Today was Clinic Day. That is always a very busy day for us. The entire morning was used for bloodwork, chest x-ray, and breathing tests. The afternoon was used for a 2:00 physician appointment. We finally finished @ 4:30. The doctor was concerned that Lee is not gaining any weight. He talked to us at great length about his nutrition. We have been advised that Lee should begin eating six meals a day and the amount should be smaller. His stomach has shrunk ( spelling?) and there just is no room for much food. He also advised that he needs more protein in his diet. We stopped by the grocery on the way home and Lee had steak, gravy, rice, vegetables and hot biscuits! Now we will both gain weight!
Seriously, he was concerned that Lee cannot seem to shake the infection. This is his second round of strong antibiotics I.V. He is concerned that he may be having some reflux that is not showing up on the tests that have been done. He will have to have another test done for that some time later this week or next week. He will have to wear the catheter in his nose for 24-hours. The doctor mentioned that even if the test is negative it may be to Lee's benefit to have the nissen fundoplication. That is when a procedure, under general anesthesia is done (in the O.R.) to wrap a small portion of the upper part of the stomach around the opening of the esophagus into the stomach to reinforce that opening and prevent any reflux. Reflux into the lung is a very serious situation and usually causes either infection or rejection. This procedure is done using scope instruments so a big incision is not made. It does cause some discomfort afterwards and takes a couple of weeks to recoup. So...................here we go again!
We did get the approval from this doctor along with the others to use some of our week-ends to return home occasionally. That will probably not be until October when we come for the concert. It is good to go home but at the same time we loose our security of being here in Durham. We have to carry so much paraphanalia that it is also a LOT of work!
I am dealing with either plantar fascitis or tendonitis of my left foot. I think this is due to going up and down the stairs while at home over the week-end. I had not been using stairs since May..........so now I am having to use: Rest, Ice, compression and elevation. Known as the RICE treatment. Also lots of Ibupropen. Hopefully it will work. If you have a better suggestion...........please call me!
Time for more medications to be given and preparations for bed................now into the late and early IV's again....................No sleep !!!!
More Later.......................................Brenda
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