D4 Update?

[taiwan_girl]

Wow! Glad that you are able to help! That is great!!

[89th]

Thanks for the update, GK!

[George K]

Being discharged today. She's on a bucket of Dilaudid, but considering she's been on IV Dilaudid for pain control for the last 3 ½ weeks or so, I'm not surprised. She's eager to get the hell out of the hospital.

She's OK with the surgical pain, but the radiculopathy of the S1 nerve root persists. It's getting better, but it's still there, and that makes sitting uncomfortable. Lying or standing are the best. That is ONE pissed off nerve root. It's been bothering her since January, and we finally have a definitive treatment. Gonna have to wait for healing.

She's gonna spend time with us so Mrs. George and I can wait on her - I estimate 4-5 days.

Also D2 is crossing the Cheddar Curtain today to help out.

[jon-nyc]

Good to hear. I hope the pain goes away soon.

[Horace]

Glad she is recovering. I hope this time will be the last.

[Jolly]

@George-K said in D4 Update?:

That is ONE pissed off nerve root. It's been bothering her since January, and we finally have a definitive treatment.

Ok, the pressure should be off of it and I know it takes time for a nerve to settle down. Are there any other treatments, beside oral pain meds?

[taiwan_girl]

Wow!!! Hope things continue on the upward healing curve!

[George K]

@Jolly said in D4 Update?:

Ok, the pressure should be off of it and I know it takes time for a nerve to settle down. Are there any other treatments, beside oral pain meds?

Something was said about home PT - I don't know whatever became of that. We'll see.

[George K]

Long, long update.

First of all, me. I came down with a nasty virus about 3 weeks ago. Some kind of influenza variant that caused a bad bronchitis. Loud, rattly, productive cough that I couldn't shake. It eventually moved up to my ears, sinuses, and nose. I'm a bit better, but still no energy. Lost appetite, and lost about 8 lbs. Finally ate some pizza today.

D4 had her surgery Tuesday as mentioned. She came to stay with us on Saturday and is doing better than I expected. Pain is controlled on oral narcotics. She is wearing a back brace that limits movement and she has been surprisingly active. Incision looks good, but she has some kind of weird rash around the incision that looks like an allergic reaction. PM me if you want a photo. She'll probably stay here through Thursday and then home that evening.

About a week after I got sick, Mrs. George got the virus. Non-stop coughing. Totally debilitating. It got so bad that last Sunday (10 days ago) we went to the ER. Virus panel showed parainfluenza. After a couple of neb treatments, a blast of steroids, she was good enough to go home. She did OK until last Sunday, when the constant cough became so debilitating that she was unable to eat, sleep or rest. Back to the ER on Sunday AM, this time via ambulance. More of the same treatment, but was admitted overnight. She came home yesterday PM in a slightly better condition. It's frustrating because there's really nothing you can do other than supportive care - nebulizer, mucomist, cough suppressant, steroids.

It's been a horrible, horrible month. Sick as hell here, D4 with two spine surgeries, and Mrs. George with two trips to the ER.

Rant on shitty hospital care to follow....

[Jolly]

Rant away. Shitty hospital care has become standard.

Glad to hear D4 is better. Latex rash?

And you and the missus rest and recuperate. Please.

[kluurs]

DAMN! Sorry to hear that things are so rough. That's horrible! Hospital ER - if a teaching hospital - as you've noted, the introduction of new residents. Someone entrepreneurial should put a vending machine in the ER lobby that does instant estate planning. It's a shame all of this is at once.

[George K]

@Jolly said in D4 Update?:

Glad to hear D4 is better. Latex rash?

Possible - I was thinking a reaction to the Ioban.

Link to video

[Mik]

Was her treatment in the hospital very uncoordinated?

[Jolly]

@George-K said in D4 Update?:

@Jolly said in D4 Update?:

Glad to hear D4 is better. Latex rash?

Possible - I was thinking a reaction to the Ioban.

Link to video

Iodine allergy?

[George K]

@Mik said in D4 Update?:

Was her treatment in the hospital very uncoordinated?

D4's treatment at the Northwestern was outstanding. Everything was planned, outlined, and effective. The only problem was a 6 hour delay in transferring pain control meds from one service to another.

She, and I, couldn't be happier.

I've complained about huge hospital care, with not knowing who's driving, etc. However, in her case, with both hospitalizations this month, neither of us have any complaints. Truly outstanding.

[George K]

@Jolly LOL, yup. That's my guess.

In fact, right after I commented, I sent her that EXACT video.

"Yes!!!" she said.

[Mik]

Well, I meant Shirley.

[George K]

@Mik said in D4 Update?:

Well, I meant Shirley.

rant coming...perhaps tomorrow. I'm tired, I'm (still) sick...

[Mik]

Too much to contend with for all of you. May it pass quickly.

[George K]

Remember Queen Elizabeth's comment "Annus horribilis?"

This has been monat horribilis.