Nicole was not any better today when she awoke. John had already left for a meeting so I called the doctor and took her in.
The preliminary tests: doctor indicating left kidney could be positive for kidney stones. Hmmmm........Well what now? We need to schedule for a kidney ultra sound.
I wonder if we will be able to go to Kansas with John this time. He will be home in a few hours to pack the van and start his drive back to Wichita.
Nicole is sleeping again. At least she can sleep.
I need an answer to prayer quickly. I would hate to be out in the middle of no where or away form home and have to hospitalize her.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Day 237
Today is another story. It certainly is not the smooth recovery that yesterday was. Nicole awoke this morning in quite a bit of pain and very sore. Pain pills for the most part took care if that.
As the day is progressing things just don't seem right. Nicole is complaining of low back pain and trouble urinating. Her urine is very dark. I wonder if there is blood in it.
I place a call to the surgeon to ask his advice. His response, "Well, It could be a kidney stone or a severe bladder infection. Call me tomorrow and let me know how things are."
I guess that is what we will do. I put ice on her belly to see if that will alleviate some of the pain. More pain medication and a bedtime story and she is sleeping well.
As the day is progressing things just don't seem right. Nicole is complaining of low back pain and trouble urinating. Her urine is very dark. I wonder if there is blood in it.
I place a call to the surgeon to ask his advice. His response, "Well, It could be a kidney stone or a severe bladder infection. Call me tomorrow and let me know how things are."
I guess that is what we will do. I put ice on her belly to see if that will alleviate some of the pain. More pain medication and a bedtime story and she is sleeping well.
Happy Birthday, Liz
Today is Elisabeth's birthday. She is our daughter across the sea. She came to us as a foreign exchange student in 2003 from Germany. What a year we had. Ups and downs but it was a great year.
We have kept in close contact for all these years. As a matter of fact she will be coming to the states in May to spend 3 weeks with us. I am excited to see her.
John and I went to Germany when she graduated from Gymnasium. We spend 12 days there with her family and traveling around.
When she came to the USA it just happened to be right before Christian's birthday so Nicole and Christian we both 16. Liz was also 16 so we had 3 16 year olds. It was fun. I always think of that when Nicole has her birthday that the kids are all the same age.
We have kept in close contact for all these years. As a matter of fact she will be coming to the states in May to spend 3 weeks with us. I am excited to see her.
John and I went to Germany when she graduated from Gymnasium. We spend 12 days there with her family and traveling around.
When she came to the USA it just happened to be right before Christian's birthday so Nicole and Christian we both 16. Liz was also 16 so we had 3 16 year olds. It was fun. I always think of that when Nicole has her birthday that the kids are all the same age.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Day 236
Surgery day.
I feel very calm about this surgery today. I wonder if it because we have already been through so many other things that this one doesn't seem so big.
Our vehicle is still in the shop so John took Nicole and I to the hospital and then went back to treat a few patients. I know he wishes he was here with me but we all have our jobs in life and this is mine.
The surgeon said it would only take about an hour so when an hour passed and no one came out I started watching my watch. 1 hour 45 minutes later he emerged. All smiles.
That is a good sign. For the most part things went well. Her gallbladder had a corkscrew part to it so it wasn't able to drain. That was part of her problem. The duodenum was also partially blocked. He indicated it was a good thing we didn't wait.
Nicole woke up well and was walking in 20 minutes. 3 vitals taken 15 minutes apart and we were on our way home. The fastest surgery, recovery we have ever had. I hope it continues.
I feel very calm about this surgery today. I wonder if it because we have already been through so many other things that this one doesn't seem so big.
Our vehicle is still in the shop so John took Nicole and I to the hospital and then went back to treat a few patients. I know he wishes he was here with me but we all have our jobs in life and this is mine.
The surgeon said it would only take about an hour so when an hour passed and no one came out I started watching my watch. 1 hour 45 minutes later he emerged. All smiles.
That is a good sign. For the most part things went well. Her gallbladder had a corkscrew part to it so it wasn't able to drain. That was part of her problem. The duodenum was also partially blocked. He indicated it was a good thing we didn't wait.
