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Thursday, March 31, 2011

Angela Mar 31/11 1045pm Day 43

Well I was pretty disappointed with the Doctors Meeting today. We didn't really learn much except that neurologically, they do not think there was any more damaged caused by the seizures. Root cause of the seizures appears to be her sodium levels being out. The ICU doctors were not present at the meeting.

They did an upper G.I. scope on Angela today but we did not hear any results from it as of yet. There is a high probability of internal bleeding caused by some bleeding ulcers.

When we visited Angela today, she seemed to be semi-coherent. She was not talking but was able to follow verbal commands for brief periods before she would slip out of it again. This feels like we are starting the healing process all over again. Its Day 43 and I can tell this is taking its toll on Angela as well as the rest of the family. We can only hope and pray that she is going to continue to progress forward and hopefully with no more setbacks. This has certainly been such an emotional roller-coaster for all friends and family. Thank you to everyone for your kind gestures, thoughts and prayers during this trying time for our family.

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Angela Mar 30/11 Day 42

Angela's condition remains about the same unfortunately. She had to have more blood transfusions today and there is a possibility that she may have some internal bleeding. Mom said that she did feel Angela squeeze her hand for a brief second as well as what appeared to be some tears shed. Hard to say if these are voluntary or involuntary actions at this point. Mom also said that there seemed to be a "coffee ground-like" substance coming out her her stomach via the tube. They are going to perform a scope of her stomach tomorrow at 9am

Family meeting still planned for 4pm tomorrow at the hospital.

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Angela Mar 29/11 9:45pm

Visited with Ang this afternoon. For the most part her condition is unchanged. This evening they had to give her a blood transfusion due to her hemoglobin counts being too low from what I have heard. They are also doing a lot of suctioning right now. Apparantly Angela's sodium and potassium levels were quite abnormal around the time of the seizures. Not sure if this has any bearing on the outcome or not though. Family Meeting planned for Thursday at 4pm to meet with the Doctors for a more formal update of Angela's condition.

Angela Mar 29/11 9am Day 41

Unfortunately, no change overnight with Angela. Still unresponsive and has an E.E.G. planned for today. Continues to be on a modified dialysis. I am going to the hospital today and will update later after my visit.

Monday, March 28, 2011

Angela Mar 28/11 Pt 2

Unfortunately, Angela has remained unresponsive since her seizure episodes this morning. She is not responding to any stimuli whatsoever. The brain scan came back with nothing really to report...which is not a good sign. I was hoping that it was just due to brain swelling but that is not the case. She will undergo a different type of dialysis over the next few days. I guess it is a special set-up for patients who are in Angela's condition right now (unresponsive)

Just when we seen that glimmer of hope....poof, it has been taken away. I will continue to update as news comes in.

Angela Mar 28/11 Day 40

Not a very good morning for Angela today. Received a call from the nurse telling me that she had some seizure activity during the past couple of hours. They have it controlled for now and are sending her for another brain scan to check for any abnormalities that may be happening. From personal experience, I do know that swelling around the brain can cause seizure activity but I am sure there are other issues that could have caused it too. After her scan, Angela will undergo dialysis again today.

The family, as well as myself, did notice Angela seemed to be having a lot of tremors since Friday. Not sure if this was related to the seizures that took place today or not. I will update as more information becomes available.

Thanks,

Ed

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Angela Mar. 24/11 Day 36

Went up with Mom to see Angela today. I think her spirits are down somewhat lately. I am sure this is due to the length of time that she has been hospitalized. There is a loose medical term called ICU Psychosis that is used to describe some of the abnormal psychological activity that goes on in a person's mind during a lengthy stay in an ICU unit. Some patients have hallucinations, some feel as if they are a caged animal locked in solitary confinement. I get the feeling that Angela is going through some of these symptoms. It must be difficult to be disassociated with the outside world for such a period of time. It makes me think of how all the elderly and invalid must feel on a daily basis. Try to remember that the next time when one of these folks try to bend your ear for a few minutes. Those precious 5 or 10 minutes of your 1440 minute day you are able to give them will probably mean more to them than you will ever realize. You'll spend more time picking out a movie to take home to enjoy with your family.......just food for thought.

