This continuing and apparently endless days of heat, clear blue skies and endless sunshine has to be, not only good for the soul, but distracting for the hapless blogger.
We're good-ish - trying to work out wtf is going on; trying not to resent the endless round of rehab and now more new docts (with really nothing new to add apart from $$ to the mounting bill) getting in the way of our daily jollies.
You all really should be here...enjoying Doug 'unstressed', mellow and waxing lyrical in the sunshine...
amazing what a vital ingredient that big yellow ball is..
Sunday, 5 May 2013
Tuesday, 30 April 2013
Home!
Home and tucked in front of the tennis channel - astounded by the resilience and good humour of this man who has been through so bloody much.
Thanks to everyone's continued support, love and healing vibes...
Thanks to everyone's continued support, love and healing vibes...
Monday, 29 April 2013
Sunday, 28 April 2013
An unjust turn of events..
Bugger, I knew i should have written all the good stuff when it was all going so smoothly and Doug was progressing so well - now we've had an about turn this weekend so all last week is a hazy memory - thankfully, my secretary posted pictures of the wonderful hot day out we had 'dancing through the tulips' in Skagit valley after Doug had a busy week of learning to speed type in occupational therapy; tottering backwards on a beam whilst counting 7 backwards and waltzing his eyes in all directions during physio and back sorting those pesky shapes and colours in speech therapy.
All these amazing new skills have been put to rest for a while sadly as Doug was readmitted into hospital on friday evening with chest pain. We did manage to cause a bit of a rumpus in our sleepy neighbourhood with sirens and flashing lights alerting the neighbours to our drama but i hadn't quite calculated on a fire engine attempting to squeeze its huge body down our tight, dead end drive and 5 burly officers bursting out...so apparently (note to self), when one calls for medical assistance...you get the fire fighters...no complaints however...
Unfortunately, the worse scenerio occurred and he has developed 2 pulmonary embolisms. We knew this was always the danger coming off Warfarin but the suddenness and ferocity took us by surprise - so fucking unfair! Pain relief was slow coming but finally by saturday morning Doug was lost in cuckoo land and today Doug came through the whole bamboozle and barrage of tests looking good (the new tan helps) and handling his readmission pretty well..they started a heparin drip and no sign of it aggravating a bleed - thank goodness.
A setback...but hopefully not for long...
PS he's in room 6260 at U of W... but not for too much longer i hope...
All these amazing new skills have been put to rest for a while sadly as Doug was readmitted into hospital on friday evening with chest pain. We did manage to cause a bit of a rumpus in our sleepy neighbourhood with sirens and flashing lights alerting the neighbours to our drama but i hadn't quite calculated on a fire engine attempting to squeeze its huge body down our tight, dead end drive and 5 burly officers bursting out...so apparently (note to self), when one calls for medical assistance...you get the fire fighters...no complaints however...
Unfortunately, the worse scenerio occurred and he has developed 2 pulmonary embolisms. We knew this was always the danger coming off Warfarin but the suddenness and ferocity took us by surprise - so fucking unfair! Pain relief was slow coming but finally by saturday morning Doug was lost in cuckoo land and today Doug came through the whole bamboozle and barrage of tests looking good (the new tan helps) and handling his readmission pretty well..they started a heparin drip and no sign of it aggravating a bleed - thank goodness.
A setback...but hopefully not for long...
PS he's in room 6260 at U of W... but not for too much longer i hope...
Saturday, 27 April 2013
Thursday, 18 April 2013
A week at home .....
Back by popular demand...! I guess you still want to know how the old bugger's doing now he's been released and running me ragged!! Seemed to have more time on my hands whilst he was in hospital!! :)
Well - remarkably well with some ups and downs - but certainly not as entertaining - now that he has his marbles back! Fatigue is huge and headaches come on thick and fast - trying to juggle ('limit') the pain relief is tricky....
woke up with chest pain one night causing a bit of a scare - a) coronary? b) embolism? (again), c) muscular? or d) wind? - after brief assessment (yes, lesser would have crumbled) - resisted 911 thinking it was likely to be either c or d ... thankfully it seemed to be one or the other or both and no further repercussions...
Week spent first trying to book rehab appointments - it might have helped had they 'faxed' (i know) the right patients 'rehab referral form' - wasn't until i found myself at Kinko (don't start me) looking at his discharge form thinking whose this Mr Shores when i realised we had someone else's treatment plan - looked as if it could work for Doug however. I'm sure people sue for less...
