Tuesday 12/23 8:17 PM (from chilly San Antonio)

An update from San Antonio....

I just talked to Sharon and got an update on the last few days.  Sally saw Dr. Brown at Dr. Jiminez's office today.  Dr. Jiminez is out with the flu.  Dr. Brown agreed that the stone surgery (endoscopic) is set for Jan. 5th.  Sally will get some blood work done next Monday after her appointment with Dr. Newton.  This will be her first post-op appointment with Dr. newton since her discharge and we hope he's pleased with her progress and is comfortable with her going ahead with the kidney stones' removal.

There have been a couple of scares with the nephrostomy bag leaking and with some of the fluid being pink or cloudy.  Dr. Brown said that this is normal with that stone on the kidney.  Whew!

Sally's had lots of company.  Lots of family these last few days including Abigail, her newest great-granddaughter.  What a joy I know that brought to Sally's Day!

Her "bed-sore"is getting better.  This is one that's tough to treat, since sitting or laying on it retards the healing, so we're extremely grateful to see the progress.

We'll pray for Sally's Christmas to be especially joyful.  She's already told us how glad she is to be with us.  We are especially grateful for the progress that she is making.  I know this is  a result of many answered prayers.

I'll remain in San Antonio until New Year's Day.  Then I get to head back to be with our sister!

Merry Christmas!

Friday 12/19 3:55 PM

Sally went home yesterday!  The morning was full of being briefed on meds, etc. and trying to coordinate follow-up appointments with the various doctors.  The upcoming holidays make the appointments a little more difficult to schedule but we have the critical ones.

Sally had a sandwich on the way home and remarked several times that she felt strange and in a different world.  Thirty-nine days in the hospital definitely made going home feel different, though quite welcome!

It appears that the endoscopic removal of the three kidney stones in her lower right ureter will be on January 5th.   We have an appointment with Dr. Jiminez for Dec. 23rd and the procedure should be set up then.  We also have a follow-up appointment with Dr. Newton, the cardio-thoracic surgeon on Dec. 29th.

Sharon arrived Thursday afternoon and, along with Karen, we filled prescriptions and sorted out her medication regimen and schedule, including the insulin injections for control of her blood sugar.  There is lots of technology related to blood sugar testing and insulin injections for us to master.  Sally tolerated all of our questions, instructions and organizing pretty well.

Karen helped Sally dress for bed and Sally asked for a touch of her special cologne so she could sleep well (she’d missed that in the hospital).  She is really glad to be home!!

Sally got a good night's sleep and was glad to be in her own bed.  She had Cheerio's for breakfast, just like in the hospital.

Kelly, the nurse from the home health care agency came about 11 and did a full work-up on Sally, including changing her wound dressings and showing us how to do this.

Sharon did the first three insulin injections this morning and did a great job!  Like she'd done this for years!

I'm sitting in the Birmingham airport now just waiting for my 6:00 flight home to San Antonio.  It'll be nice to be home.  Especially since Sally is doing so well!

Wednesday 12/17 4:06 PM

A busy day for Sally;  getting everything ready to check out of here tomorrow!  Her own wheel chair arrived this afternoon and is all set up and in use.  The physical therapist (Jenny) ordered a special gel-filled cushion for the chair to assist in the healing of the bed-sore.  It's nice.

It turns out that the appointment with Dr. Jiminez is for 9:00 AM tomorrow, so we will get here early and try to clear everything so we can be on-time for him.  If not, we'll swing back by later and finish any paperwork.  Sally's real excited about going home!

Her ribs are a little sore from the upper body exercises and will require a little healing.

As much as we like this place and the people, we are ready to head for Arab in the morning.  I took a load of clothes and things to Sally's house yesterday and her daughters have done a great job getting her house cleaned.

We'll also miss the Blount Hospitality House where the folks have really provided a home-away-from-home for the Pitts family since about November 11th.  Thanks to Marydae, Margie and the other staff as well as the other residents that have been so friendly!!

