. However she was still vigilant in her medication routine. She was taking her prescribed dose of Metformin, which effectively lowers blood sugar. but her sugars were not high because of her altered food intake due to the tummy trauma. So the Metformin did its job by lowering her blood sugars. And did it too well. Karen the Nurse explained that the low sugar state shocks the kidneys. And the Metformin is processed through the kidneys and is expelled in the urine. since there was little to no urinary out put, the Metformin was able to brew like a stalled storm. So that is what is suspected as the cause.
The things we are still waiting for answers on would be: 1 - The results of the CAT scan they did to check her brain last night. And 2- the Results of the abdominal ultrasound they performed around 4:30 or 5 pm this evening.
Karen her nurse stated that if she keeps up this level of improvement, she should be out of the ICU sometime on Friday and moved to a standard care floor. During my time with mom and Karen, the possibility of dialysis was not mentioned. So I am not saying it is not still possible, probable or otherwise, I am stating it was not mentioned. Karen told mom several times she was proud of her terrific improvements.
Mom is tired, (as anyone who has experienced very low, or even slightly low blood sugar can relate to.) She needs to get up every 20 to 30 minutes to sit on the "pot" She is outputting lots of fluids there. And they measure it all!! They posted a portable commode near her bed so she can quickly access it as she needs to with out having to buzz the nurse to get to perma potty in the corner of the room. She still has an arterial line in her neck and a central line on her right arm. Plus the Urinary catheter, so she is still quite tethered.
Last night Merri stayed the night with her, and got ZERO sleep. Today Melanie was with her through the day and was able to cat nap on a pile of pillows in her room. Tonight Cory will be on mom watch. And I will relieve him At shift change time, until Mel can get there in the morning around 10 am. I cannot miss more than a couple hours of work, then back to the hospital to relieve Mel, until Barb comes in for the night shift at 8pm Friday night. I will spend Saturday day and night with her. And we will go from there.
So that is what we know at this point.
Thank you all for the continued Prayers and positive energies.
PS: For Local Family.... The Clara and Harvey Wolfe Reunion that was scheduled for this Saturday has been postponed to an undetermined date until we cross this hurdle.
Back in Intensive Care
Well - here we are again. Friday of last week, Mom started feeling tired, loopy, listless, goofy, and sick to her stomach. There had been a flu bug going around, so we kinda chalked it up to that. However, her BP was very low. When she still didn't feel well on Monday, we went to see Dr. Anding (cardio). He adjusted some of her meds that can lower BP. Tuesday she felt a little better. Wednesday - not so much. Melanie was planning on staying with Mom overnight, but at suppertime, Mom got real sick to her stomach, her BP was scary low, her sugar was low, and she was very weak. Mom agreed to a trip to the ER.
An EKG gave irratic results and the ER Dr. feared she had suffered a heart attack. However, an echo-cardiogram showed that her heart was doing fine. They turned their attention to her kidneys which have virtually shut down. That prompted admitting to the ICU. They are trying to rehydrate her and get her kidneys working again. If not, she will need to have dialysis. Also, her sugar fell to 25 (100 would be good).
I will post more when we have info. The ICU nurses and doctors say she is doing good. Her BP is stable now and all the concentration is on her kidneys.
Love ya - send prayers - Merri
An EKG gave irratic results and the ER Dr. feared she had suffered a heart attack. However, an echo-cardiogram showed that her heart was doing fine. They turned their attention to her kidneys which have virtually shut down. That prompted admitting to the ICU. They are trying to rehydrate her and get her kidneys working again. If not, she will need to have dialysis. Also, her sugar fell to 25 (100 would be good).
I will post more when we have info. The ICU nurses and doctors say she is doing good. Her BP is stable now and all the concentration is on her kidneys.
Love ya - send prayers - Merri
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Hello from Carol Ann. I am settled in at home, trying to take it easy. That does not come easy for me. Seems like there are always so many things that need done and it is so difficult to put them off. Beth keeps reminding me to ask for help. She tells me to repeat over and over, "I can ask for help," "I can ask for help," "I can ask for help." It just seems to go against the grain if you know what I mean.
Spent Friday night at Becky's. She and I ran some errands on Saturday and I left for my house at about 2:00 PM. Chris and the boys were here to go swimming so we all went to the pool for an hour or so. It was sooooo great to get into the water - I love exercising in the pool. Our weather has been quite warm so the pool was not too cold. It was nice to sit in the sun for a little while, too. Beth called and invited me to a surprise birthday get-to-gether for Katie at Jared's house at 7:00 PM. She came and picked me up and also brought me home. Frank made yummy pizzas - he sure likes being in the kitchen and cooking. Katie was surprised. Jared has purchased a really nice home not too far from here. It was good to see all of Beth's family. I can't believe how AJ's kids have grown. Never a dull moment for Cami, I am sure. Little Ty got stung by a wasp - he really keeps her hopping!