Angela's health is still up and down each day. She is still unable to breathe on her own although she is now able to spend a few hours each day off the respirator with the assistance of some oxygen close to her mouth either via nasal tubes or a vent mask.

She was able to walk approx 50 metres with the assistance of a mechanical walker and an O/T aide on either side of her. Small steps, but forward steps nonetheless. She was still running a bit of a fever today as well as not being able to take much the the nutrition without encountering problems. Because of the food issue, as well as just being inactive for over a month, Angela has lost quite a bit of overall body mass and is looking quite frail. According to Angela, her biggest discomforts are in her stomach as well as headaches.

I do still sense a fair amount of confusion when asked certain questions, but hopefully this will improve with time and is only a result of experiencing such a traumatic event.

Ed

Monday, March 21, 2011

Angela Mar 21/11 9am Day 33

Good morning:

Its been a few days since my last post but it seems that Angela is still slowly improving. She has been able to walk short distance but is still having a difficult time with breathing. She has been able to be off respiration at intervals of about an hour twice yesterday. They have done another chest x-ray to determine if she still has a lot of fluid build-up in her lungs.

Angela has also developed a high fever overnight so they are doing culture testing on that. She remains on dialysis at this point also. I think the biggest fear now is physical impairment. Her organs have taken a beating and only time will tell if recovery is possible for them.

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Angela Mar 16/11 10pm Day 28

Had our Family Meeting with the Head Doctor of ICU today (Neurology was not available). Angela's ability to breathe on her own and her lack of kidney function are the two primary focus right now. According to the Doc, it is still too early to determine whether her kidneys will regain function just yet. She told us that if no improvement is seen within a two month window, then the chances get slimmer and slimmer of her regaining that function.

As far as breathing is concerned, Angela seems to be able to be off the vent for a period of time following dialysis. Reason being is that they believe a fair amount of fluid is still being taken off the lungs by dialysis and allowing her to breathe without assistance (although there is still an oxygen mask placed close to her mouth while the trach is capped off.

As for any brain impairment, it is still too early to tell, but at least she is able to recall basic events right now. as the repeated words go......its all going to take "time" to see what improvements surface.

I was appointed Trustee over Angela's day to day affairs regarding finances etc today. Along with that, I will keep her son Brandon under my wing for now.

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Angela Mar 15/11 1015am Day 27

Angela underwent more dialysis last night and they apparently pulled a lot of fluid off her lungs. She was quite exhausted after that and had to be put on full ventilation for the remainder of the night. As of this morning, she is back on pressure-assisted breathing only (same as prior to dialysis)

The Skin Care team has still not arrived to look at the wound on Angela. The hope is that they will be able to fit her in today. Occ. Therapy is also scheduled for a visit today to review the drop foot issues with her foot/feet.

We have scheduled a Family Meeting with the Doctor tomorrow at 1pm for a formal update on Angela's progress and future prognosis.

Monday, March 14, 2011

Angela Mar 14/11 10am Day 26

Over the past couple of days, Angela hasen't responded too well to any attempts of closing off the trach and allowing her to try to breathe on her own. This morning, they are going to do another chest x-ray to look at the condition of her lungs again and check for any fluid build up. Today, a skin specialist will see her and assess the condition and treatment of the wound on her backside.

Angela will undergo dialysis again today around 3pm for approx. 3-4 hours. Depending on how tired she is from that, they may attempt to plug the trach again and see if she can take any breaths on her own. The nurse also said they will try to get her into the chair again at some point through the day. I will be visiting Angela today and will post more if there is anything worthy.

Ed

Sunday, March 13, 2011

Angela Mar 13/11 9:30am

The past few days have been fairly stable for Angela although she is experiencing a lot of discomfort in various areas. Yesterday they attempted to remove the ventilator but were not too successful. Angela seemed to go into panic mode and had a hard time breathing. They will try this again today in hopes of weaning her off the breathing device eventually.

They have put a consultation request in for a Skin Specialist to review a large wound on her backside, which they likened to a chemical burn. This is the result of bodily waste laying against the skin.

Day by day, things seem to be improving. Hopefully with the start of a new week, we will see some more progress and get some more answers as to her revised condition.

Again, the family thanks each and every one of you for the tremendous support during this trying time.