Nicole woke up well and was walking in 20 minutes. 3 vitals taken 15 minutes apart and we were on our way home. The fastest surgery, recovery we have ever had. I hope it continues.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Day 235
Nicole and I went to see a surgeon about her gallbladder.
Dr. Davis
I liked him right off the bat. Mostly because he doesn't think surgery is the end all beat all to everyone's problems. I am for that. Also, i liked him because he talked right to Nicole. Sometimes doctors ignore her and try to talk only to me. I hate that.
He showed us the test results and pictures. He explained very thoroughly all that was going on which is something is blocking her gallbladder but it isn't stones and it can not function like it needs to. He also explained that people who have been on feeding tubes for extended periods of time usually need their gallbladder out. I kind of knew that already.
He told us she could wait a while but it would have to come out. Nicole and I talked about it and decided that if that was the end result that we might as well just do it as soon as possible. So we scheduled for tomorrow.
Dr. Davis
I liked him right off the bat. Mostly because he doesn't think surgery is the end all beat all to everyone's problems. I am for that. Also, i liked him because he talked right to Nicole. Sometimes doctors ignore her and try to talk only to me. I hate that.
He showed us the test results and pictures. He explained very thoroughly all that was going on which is something is blocking her gallbladder but it isn't stones and it can not function like it needs to. He also explained that people who have been on feeding tubes for extended periods of time usually need their gallbladder out. I kind of knew that already.
He told us she could wait a while but it would have to come out. Nicole and I talked about it and decided that if that was the end result that we might as well just do it as soon as possible. So we scheduled for tomorrow.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Day 234
Today I took Nicole to Utah Valley Regional Hospital for a HIDA scan. It is a test that checks out the gallbladder by injecting amino acids into the vein which will go to the liver into the gallbladder then to the intestines. After pictures are taken of that other stuff is given to get the gallbladder to dump so pictures can be taken of that process.
Nicole's gallbladder didn't fill up like it is supposed to. I wonder what that means?
Nicole's gallbladder didn't fill up like it is supposed to. I wonder what that means?
Monday, February 22, 2010
Day 233
Today is Nicole's ultra sound. Because of Nicole's liver enzymes high and out of whack her doctor wants to do a liver ultra sound. Maybe it will just show more inflammation.
We are back from the ultra sound.
Liver: Inflamed.
Gallbladder: Full of sludge
Full of sludge? What does that mean? It means we will be having a HIDA scan done tomorrow to see how it is functioning.
We knew with the extensive burns Nicole received that in time we could be facing multiple organ difficulties. I hope this is not the beginning. I thought is would come years down the road.
We are back from the ultra sound.
Liver: Inflamed.
Gallbladder: Full of sludge
Full of sludge? What does that mean? It means we will be having a HIDA scan done tomorrow to see how it is functioning.
We knew with the extensive burns Nicole received that in time we could be facing multiple organ difficulties. I hope this is not the beginning. I thought is would come years down the road.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Day 232
This trip to Denver we did differently. Usually I fly to Denver on Friday night and John comes to Denver and picks me up although I have been in the airport for hours sometimes because of weather or john leaving late from Wichita.
This time I flew to DIA on Saturday morning getting in about 9:30am. John was there waiting for me. I like this arrangement better. He did too. He actually packed the van and then slept for a few hours before getting on his way. He felt not as rushed and not as tired. I also was able to get a good nights rest before driving back to Salt Lake City.
It is always so good to see John and reconnect. I say reconnect but it is more like just feeling his presence. Being able to look over and see him looking back at me. Smiling with his twinkly eyes, dancing with the joy of seeing me as well.
The weather in Colorado did not cooperate with us again. We had tons of snow and about 45 minutes outside of Denver our ABS light went on. We stopped in Silverthorne to see about getting fixed but the only dealer said it wouldn't get done that day but thought it would be OK that we would get to Salt Lake OK. SO on our way we went.
Not to far down the road the roads we very slick and icy. Guess what? When you don't have ABS you also don't have traction control. What a scary experience. I didn't realize how much we rely on traction control. I guess we have driven with it for so long that we just don't give it a second thought.
We just prayed and drove a lot more slowly. We made it OK. I guess you can tell that from this post. In the shop you go little van. You will be better soon.
