It was the best of days; it was the worst of days. The very, very good news was that Vann has no intestinal blockages. The doctors had been almost sure that he did--but they were wrong. So that means no surgery.
What he does have is something called a lazy colon. Or was that a sleepy colon. Whatever, Mr. Colon has gone to sleep on the job. And I won't even go into the treatment for that.
The fun continues: Even before Vann went through the discomfort and humiliation of the colon remedy, he was given the gift of a brand new bladder catheter, which didn't work. Fortunately, the catheter came with a warranty. So the good nurse removed it and inserted another one.
There's more: no food, no water, nothing by mouth for now. Well, he can have ice chips, but they aren't very filling. He's really hoping that once the colon treatment is finished, whenever that is, he can have some food. He's thinking steak and potatoes to start.
So, you see, even though we received some very happy, welcome news today, Vann endured one of the worst days yet. And he's being such a good soldier. Oh he gets grumpy from time to time. But who wouldn't? I think, under the circumstances, he's doing exceptionally well.
No word about when Vann will get to come home this time. He's still scheduled for chemo before he leaves the hospital, but nobody has told us when that will start.
I'm feeling much better today. I got some good sleep last night. And although I spent all morning and afternoon at the hospital, I did some resting there too in the reclining chair in Vann's room.
Amy is at the hospital now. She came home around noon and got some sleep and went back about 7:00, just as I was getting home. Andy went to the doctor this morning. She doesn't have the flu or anything too serious. Just a really bad cold. So she's having to stay away from us for a few days until she is no longer contagious.
So that's my Tuesday report. It may sound redundant, but we both want to thank all of you for your prayers, positive thoughts, well wishes, and sweet comments. We're overwhelmed by all the caring that's coming from Blogland. Our best wishes to you all for a good and peaceful night.
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On 08/25/2009, Red Geranium Cottage said ...
Susan, I am so sorry for Vann. I hope they get that all cleared up so he can come home and be with you. The best nurse of all.
Hugs
On 08/25/2009, Molly said ...
Poor Vann!!! I'm SO thankful it wasn't a blockage though. Praying for normalcy SOON for you both.
Molly
On 08/25/2009, Trudy Neill of Windemere Farm said ...
Hi you two. What a vicious cycle life can be...one takes pain medicine to become comfortable, and it puts the bowel to sleep too! Once things are back on the "go" again, perhaps they can add some meds for that and once strength returns and activity,that will help as well. You know I am praying as always, sending warm thoughts, and lots of love to all of you.....as ever, Trudy
On 08/25/2009, Jane McCarthy said ...
You and Vann have been on my mind and in my heart all day.....thought I would check again tonight, and I'm so glad to hear that things are looking up. I had a complete bowel blockage a few years ago, had to have surgery, and then I had an ilius, which sounds like what Vann is experiencing. Well, my colon must have been hibernating, because it took 24 days in the hospital (no food/drink) before Ms. Colon woke up. I recently read in a medical article that just chewing gum can stimulate the lining of the bowel----you might ask the drs., or just try it. I wish I had known about this when I was in the hospital. Best of luck...and here's hoping you're out of the hospital soon! Jane McCarthy
On 08/26/2009, Carol said ...
I thought about you two all day yesterday...glad the news is good...no surgery...that's the best news...glad you got some rest! Those good thoughts keep coming your way...take care!
On 08/26/2009, Connie W said ...
You both continue to be in my thoughts and prayers.
On 08/26/2009, Beverly said ...
Ugh! Poor buddy. Enduring the hospital is a tough row. Thank God they are there when we need them, but you feel like you need a vacation when you are released.
My prayers continue. I know in my heart that God is smiling on you both along this bumpy road.
On 08/26/2009, CarlaH said ...
So glad that the news is good - although the treatment was not - my husband went through the same thing (due to painkillers for his back) a few years ago and prefers not to remember the occasion. Keeping my fingers crossed for an early release and continued improvement.
On 08/26/2009, ceramicnut said ...
Good news,you take care of yourself rest as
much as you can.You will need your strenght
when Vann comes home.My prayers are with You
and Vann.
Linda W. from Texas
On 08/26/2009, Barbara Anne said ...
Do I ever hear you, sweetie!
Poor Vann! Being in the hospital is no place for the modest or faint hearted, is it? Mercy! The things they do to people in the name of helping. I'm an RN so can say that with certainty as I've been on the helping end of some procedures and the receiving end and that receiving end is no fun.
Glad to hear the other news as that's all good and especially that Andy isn't badly sick.
Keep taking good care of you!
Prayers continue ...
Mighty hugs - Barbara
On 08/26/2009, Kai said ...
Goodness! Morton Salt surely has the right tag line: When it rains, it pours. Whew! But I choose to look at it THIS way - all that rain can be a pain in the patoot when it's going on, but it comes down for good reason. So let's hope all these trials poor Vann is enduring, all this worrying I know YOU are doing, plus the girls' mother's hospitalization, AND Andy's bad old cold are all going to 'grow' something beautiful. LOVE YOU!!!!
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