karenulijohn

Barring any falls or mishaps, Harvey will be coming home tomorrow.  The hospital doctor, Dr. Berg sat down with us this afternoon and answered our questions and gave us the good news.  I wish I had thought to take a picture of Harvey’s face when she said those magical words.  It was like a light came on in his eyes.  I will attempt to give a complete rundown of everything I learned today.

Harvey was admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of ulcerative colitis throughout the entire colon and cecum, along with sepsis caused by an infected diverticulum in the colon.  Treatment called for broad spectrum antibiotics and fluids, and potassium.  The atrial fibrillation was triggered by the general infection which was treated by drugs to restore normal sinus rhythm.  Due to the infusion of massive amounts of fluids and a very low Albumin count, Harvey is experiencing severe edema.  They are treating him with infusions of albumin and diuretics.  According to the doctor, the edema will diminish as his albumin count normalizes.  This can be achieved by eating proteins with every meal and taking protein supplements.  We have already seen some improvement since this morning.  When I arrived at the hospital, Harvey’s legs were swollen and hard.  By this afternoon, the swelling was slightly less and the legs themselves were softer.  He telephoned me this evening to say that his left arm and hand have shrunk a little as well.

I asked Dr. Berg what the plan is for monitoring his progress once he is at home.  She is ordering home health visits and home physical therapy.  I could not have been more pleased.  I will have more details on this once we have talked to the discharge coordinator.  Our daughter and granddaughter, Dawn and Claire are driving up from San Mateo tomorrow to join in the celebration and coming home festivities.  It will be a joyous occasion for us all.  Beginning on Sunday, Harvey will be happy to receive visitors.  Won’t you come and celebrate with us?