Karen has been in hospital since Monday. This is her third hospital stay (surgery, abscess and now this). She's in Overlook in Summit and they do a great job there.
The reason for this admission is the pain in her abdomen, near where her liver touches her lung on the right side. It's intense pain which she describes as a 10. They've been trying since Monday to diagnose the cause of the pain.
She had a CT scan on Monday and a 2nd yesterday. She's also had a chest X-Ray, an EKG and an ultra-sound on her legs. These were looking for a Pulmonary Embolism which is another name for a blood clot. It's been quite tense whilst this was going on as a PE could be very dangerous. At this time they've ruled that out.
She had blood taken on Monday and today is Wednesday. In 48 hours nothing has grown in the cultures and her white blood cells are normal. So infection has been ruled out.
Which leaves...air or fluid. The current theory is her liver is still regenerating and pushing itself back into place. There is a good bit of fluid in between her diaphragm and lungs. The liver pushing up puts this all under pressure. This makes breathing very painful.
If this is the cause she's been told she just has to ride it out.
I took the kids in for a surprise yesterday evening which gave her a lift. We thought she'd be home today but based on the pain situation that will not happen.
It's all very frustrating and overwhelming as we thought we'd be much further along by now. "Hold Fast" is a good motto, but it's not easy.
At this point she's comfortable with the hospital pain management and in good spirits but we're not sure when she'll be home.
8 comments:
My thoughts are with you.
Hang in there Fran and Karen. We're all thinking of you here in Ireland. Can't imagine how tough things are for you both. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
love Teresa
xx
Gosh I am sorry to hear of the frustrating situation you guys are still going through. I am thinking about you all.
Karen,
This is heartbreaking. I know exactly how you both feel..been there done that....make them take a pt scan, that is more clear.
I am hoping that it is just gas, that is VERY painful.
I hope and pray to God that things will start to change for the better VERY very soon, and she gets to go home where she will recover much quicker.
We are all praying for you.
Love,
Mirjana
So sorry to hear that Karen is having to go through this but I think it is inspiring that she remains in good spirits despite the pain that she is in and what you both have gone through. This shows what a strong and positive person Karen is. It is thought that people can make themselves sick from worrying and negative thinking and I believe that people can also help to cure themselves by being optimistic and positive. This along with the great work of the doctors is why Karen has bet the odds so far and will continue to do so. God bless your courage ,keep it up.
James S.
So sorry for you both to have such a rough time. We will keep up the prayers.This will pass and hopefull
Karen will be on the continuous road to good health where she has her horizon set for some time.Your Positive energy, motivation and faith are all very strong and will see you there. Love and prayers for you all Jo(Limk)
I always try to stay positiv, but I had to learn that "black thoughts" are allowed from time to time. Sometimes it helps to express your distress or grief over - knowing that this will not last.
I understand well that you would like to have Karen at home asap, but if they take good care of her at the hospital and can manage her pain - I would perceive it as a safe spot.
I wish you all good luck and a fast recovery for Karen.
Tina from Germany
Hey Francis
I pray time has yielded better comfort for Karen and hope you both can grit tooth smile through the current pains.
Hold Fast, Getting better takes time and regrettably it too often hurts.
Don MacLeod
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