Hey all. Not much new, but here is the latest. My moms still in the hospital. The doctors are getting close to approving her to leave. But we're not ready for that yet. Chris is still working out the home health care deal. Apparently we'll still need a hospital bed and equipment for when she comes home. She doesn't have her strength back yet and it will take a while to get there. Also, the pain doesn't appear to have decreased much since surgery. I hope and pray she'll be pain free soon. The medications she has to take to rid the pain also limit her ability to do much of anything.
On a good note, the chest X-rays are showing no new additional fluid build up in the plural cavity / right lung. At the same time we are seeing a (normal) increase of fluid in the stomach. This means that the lung fusion to the plural cavity wall is working properly. If it stays steady like this for a month, the doctors may proceed with the left lung which is still 30% compressed. Of course, we'll need mom to be fully recovered by then. I don't know how she could even opt to do something like that a second time - I know I would be hesitant. But my mom is one tough cat, that's for sure.
On another note; Heparin blood thinning medication will be stopped soon, as Coumadin is about to start. I suppose this medication will always have to be there until the blood clots are gone. Coumadin from my understanding takes longer to start working but saturates much stronger. With Heparin, it's administered through IV and should be stopped at least 6 hours before any procedures that require incisions, like Paracentesis (fluid drain from stomach). Coumadin on the other hand needs to be stopped a few days prior. We just always need to be fully aware of this.
When we get home the plan will be full recovery. This is going to take time, but I know my mom can do it. I'll post an update again when we find out when she'll be released.
With love, Mike.
Full recovery!!!
Posted by: Lori Lober | 09/28/2012 at 09:03 AM
Sending love and support to each of you. Let me/us know if you and Yolanda prefer visitors at the hospital or if I should wait until she gets settled at home. Hug Yolanda for me!
Posted by: Gwen | 09/28/2012 at 05:31 PM