I am determined to take it easy today. Decided to forego church and just relax. I really need to take a Tai Chi or yoga class to teach me to relax - I really am NOT good at that. Someday, maybe I will accomplish the art of relaxation, I hope. It will probably help my blood pressure, think?
Better run. Have a wonderful Sunday. Love to all, Carol
PS. Today, Smokey Joe is one year old! Happy Birthday, Smokey!
Spent Friday night at Becky's. She and I ran some errands on Saturday and I left for my house at about 2:00 PM. Chris and the boys were here to go swimming so we all went to the pool for an hour or so. It was sooooo great to get into the water - I love exercising in the pool. Our weather has been quite warm so the pool was not too cold. It was nice to sit in the sun for a little while, too. Beth called and invited me to a surprise birthday get-to-gether for Katie at Jared's house at 7:00 PM. She came and picked me up and also brought me home. Frank made yummy pizzas - he sure likes being in the kitchen and cooking. Katie was surprised. Jared has purchased a really nice home not too far from here. It was good to see all of Beth's family. I can't believe how AJ's kids have grown. Never a dull moment for Cami, I am sure. Little Ty got stung by a wasp - he really keeps her hopping!
I am determined to take it easy today. Decided to forego church and just relax. I really need to take a Tai Chi or yoga class to teach me to relax - I really am NOT good at that. Someday, maybe I will accomplish the art of relaxation, I hope. It will probably help my blood pressure, think?
Better run. Have a wonderful Sunday. Love to all, Carol
PS. Today, Smokey Joe is one year old! Happy Birthday, Smokey!
Friday, June 25, 2010
Friday, June 25, 2010
Hi! Carol Ann here!
Just wanted to let everyone know that I am home! I left Aspen Ridge West yesterday afterbnoon. It is good to be home - now I can go to the pool and work on my tan! ha!
I hated to leave ARW - it was such a wonderful place with the nicest people ever! But I knew I was a short-timer because I could get around better than any other person in there. I was even waiting on tables in the dining room - ha!
I am going to spend tonight down at Becky's and then we will bring Smokey Joe home tomorrow and we will put some time in at the pool.
Becky keeps telling me she needs a "Mom fix" since she has not been able to come to ARW to visit as often as she would like. So we will take care of that with my visit tonight!
Poor Smokey Joe - he probably doesn't even know where he belongs anymore. Altho, I know he has fun with Chopper and Annie. He also enjoys the run of the fenced yard at Becky's. It should be interesting this evening to see if he acknowledges me or gives me the cold shoulder for leaving him for so long. Stand by for future reports of dog behavior. ha
I sincerely hope that I have had my last trip to the hospital for a while. We are getting way too familiar with that IMC hospital. Granted, it is a very nice hospital, but we need to draw the line somewhere! I have an appt. to return to the Cardiac Clinic in a week or two but other than that I hope to steer clear of the place. Last weekend, I did go see Leon and on Wednesday, Merri and I went to visit with Jim Geirloff after he had heart surgery. I guess visits would be okay - but I really hope I don't go again as a patient!
Will sign off for this time - just wanted to share the good news that I was home. Home is NOT a bad place to be!
Love to all,
Carol Ann
Just wanted to let everyone know that I am home! I left Aspen Ridge West yesterday afterbnoon. It is good to be home - now I can go to the pool and work on my tan! ha!
I hated to leave ARW - it was such a wonderful place with the nicest people ever! But I knew I was a short-timer because I could get around better than any other person in there. I was even waiting on tables in the dining room - ha!
I am going to spend tonight down at Becky's and then we will bring Smokey Joe home tomorrow and we will put some time in at the pool.
Becky keeps telling me she needs a "Mom fix" since she has not been able to come to ARW to visit as often as she would like. So we will take care of that with my visit tonight!
Poor Smokey Joe - he probably doesn't even know where he belongs anymore. Altho, I know he has fun with Chopper and Annie. He also enjoys the run of the fenced yard at Becky's. It should be interesting this evening to see if he acknowledges me or gives me the cold shoulder for leaving him for so long. Stand by for future reports of dog behavior. ha
I sincerely hope that I have had my last trip to the hospital for a while. We are getting way too familiar with that IMC hospital. Granted, it is a very nice hospital, but we need to draw the line somewhere! I have an appt. to return to the Cardiac Clinic in a week or two but other than that I hope to steer clear of the place. Last weekend, I did go see Leon and on Wednesday, Merri and I went to visit with Jim Geirloff after he had heart surgery. I guess visits would be okay - but I really hope I don't go again as a patient!
Will sign off for this time - just wanted to share the good news that I was home. Home is NOT a bad place to be!
Love to all,
Carol Ann
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Hi!
This is Carol Ann just checking in.
Things are on an even keel here at Aspen Ridge West, rather a slow day since there is no physical therapy today.
Just getting ready to go down to Sacrament Meeting so I may have to cut this post short. I have had three visitors already today. Merri popped in followed closely by Barb and Blair. Merri relayed the info that Leon fell during the night and broke his back (L3) specifically. He is at the IMC on the 11th floor. He is in a lot of pain but they have him on morphine. Merri is still running on nervous energy since she was awakened at 2:30 AM. She will need to slow down soon and get some shut eye for sure! Good thing they had their Father's Day BBQ last night - won't be much cooking done today!
