Loading tweets...Kat remains in the ICU which obviously is playing on my emotions this week. There are days were I am afraid of any little twitch or cough that she makes or an ICU alarm blasting from a monitor, or when the doctors disturb my sleep to ask me if a certain procedure they which to perform is acceptable. I also had feelings of guilt and asked myself what I did wrong in taking care of her (or what was the cause?). I also had to calm family nerves which I can only imply here (Sorry, I promised!). Anyway, as of today Kat continues to improve, however, she was more lethargic than yesterday. Her nurse put back the air mask just in case. She told me also that Kat has proven to have a sleeping/breathing disorder that I never knew she had although Kat always asked for her over the counter inhaler before she went to bed. So, Kat continues to follow her nurses instructions and has opened her eyes several times today. The surgeons did not have to do any more blood drains or breathing procedures, however she has a temporary feeding tube ironically attached to her stomach opposite her peritoneal exit site for kidney dialysis. And Yes, she is still getting kidney dialysis every night! Although the neurosurgeons were thinking that a direct line to her circulatory system would take out her toxins better. My guess is that her body is used to the more gentle approach that peritoneal provides. Hemodialysis or similar method is much more drastic, which would weaken all her other vital functions such as blood pressure. Again, I am not a doctor but I have learned so much in the last few years it almost feels that I should try for a degree. Yet, I was also pleased and agreed with her doctors at the ICU for taking the time to observe her recovery from comatose to awareness before once again sedating Kat for the full intense scan that was (mentioned for Wednesday) . It has been rescheduled for an unknown time tomorrow. The scan definitively exhibits how Kat’s brain is functioning and if more surgery is necessary. It also has the most risk but less than the first time she had it nine days ago. Also, as some of Kat’s friends have commented Kat has surprising inner strength and willingness to live (although she would never admit it). Again, I will update via twitter and post on this blog if my emotions do not get in the way. I am sure Kat thanks you for your support!
May 12 2013
Alert: Serious Brain Event
Sorry, I have not been able to get to any of my blogs or to look at my business this week. Kat, is seriously ill and has been in the hospital since about Tuesday night. It was very traumatic and several times I wanted to at least twitter the situation but I somehow could not do it! I am not sure why, all I could think of is her, period. Strangely, it all started from her being nauseated from what we both thought was a food virus (it could still be the cause!). Anyway, after consulting her kidney nurse and Kat actually explaining to me that her left cheek was getting numb that was it. I called 911 and got her to the ER. However, at first they all thought that it was peritonitis which is a bacterial contamination related to her type of dialysis treatment. Being that I trained hard and had some experience I knew they had to be wrong. Granted I am not a doctor but she had absolutely none of the symptoms. She was then given a scan and it was discovered that she had a small bleed in the brain. She was then rushed to another hospital an hour away which has one of the best ICU’s for brain injury/strokes. Kat was calmer than all of us and responded well both physically and mentally. She was then given special CRT scan and the results were good. However, overnight her mental condition started to decease. She acted confused and keep asking to be lifted by her arms to get out of the bed. She also claimed to be thirsty (which I originally thought was because they drained too much during her dialysis). This reminded me of the time she had an infection and they gave her painkillers that caused hallucinatory side effects (see a previous post). So, I immediately told her nurse, however, it took more time to convince her. Nevertheless, Kat was scanned again, they did a quick surgery to relive brain pressure. Still, her mental abilities declined. This was then followed by another surgery very early in the morning on the next day. The doctors said that these surgeries went well, and a fairly healthy person may recover within a few days. Of course, there is the issue, Kat has kidney disease which slows down the immune system. Today, as I write this post she is still in the ICU. Her mental state is, according to the nurse, at a very low state but it has slightly improved over yesterday when i went to visited her. I will continue to keep all my viewers and friends informed. Please, be patient, thanks!
May 06 2013
The Eating Game!
Kat has been a rather indecisive lately, especially when it comes to what she wants to eat. Let me explain, yesterday, we came back from picking up her phosphate binder medicine (too much phosphate can accumulate in the body, so this medicine gets rid of the excess). I knew I had lots of business activities to attend to with less time than usual for a Saturday. So, after setting Kat at the television set, I immediately asked her, the dreaded question! “What would you like to eat? I then waited for her to answer or at least tell me that she was not hungry or anything. No answer. Then she looks down and says “Do we have anymore Q-tips? I quickly replied, “Yes, but do you want to eat?” Again, another minute passes, no answer. I then suggest choices going through our entire cupboard.No answer. I even look straight at her and ask if she was feeling alright. This she answers quickly, “Yes, but why do you ask?” What! I wonder what kind of game is she playing? Is it an attempt to anger me or make me appear foolish? I was ready to scream but I held back my emotions. Instead, I said “I will give you a half hour while I turn on the desktop and review some email. During that time I would like you to think on what you feel you can eat and then we will discuss, bye” And off to my home office I went. I did not look back for her answer, this time. An hour later (yes, I always had some trouble with time – ’the anti-time lord!’ ) I walk into the living-room to find Kat asleep. Waking her up, I sternly said “I am microwaving some left over hamburger for both of us. Her response: Good! The eating game was over yet she also did it today while a waitress stood by and Kat’s cousin stared from across the table. It was weird for her cousin to see Kat like this, for the waitress it must have been awkward, but for me it was silly and embarrassing And by the way, Kat’s cousin listed the choices (on the entire menu) this time (foolish!). I guess it is now going to be her new eating game!