The rest of the week spent actually trying to find appointments for the next few coming weeks - eventually (i think finally due to pity) we scrabbled a few appointments together... most important (and seemingly most elusive) was for Speech therapy - and, not to "get rid of that ridiculous accent" as Flea pointed out, but for his higher cognitive reasoning... a happy hour was spent juggling and arranging shapes and colours as instructed.... happy memories of nursery school games came flooding back but the intense concentration near wiped poor Doug out...might have helped if i'd remembered to take his pain killers along - oops..
Then came Physio, Occupational and Vocational therapy all in a row... surprisingly not as exhausting as that lone speech therapy appointment - although they wiped me out just watching... well at least i can get Doug out walking with me and the mutts but it'll be a while before i convince him to come along to yoga...
I'm having to learn how to cook again although pleased to see the message didn't get through that Doug was now home and a few 'meals on wheels' miraculously appeared on the doorstep :) And i'm eternally indebted to Kimberly for sending in the super squad fairies who miraculously left our musty old house sparkling...
We should be in LA this week visiting Jack (i did consider a later flight but DOug wasn't playing ball) - anyway, we've had a few warm and sunny days but just as the barrage of appointments are over for one week and i'm thinking of a drive up to Skagit Valley and the tulip fields, then winter sets back in ...bloody freezing...
PS Southwest airlines - brilliant, Alaska - awful - i'd like to request no one flies with them ever again...
and just got the statement for his 25 day stay at Harborview Hosp $355,560.47 (and that doesn't include the bill for initial emergency treatment at University of Washington hosp)... fascinating break down of costs that i'm not convinced are too accurate - after telling me they "don't do physio in ITU" they still charge $1000 - hmm - mysterious!! still, they did a splendid job of saving his life - and for that we are eternally grateful ...
and yes, we're taking visitors and calls - so feel free.... oh and making visits...Doug managed the excitement of watching the Golf Open last weekend with Matt - whilst i escaped for a little retail therapy....anyone free for babysitting?
Well - remarkably well with some ups and downs - but certainly not as entertaining - now that he has his marbles back! Fatigue is huge and headaches come on thick and fast - trying to juggle ('limit') the pain relief is tricky....
woke up with chest pain one night causing a bit of a scare - a) coronary? b) embolism? (again), c) muscular? or d) wind? - after brief assessment (yes, lesser would have crumbled) - resisted 911 thinking it was likely to be either c or d ... thankfully it seemed to be one or the other or both and no further repercussions...
Week spent first trying to book rehab appointments - it might have helped had they 'faxed' (i know) the right patients 'rehab referral form' - wasn't until i found myself at Kinko (don't start me) looking at his discharge form thinking whose this Mr Shores when i realised we had someone else's treatment plan - looked as if it could work for Doug however. I'm sure people sue for less...
The rest of the week spent actually trying to find appointments for the next few coming weeks - eventually (i think finally due to pity) we scrabbled a few appointments together... most important (and seemingly most elusive) was for Speech therapy - and, not to "get rid of that ridiculous accent" as Flea pointed out, but for his higher cognitive reasoning... a happy hour was spent juggling and arranging shapes and colours as instructed.... happy memories of nursery school games came flooding back but the intense concentration near wiped poor Doug out...might have helped if i'd remembered to take his pain killers along - oops..
Then came Physio, Occupational and Vocational therapy all in a row... surprisingly not as exhausting as that lone speech therapy appointment - although they wiped me out just watching... well at least i can get Doug out walking with me and the mutts but it'll be a while before i convince him to come along to yoga...
I'm having to learn how to cook again although pleased to see the message didn't get through that Doug was now home and a few 'meals on wheels' miraculously appeared on the doorstep :) And i'm eternally indebted to Kimberly for sending in the super squad fairies who miraculously left our musty old house sparkling...
We should be in LA this week visiting Jack (i did consider a later flight but DOug wasn't playing ball) - anyway, we've had a few warm and sunny days but just as the barrage of appointments are over for one week and i'm thinking of a drive up to Skagit Valley and the tulip fields, then winter sets back in ...bloody freezing...