This time I flew to DIA on Saturday morning getting in about 9:30am. John was there waiting for me. I like this arrangement better. He did too. He actually packed the van and then slept for a few hours before getting on his way. He felt not as rushed and not as tired. I also was able to get a good nights rest before driving back to Salt Lake City.
It is always so good to see John and reconnect. I say reconnect but it is more like just feeling his presence. Being able to look over and see him looking back at me. Smiling with his twinkly eyes, dancing with the joy of seeing me as well.
The weather in Colorado did not cooperate with us again. We had tons of snow and about 45 minutes outside of Denver our ABS light went on. We stopped in Silverthorne to see about getting fixed but the only dealer said it wouldn't get done that day but thought it would be OK that we would get to Salt Lake OK. SO on our way we went.
Not to far down the road the roads we very slick and icy. Guess what? When you don't have ABS you also don't have traction control. What a scary experience. I didn't realize how much we rely on traction control. I guess we have driven with it for so long that we just don't give it a second thought.
We just prayed and drove a lot more slowly. We made it OK. I guess you can tell that from this post. In the shop you go little van. You will be better soon.
Friday, February 19, 2010
Day 231
Nicole was scanned today for a new face mask. It was quite exciting. They put a digital receiver on her forehead and then they took a machine and starting form the top of her forehead and running it down to her throat with each swipe it digitized her face and put it up on the screen. Kind of sci-fi.
After each swipe more and more of her face appeared. What a great way to do it. It used to be that when they wanted to make a face mask for someone they actually made a plaster mold of their face and poured resin in and then molded the plastic over that. This is much better.
In about a week Nicole will have her new mask. I hope it is better and more comfortable then the one she has now. More comfort I hope translates into wearing it more. Nicole's chin and cheeks are getting thicker so the new mask will help reduce the scaring and make it thinner as well as smoother.
After each swipe more and more of her face appeared. What a great way to do it. It used to be that when they wanted to make a face mask for someone they actually made a plaster mold of their face and poured resin in and then molded the plastic over that. This is much better.
In about a week Nicole will have her new mask. I hope it is better and more comfortable then the one she has now. More comfort I hope translates into wearing it more. Nicole's chin and cheeks are getting thicker so the new mask will help reduce the scaring and make it thinner as well as smoother.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Day 228
I am so happy for today. The tickets went on sale for Victor Ludlow's Passover at BYU. He is amazing. I love to hear him speak. Professor Ludlow has been giving passover at BYU for over 25 years.
The passover he does is all 13 steps. It takes about 3 hours but, oh the knowledge and learning he brings into it. Last year was the first year we have been able to get tickets. We had tried for 6 years but to no avail was unable to secure them. This year though I went to BYU and stood at the door to be one of the first to get them.
If you live within driving distance of BYU and you want an incredible event and great learning experience
I also bought a ticket to go to the pre-class he offers. It is actually a class on how to do your own passover or to prepare your ward or group to have prof. Ludlow come and give passover to you group. I think that would be great too.
I can't wait for March. Passover season will be here soon.
The passover he does is all 13 steps. It takes about 3 hours but, oh the knowledge and learning he brings into it. Last year was the first year we have been able to get tickets. We had tried for 6 years but to no avail was unable to secure them. This year though I went to BYU and stood at the door to be one of the first to get them.
If you live within driving distance of BYU and you want an incredible event and great learning experience
I also bought a ticket to go to the pre-class he offers. It is actually a class on how to do your own passover or to prepare your ward or group to have prof. Ludlow come and give passover to you group. I think that would be great too.
I can't wait for March. Passover season will be here soon.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Day 227
I am sitting here reviewing the last week in my mind eating red velvet cake and drinking pure nutrition, my green drink. It all balances out since I am having my green drink.
Christian and I went in to his doctor this past week to have some things checked again. Dr. T is stumped still. He is running a few more tests and if these come back negative he wants us to go to Mayo or Cleveland Clinic. His thoughts, "We have not seen this before and if we haven't then maybe they have seen 5 or 10 cases and can get to the bottom of it." Caviot: He told us too that it could cost an upwards of $100,000. Why does everything have to cost so much money?
