Thursday, July 22, 2010

Every day there is something new. This evening they installed a new air bed for Skip which is longer and meant to protect him from some of the problems of the prolonged stay. I believe this was instigated by Bill, one of the night nurses who is particularly caring about Skip's comfort.

The platelet count continues to rise which is a thrill to all of us. Today they were also able to totally withdraw the blood pressure medication. If this works for a period of time it will lead to the use of more limited dialysis. His lungs still have some fluid but are looking good according to the doctors. His white count continues to drop by small increments.

On the down side, but not for long, I was diagnosed with the same strep type Skip has been fighting. They have started me on a potent antibiotic which they feel will knock it out within five days. Fortunately I got to an urgent care facility soon enough to catch it at an early stage. Throat is sore but should be vastly improved by tomorrow morning I am told. Kathy is going to get checked early tomorrow morning at a clinic. Cross your fingers for her.

The family is slowly getting to know their way around Santa Rosa just a bit. It's nice to have other people writing in and telling us what a great place Sutter Hospital is. We totally agree and feel very fortunate that we're here. This is probably a good time for me to back up just a bit though and give a big thanks to the doctors and nurses in ICU in Fort Bragg. They did a heroic job just keeping Skip alive before he was flown to Santa Rosa. Also deserving a big thanks is the ER in Fort Bragg. Skip might well not have survived that morning we arrived if it hadn't been for Travis, the triage nurse who attended him minute by minute until he was moved to the ICU late in the day. Thanks Sue and Karen also.

Our children and grandchildren have been traveling up and down from Richmond each day since we arrived. Larkin drove to Fort Bragg with his Dad Tuesday and took his driving test yesterday morning just the day before his learner's permit expired. Eric was wonderful to fit him in on a special need basis and we're thrilled because he passed and can drive to Echo Lake all on his own. He's a great driver, but that doesn't help if you don't have that piece of paper. Good job Larkin. The kids will return to Echo and their jobs probably next Tuesday. Get ready for them Echo Lake.

Thanks so much to those who continue to write comments and send emails. We really appreciate them. xox to all, Jackie