PS Southwest airlines - brilliant, Alaska - awful - i'd like to request no one flies with them ever again...
and just got the statement for his 25 day stay at Harborview Hosp $355,560.47 (and that doesn't include the bill for initial emergency treatment at University of Washington hosp)... fascinating break down of costs that i'm not convinced are too accurate - after telling me they "don't do physio in ITU" they still charge $1000 - hmm - mysterious!! still, they did a splendid job of saving his life - and for that we are eternally grateful ...
and yes, we're taking visitors and calls - so feel free.... oh and making visits...Doug managed the excitement of watching the Golf Open last weekend with Matt - whilst i escaped for a little retail therapy....anyone free for babysitting?
Monday, 8 April 2013
Home...Let the rehabilitation begin...
Day started with a call from Doug - "Guess what? Thatchers dead" - sounded like he was reliving the horror of the 70's...
Now home - bit of an anti-climax...much sorting and signing (clothes never found - don't believe he came in naked?!)... different opinions from different docs... rehab programs to be booked although "very busy so might not get in" - just as "the Haematologist is very busy and can't guarantee an appointment" - the most 'expensive health care system in the world' is seriously giving the NHS a run for their money.
Anyway, the ICU team were stupendous and we thank them with utmost gratitude. The lovely nurse today bade us farewell with just minimum medication - for pain and poo - and off we went!
Doug currently snoozing on the sofa - then his pile of blankets started walking across the floor - hadn't realised Dora had quietly snuck herself underneath! Woke up up at 7pm asking for cereal for breakfast - good start!
Great news but there's always a down side to everything - and alas this means an end to my wonderful meals on wheels service - thank you all - was very tempted not to mention him coming home!! :) It really was an unexpected welcome - thank you again to Page for organising it...and all those who generously contributed...
Thanks for reading and resisting calling me all this time - i've had nearly 4,000 'page views' in the past month - a testament to the concern for Doug or my riveting updates?!! Also appreciated all the notes, emails and cards sent - sorry if i didn't reply to all - but they have helped us get through this - as putting this in writing has helped me... we've passed that last bend and on that now looking not so long road....
Doug said a week ago "you should write a book" - and his colleague Dan replied "she already has"!
Now home - bit of an anti-climax...much sorting and signing (clothes never found - don't believe he came in naked?!)... different opinions from different docs... rehab programs to be booked although "very busy so might not get in" - just as "the Haematologist is very busy and can't guarantee an appointment" - the most 'expensive health care system in the world' is seriously giving the NHS a run for their money.
Anyway, the ICU team were stupendous and we thank them with utmost gratitude. The lovely nurse today bade us farewell with just minimum medication - for pain and poo - and off we went!
Doug currently snoozing on the sofa - then his pile of blankets started walking across the floor - hadn't realised Dora had quietly snuck herself underneath! Woke up up at 7pm asking for cereal for breakfast - good start!
Great news but there's always a down side to everything - and alas this means an end to my wonderful meals on wheels service - thank you all - was very tempted not to mention him coming home!! :) It really was an unexpected welcome - thank you again to Page for organising it...and all those who generously contributed...
Thanks for reading and resisting calling me all this time - i've had nearly 4,000 'page views' in the past month - a testament to the concern for Doug or my riveting updates?!! Also appreciated all the notes, emails and cards sent - sorry if i didn't reply to all - but they have helped us get through this - as putting this in writing has helped me... we've passed that last bend and on that now looking not so long road....
Doug said a week ago "you should write a book" - and his colleague Dan replied "she already has"!
Sunday, 7 April 2013
What a difference a day makes...
New day...new Dougy...
took my sound advice after calling this morning and got in the shower....just some other grooming bits to do once i got there....and a walk round the whole perimeter of the ward without huffs and puffs and curses - even tried the pretend stairs...fun manoeuvre getting back down...
wasn't keen on the frozen mango pieces i took in - healthy change from icecream i thought - said they tasted of fish... thought his taste buds were off kilter - but they did!!
Basic nursing care is a little wanting...managed to persuade someone to change his bed whilst he was sitting out... guess they just think he's doing it all himself... which he can...just needs a little reminder! Guess we should be happy that he's considered a low dependent patient... the short term memory loss though needs some help now and again...
But, really good day - able to hold court with many lovely visitors and minimal pain relief...although he just called this evening wondering where we where and with a thumping headache...
