I've been in here for more than 24 hours now, and the doctors still can't decide if I've had a heart attack, or a reaction to the stent that was put in my oesophagus on Friday morning. And until they work out what it is, they can't treat me. So I'm not going anywhere, although I really want to be at home now. Prayers for clarity for the medics would be welcome. (If any of them were more than 12 it might help!)
In addition, I've realised that neither possibility involves cancer, so I shouldn't be posting here. Forgive me, but this has become my medical thread.
In addition, I've realised that neither possibility involves cancer, so I shouldn't be posting here. Forgive me, but this has become my medical thread.
The latest. The doctors seem to have agreed that it's a heart problem, so I'm about to me moved to a cardiac ward, presumably so I can have some tests. All of which means that there's no clear end point in sight yet, but I can see that this is the best place for me. (And one of my Wardens is going round to feed my cats, so there's nothing to worry about there.
My Bishop visited me this afternoon, and she was so supportive I wept. I have to much to be thankful for.
You could try shaking the packet of Dreamies - it's how I get mine out of the loft when they have managed to break in there - or how I entice them home from across the road!
Woken this morning by unpleasant feelings in chest. Have taken pain killers which have helped a bit. If things don't improve will have to call ambulance and return to hospital, but I really don't want to do that.
Spent the day in hospital, but home now. Thay think it's an infection in my lungs, and I'm on antibiotics. Not exactly comfortable, but better than I was.
I am having adventures of my own. I was referred to the only neurosurgeon in a several-state area who performs a procedure called a cordotomy, in which the spine is opened up and the surgeon ablates the nerves that are causing the agony.
I took the friend who is my future trustee/executor, an attorney who is quite brilliant (and an excellent tenor), and who can be counted on to ask intelligent questions.
It’s a difficult decision to make. The side effects range from paralysis to merely destructive of all quality of life; the doc says that he’s never had a patient experience any of them, but... I would be in ICU for a night and in a regular hospital bed for another night, and be at least a week recovering in bed, but the effects should last the rest of my life. I am currently collecting information and opinions from people whom I respect.
They perform the surgery only on cancer patients.
Meanwhile, I learned on Wednesday afternoon that I was scheduled for a nerve-blocking procedure on Friday. (I thought I was Just going in for a follow-up.) Since the epidural I only recently had was already wearing off, I went ahead and had it.
It was pretty awful; the pain was so bad that I couldn’t help moaning. The nurse stationed at my head took my hand and held it, a kind and comforting gesture. When it was over, I apologized for being such a wimp, but she said, “You’ve got a lot going on down there. I would never call you a wimp.” Her compassion was what I needed.
Anyway, your prayers for my decision-making would be most welcome. Thank you!
I hate those conversations where they outline (for very good legal reasons) what might go wrong. A classic was last week: "There is a risk of a stroke or death with this procedure. Now just relax as that improves the chances of success!"
'Procedure-related mortality' was I think the phase they used for Mr F's stem cell treatment.
This is probably not the place for hangman jokes, but really, that advice was not much better. Back when I was doing the failed chemo thing, I looked at the list of known side effects, and at the bottom was 'death'. Knowing that did not help me at all.
Time to send out another flock of orneries to Rossweisse - here they come!
I hate those conversations where they outline (for very good legal reasons) what might go wrong. A classic was last week: "There is a risk of a stroke or death with this procedure. Now just relax as that improves the chances of success!"
Perhaps he felt that a brisk answer was the best??? Special prayers for you also at this difficult time, and for your carers.
I found the doctor's comment to me very disturbing when he said I just had to learn to manage pain myself, but there was no advice given as to how I was to achieve this. This was all conveyed to me in a very pompous voice! I think I need to change doctors.
Maybe, but are there others (healthcare individuals or agencies) you could approach, regarding pain management? Your doctor indeed sounds unsympathetic, but hopefully you may find someone else who is more helpful...
I've been terribly tired, so went to have a blood test yesterday afternoon. This morning my cancer nurse rang. My blood levels are weird, "ludicrous" was the word she used. So I will have more tests next week, as it looks as though my liver might be playing up.
On the plus side, I asked for a prognosis, and she reckons months but not years. So that's not too bad. (If Trump gets defeated I'd like to see that. If, somehow, he gets in again, then Lord send your sweet chariot to carry me home!)
... I asked for a prognosis, and she reckons months but not years. So that's not too bad. (If Trump gets defeated I'd like to see that. If, somehow, he gets in again, then Lord send your sweet chariot to carry me home!)
My thoughts exactly. I need to live at least long enough to vote against the Orange Menace and as many of his acolytes/enablers as I can find on the ballot, and then to witness the outcome.
Comments
In addition, I've realised that neither possibility involves cancer, so I shouldn't be posting here. Forgive me, but this has become my medical thread.
Forgiven. Post away.
My Bishop visited me this afternoon, and she was so supportive I wept. I have to much to be thankful for.
You could try shaking the packet of Dreamies - it's how I get mine out of the loft when they have managed to break in there - or how I entice them home from across the road!
I took the friend who is my future trustee/executor, an attorney who is quite brilliant (and an excellent tenor), and who can be counted on to ask intelligent questions.
It’s a difficult decision to make. The side effects range from paralysis to merely destructive of all quality of life; the doc says that he’s never had a patient experience any of them, but... I would be in ICU for a night and in a regular hospital bed for another night, and be at least a week recovering in bed, but the effects should last the rest of my life. I am currently collecting information and opinions from people whom I respect.
They perform the surgery only on cancer patients.
Meanwhile, I learned on Wednesday afternoon that I was scheduled for a nerve-blocking procedure on Friday. (I thought I was Just going in for a follow-up.) Since the epidural I only recently had was already wearing off, I went ahead and had it.
It was pretty awful; the pain was so bad that I couldn’t help moaning. The nurse stationed at my head took my hand and held it, a kind and comforting gesture. When it was over, I apologized for being such a wimp, but she said, “You’ve got a lot going on down there. I would never call you a wimp.” Her compassion was what I needed.
Anyway, your prayers for my decision-making would be most welcome. Thank you!
The second possibility was a Stroke.
TBTG, neither occurred...
The consultant was a youngish chap, who clearly didn't mince his words, and presumably felt that I was strong enough to cope with the plain English!
This is probably not the place for hangman jokes, but really, that advice was not much better. Back when I was doing the failed chemo thing, I looked at the list of known side effects, and at the bottom was 'death'. Knowing that did not help me at all.
Time to send out another flock of orneries to Rossweisse - here they come!
Perhaps he felt that a brisk answer was the best??? Special prayers for you also at this difficult time, and for your carers.
@rhubarb, that’s appalling. You would be justified in seeking another, more compassionate physician.
I've been terribly tired, so went to have a blood test yesterday afternoon. This morning my cancer nurse rang. My blood levels are weird, "ludicrous" was the word she used. So I will have more tests next week, as it looks as though my liver might be playing up.
On the plus side, I asked for a prognosis, and she reckons months but not years. So that's not too bad. (If Trump gets defeated I'd like to see that. If, somehow, he gets in again, then Lord send your sweet chariot to carry me home!)