The “C” Word – Day 92 Never Ending Changes

Finally, last night we were pretty much ignored (though we did make a comment to the nurse about possibly not interrupting sleep so often).  Part of this was the fact that the drains had slowed and the vitals had stabilized so the need to come in so often was not needed.  Aside from the 12:30 vitals and 4:15 labs, we were left alone.  They had given George his Ambien last night so he slept quite well. 

The morning was a little busy with all of the “stand by” doctors coming in as our regular doctors are off this weekend.  The biggest downer of the day was our surgical stand-in doctor.  Although our regular one had said that once they figured out an antibiotic and started it that we could have the tubes removed and let the meds to their job.  This one said that as long as things were draining the drains would stay in (even though one is running very clear fluids right now which means the infection has cleared up).  How long that will take is anyone’s guess.  Clearly that put us in a down mood for the rest of the day.  We know that things have to be done right but just when we saw light around the corner, poof, it disappeared! Frustrating feelings again.

George was still enjoying his taste buds today.  Keith brought Oreo cookies last night and George had them for an afternoon snack – and LOVED them. 

The other hard thing today was the fact that George’s potassium levels dropped again so they started an IV of four bags of potassium.  The solution burned in his veins so he spent the day with an ice pack on them – and also had to have them slow down the flow so it is taking at least twice as long as it should so he has had an IV drip for most of the day.  Once the bags are done they will wait a few hours and re-test to see if it is holding and then he will start oral potassium – only this time the nurse on duty knew about the capsules so he won’t get his mouth all bent out of shape.  The IV potassium is changing his taste buds though so that is definitely taking things in the wrong direction for eating purposes.  Praying that it does not go all the way back to no taste again. 

This evening we were moved from our ward to the one where we spent nearly two weeks.  The “sixth floor” was down to five patients so when that happens they combine with the other surgical ward – the C3 unit.  Down here we have to ask for snacks, ice, etc. whereas the floor we were on we had free access to everything.  That means more waiting around when we need something!!

We are praying for a Sunday miracle to happen… to have our surgeon’s “word” be the exit strategy and not all the stand in ones.  We want another ‘great escape’ so that we can get home again.  Lord, if it is your will, we believe our patience to have been tested to great lengths these past few months and really need to try to find our new normal at home.  Please heal George from this abscess totally and completely.  Please allow the drains to stop flowing and for the antibiotic solution to be found quickly in order to allow passage back to home.