At 12:30 AM I was called by the nurse at the rehab hospital that they were transporting him back to John C Lincoln Hospital as he was very sick and in a lot of pain. I had just gone to bed at 11:30 PM and had taken 1/2 a sleeping pill, but I managed to get to the ER without falling asleep while driving. I actually beat him to the hospital. It's amazing how someone who had just been in the same hospital for 3 weeks has to do all new paperwork.
They started out with an IV of saline solution and some morphine for the pain. Took an x-ray of his chest and gave him 3 or 4 breathing treatments. They put a tube down his nose to help empty his belly which gave him some relief right away. The doctor finally came in and ordered a CAT scan of his belly. Then we waited. Leonard slept the day away while I paced the floor and tried to get comfortable in a straight chair and fall asleep. The falling asleep part didn't happen. About 9 hours later he got into his room. Still no results of the CAT scan. After being in his room for several hours the doctor finally came in and explained what was going on. He has a condition called Ileus. It is a temporary paralysis of a portion of the intestines typically after an abdominal surgery. Since the intestinal content of this portion is unable to move forward, food or drink should be avoided until peristaltic sound is heard from auscultation of the area where this portion lies. Symptoms of ileus include, but are not limited to: moderate, diffuse abdominal discomfort, constipation, abdominal distension, nausea and vomiting, especially after meals lack of bowel movement and/or flatulence. Doesn't that sound like fun. He is so miserable and the thought that it basically just goes away on it's own is depressing. It could be 2 days or 2 weeks or longer. He thought he could get a quick fix. This is our first major setback so I really can't complain too much.
To add insult to injury he has a roommate that is a psycho. This guy moaned and groaned all afternoon and it was really annoying. He cussed out his nurse and really pissed her off and I don't blame her. He complained about his pain, too hot, too cold, he was dying etc...As I was leaving for the day, I spoke to the tech that was tending him and Leonard and I very nicely asked for a new roommate and the tech had already put that in motion before I left. I felt tense listening to him and I'm sure Leonard felt the same way.
Depression is setting in and I hope he can overcome those feelings because we don't want them to hinder his recovery. He just wants to get busy with his physical therapy and he can't do much when he's so miserable. Sure hope his bed will still be available when he is released to the rehab hospital.
I just hit a wall with fatigue and will try to get a good night sleep so I can be ready to go in the forning, nice and refreshed.
2 comments:
Hi Lorrie,
I am so sorry that things aren't looking good right now, but when one door closes another opens. You and Leonard are very stong people. After this passes everything will get better. Get some rest and tell Leonard we are all pulling for him, and that we love him very much. Thanks for keeping us informed Love Lori&Clay
Lorrie, I'm so glad to hear that Leonard is starting to feel better again. I so understand what he's going through. But he is lucky to have you by his side through this ordeal and I hope and pray for both your sakes that he doesn't have anymore setbacks. Love, Amy Lee
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