back in the hospital

VivianLee5689
VivianLee5689 Member Posts: 546
in Head and Neck Cancer #1
David has been having frequent nausea again and started vomiting tonight. We came to the ER they said he was pretty dehydrated. His creatinine level is up again. They have decided to admit him. Hopefully this will be a short stay.

Comments

  • phrannie51
    phrannie51 Member Posts: 4,716
    #2
    Dehydration is so hard...
    It was the worst feeling, and I didn't know what was making me feel soooooooo crappy....until I got into the Dr. dehydration didn't even enter my mind...Hope they get him hydrated quick, so he can cozy up at home.

    p
  • yensid683
    yensid683 Member Posts: 349
    #3
    I'll say
    I hope it is a short stay as well, that David is soon feeling more like his old self, and that your worries are gone.

    Here's sending healing prayers to you and David
  • katenorwood
    katenorwood Member Posts: 1,912
    #4
    Thinking of you !
    Vivian,
    David is in my prayers on a daily basis. I think that you both are amazing. The trials you are both going through make me want to fight harder to be the kind of person who will be here for you both always ! Keep us posted, and know we are here ! Katie
  • bonefamily
    bonefamily Member Posts: 27
    #5
    So sorry
    I'm so sorry you both are going through such a hard time. The physical and emotional stress you must be under is almost unimaginable.

    Thank you for keeping us informed of your struggles. Although we've never met, the people here become as precious as family. Please know you are thought of and prayed for daily!
  • Grandmax4
    Grandmax4 Member Posts: 723
    #6
    You & David
    are in my prayers, he's actually in the best place to get the care he needs, is there some way you can slip away for a while, you need time for you...
  • Laralyn
    Laralyn Member Posts: 532
    #7
    Thinking of you both!
    I was hospitalized twice for dehydration and low nutrition, so I know what it's like. I remember being reluctant to leave the hospital when they wanted to release me because I was worried I wouldn't get care like that at home because I was so weak... so even if he doesn't want to be there, it's good for him. He'll be better hydrated and get better nutrition there for sure!
  • luvofmylif
    luvofmylif Member Posts: 344
    #8
    Laralyn said:

    Thinking of you both!
    I was hospitalized twice for dehydration and low nutrition, so I know what it's like. I remember being reluctant to leave the hospital when they wanted to release me because I was worried I wouldn't get care like that at home because I was so weak... so even if he doesn't want to be there, it's good for him. He'll be better hydrated and get better nutrition there for sure!

    Never a dull moment with you
    Never a dull moment with you guys. I thought our life was crazy. But, seriously, if it helps him then it's for the best. Just hoping and praying your husband catches a break and feels better soon. He has had more then his fair share. I hurt for you.

    Joan
  • ToBeGolden
    ToBeGolden Member Posts: 695
    #9
    So Sorry...
    David finds himself in the hospital again. Hope the docs can quickly straighten up his hydration and nutrition challenges. Rick.
  • Billie67
    Billie67 Member Posts: 898
    #10
    ToBeGolden said:

    So Sorry...
    David finds himself in the hospital again. Hope the docs can quickly straighten up his hydration and nutrition challenges. Rick.

    Ugh
    This is not what I wanted to hear!!! I'm so sorry David is back in the hospital. However, I think he is probably right where he nneds to be I. Order to get him back on the right track. Keep your chin up girl, you SO need a break!
    Hugs,
    Billie
  • Pam M
    Pam M Member Posts: 2,196
    #11
    Mixed Feelings
    I'm chiming in with the group. As much as we'd normally like to avoid the hospital, sometimes it's just what we need. Hoping a good round of fluids has him feeling more himself. Still, sounds like here's another chunk to add to the pile of stress you all already are dealing with.
  • VivianLee5689
    VivianLee5689 Member Posts: 546
    #12
    Pam M said:

    Mixed Feelings
    I'm chiming in with the group. As much as we'd normally like to avoid the hospital, sometimes it's just what we need. Hoping a good round of fluids has him feeling more himself. Still, sounds like here's another chunk to add to the pile of stress you all already are dealing with.

    Thanks for the encouragement.
    David is doing a bit better. His creatinine level is within normal range now. His platelets have now dropped to 20 and his hemoglobin to 7.4. He is pretty anemic now and the doctor told us this morning they are in no hurry to discharge David. I wasn't exactly sure why he said that. Thankfully we have David's doctor's appointment with the hematology oncologist and the inpatient part of Markey Cancer Center is in the same building as where his appointment is scheduled. We are planning to wheel him down there in the morning. I am concerned about David. He isn't showing any desire to get out of bed. Normally he loves taking a shower. Of course now it is an ordeal with the PICC line making sure it stays dry and plugging in a heater and him having to use a seat in the shower, but he has still enjoyed his shower time. Today he told me that he thought he might just do the sponge bath. He wants me to do it this evening. At the beginning of cancer he said he never wanted to have a sponge bath. He is complaining a lot about his throat now too. I guess it got raw from all the vomiting. He is spitting up bloody sputum now. The nurse said it definitely was blood, but thought it was probably from his esophagus and nothing to worry about, but that she would tell the doctor. I just wish this nightmare was over. I am running out of energy. Everytime we take a step forward it seems we are pushed back.
  • phrannie51
    phrannie51 Member Posts: 4,716
    #13
    VivianLee5689 said:

