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Post by Delta Dawn on Jan 14, 2018 20:08:30 GMT
The latex thing pisses me off as they don’t even use latex gloves in the hospital near me. I remember the nurses gloving up to see my mom and that was over 2 years ago and they were completely laytex free. I am glad I am not at Foothills Hospital!
Today is your birthday! I hope you can go to the Keg tonight. I like the sangria. Order it in Keg size. You’ll be glad you did. Or get a glass of wine in Keg size. Take a taxi back to the house.
I am not good on residents looking after me. My GP used to teach and I think once she had a student but that was it. I see your frustration and share it. They can learn on someone else. I am not their guinea pig. Neither is Spencer. I like your stance on them treating Spencer. I am also appalled at the care at Foothills. I always thought Alberta had better care than BC. I am now convinced otherwise.
Now onto good things! I hope you have a restful day. Take no shit from your soon to be ex husband. You have 5000 of us chewing him out whispering what to say to him and cheering you on. You are Ironwoman now and have love from all of us. We are sending collective strength. Imagine someone helping you get through today through the hours. You can do this.
Elannah
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Post by paperaddict on Jan 14, 2018 22:35:00 GMT
Happy birthday! I hope you have a wonderful time with dinner and a movie. BTW, if you tell The Keg, it is your birthday, you get a free dessert. We went there both times for fiance 's parents birthdays. So happy to hear that Spencer is able to say a few sentences. When I'm back, I want to definitely take you out for a belated birthday dinner and visit Spencer.
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River
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,507
Location: Alabama
Jun 26, 2014 15:26:04 GMT
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Post by River on Jan 14, 2018 22:42:36 GMT
I always read your updates and continually pray for Spencer AND you. I just wanted to post to wish you a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! Please do something to treat yourself. I'm so sorry you have to celebrate on your own.
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Post by garagesaler on Jan 15, 2018 6:21:52 GMT
Glad to hear that there is some improvement for Spencer. Wishing you a Happy Birthday. Hope you get to go out and enjoy your day!
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Post by Delta Dawn on Jan 15, 2018 7:43:07 GMT
I hope today was a good day for you. Goodness knows you deserve it if anyone does. I hope you are getting ready to rest now. Tomorrow is another day.
Happiest of birthdays to you. I sure hope it was a good one.
Will look forward to your next update.
Much love from all of us.
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Post by canadianscrappergirl on Jan 19, 2018 20:42:24 GMT
Happy birthday! I hope you can have a relaxing meal and movie. Knowing Spencer has been making improvements lately may help you do that. Try not to let other people--especially strangers--get under your skin. I suspect that family is dealing with their own dynamic and simply making random comments to you. The exercise class lady probably feels it really helps her to deal with the stress. Her invitation to you was prob just a way she thought she could share her positive experience in a negative place. And the guy is right: that staff needs to be held accountable. But he didn't factor in that you are trying to do this alone. TY!! I think it was her seeing me walk by earlier that day with 2 bags of chips that prompted the work out comment lol.
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Post by canadianscrappergirl on Jan 19, 2018 22:38:16 GMT
UPDATE HI Everyone!
So last update I shared they raised his drain to -4. He was doing really well at that and was talking more, engaging more and able to stay awake during the day and even watch a few movies!
They did another swallow test on him he was able to swallow a few ice chips but it took a lot of work and effort so he didn't pass.
On Wednesday evening his Dr stopped in and said they were going to raise it to -2 because his CT looked great and he was tolerating the raise to -4. He said they would scan him again Sunday and if that looked good he'd have an MRI on Monday to find the best pathway for the shunt and do the surgery sometime Tuesday!
When I got here yesterday I could tell right away something was off with him. He wasn't talkative or engaging and seemed sleepy. I can also just tell visually with him.
I held off on saying anything because I was hoping he was just having an off day.
Later in the day his Dr stopped in and said he was going to drop the drain back to -6 because Spencer's not tolerating it well. They had done a CT that morning because his neuro status had changed and his ventricles are larger.
At this point he's not confident the surgery will be a go on Tuesday. I said I'm fine with that and I honestly had my reservations it would happen on Tuesday. He would rather be totally confident in doing it and it being a success then pushing for it and having to remove it. I could tell he felt bad but I know that this is the right thing to do. I just talked to his nurse it has been cancelled so it won't be until sometime in February.