Friday, March 11, 2011

Angela Mar11/11 10am Day 23

Angela had a fairly stable night last night. Still able to respond to commands etc this morning. They are going to attempt to crane her into a chair again at some point today. She will also undergo dialysis again. Now that she is conscious and aware of her surroundings, she is also aware of pain unfortunately. Hopefully this will subside as her body mends. Yesterday, she pulled both tubes out of her nostrils so they had to restrain her and they have been unsuccessful thus far at getting the one back into the lower region of her stomach to excrete fluid/waste.

Physical as well as mental capabilities are obviously still a concern at this point. As with the whole situation, I guess time will determine the extent of both of those. Angela still remains in ICU so she is still requiring 24/7 care.

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Angela Mar 10/11 10pm

Wow...what a day. Went in to visit Angela today and although grimacing from a lot of pain, she was actually sitting in a chair and was able to talk!! I swear my jaw bounced off the floor. What a turnaround!! I think all of the hospital staff is shaking their heads in amazement. I am astounded by the human body anymore. I am still in shock of what a turn of events have taken place over the past couple of days. Angela's progress is almost beyond belief. Crazy!!!!

Tonight when mom and Shirley went up, she was a little more subdued than today and was back on the vent. I'm sure today took a lot out of her.

The Big Guy upstairs has certainly been blasted with many prayers lately and thanks to you all, it has paid huge dividends. Thank you....thank you....thank you!!!

I am still trying to wrap my head around her remarkable progress, so before I begin to stammer on endlessly about how amazing this is....I will just shut up and go to bed.

Again,all of your well-wishes and prayers have done the job.......we, as a family, thank you so much. :)

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Angela Mar 9/11 9am

Day 21.....Well from the news I have received, Angela is making pretty remarkable progress over the past few days. She is able to mouth words now and is able to recognize who different people are. I swear that girl is like a cat that you toss 200 feet into the air....when she lands, it always seems be be on all fours!

Angela is by no means out of the woods though. She is still fighting off a few different infections and has not been able to keep the nutrient bag contents in her without vomiting. Today, they are going to try the nutrients again at a half dosage and see how she reacts to it. There is discussion of another Catscan today for her chest as well as she will be on dialysis again this morning.

The "Pain" Doctor is also going to assess her condition today to determine her actual level of pain/discomfort and prescribe or adjust medication as necessary.

So in the big picture, there has been vast improvement in the past while. Lets hope that it continues in the forward direction so she can get out of ICU. This is Day 21 in ICU.

Monday, March 7, 2011

Angela Mar 7/11 9am Day 19

Good morning:

Well it is day 19 now for Angela in ICU. Still on life-support with no indication right now if/when that will change. As the days turn to weeks, the frustration and feelings of helplessness continue to escalate. Its hard to just sit back and let the professionals do their thing. I'm hoping though, that as family and friends read this, we all accept the fact that we ARE unfortunately helpless in a situation like this. All we can do is remain positive and vigilant with our visits and hope that somewhere inside of Angela, she realizes that we are all pulling for her with every minute that passes by.

As of this morning, Angela still is able to follow commands but at a weakened level. They may try to wean her from her blood pressure medication today and monitor how she reacts to it. She will receive dialysis again this afternoon and is still fighting a couple of different infections (lungs and urinary tract). The nurse informed me that they are removing her Foley catheter since she is not able to rid herself of much urine right now. Secondly, it is possible that the catheter has caused a urinary tract infection now. (the infection is for sure although its just an educated guess as to the cause)

Ang is still fighting influenza so all visitors must be fully gowned, masked and gloved prior to entry.

We need to remind ourselves that this could go on for months and that we will be of little or no support to her if we let our own physical condition deteriorate. So yes....I'm telling the family to look after yourselves!!!!!!!

Ed

Sunday, March 6, 2011

Angela Mar 6/11 9:55am

It is now Day 18 for Angela in ICU. Not a lot new to report other than she is still fighting an infection of some sort so any visitors must wear gloves, mask and gown prior to entering. She is still somewhat responsive to pain stimuli as well as some commands. The longer she remains in ICU on life-support, the more chances of her contracting more infection, viruses etc. That is just the nature of the ICU unfortunately.