Tuesday 12/16 9:36 PM

Sally's getting stronger.  We learned that we have an appointment with Dr. Jiminez, the urologist at 9:30 AM on Thursday right after her discharge from the Rehab hospital.  So, this should help us understand the potential timing of the kidney stones' resolution.

Tomorrow will be a big day, getting final training for Sally's trip home.  Exercises, diet, food  preparation, etc. 

Monday 12/15 8:37 PM

Not much new news this evening.  Dr. McCrory, the pulmonologist came by this afternoon to see Sally.  She was asleep so he said he'll drop by again before she's discharged.

She did really great in physical and occupational therapy.  Even did more "reps" on one exercise than the therapist asked for.  Just showing off...  :-)

It's cold and rainy again tonight here in Huntsville.

Monday 12/15 1:22 PM

I came in early this morning and got to be here when Dr. Anderson came to see Sally.  He says they are going to try to set up an appointment for Sally to see Dr. Jiminez on Thursday morning, the day of her discharge from HealthSouth.  This should allow us to get all of our Urology questions answered.  This will also let us think about the time frame for her next surgery.

We will get a prescription for insulin and insulin syringes.  The wheel chair should be here ready on Thursday morning.  Also, Nan, the wound care nurse is also the person who teaches the diabetic classes, so they will make sure that we get Sally in that class.

More later....

Sunday 12/14 8:18 PM

Another good day today.  Sally enjoyed the break from therapy.  When I arrived this morning, she said she had news!  She said Dr. Anderson came by to tell her that they have decided that she will be going home on Thursday.  They're going to send her home to build up her strength and then bring her back to remove the kidney stones.  She's happy about being at home for Christmas but a little apprehensive about what might happen if one of those kidney stones begins to move while she's home.

She'll need some instruction in giving the insulin to herself, but there's time between now and Thursday morning for that.  Her bed sore is still problematic, too.  Connie, today's RN says the chair is what's causing most of the pressure on the sore.  She should be on her side in the bed in between therapy sessions rather than sitting in the wheel chair.  We'll work on that for the next few days.  We tried the rubber "doughnut-shaped" cushion but rather than providing relief, that was uncomfortable for her.

When the opportunity arises, I will seek a little more clarity on the issue of when they might plan for the kidney stone removal.

Thank you again for the prayers for Sally.  She's feeling positive about her next moves but there's enough uncertainty to concern her, as well.

Saturday 12/13 9:09 PM

Sally had a good day today.  She had therapy today but with a little less intensity than during the week.  One of the OT sessions included practicing walking, both on level ground and climbing stairs.  Sally said they told her that shuffling is a no-no.  She had lots of company this afternoon; Christian and Tanya, Karen and Pookie., and Lisa.

Lisa cleaned Sally's house today and I installed four grab bars in Sally's house for her assistance when she gets home.  Jack and Barbara got these great grab bars for Sally.  Thanks Jack and Barbara!

Sally wanted everyone to see what her Princess bed looks like, so I'm including a picture for you.  Frankly, she's getting a little tired of being zipped up in it every night, but this prevents her falling and the nursing staff has to come if she needs to get up for anything.

No therapy tomorrow.  Sally says yea!

Friday 12/12 9:01 PM

Sally’s doing great!  The bedsore looks better.  Loretta, the RN showed me again how to dress it and bandage it.  Her therapy sessions get more and more intense so she knows she’s getting stronger.  She’s proud of that and loves to tell others.  She says her strength is gradually getting better, not quickly but consistently.

She’s appreciative of all the prayers on her behalf.  She says “Keep ‘em coming!”  We know we still aren’t through but we’re grateful for how far she’s come.

I spoke with the case manager and requested that she ask Dr.  Anderson to coordinate with Dr. Jiminez as to when and under what circumstances the kidney stones will be removed.  She said she would talk with Dr.  Anderson, but we heard nothing more today about this.  

Sally is feeling more positive about being able to manage when she goes home.  She recognizes that one of us will be with her 24/7.

