Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Ron update

Yesterday was really, really rough on him. And, by having to watch him suffer so much, on me as well. Keith came and stayed at the hospital with me all day and then Stacey, Karen, and Faith came up in the evening for awhile.

They were giving Ron injections of Dilaudid every hour and Lortab 10 mg (2 of them) every 4 hours. He was still 9-10 on the 1-to-10 pain scale. Poor guy - nothing seemed to help. No position made the pain any less. The ICU has strict visiting hours, even for immediate family. 8:00 AM until 6:30 PM, then 8:00 PM until 10:00 PM only. So, I left at 6:30 last night so I could go home and take care of business, check on the dog, try to get some laundry done, and get some rest. Keith stayed until 8:30 (he "hid" behind the door in Ron's room and was very quiet) so he could help Ron with his dinner.

Ron called me this morning to tell me that he'd finally been able to "go" in the urinal. Good thing, or they were going to put in a catheter. Poor nurse, she wasn't prepared for the amount that he'd been storing. Let's just say that she had to change the bed, too. Oops...

They hooked him up with a Dilaudid pump so he can give himself metered doses of medication every 10 minutes. That has helped immensely. He's still in a tremendous amount of pain, but he can come closer to controlling it this way. He's still getting the Lortab every 4 hours, too. The nurses here are PHENOMENAL! I can't praise them enough for the care they're giving Ron and the compassion they show. Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful care. I want to take Cara (the daytime nurse yesterday and today) when he moves to a regular room. She's amazing.

Back to this morning... Said they'd made this bed set up into almost a full sitting position. That is pretty cool. It has a lot of positions and they can move head or legs or both into a multitude of configurations. Slick.

He's had a good appetite today and I think he's on the road to recovery. Praise God from whom all blessings flow! Thank you all for your prayers and well-wishes. I believe in miracles and your faithfulness has helped this miracle take place.

I'll post a picture when he's not quite as miserable looking.

6 comments:

Kathy's Klothesline said...

So glad the surgery is over and hoping you can rest a little easier now! Sending thoughts and prayers your way..

Kathy said...

That is so good to hear. I've been thinking about you today and waiting for your post. I'll keep the positive thoughts coming your way!

SkippyMom said...

YAY! That is great news. [At least one of us can spell Dialudid! :)] I am so happy that he is less pain then before. Glad Keith was there with you both.

Love to you all. Thanks for the update and it was nice chatting with you.

Pat said...

Yes! The surgery is over, he made it! I've been worried, waiting to hear from you. Each day will get better for him AND you. Still praying for you!

Silver Strands said...

WONDERFUL Teresa! So happy to hear he's on the road to recovery. And so glad to feel the *sigh* of relief in your words. Prayers for you two sweetie.
oxoxo
Denalee

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