Apr 29 2013
Thin and Crispy
This week I was weary and perhaps I lost a little weight as I ran around with Kat in the hot car and office to office doing all types of paperwork. First I had to get a update of Kat’s condition (kidney disease) signed and sent out for insurance purposes (Do they really think her condition would change short of a pill from Dr. McCoy or a new bionic kidney, oh right!). It was a crisp errand but my luck did not last. Then we had to renew both her state id and disability parking permit. We had to go to our county office three times to get the paperwork right. (One of those was to go back to Kat’s kidney doctor to have him sign the permit application). You will not believe how many forms of identification were needed and the wait for the clerk as she had to actually fax copies for state approval. Wow! I think we have our security priorities misaligned, don’t you? Anyway, we did what had to be done, she had much needed walking and exercise but then I bought Kat a pizza which is her new favorite food, lately. She seems to ask me about getting the thin and crispy everyday.
Apr 25 2013
The Sounds of the Machine
Kat was about to be hooked up and ready to be thrust-ed into a comfortable sleep. She was especially happy because this time she could go to bed at a decent time. It has been several nights on a steady incline of later and later hook up times on my part. I guess I was too involved with editing and uploading photos to even notice. So, I told Kat that tonight I would break a record. So, here it is with only a few seconds to go and suddenly the dialysis machine grinds. The motor then growls when it is usually silent. Kat then looked (as best she can) at me and smiled. I stared back at her and said “OK, Houston, we have a problem. I think that the launch will be delayed. Sorry, mission control has also just announced that no new records will be logged today” At least she went with the humor and just covered her head under her blankets. I then pressed a button to try and go back a step in the procedure when this time an alarm ( I hate alarms!) goes off. Still, the machine grinds like a motorcycle in idle. Kat from under the covers says “call someone?” Well, sure I am a guy (right?), but anyway, she did not remember that we had an experience similar to this last year. It was simple, I just shut the machine off, turned it back on and it resets itself! I did wait for any peculiar sounds for a couple of minutes, replaced the previous fluid bags (and tubes), and began again. Lift off!
Apr 21 2013
The Truck Driver
I think I have a ‘thing’ for celebrating ‘ordinary’ heros this week (see my new This and More blog/post at www.thisandmoreblog.prismhawk.com). Perhaps I always have because I usually advocate it here while celebrating those who take care of others. This week is perhaps no different as for as I am concerned.Sometimes, I think, that anyone can be (or become) a hero even those that indirectly assist in that caring along the way. Are they heros, too? Maybe? Anyway, I like to say a very special goodbye to the Truck Driver that has been delivering supplies for Kat’s dialysis every month (almost, see previous posts). He retired this week, and I will truly miss him! I got to know this truck driver as a friend! His friendly smile, humorous conversation, and willingness to go the extra mile (literary!) made a rather boring chore for me (waking up early just so I can open the door) an event that I looked forward to every month. I strongly mean this when I say it will not be the same without him. Good Luck and Thank You!
Apr 18 2013
The Real Heros
This is a special short post paying tribute to the first responders and ordinary citizens that put their own lives on the line in Boston. Your bravery inspires me to continue my own good work here and should further exhibit what it means to be a hero to the our nation’s children. Ironically, it seems despite all the superhero movies I was getting concerned for the reality of a non-compassionate society. I guess at least this week I was proven wrong. Thank You!
Apr 14 2013
Anchors Away
>Warning→ the following ‘could be’ rated for – well, I will let you determine this post anyway you like, but all of it is true! One of the facts that you have to deal with if you or a love one uses the peritoneal method of dialysis is the daily hooking and unhooking of (your body) attached to a machine. Up until a few years ago I thought this was only something you see in science fiction but now I have to help Kat everyday with the chains! Do not get me wrong, after several months it becomes almost routine. The times when it is not is usually in the morning and even though it takes about five minutes or less there are times I just want to slip away (so who is the one chained?). I even teased Kat today that if she hugs me I will release her chains! I also have to clean her surgical exit site (the interface where the implanted tube inside reaches the surface and then exits outside her body for attachments to be made) everyday as well (or more when she takes a shower). This also became routine but only because I have to put on a type of bandage that the nurses call “an anchor“. So, in her own (fill in the blank) way, Kat entertains me by humming the song “Anchors Away” every time!
Apr 12 2013
Springtime: Tax Relax
Suwanee in the Sun
Well, you think I would let Kat get away with having new shoes without testing them! Wrong! Hey, is it time to enjoy the cool springtime weather in Florida! After, my sequester from actually doing my own taxes (as opposed to using Turbotax software, see my business blog Stages at (www.stagesblog.prismhawk.com) I made a bold decision to take a trip to the Suwanee River Refuge. It was fantastic fun to escape to the wonders of nature and away from the always calculating, planning, and routine world inside our home. Plus, I have some gorgeous photos for Earth Day and Mother’s Day. By the way, even though Kat could not see much she was very helpful with practical advice and her willingness to relax and enjoy (for a change!). 
Mar 25 2013
Shoes
Finally, I have Shoes
After weeks of silly paperwork and determination (yes, with some badgering) Kat received her new orthodontic shoes. She says she likes the lighter weight while the fit has given her more control. I like that she does not have to use her old (ancient) moccasins (I almost buried them in the back but I was afraid the shoes would invade our neighbors privacy) which had little support and the worn away soles caused the dangerous blisters on her feet in the first place. Believe me she wore those moccasins even when hiking wooded trails and for as long as I can remember.
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