Thursday 12/11 3:05 PM

Sally slept pretty well last night.  She said they woke her about 4 AM to dress her bottom sore.  Then she had a little difficulty getting back to sleep.  She didn't get a Flexeril this morning (unlike yesterday) so she was much more alert during her occupational and physical therapy sessions.  All of the therapists noticed this.  To a person, they all said she is doing so much better!

I came in at 8 AM so I could be here when the wound-care nurse dressed her sore.  She gave good instructions including giving Sally breaks during the day when she should be out of the chair. Apparently sitting in the chair causes more pressure on the sore.  In the bed, she can be propped up to give the affected area some relief.

It was good to be able to observe the various therapies today. Between the therapists and the nurses, they are doing all that they can to prepare us to care for Sally when she gets to go home.

No word from Dr. Jiminez about the kidney stones' removal.  I'll give it another day before I re-contact him or his staff.

Wednesday 12/10 4:46 PM

Today Sally celebrates one month since entering Huntsville Hospital!  We decided that we are tickled with her progress so far!

Sally, Karen and I had our education sessions with the Occupational Therapist, Physical Therapist, Nurse and Case Manager.  These are to begin to prepare for her discharge which is tentatively scheduled by Medicare and the hospital for December 18th.  They are recommending someone to care for her 24/7 supplemented by home health care and periodic nursing drop-bys.  They're telling us what equipment to acquire and how to assist her in recovering from her surgery and the complications surrounding it.  Then, on the day of discharge they will give us prescriptions, contact information, etc and send us off....

We aren't sure how the timing of her kidney stone surgery or surgeries ties in with this date of the 18th.  I dropped by Dr. Jiminez's office this afternoon and left him a note apprising him of the planned discharge date and asking him how the decision will be made that she's ready for the kidney stone surgery and who will make the decision.  I also asked for guidance as to what the family needs to do to best assist in Sally's health care and treatment.

Sally's dozing now, having had a full day.

Tuesday 12/9 6:36 PM

Sally's had a good day today.  Her therapies started this morning at 8 and continued until about 2, interrupted only by a brief break at lunch.  So, she was tired when therapy was finished and had a short nap.

I promised you the mailing address for the rehab hospital and here it is:

Sara Smith

HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital

Room 302

107 Governors Drive SW

Huntsville, AL  35801

You may want to be sure to use Sara not Sally to ensure delivery.  That was a problem when she was over in the regular hospital.

She is stronger every day, so we are anxious to find out what and when the next step will be.  

Monday 12/8 Evening

Sally had a great visit tonight with her granddaughter Tanya and Tanya's daughters.  It really brightened her day.

She said she can tell that she's getting stronger because she can sit up longer and doesn't feel so lethargic!  That's a praise God!

Slow, but steady progress.....

Monday 12/8 Mid-day

The rehab hospital doesn't have the ready wireless access to the internet, so my posts might be less frequent.

Sally had a good Sunday.  Both daughters spent a lot of time with her and even sneaked in an adventure by wheel chair back over to the Hospital to see the beautiful lobby Christmas tree.  Her appetite isn't great so we're still seeking menu choices that appeal to her.  Lots of learning here for all of us.

Her blood sugar is still ranging from the 100s to the 200s, so insulin injections are still needed.  She has had 3 physical therapy sessions today and would just as soon have no more, thank you!

Sally has enjoyed her cards, visitors and phone calls.  I have to say that she's in better spirits than I might be if I had been in here almost a month! 

We're expecting to get an idea on Wednesday about how long she'll be here in rehab.  We'll sure let y'all know.

Sunday Morning, 12/7

It's nice to be back in Huntsville.  I saw Sally last night after Conrad and Rita picked me up from the Birmingham airport.  Sally's color looks good.  A week makes a lot of difference.  She has been having some neck pain so they had just given her a muscle relaxer when we arrived and she was drifting off to sleep.

The HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital seems ideal for Sally's needs.  We still don't know how long she might be there, though.

More later.

