VERY QUICKLY

I am stealing a quick moment to give an update on Kristin's condition as I run home to get let the boys know they still have a Mom. The weekend was very rough to say the least. Thank heaven we have had a very hard working doctor, David Peterson, and nurse Kristen advocating for Kristin's behalf. I cannot begin to write about all the road blocks they have run up against. Too much drama. Physically she is very weak, and tires extremely easily. The NG tube was removed Saturday and brought much relief to her sore throat. Unfortunately it was discovered that some creepy crawlies were growing back there. Today the culture showed it to be "multiple fungi agents." They have changed the meds to fluconazole(sp). Hopefully this will not be an opportunistic fungi. An ultrasound revealed a "moderate amount" of fluid in the abdomen and has quite a tender belly and is in pain just about all the time. This may be due to her low levels of albumin. Then there is the terrible relux Kristin describes as a crab biting her in the chest. She continues to be fed through her broviac with TPN which gives her inflamed esophagus a rest, but still tries to eat some by mouth for much needed extra calories. I laughed when they sent "no fat" yogurt with her breakfast. Seriously! Her blood sugars spiked due to the Dex she has been on and required insulin. This simple stick left her with an awful bruise almost immediately so now the insulin is added to the TPN. The bruise is about 2x3! The plan is to not put the NG tube in again, treat the throat with fluconazole, and continue with meds for the acid reflux. She will most likely come home with the TPN. I would not be surprised if she has an ulcer at this point. Her weight is now stabilized, so hopefully she will not be in the starvation mode for much longer and she will perk up. Kristin has said that she has never felt more awful than now. I will second that!

Thank you to all who are helping out. Dinner, picking up kids, laundry...you know who you are! I am very grateful....

Comments

Amy Girl said…
Leslie, thank you for your updates. I always share with the fam what's going on with Kristin. When I told them about her recent struggles their prayers became much more feverent. It's been interesting to see how Kristin's trial has taught our family to have more meaningful prayer. Our prayers are continually with you.
October 28, 2008 at 8:35 AM
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