Ol' Lar does a 90- not a 180

Boy, what a difference 24-48 hours make. Yesterday, when I visited Larry, his condition did not appear very good. He was somewhat incoherent and awaiting a procedure. It was difficult to understand him and his doctor had given me a call with a not so rosy outlook. I stayed with him until he was taken to surgery for a debridement of his pressure wound. I was not able to stay so the shift was taken over by the boys. The doctor informed the boys that Larry did well in surgery, however they did find some necrotic tissue and follow-up would consist of a wound vac and a possible flap. I did not speak with Larry until he called this morning; and much to my delight it was easier to understand him.

Chris and I went to see him this afternoon and were pleasantly surprised to see him alert, talkative and hungry. How this change came about, I'm not sure. I have a feeling that Larry has been living with this infection for some time now, and when the antibiotics began working and he was receiving oxygen his condition appears to be better. However, Larry has another long road ahead of him. Unfortunately his homecoming is still undetermined. While his procedure was successful,the infectious disease doctor said that the infection has traveled to his blood and that he needs a very heavy duty IV antibiotic. Hospice will not approve that therapy at home so a difficult decision had to be made. It was suggested that he may be a candidate for LTAC-long term acute therapy. He will be evaluated for that on Monday. As much as we would like him back home, we are not equipped to handle that condition. Larry is supposed to be on this antibiotic until mid-October. In fact, a pic line was inserted into him today. So our hope is that his evaluation is approved and the antibiotic therapy starts soon. Has this guy not been through enough ringers or what????? So, I'm asking you to send up some prayers for him this week-end. I also want to thank everyone who has responded with some wonderful feedback and offers of help. I will not let you all off the hook however, I will just postpone the offers. Untill next time---pass on the Larry love.

Gail