Gary is out of surgery - it has been a long night - but he is now sitting up and he has the respirator out. He's happy about that!
They found a LOT of fluid around the heart - it was amber colored or "straw" colored and it is now draining. He has a variety of tubes...I don't know when those come out.
But, he is sitting up, smiling and anxiously awaiting a fruit slushy that Justin has gone out for. I know he is starving!
They are sending samples of the sac and the fluid to pathology - but it will take three to four days to get results. They believe it is bacterial.
That's all I really know - and when I know more, I will let you know.
Justin and Marian are with me and we are all offering Gary lots of support and Love.
Love, Terri
11 comments:
Good news. We're continuing to think about you. Keep us posted -- we worry when we don't hear for awhile.
Thanks, Karen - This has been quite the ordeal! Early on, I was very worried. I am still worried, but feel that things are more under control. His vitals seem more consistent. He still runs a low grade temperature that is controlled with tylenol - so, I am anxious for them to diagnose what is causing all of this. We are starting to catch up on lost sleep and that's good for all of us. We have been exhausted. Bob called - and talking to him helped me out. I can talk to Justin and Marian, but that's different. I have discouraged any guests for Gary because he is so weak and fragile. In fact, the nurses kicked us out for an hour yesterday. They wanted us out for two hours, but we compromised and did an hour.
Mostly the medical care has been great. The doctors seem to be top-notch and have been informative and willing to spend time with us as we all ask many questions.
The nurses have been outstanding! We have only had one nurse that we thought lacked compassion. She was here as he was recovering from surgery and was pretty rough the first time she dealt with him. We put an end to that. I do not know what people do who end up in the hospital and do not have family or friends there to advocate for them. When you are recovering from surgery, you cannot protest.
The other nurses tell us that they are vying for being able to have Gary as their patient. We help out a lot and they say he is quite the character when they give him two percocets. :)
Marian has quietly sung a few songs to him, and he likes that!
So, that is an update. Love, Terri
I'm glad he's doing so much better, Terri.
Even though I didn't see all of these posts until right now, I'm glad you've been keeping everyone informed.
Please let us know if there's anything we can do.
Unfortunately, Gary is getting good care because you are there. The people who don't have anyone just get neglected at times. I have seen it at the hospital I work at many times. Like any group of humans, there are good ones, and not so good ones. I am glad Gary is doing better, remember to take care of yourself too. The better you are, the better you can take care of Gary. Katie and I are here if you need anything.
Thanks Bob. and, thanks for the beautiful flowers....they make me smile! Terri
Gary is recovering very well from the surgery. I think that's because his heart is fine.
The doctors this morning during rounds, said that so far, they have no positive hits from any of the cultures, but some of the things they are looking for may take up to two+ weeks. So, it is a wait and see regarding what is causing the fluid and temperature.
I am being optimistic (with no one telling me this), but I figure he can go home on Tuesday or Wednesday, if he continues to progress as well as he is. If we go home, he will be an out-patient for monitoring his fluid and temp and the results of all the pathology tests.
We shall see. We are all feeling better today after taking showers, naps and eating a few good things instead of the snack foods we have been grabbing.
Marian and Justin are scheduled to go home on the 10th.
I hope our optimism is rewarded! Love, Terri
The Texas side of the family shares your optimism! Take care.
Thanks! I think it's working! They are moving Gary out of ICU in an hour or so - Room 737.....Now, that's good news!!
Bob, I do not have your cell number - I thought I did - could you send it to me via email? Thanks.
Love, Terri
Terri, I guess I should check this more often. It sounds like Gary is out of the worst of it. We are thinking of you.
Thanks Pat - It's been a tough week - as we were leaving ICU, the nurses were smiling - several said they were glad to see Gary looking so well and that it sure was "touch and go" earlier this week. I think that that says it all.
We are just glad he is still with us and is back acting like the Gary we all know!
Love, Terri
My number is 925-766-9662. I will e-mail it too.
Thanks, Bob - Enjoy your vacation. Terri
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