(This cake is divine.)
Wednesday, Nicole had a endoscope preformed. Remember 2 weeks ago when Nicole couldn't breath? This is a procedure to see if they can detect why that happened. No results in yet. I am not even sure if they will be able to tell. Personally I think it is a little flap that got stuck when all the air came whooshing out. I guess we will see.
She is also having test done on her liver again. There is more inflammation. I wonder if this liver thing will linger for years or if as time goes by it will resolve itself. I hope the latter. For once I want something easy.
Christian and I went in to his doctor this past week to have some things checked again. Dr. T is stumped still. He is running a few more tests and if these come back negative he wants us to go to Mayo or Cleveland Clinic. His thoughts, "We have not seen this before and if we haven't then maybe they have seen 5 or 10 cases and can get to the bottom of it." Caviot: He told us too that it could cost an upwards of $100,000. Why does everything have to cost so much money?
(This cake is divine.)
Wednesday, Nicole had a endoscope preformed. Remember 2 weeks ago when Nicole couldn't breath? This is a procedure to see if they can detect why that happened. No results in yet. I am not even sure if they will be able to tell. Personally I think it is a little flap that got stuck when all the air came whooshing out. I guess we will see.
She is also having test done on her liver again. There is more inflammation. I wonder if this liver thing will linger for years or if as time goes by it will resolve itself. I hope the latter. For once I want something easy.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Day 226
Happy Valentines Day!
I am so glad we celebrated Valentines day with John when he was here last time. I was sad to not have my Valentine to wake up to but happy that we were able to share those moments a few weeks ago.
I was texting John this morning and telling him I missed him.
"I miss waking up to you in the morning or even when I wake up a zillions times in the night, I wish I could roll over next to you for warmth, comfort and snuggling."
OH, HOW I MISS THAT GUY OF MINE!
Church was amazing today. I just have to say it. Our ward is so welcoming. Almost every person says hello or smiles at everyone else. The love and friendship in this ward is refreshing.
I was so happy when I read the Sunday school lesson and what it was going to be about. I have wanted to learn more about the Abrahamic Covenant. What a great lesson. So many things to learn and remember. And Relief Society.....lesson on Christ. Beautiful!!
I came home from Church today filled to the rim. Our home was quite when I walked in. Nicole was asleep as she had gone home after Sacrament meeting to rest. I love the spirit that fills our home and what I gleaned at church just added to it.
Tonight we are having dinner with my parents at their home. Nicole each week says we need to visit them more. We have tried to stop by there at least once a week when we are coming back from the 'U' although most of the time Nicole is so tired from PT that she just wants to go home and have a rest. John's mom is also on our way but it seems like when Nicole has her appointments they are at times that she is not home or with other grand-kids. Hoping to make a visit with her real soon.
I am so glad we celebrated Valentines day with John when he was here last time. I was sad to not have my Valentine to wake up to but happy that we were able to share those moments a few weeks ago.
I was texting John this morning and telling him I missed him.
"I miss waking up to you in the morning or even when I wake up a zillions times in the night, I wish I could roll over next to you for warmth, comfort and snuggling."
OH, HOW I MISS THAT GUY OF MINE!
Church was amazing today. I just have to say it. Our ward is so welcoming. Almost every person says hello or smiles at everyone else. The love and friendship in this ward is refreshing.
I was so happy when I read the Sunday school lesson and what it was going to be about. I have wanted to learn more about the Abrahamic Covenant. What a great lesson. So many things to learn and remember. And Relief Society.....lesson on Christ. Beautiful!!
I came home from Church today filled to the rim. Our home was quite when I walked in. Nicole was asleep as she had gone home after Sacrament meeting to rest. I love the spirit that fills our home and what I gleaned at church just added to it.
Tonight we are having dinner with my parents at their home. Nicole each week says we need to visit them more. We have tried to stop by there at least once a week when we are coming back from the 'U' although most of the time Nicole is so tired from PT that she just wants to go home and have a rest. John's mom is also on our way but it seems like when Nicole has her appointments they are at times that she is not home or with other grand-kids. Hoping to make a visit with her real soon.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Day 225
Happy Half Birthday to Sweet Nicole.