Knox 

Friday, Dec. 5

Sally had a new nephrostomy tube put in today (the fourth one!) and it is working beautifully. She had several therapy sessions today and was resting well when we left her this evening. Her room telephone number is: 256-428-2658. She is looking forward to seeing Knox when he arrives on Saturday.
Thank you for all the cards, calls and especially, the prayers.

Wednesday, Dec.3 & Thursday, Dec.4

Wednesday morning Sally was transferred to Health South Rehabilitation Center. We made quite a parade walking across the Governor's Drive walkway from the hospital---with balloons, roses, and gifts from her birthday on Monday! We were greeted by several staff members, who guided us through orientation. Mark Anderson, Physician's Assistant, spent a good bit of time "interviewing" Sally on her health history and home environment. Conrad and Rita took careful notes during the interview.

Sally's room number is 302. I will post the telephone number later today.

Sally slept well Wednesday night and ate a good breakfast on Thursday morning. She had three separate physical therapy sessions on Thursday---walking, climbing stairs and other activities. She has a nice room with a view of Monsanto Mtn. Thursday morning she brushed her teeth, combed her hair and put on lipstick. She is a girly-girl princess. We have named the safety enclosure bed her princess bed. She had told the staff when she arrived that her name was Princess Sara!

Thank you for your prayers and please continue to pray for our Sally.

Tuesday - Dec.02

Picking up where last entry ended....
Monday night..
9:00p - Blood Sugar = 179, Walked one lap of 6th floor.
9:30p - Gina/nurse practitioner checked Sally's left leg/calf. Sally had been having pain in that leg. Gina says it looks o.k.

Tuesday - Dec. 02
02:10a - Blood Sugar = 161
06:30a - BP 165/76
07:30a - Dr. Cowart - said they will increase the insulin now that she is eating. She will continue on insulin in rehab and when she goes home. They will decide at a later date whether she will continue on the insulin indefinitely.
08:40a - Dr. Mengesha came by - said he would see Sally again in his office...after her surgeries, when she is stable.
09:30a - "wet" the chair (remember, the foley is gone). Nurse brought fresh underwear & pads. Earlier this a.m., Sally did walk to the bathroom, with assistance, and urinated in toilet.
10:00a - BP = 157/70
10:30a - Blood Sugar = 250
10:35a - Nicole- exercised Sally and walked 1/2 lap.
11:30a - Lunch : Ate 90% of roast pork, 50% of potatoes, 1/3 of green beans, and 1/2 roll, all of fruit bowl, and all of tea.
12:15p - Insulin and checked tube. When they empty the ba, they will strain it to see if there's any stones in it.
Used the Spirometer (500 highest reading).
Nurse applied cream for yeast infection.
12:20p - Breathing Treatment
12:40p - Walked one lap.
1:10p - Bath time.
1:30p - Walked one lap.
2:00p - Dr. McCrory came by and said Sally will probably go to rehab tomorrow.
3:05p - Vitals > by Kathy - BP 146/70 (elec.) Oxy 93
3:10p - Spirometer
3:20p - Becky (Rebecca), charge nurse came by to see if Sally needed anything....Sally says no.
3:35p - Blood Sugar = 124
3:45p - A lady came by to repeat what Dr. McCrory had said earlier, that Sally will be going to rehab tomorrow. Dr. McCrory & Dr. Newton have both approved. She said Sally needs comfortble clothes to wear. She will be going around 10:00a.m. She said that most people stay a maximum of 10 days.
4:15p - Breathing Treatment
5:00p - Supper > Ate 50% of Chicken & Rice soup, 75% of Jello, and 1/2 of tea.
5:15p - Urinated & nurse put cream on bed sore.
5:20p Spirometer (5 times) but quit early... says it hurts too much when it makes her cough.
6:20p - Meds > Insulin, Prevacol for cholesterol, pain pills (2 Prevacet).
Dr. Brown (Dr. Jimenez' partner) says to irrigate the nephrostomy bag. They said it didn't seem to be draining as much as it should.
7:30p - Vitals > BP = 149/72 (elec.), Temp 98.3.

til next time...

Monday...Happy Birthday, Sally !!