I just feel bad for Spencer the kid can't get a break. I've ran into a lot of families I knew in ICU and so many of them came into ICU after him and they are all doing so much better. It gets frustrating I guess.
So many nurses who had him in ICU ask about him when I see them in the hospital. One of his nurses comes by often to visit him on her breaks. The nurses on his floor all fight over him lol. Porters stop me and therapists too. He's touched so many people he amazes me!
So the gloves the resident tried to use weren't the boxed ones it's the sterile individually packaged ones.
The lady suggesting her fitness class I think it was her seeing me with 2 bags of chips that prompted the work out comment lol.
Thank you so much to everyone who sent me birthday greetings!!
I went and saw the movie The Post with Tom Thanks and Meryl Streep it was really good!
I also went to Michael's and had lunch at Panda Express.
So I had said I had planned to go to The Keg but I got a shock when he brought me dinner and cake from home and flowers. I think it was honestly a dig towards me because I didn't acknowledge his birthday in July. He had gone away on a hunting trip a few days before his b-day and shortly after Spencer had gotten out of the hospital on June 30th, it had been planned for months. The few emails he sent were all about his stupid trip so I was a bitch and didn't even acknowledge his birthday.
My youngest called said he was tired and just felt like relaxing so he didn't come in lol and my oldest called me. My MIL texted me at 5 p.m. I didn't even acknowledge it lol.
I did go to the Keg on Tuesday though with a GF and her son. They had come to Calgary for an appointment. It was super yummy!
I am really enjoying staying at the house it's been such a tremendous blessing! I got to meet a few board members and told them how much I appreciate being able to stay there. Being able to cook is so great I've made several stir fries, spaghetti, soup and taco salad. I try to cook a few different things in one cook. I then package it up in some containers I bought and just grab and go for my lunch and dinner for the day!
My granddaughter is doing really well she's 1680 grams or 3 pounds 7 ounces now! So she's gained 2 pounds since her birth. She's 32 weeks now. When she gets to 1800 grams they will remove the cover on the isolete and turn off the humidity. The doctors are really happy with her progress!
Thank you everyone for everything, you all mean the world to me!!
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valincal
Drama Llama
Southern Alberta
Posts: 5,623
Jun 27, 2014 2:21:22 GMT
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Post by valincal on Jan 19, 2018 23:24:16 GMT
Thank you for the update! Things sound like they are going a little better for you. Hugs to you and Spencer. Get well buddy!
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kate
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,509
Location: The city that doesn't sleep
Site Supporter
Jun 26, 2014 3:30:05 GMT
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Post by kate on Jan 19, 2018 23:44:57 GMT
Happy belated birthday! I'm sorry the surgery had to be postponed - you're right, though, that it's better to have it done once and finished than to have to have it re-done later.
I'm so glad you're finding some rest in your new accommodations.
Blessings to you and Spencer!
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Post by canadianscrappergirl on Jan 19, 2018 23:50:12 GMT
Happy birthday! I hope you have a wonderful time with dinner and a movie. BTW, if you tell The Keg, it is your birthday, you get a free dessert. We went there both times for fiance 's parents birthdays. So happy to hear that Spencer is able to say a few sentences. When I'm back, I want to definitely take you out for a belated birthday dinner and visit Spencer. TY! I hope you had a great vacation! That sounds awesome I look forward to it, take care!!
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quiltz
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,689
Location: CANADA
Jun 29, 2014 16:13:28 GMT
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Post by quiltz on Jan 19, 2018 23:52:13 GMT
Happy that your birthday was acknowledged by him. Dinner, flowers, cake are great.
Sorry that Spencer isn't responding as well as you would like. Take care of yourself. Being in this new house is better for you.
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Post by garagesaler on Jan 20, 2018 10:41:35 GMT
Glad you got to have a little time to yourself on your birthday. Glad your hubby brought you dinner and a cake and flowers. You are doing so much for Spencer. Glad your hubby did something for you. You and Spencer are both in my prayers.
