Saturday, January 10, 2009

K= Crappy.........Crappy= PCTU......again!

At 12:30 am Friday morning we received a phone call that Lindsay was have dips in her heart rate and arythmas again. They immediately drew a blood gas and it indicated that she was high. So, they started her on a liquid bolas and a dose of lasix after to get her to pee out the K. They also drew another blood gas to do some other tests, and on that one, her K was too low. They immediately stopped what they were doing and then started a K IV. She seemed to be getting better a little after that but then her pressures were dropping slowly and then they made the decision to bring her to the PCTU. She only stayed for about 4 hours and then went back. Of course we checked on her all through the morning in Moderate Care and my phone at around 12 noon, nurse Amy indicated to me that she wasn't behaving again. She had spiked a fever and her heart rate was low again. So, because of the fever, they did a blood and urine culture. Also, checked her K, and once again, she was low. Back to PCTU we go. I called over there to talk to Jen, one of her wonderful primary nurses, and she said that she went over to Moderate Care to see her when she found out that she was headed in her direction and that she did look pale and like she didn't feel well. You are up to date now. They might put her on a continuous lasix drip to try and regulate her urine output. The problem is that she is given her diuretics every 12 hours, and after that is given, she has a huge dump of urine and then her K went pretty low. However, we were able to anticipate that so K was given appropriately. But, about a week or so ago, I mentioned that wouldn't it be easier on her body if we gave her diuretics 4 times a day at a lesser dose rather than every 12 hours at a higher dose? Well, until they decide what to do about the continuous one, guess what her schedule is now?? Well, I can't say that I'm doctor material, but I'm pretty proud and frustrated all at the same time. I wish they would have listened before. That's right, she is on every six hours with a lesser dose. :-) I called last night before nurse Jen left and Lindsay was almost back to her normal self again. WHEW! I called this morning and she just threw up for the nurse but she indicated that everything was fine and call back in just a few minutes and she could talk to me. I haven't asked this question yet, but obviously the rituxin has been put on hold. Dang.
All in all, Lindsay knows when we are planning to head home for a few days and then plans her protest!!! It is snowing like crazy here so hopefully things will be fine for my drive back tomorrow. I am going crazy not holding my baby!!!!
Love to you all.......
Suzie

PS Working at Cole's school yesterday was great. He really enjoyed having me there and the book presentation was great too. He did a wonderful job acting it out while I read to the class. He also loved being able to pass out snack and share his circle cookies (nilla wafers). I am so glad that I could be there for him. Love you buddy!

11 comments:

Elaine said...

Well, you ARE Dr. material, my dear...trouble is, you are too darn busy to go to med school! And then they would teach you to think their way...and you would be no help to the princess! Keep trusting your gut...you know her better than anyone. If I remember correctly, she doesn't throw up when you feed her either...

What a crummy roller coaster for you...it's so nice for the boys when you come home and all you are asking is a couple of days at home! Wow...if this is any indication of life ahead with the princess, picture the teenage years..."if Cole can drive Daddy's special car, why can't I? What do you mean, I'm only 10?" Ohhh, Princess...behave for Mommy...

Praying for the snow to slow down, for you and me...I want to come Tues or Wed!! Drive carefully, dear second daughter of mine,

Love, Elaine

Evie's Story said...

Oh Suzie...she is so predictable! SHe clearly communicates her point of view whenever you leave, huh? Know its been good to have a couple days with your boys and hope school went well! Lindsay will be so happy to have you back tomorrow and we'll be praying she stabilizes.

And yes, I get it - sometimes mommy does have intuition that doctors lack...even with all their expertise and training. Keep advocating for her. You're a wonderful mom!!

Katie said...

Dito to that...you are an awesome mom! Keep it up, Doc!!! Love and hugs to you :)

The Dreier Family said...

I thought I would let you know Suzie, that Jessie said she had a lot of fun with you in school on Friday. She said the snack was really good too! Lindsay really seems to have that special bond with you since her system acts this way when you're gone. Our prayers are always with you that your whole family gets through this time in your life safely. Keep up the great doctoring to your princess!!
Love,
Megan

Maggie Geiger said...

My goodness, The Princess certainly acts on her frustrations! Does not like to be away from her Mommy. I totally agree with her, you are awesome!!!! PLease be careful traveling back to Ann Arbor, I can't believe how much snow we are getting!!!

Love,
Dan,Maggie,Ben,& Alli Geiger

The B Family said...

Sweet, strong Suzie~

Sometimes there just aren't words adequate to express my frustration and hurt for all the downs you have gone through...it's time for more "ups" now, isn't it?
Praying for precious Lindsay...and for a safe drive back to her...and giving thanks for precious time with your boys...
Love you, friend~ Rebecca

Anonymous said...

Well darn, I haven't had a chance to check today. Have been running errands and Steve has been plowing that wonderful snow most of the day. I sure hope it stops soon (the snow that is). Boy that Lindsay really know how to get your attention doesn't she. You are always in our thoughts and prayers.

Love ya,

Steve and Tina

Anonymous said...

thinking of you on this snowy night and knowing that although we may feel isolated by the weather......nothing could compare with what you are feeling. Though a good ol' snow day is sometimes welcome when you live in Michigan, I also know how it must make you feel further away. But, also know the warmth of a long winter's night and how you are surrounded of the love and warmth of friends, family and faith. Near or far, your Lindsay will be protected. Enjoy those boys and avoid the frustration of feeling like you should be too many places. Wherever you are is where you're supposed to be. The world magically works the way its supposed to......understood or not.

with love and hugs,
Kyle

Anonymous said...

Sending prayers...
It has been a rough road for all of you, and I am praying that a little sunshine heads your way soon. We continue to lift you all up in our prayers.

~Stephanie and Braeden(HLHS)

Amanda Groulx said...

Jeez! What a day! I agree with you a lower dose of lasix more frequently makes sense. Is there a reason that they don't add a potassium sparing diuretic at a low dose(spironolactone)to help minimize the K loss in the urine?

Keep those doctors on their toes. It sounds like they are extremely attentive to her and doing a great job. Drive careful in all that snow.

Love,
Amanda

Lindsay Dean said...

Amanda~
You never ceize(sp?) to amaze me! Yes, she gets aldactone (same thing)twice a day. :-) You are going to be a fabulous vet girl!
Love ya,
Suzie