ICU (update 1/9)

My heart is with you
Penny,

Will keep you both in my prayers all day long. I will pray for the best for your hubby, and I will pray for 1000 angels to surround you and comfort you in this time of agony for you.

Lucy

Back in helpless mode
It sounds like you are back in that place where there's nothing you can do but wait and hope the doctors figure things out. I wish I could send a little packet of strength (going through my own crisis right now, but nothing like yours) by email; it's hard to be strong when you are so worn down, but I have to hope there's yet another turn for the better in your future.

On the clinical side - the vomiting blood (and old blood in the stool) sounds like stomach ulcers (they can be caused by various meds and they go away when the meds are stopped; they can also be caused by chronic nausea/vomiting). I don't know how comfortable you'd be in asking if they've considered this, and if they can have a GI guy look at him - you can treat ulcers without changing the other meds.

A high WBC is not always a sign of an active infection - if he is not running a fever and if they find nothing in the cultures, ask if they can put him back on the transplant list for now. The WBC can be up due to physical injury and stress (hello, like being in the hospital and getting stuck all the time?) or certain drugs (like prednisone) - if that's the case, he still fits the "clear of infections" rule for transplants.

It's so hard for you right now - we're all really, really hoping it gets better soon.

Hard to hear this
Penny,
So sorry to hear that he's back in ICU again. Darn, whatever is going on I hope they clear it up and he can be put back on the transplant list. You have got to be so stressed out. If I lived near you, I'd come to sit with you. Try not to get too down, and if there's someone there to talk to for support do it. Please keep us posted. And tell your hubby to keep fighting!!! "Carole"

My thoughts are wih you & your husband

Penny

I was disheartened to see your post. I was hoping everything was going smoothly. We all seem to be on a rollercoaster these days. Don't be afraid to vent. You certainly have the right. Scream out your lungs. I am hoping this is just a small setback and your husband will be back on the transplant list again very soon. Doctor's get a little carried away sometimes. They are just covering their butts so they don't get sued. Just know that we are all praying for you and your husband. Hang in there girl. You've been doing a wonderful job. You've definitely earned my respect. Prayers, hugs and love going out to both of you.

(((MEGA HUGS)))

Skipper

ketziah35 said:

Wish I could send you all on
Wish I could send you all on cruises to Greece! Have you seen Hope0310?

Here I am....
Thanks Ketz...

Don't forget me on that Grecian cruise....heck at this point, I will go with Penny to clean Aprils house and go out for the pedi!!!

Much love to all of you, hoping for a week for Pat and Mike....you guys are always on my mind.

Elysia