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Post by jenjie on Jan 20, 2018 17:37:47 GMT
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Post by canadianscrappergirl on Jan 20, 2018 17:59:31 GMT
LMAO!! I saw that movie and loved how she flipped out. Believe me I have been pretty close to that lol. Thanks for the laugh I needed it!!
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Post by canadianscrappergirl on Jan 22, 2018 6:23:17 GMT
UPDATE Hi Everyone
So today I got to be the patient in the ER.
I had been experiencing on and off chest pain since Wednesday , yes I know why did I wait!
Well I guess number 1 I was scared out of my mind to go get it checked out. I had visions of me being incapacitated for days and not being able to be with Spencer. I know how silly if it's serious I could be dead.
Number 2 going to the ER where his nightmare all started was causing me huge anxiety.
Number 3 I hate going to the Dr and avoid it.
I went to see Spencer and he was sleeping. I confided in his nurse who is such a lovely person about what I was experiencing she said you need to go now. She even offered to go with me. I started crying saying why I didn't want to go she said it's probably nothing but please don't ignore it.
So I went down to Emerg and got it checked out. Had blood work done, an ECG and a chest xray. My BP on admission was 220 over something. Second reading was lower but still high.The doctor said after looking at all the tests that it wasn't anything serious. The elevated enzyme they check for a heart attack was normal so was the ECG and xray.
He felt it could be GERD but was most likely from stress.
I was really relieved. I said to him so it's all in my head he said no that sometimes our body will cope with a stressor and if the stressor is ongoing our body will eventually manifest it in external ways.
He referred me to the psychiatric adult service in the hospital
I spent a good 6 hrs there. I'm so glad it wasn't heart related.
The pain is quite bad still. I don't know how I can rid myself of the stress so I guess this is something I have to live with for now ugh.
I'm wore out. The whole time I was sitting in the ER I kept having flashbacks to Spencer coming to the ER in May and August. I kept thinking what if it's serious who will be there for Spencer. I need to lose a lot of weight and I've been telling myself for the past few years I need to do something. This was a huge wake up call for me!
I'm so thankful it wasn't serious.
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Post by AussieMeg on Jan 22, 2018 6:29:36 GMT
How scary for you! I'm glad that it wasn't more serious. (((Hugs))) and take care!
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Post by Delta Dawn on Jan 22, 2018 6:29:57 GMT
There is not one of us who is shocked 😳 by this. Your stress level has to be sky high.
Tomorrow will be another day. I am sending a new bolt of strength to you. Hold it and use it to stay standing. You can do this.
We love and support you. You are our sister.
Lots of love.
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Post by ScrapsontheRocks on Jan 22, 2018 6:35:27 GMT
OP, how vary scary. I am glad it was not worse, but PLEASE look after yourself, I say this not in a patronising way as you are doing so much to prioritize S. Marathon, remember? Wishing you less pain and stress, very very soon.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Apr 26, 2024 20:15:52 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Jan 22, 2018 6:41:01 GMT
Um. Blood pressure that high is not good, no matter what the tests say.
Go to a real cardiologist.
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Post by kkrenn on Jan 22, 2018 8:17:26 GMT
I am so sorry you had to go through all of that but I'm thankful you listened to his nurse and had yourself checked. I hope you continue to explore what is causing the high BP and the pain, please don't think you just need to live with it.
I hope the change to -6 helps Spencer come around again and that he can feel a little more like himself.
Continued thoughts and prayers!
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RedSquirrelUK
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,729
Location: The UK's beautiful West Country
Aug 2, 2014 13:03:45 GMT
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Post by RedSquirrelUK on Jan 22, 2018 8:48:38 GMT
Hugs X
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Post by LavenderLayoutLady on Jan 22, 2018 11:09:36 GMT
(((Hugs)))
Just read your latest update. Please take care of you. I'm glad it wasn't serious, but it's still important to make sure you are well.
Continued prayers for you and Spencer and your granddaughter.
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purplebee
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,726
Jun 27, 2014 20:37:34 GMT
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Post by purplebee on Jan 22, 2018 12:38:43 GMT
Hugs and prayers for you and Spencer. Hope you can get some treatment for the BP and Gerd. We are with you, and hoping/praying for better days ahead!