Looking good for the big escape...just have to write my list of many questions to ask the team that keep popping up...
funny symbol popped up on the dashboard of the car driving home...'catalytic converter malfunction' - any ideas??!!
took my sound advice after calling this morning and got in the shower....just some other grooming bits to do once i got there....and a walk round the whole perimeter of the ward without huffs and puffs and curses - even tried the pretend stairs...fun manoeuvre getting back down...
wasn't keen on the frozen mango pieces i took in - healthy change from icecream i thought - said they tasted of fish... thought his taste buds were off kilter - but they did!!
Basic nursing care is a little wanting...managed to persuade someone to change his bed whilst he was sitting out... guess they just think he's doing it all himself... which he can...just needs a little reminder! Guess we should be happy that he's considered a low dependent patient... the short term memory loss though needs some help now and again...
But, really good day - able to hold court with many lovely visitors and minimal pain relief...although he just called this evening wondering where we where and with a thumping headache...
Looking good for the big escape...just have to write my list of many questions to ask the team that keep popping up...
funny symbol popped up on the dashboard of the car driving home...'catalytic converter malfunction' - any ideas??!!
Saturday, 6 April 2013
Discharge? I don't think so...
Doug spends 3weeks in icu and within days of acute car they want to kick him out! As long as I can do 24hr watch duty at home! Considering his continuing need for regular heavy pain relief, barely out of bed - he managed a stagger down the corridor, and continuing aches and pains, not to mention recent (perhaps still) hydrocephalus... I would think another CT scan prior might be advisable... At least they've refrained from the torture of another lumbar puncture as the pressure was down yesterday. Think it might be wise to give it a day or so before booting him out...new doc (who knew nothing about him) and social worker seemed almost relieved...where did this idea come from?! Certainly not on the cards yesterday....
Least his sore throat seems to have disappeared although I began to not take that seriously when he moaned about the flavor of the menthol and butterscotch lozenges...
Rallied for a Skype chat with the lovely Davies Family. And then not a great day... :(.
Dinner's here...and it's only 4.30pm...no wonder he can't work out night and day... Alas he lost another room buddy in the middle of the night ..hopefully to another floor and not beyond...but it all sounded pretty dramatic....
Least his sore throat seems to have disappeared although I began to not take that seriously when he moaned about the flavor of the menthol and butterscotch lozenges...
Rallied for a Skype chat with the lovely Davies Family. And then not a great day... :(.
Dinner's here...and it's only 4.30pm...no wonder he can't work out night and day... Alas he lost another room buddy in the middle of the night ..hopefully to another floor and not beyond...but it all sounded pretty dramatic....
uncomfortable day.
So, despite the Neurosurgeon telling us that the pressure reading from the lumbar puncture yesterday was normal, it in fact wasn't! So, a repeat, ever more painful one, was performed this morning...which did show a normal reading... We hope...!! Reassuring eh?!
Then a sore throat seemed to consume the day.. His lovely nurse was unavailable so some surly male equivalent of Nurse Ratched came (clearly very put out at having to deal with 'someone else's patient') with pain meds and made the mistake of turning to me snarling "well, does he want them or not"... I doubt if he'll do that again. Needless to say that there are nurse managers coming round (rather like hospitality) checking if all is fine with the care...can't figure if its normal practice or if they have me clocked as 'trouble' :)
Little set back but continuing progress......
Then a sore throat seemed to consume the day.. His lovely nurse was unavailable so some surly male equivalent of Nurse Ratched came (clearly very put out at having to deal with 'someone else's patient') with pain meds and made the mistake of turning to me snarling "well, does he want them or not"... I doubt if he'll do that again. Needless to say that there are nurse managers coming round (rather like hospitality) checking if all is fine with the care...can't figure if its normal practice or if they have me clocked as 'trouble' :)
Little set back but continuing progress......
Thursday, 4 April 2013
Three weeks today...
Three weeks ago, to this hour, I walked back into our upside down world from that long flight back..and now Doug is untangled and finally bidding his time before release on Acute Care, down to minimal medication and assistance. Yet bizarrely, doesn't seem to relish a return home too soon.. Can't imagine why not...
An unpleasant lumbar puncture showed no abnormalities and ct scan revealed some fluid retention causing occasional headaches....which hopefully, will eventually resolve itself..
With memoriest of my favourite scene from 'Out of Africa', i gave Doug a shampoo ...not exactly pouring jugs of fresh warm water over his head but with this rather exciting all in one shower cap device....stick it in microwave, pop it on, let it soak, quick rub and voila...clean hair! Must get some for next travels...
