Marie's cultures came back -- she's got three different bacteria colonizing, and two of them are treatable with the Cipro they're using. We'll keep an eye on the third one, and see what happens. Apparently, she'll always be 'colonized,' so the trick is keep the numbers down to a level her immune system can handle. I don't understand this as well as I should, but I'm sure we'll learn more.
Marie's doctor sent down word that the foley catheter can make matters worse, but we don't like the option of straight-cathing her four times a day either. We talked to the nurse, who talked to the doctor, and they're referring us to urology to re-open the issue of a supra-pubic catheter. It means surgery to put it there, but weighing that against the ongoing issues of the other catheters, we think it makes sense. The nurse thought it was a great idea, so we'll see what the urologists say.
dp continues to work her butt off at St. Lukes. She's pretty sore, but we think that's all from muscles that had gotten used to not doing much. She's still on thick liquids, but they moved her off pureed foods today. Her meat loaf probably looked pretty much the same, but the green beans actually looked like green beans. She has an official discharge date of 3/28, so I guess I've got that long to get the downstairs cleaned up...
Trooley is allowed up in the room, so I've been bringing him up for a short visit each day. The first day had him pretty freaked, but by today (his fourth visit), he seems to be getting the hang of the place. He sitting at my feet next to dp's bed as I write this.
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Kevin, I can help with downstairs some one Sunday if you like. Bunky is still channel-able.
When I worked with Systems Unlimited and before I had a lot of experience with catheters. They all have significant UTI risk, due to insertion and removal and the passage they make into the body. (I of course defer to Nurse Nancy.) One that is more permanent might make more sense. I know that the ones you insert several times per day present the most risk.
I'm with Trooley. Hospitals give me the willies, too.
You both have a pretty good grasp on the concepts here. In a perfect world, the in-and-out method is actually the cleanest. The foley sits there and provides a highway for outside bacteria to get inside. But nurses and trained others can't be perfect at keeping the in-and-out catheters sterile, so the risk goes up over time. (Remember that Marie had fewer UTI's when Diana was cathing her? Better attention to detail.)
The supra-pubic catheter goes in through the abdominal wall, so it's a cleaner area to being with and the opening seals around the catheter in a short time so there's no bacteria highway either. I'll defer to the urologists to discuss the risks of surgery and any longterm issues.
BTW, c-man, there is only one Sunday between now and the 28th.
Should have read "some on Sunday", rather than the way it did. Were you a proof-reader in a past life?
'Fraid so. I was a TA for freshman English in college.
Back to the present-Donnamarie said the suprapubic catheter doesn't completely eliminate the infection risk, so you'll want to discuss that with the urologist.
Hey guys, we are doing our best to follow this at internet cafes in Spain. sunny and about 50 here today and the Badgers won yesterday so we´re off for shopping and Picasso...maybe the Royal palace. colleen...have you called mom and dad with updates? mom will be pleased with the updates for sure...dad too of course. love katie and everyone else...andrew is great!
Katie,
I talked to Mom and Dad last Sunday and read them the updates at that point, they are golfing daily; however, no Picasso.
Happy Vernal Equinox to all, we are expected to get 5-7 inches of snow today, and of course plan to drive to Milwaukee and train to Chicago.
Glad to hear that dp is making such progress in rehab, I'm sure she will be happy to get home though! Love to all, and Andrew too.
Love,
Else
Hi Ya'll,
I had been a pretty faithful lurker, until kind of falling off for most of March (positively distracted by life's happenings). So it took me about 1/2 hour to catch up on the past couple of weeks worth of posts.
THANK YOU all for keeping this blog updated and interesting (actually downright funny at times). Although there may only be a couple of 'regular' posters, there are at least a few others of us out here appreciating your time. And by the way, Lisa and Sally are NOT the only cheering section from Oregon!
Also, C-man, I turned 50 a few weeks ago and I have since decided to try hard to celebrate every damn day, with or without scotch.
I am trying to nail down dates for a trip to Iowa in early June. I have a nephew getting married on 6/14. I am still debating whether or not to bring both daughters with me.
Diana - every time I think of you, I wish I could give you a big hug.
Love to you all. Happy Spring!!
perry
hey guys, sorry about your weather over there but this is supposed to be the end right? we are headed to segovia today, joey and robin don´t like old churches, museums or bathrooms without toilet paper. at times, for them, it´s been rough. we head home on monday. hugs to dp and everyone. i hope your snow melts without having to shovel. katie
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