OT: Mike & I have Pneumonia!

[jencat824]

More prayers coming your way . . .

[ems]

I can safely say that we are all with you and Mike. Continued positive thoughts and prayers.

[49er]

Dori,

I keep thinking about you and Mike and hope for nothing but the best.

HUGS!

49er

[DoriC]

My son(The Dr) finally asked 2 simple questions of the Nurse Supervisor!!! "Have you checked his bowel sounds? Has he a had a bowel movement???? After lots of hemming and hawing(and an outright lie..."he had one during the 11PM-7AM shift" which I later found was not even recorded in his chart as required). So we figured out he probably didn't go for over a week being in hospital and rehab. They gave him an enema and he came back to life, even did rehab in the afternoon. I'm encouraged and now have to make sure they keep him regular with his diet and maybe some supplement. Bless you all for your wonderful notes, keeps me going!

[Julie]

Oh Dori! Sometimes the most obvious things are overlooked and only someone from 'outside' thinks of them - you're so lucky to have your son - then again, he's so lucky to have had you! I hope things now go from bad to better, and better to best... you've been amazing, and I hope you feel a lot better yourself soon.

[jencat824]

Dori,

Who would have ever thought a bowel movement (or lack of one) could cause so much trouble! Glad to hear Mike's improving, now take some time for yourself to heal as well. I know you've been too worried to think about the healing you need to do to. I'm still praying for you both.

Jen

[chunkyfrog]

Never underestimate the healing power of a good BM.

[ems]

My son(The Dr) finally asked 2 simple questions of the Nurse Supervisor!!! "Have you checked his bowel sounds? Has he a had a bowel movement???? After lots of hemming and hawing(and an outright lie..."he had one during the 11PM-7AM shift" which I later found was not even recorded in his chart as required). So we figured out he probably didn't go for over a week being in hospital and rehab. They gave him an enema and he came back to life, even did rehab in the afternoon. I'm encouraged and now have to make sure they keep him regular with his diet and maybe some supplement. Bless you all for your wonderful notes, keeps me going!

This makes me furious! The importance of a family member (or someone) being an advocate on behalf of someone in the hospital is *imperative*! I've seen this kind of thing happen over and over with my own family members. From huge significant mistakes to the smaller things... like my dad not being given something to eat until 7:30 pm when I got there and screamed like a mad woman - after having an in-hospital colonoscopy at 7:00 am! Yes, they are over worked and under paid... but I still can't excuse it.

So relieved that your son (the doctor ) got in on this. Keep your spirits up Dori! Sending more hugs!

[TiredMomNY]

Just remember - you can't help anyone if you don't get better yourself. Rest is the best medicine for Pneumonia.

Rely on your family. Give them instructions on the how-tos! You might even ask one of them to make a sign to hang on the wall for the rehab staff regarding his CPAP needs and the urgency and care of the equipment. Also draw up a list of directions. To INFORM them is the only way.

Be well. hugs!!

[DoriC]

I need some encouragement. Mike seemed a little better today, more alert and was able to do rehab but only one session instead of two they prefer. I'm concerned that he's not using his cpap. He's in a new room that seemed more conducive to setting up the machine and the RN seemed "intelligent" so I brought it back again and tried it last night and again he was miserable and awake all night. In fact they had to move his roommate to another room because of the racket. Everyone's trying to reassure me that he's better off without it for now since he's still quite congested and has a hard time trying to cough and bring up stuff he's choking on his mucous a lot because he doesn't have strength to bring it out. Also very restless and pretty out of it most of the time so they're worried about having a FF mask on his face. They have him on 02 24hrs at 2.5liters. Even our Dr told me we have more to worry about right now than his cpap. He's really sick and has a long road back. I'm wondering how you all feel about not using the cpap under these circumstances? Am I doing something terrible? I think about it and worry but there's no way to get him compliant with this setup and my not being there.

[chunkyfrog]

As long as all the personnel know you are on top of things, they are more likely to have the same motivation you do.
Here's a slightly moist frog hug for you: {{{{HUG}}}}

[jannicatt]

When my hubby had pneumonia, they let me stand there and use a type of suction cup to help remove the phelm. I don't think you are well enough but perhaps some one else could. I am continuing to pray for both of you.

[kaiasgram]

Oh Dori, you are most definitely not doing something terrible. Far from it. It sounds like the mask is just not doable right now and from what you describe about Mike's current condition it would undoubtedly still be too hard for him even if you were right there. So here's the best encouragement I can think of: Know -- really know -- that you are doing everything possible for Mike, trust that his doctor is also making the best decision possible for Mike right now, believe that everything is going to be all right, and feel the prayers and all the care and support coming to you from out here and from your family and friends. Try to sleep peacefully tonight.

[Julie]

I think the fact he's on oxygen so much of the time is a good thing when it comes to Cpap... better, really, in a way. I would agree with the doctor who's giving it to him and believes OSA is not as serious a problem right now. You're tired I think, and maybe overthinking things, trying to cover all bases, but I'm sure he's in good hands and you should try and relax. You can only do so much and need to just count to 10 or 100 if you begin to worry, because it is only going to hurt you in the end. Besides, I hear sainthood's overrated anyhow.

[HoseCrusher]

I am so sorry to hear that Mike is still struggling.

About the only thing I can come up with is that he may be able to put the mask on and use it during the day for a nap or two. I don't know if that is a good idea or not because if he is coughing up stuff you want him to be able to easily get rid of it.

Thoughts and prayers are still headed your way for both you and Mike.