Sadly, yesterday, i received some devastating news regarding several friends and wonder if there's some malevolent storm passing over... it puts even our difficult circumstance into perspective....
Keep well everyone X
Wednesday, 3 April 2013
Chef at large
Arrived as Doug proudly returned after a long walk from the kitchen having successfully fried an egg and made a cuppa without burning the hospital down....(occupational therapy passed - tick)
Thus graduating to the acute care ward (3rd floor, still west wing, rm 350) after a l-o-n-g 3 week stay in ICU but I don't think his stay here is going to be fo much longer....room big enough to party but his room mate isn't too communicative...
Only further excitement later today is for a lumbar puncture which prompted a rendition of Spinal Tap... oh and Jane's visit with the wooly hand knitted hat....
Happy chappy with phone in hand looking forward to receiving calls, texts and visits 206 850 1306 (8 hours behind UK).
we knew he'd had enough when Jane asked if he was ready to go home and he responded with "nah, i like it here"!!
Thus graduating to the acute care ward (3rd floor, still west wing, rm 350) after a l-o-n-g 3 week stay in ICU but I don't think his stay here is going to be fo much longer....room big enough to party but his room mate isn't too communicative...
Only further excitement later today is for a lumbar puncture which prompted a rendition of Spinal Tap... oh and Jane's visit with the wooly hand knitted hat....
Happy chappy with phone in hand looking forward to receiving calls, texts and visits 206 850 1306 (8 hours behind UK).
we knew he'd had enough when Jane asked if he was ready to go home and he responded with "nah, i like it here"!!
That's it folks...he's a bit pooped but all good...
Tuesday, 2 April 2013
Blimey!
Blimey! Doug may come home at the weekend!!!??? (and every one of those are valid). And i haven't even got the handrails fitted or the rubbery bath mat thingy ready. But Jim has offered to come build a ramp!
Wow, they kick them out faster then the NHS .. beds cant be economically viable once they leave $$ high dependency...
But YAY - just need to dust off the old uniform and i'm all set (should it fit)... Doug is doing phenomenally, fabulously, brilliantly... and so i shouldn't be surprised..
And he hasn't even left ICU yet...no beds in acute care - now, they're really giving the NHS a run for their money...
Oh my - does that mean the meals on wheels thingamajig comes to an end?! :(
Drama - Doug's phone lost 24 hrs (- i did suggest leaving it wasn't a great idea) - so, many a bag of soiled linen unturned - only to find it charging in a station near by - ooops...
Doug's recollection of 'where he is' is now, much improved - London, Edinburgh and now Timbuktu... he might be messin' with us..
All this effort and i'd just found free parking away from the 'ghetto' (as Miles called it) - a mere 4 blocks away...
What a day...
Wow, they kick them out faster then the NHS .. beds cant be economically viable once they leave $$ high dependency...
But YAY - just need to dust off the old uniform and i'm all set (should it fit)... Doug is doing phenomenally, fabulously, brilliantly... and so i shouldn't be surprised..
And he hasn't even left ICU yet...no beds in acute care - now, they're really giving the NHS a run for their money...
Oh my - does that mean the meals on wheels thingamajig comes to an end?! :(
Drama - Doug's phone lost 24 hrs (- i did suggest leaving it wasn't a great idea) - so, many a bag of soiled linen unturned - only to find it charging in a station near by - ooops...
Doug's recollection of 'where he is' is now, much improved - London, Edinburgh and now Timbuktu... he might be messin' with us..
All this effort and i'd just found free parking away from the 'ghetto' (as Miles called it) - a mere 4 blocks away...
What a day...
Monday, 1 April 2013
Doug Unwired
Doug unwired...and still unhinged...
Tubeless and trotting around icu in hot pursuit by Kurt and his mom by time I arrived. Cursing his hamstrings and (finally) physio arrived just as he got back into bed and nodded off... Not that she was going to let him get away with that...
Taking advantage of the tranquility whilst his room mate was in theatre... Watched half a Norman Foster documentary (recommended by Hugh thx) and he enjoyed it until nodding off, saying "he knew all that"! And then a pleasant afternoon with Greg and Kurt cursing those fortunate enough to be somewhere pleasant for their Easter hols and Doug deciding we needed to make up our own destination, as "no one would be any the wiser"... Think it started in the only logical place ... A wonderful cocktail - and rum and mango were involved...a beach, sunshine and final touches may require darkening assistance by a bottle as destination was definitely hot!