Nicole was in a coma on her birthday, July 30, 2009. John and I took a birthday cake to burn ICU with balloons and sang Happy Birthday to her. Then we shared he cake with the night staff. We told her when she woke up and was well again we would celebrate her birthday. Today was that day.
I arranged with her adult girl cousins and a few friends to meet us at Color-Me-Mine in Draper at 10am. Nicole had no clue. We had been talking about doing something for her birthday. She wanted to have everyone come and paint with us so I told her the next time Beth (a cousin) was in town we would do that.
This morning I woke early and started getting ready. I asked Nicole if she wanted to run some errands with me. I was sure she would say yes. One of the errands was going to be to Color-Me-Mine to see if they could help me fix a bowl I had painted there in December.
Out the door at 10 minutes to ten. I was late. As we pulled up no one was there yet. That was good. Nicole saw Valentine pieces in the window and got excited. She wanted to go in and see what she might be able to paint and hoping maybe we could come back later today to accomplish that. Perfect!
While she was looking at different pieces in walked 3 cousins. Emily, Bethany and Alicia. Nicole was distracted so I called her name. When she looked over she was first caught off guard like, "What are they doing here". Then I said, "We are having a party!!" She was so excited. Next came Callie, Nicole's mutual buddy. Followed closely by Christian bearing green balloons, Nicole's favorite color, and cake from Nothing Bundt Cake. So good.
Each person choose something to paint and the artistic juices started flowing. We had so much fun talking and asking for each others advice on what we should do. Tons of talent we all have. I can't wait to see the finished products.
We were sorry to miss Tiffany, Danielle, Audrey, Natalie and Ashley. All who couldn't make it.
When we were finished we broke out the cake and sang Happy Birthday to Sweet Nicole. Also, Christian picked up individual bundt cakes for each person to take home. One of each flavor so they could choose their favorite.
Thanks to all who came to make this a special day for Nicole.
Nicole was in a coma on her birthday, July 30, 2009. John and I took a birthday cake to burn ICU with balloons and sang Happy Birthday to her. Then we shared he cake with the night staff. We told her when she woke up and was well again we would celebrate her birthday. Today was that day.
I arranged with her adult girl cousins and a few friends to meet us at Color-Me-Mine in Draper at 10am. Nicole had no clue. We had been talking about doing something for her birthday. She wanted to have everyone come and paint with us so I told her the next time Beth (a cousin) was in town we would do that.
This morning I woke early and started getting ready. I asked Nicole if she wanted to run some errands with me. I was sure she would say yes. One of the errands was going to be to Color-Me-Mine to see if they could help me fix a bowl I had painted there in December.
Out the door at 10 minutes to ten. I was late. As we pulled up no one was there yet. That was good. Nicole saw Valentine pieces in the window and got excited. She wanted to go in and see what she might be able to paint and hoping maybe we could come back later today to accomplish that. Perfect!
While she was looking at different pieces in walked 3 cousins. Emily, Bethany and Alicia. Nicole was distracted so I called her name. When she looked over she was first caught off guard like, "What are they doing here". Then I said, "We are having a party!!" She was so excited. Next came Callie, Nicole's mutual buddy. Followed closely by Christian bearing green balloons, Nicole's favorite color, and cake from Nothing Bundt Cake. So good.
Each person choose something to paint and the artistic juices started flowing. We had so much fun talking and asking for each others advice on what we should do. Tons of talent we all have. I can't wait to see the finished products.
We were sorry to miss Tiffany, Danielle, Audrey, Natalie and Ashley. All who couldn't make it.
When we were finished we broke out the cake and sang Happy Birthday to Sweet Nicole. Also, Christian picked up individual bundt cakes for each person to take home. One of each flavor so they could choose their favorite.
Thanks to all who came to make this a special day for Nicole.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
We have pictures
Thanks, Nikki for the advise. I was able to download pics on a few days back. Check them out. Nicole looks great. I had to download them from Mozilla instead of Internet Explorer. For some reason no mater what I did the site kept giving me an error.
Day 218
We have had a very full week in Wichita.