Saturday, March 5, 2011

Angela Mar 5/11 9:30am (for Les)

Just off the phone with Angela's nurse and she said that Ang was a bit "brighter" today. She was able to respond to commands with her extremities as well as nod her head when asked if she knew she was in a London hospital.

Angela had an episode of vomiting last night so they removed the nutrition bag for now and may re-introduce it today. Blood tests did show that she has some infection in her so they are monitoring that as well as administering antibiotics. All else remains the same.

This will be day 17 in the ICU.

As an FYI, Angela's condition has been pin-pointed as "P.R.E.S. Syndrome" ~Google it~

Friday, March 4, 2011

Angela Mar 4/11 1400 hrs

Not much info came out of the meeting really. There has not been any worsening of the brain matter from the MRI results so hopefully that is a sign that it is somewhat reversible. As for Angela's kidneys, it is still too early to determine whether they will function or not. The Doc said it is usually 4-6 weeks before a determination can be made. Today they also said that it could be 6 months to a year before a it can be determined what her abilities will be. This is going to be a long road!

After visiting with Angela this morning, she was still not very responsive to any commands. Her legs were moving a bit but not much else. At the time of the visit, she was undergoing dialysis again.

The longer she remains in ICU on life support, the more chance of things worsening due to infections etc. Hopefully she will be able to breathe on her own soon and be able to be moved out of there.

Angela Mar 4/11 0900hrs

Just a short update for now....Angela's vitals seemed to have stabilized over night and she is scheduled for dialysis again today. They may also try to have her breathe using an oxygen mask today and see if she can tolerate it or not.

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Angela Mar 3/11 @ 2130 hrs

Wasn't a very good day and night for Angela. She was barely responsive this afternoon when we visited her and from what mom told me, even less responsive tonight. Hopefully that is just a sign of her body gathering strength.

There is another Family Meeting tomorrow at noon with the Neuro Team to review the past couple of days tests. Honestly, I don't expect to hear much new information but we shall see. I will post the again after the meeting unless something significant happens prior to that.

Thanks

Angela Mar 3/11 @ 0915hrs

Sorry for no update yesterday but Angela had a very busy day with tests and procedures etc.

While doing the dialysis yesterday, they encountered a blood clot near the end of the cycle so Ang may have to have it repeated again today. Normally they would only do it every other day. She has a trach tube in her throat now so the mouth breathing tube is now gone. They also inserted a central pic line as well as performed an MRI yesterday.

Angela now has, at time of writing, a high fever,influenza and elevated blood pressure so any family member or other persons who are on her "allowed visitor" list will have to mask before they go in to see her. If you are not on the allowed visitor list, please just read here for any updates and/or call one of the family members. We appreciate the thought of people wanting to visit her but her condition is still much too fragile to invite any outside sicknesses in to the room.

The MRI must have shown minimal brain swelling now because they felt comfortable enough to remove her drain tube from her head. After all of yesterday's procedures, Angela has seemed to slip back into an unresponsive state although the nurse did say that she was responding a bit this morning to external stimuli.

Thanks for your understanding and patience during this time.

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Angela Mar 1/11 @ 2100 hrs

Took Angela's son Brandon up to see her this afternoon. Ang has made more progress today. She is able to track with her eyes almost 100% and can follow commands for a brief period of time. Small but positive steps for sure!

Catscan was done today but no results as of yet. The pic line didn't get done either due to a backlog in the department I guess. Angela will have a busy day tomorrow with removal of her breathing tube in the mouth and having a tracheactomy performed. So unfortunately she can still not breathe properly on her own yet. She will ungergo dialysis again tomorrow since her kidneys are still not functioning.

So its "hurry up and wait". Hopefully tomorrow brings some more positive news.

Ed

Angela Mar. 1/11 @ 0915 hrs

Well here we are on Day 13 of Angela's journey. Slowly but surely we are seeing SOME signs of recognition and response to stimuli. She seems to slip in and out of different states of awareness though.
The nurse's update this morning told me that her Catscan has already been completed today, and the results sent to the Neuro Team to review. They will attempt to remove the line in her groin today and insert another central pic line in a less susceptible location. After that has been completed, they will adjust her bed so that she is in more of an upright position. Hopefully that will be more comfortable for her and allow her to see more of her surroundings when she is able to.

All else still remains the same....still on life support.