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Apr 26, 2024 20:15:52 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Jan 22, 2018 13:49:17 GMT
Oh honey...please take care of yourself! Take advantage of having a professional to talk to...it may make you feel a bit better.
Sending hugs your way!!!
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Post by mikklynn on Jan 22, 2018 14:32:51 GMT
NO, you DON'T just deal with it. You need to see a doctor for medication and monitoring of your BP. Then, you can get a referral to someone to help you deal with the stress.
You need to take care of yourself first. You can't be a good caregiver if you don't.
Best wishes.
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Post by femalebusiness on Jan 22, 2018 16:30:17 GMT
I'll just agree with the others, take care of yourself first. That is the best thing you can do for Spencer. I am so sorry you aren't feeling well on top of everything else you are dealing with. My thoughts are as always with you and Spencer.
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theshyone
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,400
Jun 26, 2014 12:50:12 GMT
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Post by theshyone on Jan 24, 2018 4:37:43 GMT
It was great to meet you today and give a little support although I think I got more in return. Take care of you.
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Post by canadianscrappergirl on Jan 26, 2018 23:57:41 GMT
UPDATE Hi everyone sorry I've been MIA. So I'm beginning to wonder if Spencer will ever get a break ugh! On Wednesday I noticed his urine output was really dark and to me it looked like it had a tinge of blood in it. By yesterday his output was less and he started spiking a fever early this morning and tested positive for a UTI. Oh it gets better. His drain quit working after lunch yesterday. They tried to flush it 2x but had no luck. Both times the doctors doing it tried to use fricking latex gloves seriously WTH! When I left last night at 11 they said they would make a decision as to what to do today by rounds this morning at 6 a.m. I got a call at 6:30 this morning saying they were going to try and replace it in his room and then do a CT. By the time I got the hospital the plan had changed because his doctor wasn't comfortable with doing it in his room. He felt Spencer's history and neuro status warranted him being in the OR for the drain to be changed out. So they did a CT and then a MRI to place the guides on his head for the pathway. I was very relieved he was going to the OR I think it's safer and they have the guidance equipment to assist them if they need it. So because he was going to the OR and he's been taking a blood thinner they checked his INR and his doctor felt he needed 2 units of plasma before surgery. He also wanted an IV started with a antibiotic as a prophylactic before his surgery They also gave him a shot of vitamin K, he had a antibiotic hanging for his UTI and his drain ugh 2 IV poles of stuff and IV in both hands. As the nurse was hanging the plasma she said in some people we see a slight reaction to plasma hmm ok I thought. As we got off the elevator to go to the OR waiting area I looked over at Spencer's neck right under his trach scar and saw a huge red area. When we got him in the waiting area his neck and torso were covered in big red hives!I'm trying not to break down as they check his BP etc and they quickly put some benadryl in him and frick his hand got as red as a tomato. He then started having pseudo seizures ugh we were both a wreck. They ordered a retest of his INR because they never got a chance to hang the second bag of plasma. They brought in an alternative for the plasma and took him in to the OR. I'm now waiting for him to come back. The NP for his Doctor said the antibiotic is now flagged on his file and if they try to place an order for it they would have to manually over ride the system to do so. Until they can figure out what the culprit is they will flag it and stay away from using plasma. I feel so bad for the kid he was really starting to perk up and they had raised his drain to -4. I'm hoping he bounces back quickly! Thank you for all the messages about my ER scare. The chest pains have stopped and I called the psychiatric adult services number and I have an assessment appointment on February 5th. I'm trying to reduce my salt intake and eat healthier. I had a visit from a pea on Tuesday! theshyone and I had a lovely visit and went out for dinner and found out we have mutual scrappy friends it's such a small world. Thank you so much for meeting up with me I really enjoyed our visit and chatting about our crazy lives!!
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Post by anniefb on Jan 27, 2018 0:11:36 GMT
Continuing to think of you and Spencer canadianscrappergirl. Please take care of yourself. Sending hugs.
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Post by canadianscrappergirl on Jan 27, 2018 0:18:47 GMT
It was great to meet you today and give a little support although I think I got more in return. Take care of you. Awe thanks I really enjoyed our visit and I'm so glad we were finally able to connect! Hope we can meet up again soon!! Still can't believe we know a few of the same people it's so crazy!!
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