    Thanks for the encouragement.
    David is doing a bit better. His creatinine level is within normal range now. His platelets have now dropped to 20 and his hemoglobin to 7.4. He is pretty anemic now and the doctor told us this morning they are in no hurry to discharge David. I wasn't exactly sure why he said that. Thankfully we have David's doctor's appointment with the hematology oncologist and the inpatient part of Markey Cancer Center is in the same building as where his appointment is scheduled. We are planning to wheel him down there in the morning. I am concerned about David. He isn't showing any desire to get out of bed. Normally he loves taking a shower. Of course now it is an ordeal with the PICC line making sure it stays dry and plugging in a heater and him having to use a seat in the shower, but he has still enjoyed his shower time. Today he told me that he thought he might just do the sponge bath. He wants me to do it this evening. At the beginning of cancer he said he never wanted to have a sponge bath. He is complaining a lot about his throat now too. I guess it got raw from all the vomiting. He is spitting up bloody sputum now. The nurse said it definitely was blood, but thought it was probably from his esophagus and nothing to worry about, but that she would tell the doctor. I just wish this nightmare was over. I am running out of energy. Everytime we take a step forward it seems we are pushed back.

    I'm always so relieved to hear
    from you after David has a problem. I imagine the Dr. wants him right there in the hospital where his blood can be monitored and they know he's getting the hydration that he needs, etc...Honey, there are a lot of things "we" thought when we first started treatment...things we didn't think we'd ever do, or be seen as...and this disease has a way of lowering our pride (which is good). His wanting a sponge bath isn't a "sign" that he's giving up or anything. He's tired, he's weak, and he hurts....and with teh PICC it's a pain. A "for instance"...when I started treatment there was no way in he** I was going to be seen without my dentures...no way (even my husband had never been subjected to THAT!!) By the end of treatment, I couldn't wear them...and wouldn't you know that's precisely when I got called to duty to get the pump fixed, and talk to all the neighbors who were without water...AND talk to the repair people...It ended up that I could only wear them the last week before I'd get another chemo...1 week out of 4...and face the world toothless.

    It would be good for you to use this time while he's in the hospital to get yourself some needed rest....get in shape for this upcoming week. He's in good hands...

    p
  • luvofmylif
    luvofmylif Member Posts: 344
    #14
    phrannie51 said:

    I'm always so relieved to hear
    from you after David has a problem. I imagine the Dr. wants him right there in the hospital where his blood can be monitored and they know he's getting the hydration that he needs, etc...Honey, there are a lot of things "we" thought when we first started treatment...things we didn't think we'd ever do, or be seen as...and this disease has a way of lowering our pride (which is good). His wanting a sponge bath isn't a "sign" that he's giving up or anything. He's tired, he's weak, and he hurts....and with teh PICC it's a pain. A "for instance"...when I started treatment there was no way in he** I was going to be seen without my dentures...no way (even my husband had never been subjected to THAT!!) By the end of treatment, I couldn't wear them...and wouldn't you know that's precisely when I got called to duty to get the pump fixed, and talk to all the neighbors who were without water...AND talk to the repair people...It ended up that I could only wear them the last week before I'd get another chemo...1 week out of 4...and face the world toothless.

    It would be good for you to use this time while he's in the hospital to get yourself some needed rest....get in shape for this upcoming week. He's in good hands...

    p

    Well, I hope Phrannie's post
    Well, I hope Phrannie's post lifts you up. Phrannie , if you read this you always make me smile.

    But, Vivian I know it's so hard for you and David. I am thinking soon you will be getting some good news but also since David is getting radiation it zaps alot of his strength so some of this is normal for what he is going through.

    Phrannie is right, both of you are doing the best you can. It's not easy for either of you so just try and take it hour by hour, day by day. Keep in touch on this network. It helps me alot when I am able to vent

    Joan
  • ToBeGolden
    ToBeGolden Member Posts: 695
    #15
    VivianLee5689 said:

    Thanks for the encouragement.
    David is doing a bit better. His creatinine level is within normal range now. His platelets have now dropped to 20 and his hemoglobin to 7.4. He is pretty anemic now and the doctor told us this morning they are in no hurry to discharge David. I wasn't exactly sure why he said that. Thankfully we have David's doctor's appointment with the hematology oncologist and the inpatient part of Markey Cancer Center is in the same building as where his appointment is scheduled. We are planning to wheel him down there in the morning. I am concerned about David. He isn't showing any desire to get out of bed. Normally he loves taking a shower. Of course now it is an ordeal with the PICC line making sure it stays dry and plugging in a heater and him having to use a seat in the shower, but he has still enjoyed his shower time. Today he told me that he thought he might just do the sponge bath. He wants me to do it this evening. At the beginning of cancer he said he never wanted to have a sponge bath. He is complaining a lot about his throat now too. I guess it got raw from all the vomiting. He is spitting up bloody sputum now. The nurse said it definitely was blood, but thought it was probably from his esophagus and nothing to worry about, but that she would tell the doctor. I just wish this nightmare was over. I am running out of energy. Everytime we take a step forward it seems we are pushed back.

