karenulijohn

So many little things have happened over the past week that I can hardly put them in order.  Suffice it to say that everything came to a head yesterday morning when I decided enough was enough.  Harvey’s condition had deteriorated so much that he could not even manage to get out of bed without assistance.  The night before, he tried to write a check but couldn’t seem to write the numbers or remember where everything went.  It was heartbreaking to observe.  I determined there and then that I could no longer watch him just disappear.  I was awake earlier than usual, got my shower, woke him up and got him showered and dressed, tucked him in the car and headed for the hospital.  When we arrived around 7:45 AM there was no one in the waiting area.  He was whisked in and seen almost immediately by the ER doctor who ordered fluids, blood tests, and a CAT scan of his abdomen.  Around noon, the ER doctor returned with the verdict.  The colitis was much worse and they were concerned that they could see what appeared to be “bubbles” around the colon.  Fearing a possible perforation, he was admitted to the surgical ICU.  They got him settled in a room at about 5:00 PM, although they had started treating him much earlier. He had a Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC line) installed, “a form of intravenous access that can be used for a prolonged period of time for extended antibiotic therapy, intravenous nutrition, and blood draws.”  He was given two kinds of antibiotic infusions, and potassium both by mouth and intravenously.

By 10:00 PM, they had moved him to the regular ICU and when he called to tell me, he sounded more like himself.  When I went to see him this morning, I was told that he was not being permitted any food or drink in order to allow his bowels to rest and recover.  Since he has had no appetite for over a month, restricting his food wasn’t a problem, but he is finding it difficult to go without water.  However, they “scared him straight” by telling him how a colostomy works.  The surgeon that spoke to us in the ER said he felt pretty certain that his would resolve with antibiotic treatment.  We are hoping and praying he is right!

Dawn, Claire and Cole came to visit Harvey today and see how he is doing.  He was so grateful to them for coming, as was I, and it was a wonderful boost for both of us.  Their very presence does so much to raise our spirits.  Since Harvey tires very easily, we divided our time with him and went out for lunch, then returned for another hour or so.  In the time we were gone, they moved him out of ICU to general hospital care.  I am told that this should be viewed as a very positive step.

My main concern at this point is that they try to discharge him before he is well enough to come home.  I think he will be there at least through Monday since they will have to get him eating again.  He will also need some physical therapy to build up his strength.  Over the past month, I feel as though I have been the one managing his treatment, not the doctors.  I think there may be a storm a’brewing!