It was good to see Blair - haven't seen her since I went into the hospital. They brought me roses and she arranged them in a vase and got my room all tidied up neat and clean. She and Barb helped me down to the dining room for lunch before they left. This facility is centrally located so the kids can pop in and out easily.
Had a nice phone call from Hunter last evening. He is such a character and uses such colorful language! Altho, I think he did tone it down a bit during our conversation. ha! Colby and Kristen have a little baby girl - about three weeks old.
Better get down to Church. May write more later. Love to all,
Carol
This is Carol Ann just checking in.
Things are on an even keel here at Aspen Ridge West, rather a slow day since there is no physical therapy today.
Just getting ready to go down to Sacrament Meeting so I may have to cut this post short. I have had three visitors already today. Merri popped in followed closely by Barb and Blair. Merri relayed the info that Leon fell during the night and broke his back (L3) specifically. He is at the IMC on the 11th floor. He is in a lot of pain but they have him on morphine. Merri is still running on nervous energy since she was awakened at 2:30 AM. She will need to slow down soon and get some shut eye for sure! Good thing they had their Father's Day BBQ last night - won't be much cooking done today!
It was good to see Blair - haven't seen her since I went into the hospital. They brought me roses and she arranged them in a vase and got my room all tidied up neat and clean. She and Barb helped me down to the dining room for lunch before they left. This facility is centrally located so the kids can pop in and out easily.
Had a nice phone call from Hunter last evening. He is such a character and uses such colorful language! Altho, I think he did tone it down a bit during our conversation. ha! Colby and Kristen have a little baby girl - about three weeks old.
Better get down to Church. May write more later. Love to all,
Carol
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Hi!
I have gotta' remember to always ID myself since I am using Becky's Google account. Anyway, this is Carol doing this writing.
It is so wonderful to be able to add thoughts to the blog. 'Really had a busy day - I went down to Physical Therapy (P/T) extra early because the staff was trying to finish up by noon so they could go to the company Lagoon day. Aides from Ogden came down to cover and now tomorrow some of our aides will go to Ogden to cover for them while they go to Lagoon. Everyone here is so nice and these substitute aides have been wonderful.
As I sat in the dining room at noon, the other ladies and I watched an edible bouquet being delivered here. We talked about how the flowers are made from fruit, the leaves are slices of honeydew and cantalope and then there were strawberries, grapes, pineapple daisies dipped in chocolate. Yummy stuff. Anyway, when I got back to my room it was on my table. A terrific surprise from my sister.
Another nice call from another brother. Dale called and he is always fun to talk too. I just wish we did it more often! Talked with Marie for a few minutes - she sounds well. Their family is all doing okay.
Hit a major milestone on the Spirometer yesterday. I can hit 1750 consistently and am now stretching to hit 2000. Yes! Before, I could only make it to 1250 - another indication that I had no room to expand my lungs! Duh! I am feeling better everyday - am enjoying the P/T and the "Life of Riley". ha!
Don't know how long they will let me stay here - I am hoping for three weeks. It's been a week since I arrived here at Aspen Ridge West.
Okay, it is about 4:30 AM so I think I will try to snooze for awhile before everyone starts moving around this morning. Have a wonderful day and give my love to all. Carol
I have gotta' remember to always ID myself since I am using Becky's Google account. Anyway, this is Carol doing this writing.
It is so wonderful to be able to add thoughts to the blog. 'Really had a busy day - I went down to Physical Therapy (P/T) extra early because the staff was trying to finish up by noon so they could go to the company Lagoon day. Aides from Ogden came down to cover and now tomorrow some of our aides will go to Ogden to cover for them while they go to Lagoon. Everyone here is so nice and these substitute aides have been wonderful.
As I sat in the dining room at noon, the other ladies and I watched an edible bouquet being delivered here. We talked about how the flowers are made from fruit, the leaves are slices of honeydew and cantalope and then there were strawberries, grapes, pineapple daisies dipped in chocolate. Yummy stuff. Anyway, when I got back to my room it was on my table. A terrific surprise from my sister.
Another nice call from another brother. Dale called and he is always fun to talk too. I just wish we did it more often! Talked with Marie for a few minutes - she sounds well. Their family is all doing okay.
Hit a major milestone on the Spirometer yesterday. I can hit 1750 consistently and am now stretching to hit 2000. Yes! Before, I could only make it to 1250 - another indication that I had no room to expand my lungs! Duh! I am feeling better everyday - am enjoying the P/T and the "Life of Riley". ha!
Don't know how long they will let me stay here - I am hoping for three weeks. It's been a week since I arrived here at Aspen Ridge West.
Okay, it is about 4:30 AM so I think I will try to snooze for awhile before everyone starts moving around this morning. Have a wonderful day and give my love to all. Carol
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