    My Stay
    When I was in the ICU for a week: I liked to be sitting in THAT CHAIR (semi-recliner), with a walker in front of it. The walker allowed me to stand without calling any staff for assistance. I also had towels hung around the walker. This allowed me to pee into a (hand-held) urinal while "hiding" behind the towels. The ability to stand and sit by myself, and to pee by myself (without calling for staff) was great for my mood. I was tethered by so many monitors I could not go anywhere.

    One of the worst parts about being a patient in a hospital is that you lose all freedoms. So returning something to David even if it is very small may be a help. Even the ability to adjust the bed (recline angle) becomes a big thing. Or the TV.

    And by the way: The thing that most panicked me was to have the call button out of reach. So be attentive to the location of that call button whenever you first come into David's room and when you leave.

    Just some simple ideas. Rick.
  • KJCorri
    KJCorri Member Posts: 14
    #16
    VivianLee5689 said:

    Thanks for the encouragement.
    David is doing a bit better. His creatinine level is within normal range now. His platelets have now dropped to 20 and his hemoglobin to 7.4. He is pretty anemic now and the doctor told us this morning they are in no hurry to discharge David. I wasn't exactly sure why he said that. Thankfully we have David's doctor's appointment with the hematology oncologist and the inpatient part of Markey Cancer Center is in the same building as where his appointment is scheduled. We are planning to wheel him down there in the morning. I am concerned about David. He isn't showing any desire to get out of bed. Normally he loves taking a shower. Of course now it is an ordeal with the PICC line making sure it stays dry and plugging in a heater and him having to use a seat in the shower, but he has still enjoyed his shower time. Today he told me that he thought he might just do the sponge bath. He wants me to do it this evening. At the beginning of cancer he said he never wanted to have a sponge bath. He is complaining a lot about his throat now too. I guess it got raw from all the vomiting. He is spitting up bloody sputum now. The nurse said it definitely was blood, but thought it was probably from his esophagus and nothing to worry about, but that she would tell the doctor. I just wish this nightmare was over. I am running out of energy. Everytime we take a step forward it seems we are pushed back.

    take this time...
    Vivian, take this time, while David is in the hospital, to recupperate a little for yourself. I watch my husband deal with my moods and and my bad days and know that it all takes a toll on him. Several have said it, take a little time for you. I also am sending up prayers for your David, i hope he feels better, stronger every day. Several have also said that he is in the best place and i would agree. Prayers and best wishes for you both.
  • Laralyn
    Laralyn Member Posts: 532
    #17
    VivianLee5689 said:

    Thanks for the encouragement.
    David is doing a bit better. His creatinine level is within normal range now. His platelets have now dropped to 20 and his hemoglobin to 7.4. He is pretty anemic now and the doctor told us this morning they are in no hurry to discharge David. I wasn't exactly sure why he said that. Thankfully we have David's doctor's appointment with the hematology oncologist and the inpatient part of Markey Cancer Center is in the same building as where his appointment is scheduled. We are planning to wheel him down there in the morning. I am concerned about David. He isn't showing any desire to get out of bed. Normally he loves taking a shower. Of course now it is an ordeal with the PICC line making sure it stays dry and plugging in a heater and him having to use a seat in the shower, but he has still enjoyed his shower time. Today he told me that he thought he might just do the sponge bath. He wants me to do it this evening. At the beginning of cancer he said he never wanted to have a sponge bath. He is complaining a lot about his throat now too. I guess it got raw from all the vomiting. He is spitting up bloody sputum now. The nurse said it definitely was blood, but thought it was probably from his esophagus and nothing to worry about, but that she would tell the doctor. I just wish this nightmare was over. I am running out of energy. Everytime we take a step forward it seems we are pushed back.

    I remember not showering too!
    I usually take a shower every morning. When I was really sick during treatments (sounds like about the same point your husband is at), I stopped showering. I felt too tired to shower and when I tried to shower, it completely wiped me out. I read later that a hot shower actually consumes energy (75-150 calories, I think) so there was a reason trying to shower exhausted me.

    It's not a sign of anything other than how very tired he feels right now. He'll get through treatments, and gradually return to a more normal state where a shower doesn't sound like running marathon!

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