Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Larry Update
Hello:
I'm back to the blog myself. Thank you to my sister for posting the last blog and letting everyone know that Larry was back in the hospital. I thought I would wait until today with some updated info. Since Larry has been at St. Joseph's, he has not been allowed to have anything by mouth. This is really unfortunate for Larry because as many of you know, food, especially cookies, is one of the few pleasures Larry has left. This has become too risky because anything he eats or drinks leads to aspiration. Nobody wanted to take that risk especially the hospital. They said I could feed him myself, but I would have to sign a waiver. Can you believe that?? everybody's trying to CYA. So I figured that if they didn't want to feed him, do you think I was going to take that risk? I did try feeding him ice chips and he even choked up on that. So today, a G-tube was inserted. I really struggled with this decision because i didn't know if I was adding to the prolongation of this disease, but this is the only way that he can get nutrition and his meds. I still feel unsettled about this but I certainly wasn't going to stand by and watch him choke or starve to death. Doesn't that sound awful? but that's what it would have been. The insertion of the G-tube is a pretty significant turn in this insidious disease. It means that his swallowing is compromised due to the atrophy of the throat muscles. As the MSA is named (multi system atrophy) you just wonder what is next. If this hasn't been enough for him, the pressure sores continue to exist with one being persistently nasty. He's back on a wound vac and continuous antibiotics. In fact, a pic line was inserted in him last night. I was told today that he would possibly be transferred to Kindred Hospital either tomorrow or Friday. Remember, this was the wound hospital he was at during the bucolic Autumn season. Now he'll be there during the emerging Spring season. Quite frankly, I am exhausted with all of this. More decisions will have to be made and I just pray that I have the guidance of the Lord. Until the next time...pass on the Larry love.
Gail
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2 comments:
Gail, I just read the blog for the first time since our visit Easter Sunday. It was so good to dine with you, Jayne, Caroline, and Chase and then spend some time with Larry. I am sorry to hear that he is in the hospital again. This is such a difficult battle for all of you. My thoughts are with you for the continued strength to deal with this challenge. Say hello to Larry for me. Mark
Gail, I, too, am so sorry to hear that Larry is in the hospital. What a horrible disease for the patient and family. Larry is such a sweetheart, that we'd all hope for better for him. It is so difficult for you and the boys to see the progression. You've all given so much to care for him, which you know he appreciates. And, you are making such difficult decisions-I can't even imagine.
Our prayers and thoughts are with you all.
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