First it started out on our drive to KS. I was driving. We are in Colorado and John is in the back on the phone. Nicole and I are chatting and she sneezed. What should have been a non event turned out to be us having to pull over, John jumping out of the van and getting Nicole out also. She couldn't breath. He had to kind of Heimlich maneuver her. Something happened to her esophagus. After she sneezed no air could pass through. She was without air for about 80 seconds. She was purple but not too freaked out. She told me later she felt pretty calm because she knew John would know what to do. It all worked out and after I pulled my heart out of my throat I could drive once again.
The weather in KS has been COLD, COLD, COLD. I don't know if it is just me or what but this winter has just felt much more cold than other winters. Each night I have been sleeping with an extra 2 blankets AND the heat John puts off. Wishing I had my hot water bottle to keep at least my feet warm. What is it with me.
The clinic had been busy all week. A good thing. I have been taking care of some things that have not been able to get taken care of. I cleaned and organized 2 and a half rooms and purged a bunch of stuff. I think all in preparation for me going back to Utah to do it there. I can't wait for garage sale season.
I think I had a list with 75 things on it to do before I leave on Tuesday. I only have 10 more things to check off. Only 3 things will happen today and the rest will have to wait until Monday. I hope I am able to get it all done then. There is supposed to be a big storm coming with up to 7 inches of snow making traveling difficult. Good thing I have experience driving in winter weather.
Nicole's left arm is looking quite good. I think the doctors will be pleased when we get back.
When we left Lehi last Saturday Christian said he was looking forward to the quiet while we are gone. I didn't think we have been noisy. Maybe just all the activity of 2 girls in the house. I hope he missed me. I miss him.
So nice to be in Wichita with John and being able to spend extra time with him. He is my rock. He keeps me grounded. He helps me even from far away. We are a team. A chain with links made the the strongest metals. WE2ARE1 is what our license plate says. It is true. One without the other is alone and weak. 2 standing together is strong, resistant, steadfast, unmovable. We are on the same path with the same map leading to the same place.
First it started out on our drive to KS. I was driving. We are in Colorado and John is in the back on the phone. Nicole and I are chatting and she sneezed. What should have been a non event turned out to be us having to pull over, John jumping out of the van and getting Nicole out also. She couldn't breath. He had to kind of Heimlich maneuver her. Something happened to her esophagus. After she sneezed no air could pass through. She was without air for about 80 seconds. She was purple but not too freaked out. She told me later she felt pretty calm because she knew John would know what to do. It all worked out and after I pulled my heart out of my throat I could drive once again.
The weather in KS has been COLD, COLD, COLD. I don't know if it is just me or what but this winter has just felt much more cold than other winters. Each night I have been sleeping with an extra 2 blankets AND the heat John puts off. Wishing I had my hot water bottle to keep at least my feet warm. What is it with me.
The clinic had been busy all week. A good thing. I have been taking care of some things that have not been able to get taken care of. I cleaned and organized 2 and a half rooms and purged a bunch of stuff. I think all in preparation for me going back to Utah to do it there. I can't wait for garage sale season.
I think I had a list with 75 things on it to do before I leave on Tuesday. I only have 10 more things to check off. Only 3 things will happen today and the rest will have to wait until Monday. I hope I am able to get it all done then. There is supposed to be a big storm coming with up to 7 inches of snow making traveling difficult. Good thing I have experience driving in winter weather.
Nicole's left arm is looking quite good. I think the doctors will be pleased when we get back.
When we left Lehi last Saturday Christian said he was looking forward to the quiet while we are gone. I didn't think we have been noisy. Maybe just all the activity of 2 girls in the house. I hope he missed me. I miss him.
So nice to be in Wichita with John and being able to spend extra time with him. He is my rock. He keeps me grounded. He helps me even from far away. We are a team. A chain with links made the the strongest metals. WE2ARE1 is what our license plate says. It is true. One without the other is alone and weak. 2 standing together is strong, resistant, steadfast, unmovable. We are on the same path with the same map leading to the same place.
Frustration
I am very frustrated with Blogspot. I am not sure if anyone else is having this problem but I cannot post any pictures to my blog. Anyone have any ideas?
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