Sunday night 10:40 p.m. Sally helped into bed.
11:15 p.m. Breathing treatment.
Monday 12:15 a.m. Blood Sugar 144 BP 168/80
2:30 a.m. BM
2:45 a.m. Walked a lap.
3:15 a.m. Breathing Treatment.
6:25 a.m. Dr. Newton came by - wished Sally a Happy Birthday. Said we'd celebrate by walking. People will be coming later to evaluate Sally for Rehab. Oxygen 94, off of canula.
7:10 a.m. Dr. Harris listened to her heart and wished her a good day.
7:15 a.m. Dr. Cowart (Endocrinologist, works with Dr. Johnson) came and listened to her heart. Says he's having them schedule a faster acting insulin (Novalog).
7:45 a.m. Sherri/tech checked vitals. BP 175/83 Temperature 98.8 Oxygen 93.
8:10 a.m. Scott/nurse gave her morning meds: Aspirin, Centroid (?), Levaquin (antibiotic), and an expectorant. He said that Dr. Cowart had ordered an increased dosage of Lantis (a longer acting insulin).
8:30 a.m. Sally chose her meals for Tuesday: Breakfast: Bagel with cream cheese, margarine, cheerios with banana, and peach yogurt. Lunch: Roast pork, green beans, mashed potatoes, iced tea Supper: Bowl of chicken and rice soup, jello.
8:40 - 9:15 a.m. Sally took another walk around the hall (1 lap).
10:00 a.m. Mary/RN came by to check Sally's ulcer (bed sore). Says it's looking better. Mary says she also has a yeast infection. She'll order some cream for that. Mary mentioned again that Sally needs to be moved at least every 2 hours to reduce pressure on the ulcer/bed sore.
11:05 a.m. BP 188/74 (elec).
11:10 a.m. Lunch: Beef burgundy with nodles and carrots, iced tea with splenda (She ate it all).
11:15 a.m. Scott gave Sally her scheduled novalog/insulin shot. Scott and Sherri treated Sally's sore and moved her from bed to chair.
12 noon Spirometer.
12:10 p.m. Nurse checked BP (man) 160/70.
12:12 p.m. Breathing Treatment.
1:00 p.m. Bath Time.
1:25 - 1:35 p.m. A lap around the floor.
1:35 p.m. Physical Therapist/Nicole helped Sally exercise her feet and ankles.
1:45 p.m. Dr. McCrory came by and wished Sally a happy birthday. He says she may go to Rehab as early as tomorrow (Tuesday). I told him our concerns about Sally being sent to rehab too quick, before her numbers were under control, such as blood sugar, BP, etc. He said her health treatment will continue at rehab unabated. Rehab is located just across the street and is connected by a walkway over the street. Says the only holdup right now is bed availability.
2:20 p.m. Spirometer.
3:00 p.m. Small BM.
3:20 p.m. Dr. Jimenez said he would like to remove the kidney stones within the month, preferably before Christmas. He said her respiratory isn't strong enough for surgery yet. He said as far as he's concerned, her foley can come out if Dr. Newton says it's O.K. He asked how long Sally will be in Rehab. (We know there's a 21 day maximum that insusrance will pay for). Karen had heard 5 to 7 days. Dr. Newton said on Sunday that Rehab might be 7 to 10 days.
3:25 p.m. Temperature 96.9 BP 200/87 (elec). BP 178/70 (man).
3:50 p.m. Blood Sugar 163.
4:30 p.m. Breathing Treatment.
5:20 p.m. Dinner: Roast beef 45%, mashed potatoes 50%, broccoli 25%, tea with splenda, bite of roll and jello 50%.
5:35 p.m. Removed foley!
5:45 p.m. Insulin and Prevacol.
6:30 p.m. Cleaned incision.
6:50 p.m. Spirometer.
7:15 p.m. Temperature 98.4, BP 188/88 (elec), BP 168/78 (man).
7:20 p.m. Meds. BP medicine/Lisinopril, Coreg, Mucinex, Percocet (for leg pain).