When I arrived @ Duke this morning, Lee seemed more apathetic than the night before. The reason was because he had another episode of atrial fibrillation earlier this morning. Looking at the monitor I could see that he was in atrial tachycardia. Not Good. Atrial tachycardia is not an emergency but it does make Lee feel very, very weak. This, of course is more noticeable whenever he gets up to walk. His legs get very weak and he just does not have the energy to walk. His heart rate was holding around 120-125 constantly. I talked to the nurse and ask that we have access to a doctor as soon as possible. I just could not see waiting around until grand rounds or whenever some doctors happened to be on the unit.
Within the hour, three doctors were in his room. One being his main pulmonary physician. I was delighted that they came so quickly. When his doctor looked at him he said," Mr. Kanipe, this was NOT SUPPOSED TO HAPPEN AGAIN." He went on to say that the 10 hour procedure last Friday was one of the longest ones for atrial ablation. Seems like everthing that Lee does sets some sort of RECORD! Any way as the doctor left he said he wanted to look at the EKG that was done this morning and at the chest x-ray that was done yesterday. After that he would decide on the method of treatment.
Lee was very tired after lunch and wanted to take a nap so I left for a couple of hours. I have learned to make cappucino chillers ( like TCBY ) and invited two of my neighbors over to share. It was a much needed break in the middle of the day for these three caregivers. When I returned to the hospital, the nurse had just started the new medication for his heart. Within an hour, his heart had settled into a normal sinus rhythm and his rate was 83. This remained steady until I left him around 6:30 pm. Just talked to him via phone @ 8:00 and he sounded good. He was getting ready to walk again.
We both want to see him be discharged to the condo on Monday and able to return to the Center for the Living where they are so good at helping him rebuild his strength. Hopefully that will come to fruition for us. I miss having him here as we are both so tired of the hospital environment. It is especially hard with the gowns and gloves for isolation. I really don't mean to whine so much.....just using all your good strong shoulders to lean on tonight.
Just like Annie of the musical "Annie"..........Tomorrow, Tomorrow, the sun will come out Tomorrow..........
More Later.............................................Brenda
Hi Mom...I'm so glad that the doctors continue to make Lee "priority", as they come when you call. I'm also glad that they are going to keep him until they know that he is "good to go". Look at it this way...the longer they keep him now, the less likely he will have to go back to the hospital later. Glad they fixed it so quickly. All my love to you both!
ReplyDeleteBrenda, Thank you so much for the posts. You do such a wonderful job of explaining everything to us. Since we are so far away, it is such a blessing being able to understand everything that is going on. We are very fortunate to have someone that cares so much for Lee and also for us.
ReplyDeleteLove to you both.
I completely understand the frustration at these things happening and the desire to get back to the farm, but keep in mind you are much farther along than you thought you would be at this point. When we left on Memorial day, we were thinking we would just now be on the list and then start waiting. You have to continue to push through these things. I know, easier for me to say...
ReplyDeleteHi ya, Talked with your fishing buddy today at church. He has a different fishing boat ready to go when you get back. I think hes excited about it. Bet you two are a barrel of laughs when you guys are together..
ReplyDeleteGlad everything is back on track again. You have come a long way and are almost there. Hang in there!Lots of fish waiting for you!
love you guys!