No move today (well maybe to that tropical island) hopefully tomorrow.....
Yikes I left his mobile with him...not smart as I hear he wanted to ring me in the middle of the night...be warned friends!
Ps Crises... on the home front...I don't see anyone signed up for the meals on wheels service for tomorrow... Surely a misprint ??!!
Tubeless and trotting around icu in hot pursuit by Kurt and his mom by time I arrived. Cursing his hamstrings and (finally) physio arrived just as he got back into bed and nodded off... Not that she was going to let him get away with that...
Taking advantage of the tranquility whilst his room mate was in theatre... Watched half a Norman Foster documentary (recommended by Hugh thx) and he enjoyed it until nodding off, saying "he knew all that"! And then a pleasant afternoon with Greg and Kurt cursing those fortunate enough to be somewhere pleasant for their Easter hols and Doug deciding we needed to make up our own destination, as "no one would be any the wiser"... Think it started in the only logical place ... A wonderful cocktail - and rum and mango were involved...a beach, sunshine and final touches may require darkening assistance by a bottle as destination was definitely hot!
No move today (well maybe to that tropical island) hopefully tomorrow.....
Yikes I left his mobile with him...not smart as I hear he wanted to ring me in the middle of the night...be warned friends!
Ps Crises... on the home front...I don't see anyone signed up for the meals on wheels service for tomorrow... Surely a misprint ??!!
Sunday, 31 March 2013
Sunday, happy sunday..
Just realising most of our European friends are, in fact, somewhere else in Europe... really miss the Easter holidays...so perfectly timed and just too much choice...
Well, things are progressing at a pace here... Doug's waltzing around the periphery of the four sectioned square of the ICU on his zimmer... nurses in hot pursuit...
Ringing me at intervals, just checking in about the agenda...better start sending in more reinforcement...visiting free for all !!
Drain clamped and big removal tomorrow and then he's off to acute care for next part of his stay...bring on the physical therapy...and a very short stay...
I left Doug to the moaning echoes of his 84 yr old room mate (there's a curtain) just wanting her husband, poor love...not sure if Doug was that sympathetic after listening to it all day...either her - or he will need some heavy knock out pills....
Meanwhile, Easter bunnies short changed us a little this year...
Well, things are progressing at a pace here... Doug's waltzing around the periphery of the four sectioned square of the ICU on his zimmer... nurses in hot pursuit...
Ringing me at intervals, just checking in about the agenda...better start sending in more reinforcement...visiting free for all !!
Drain clamped and big removal tomorrow and then he's off to acute care for next part of his stay...bring on the physical therapy...and a very short stay...
I left Doug to the moaning echoes of his 84 yr old room mate (there's a curtain) just wanting her husband, poor love...not sure if Doug was that sympathetic after listening to it all day...either her - or he will need some heavy knock out pills....
Meanwhile, Easter bunnies short changed us a little this year...
A hot hot saturday...
Poor Dougy, missing the hottest, driest weekend on record - know he'd love to be on those skis in the mountains... but he's sitting out a little more, eating up a lot more and taking significantly less medication...
I'm topping up his hospital meals with all things nutritious - although, i hadn't bargained on him tucking into the tub of 'avocado' body cream i'd left near his tray ready for a massage. I was alerted when he screeched "aggghhh are you trying to kill me" oops ... well these potions smell/look good enough to eat these days - clearly dont taste it though!! Note to self...must take in his glasses!
Main focus now is getting those poor shrinking limbs moving... physically, it doesn't look as if this 'stroke' has done any permanent damage thank goodness....
Hopefully 'brain drain' out tomorrow, now it's been clamped 24 hours...
I'm topping up his hospital meals with all things nutritious - although, i hadn't bargained on him tucking into the tub of 'avocado' body cream i'd left near his tray ready for a massage. I was alerted when he screeched "aggghhh are you trying to kill me" oops ... well these potions smell/look good enough to eat these days - clearly dont taste it though!! Note to self...must take in his glasses!
Main focus now is getting those poor shrinking limbs moving... physically, it doesn't look as if this 'stroke' has done any permanent damage thank goodness....
Hopefully 'brain drain' out tomorrow, now it's been clamped 24 hours...
Saturday, 30 March 2013
Good Friday..
It seems that Doug managed to do such a sterling job of twisting his head drain into a work of art that photos were taken and experts called in to try and unravel it - rather like knitting i expect. No sooner had they finished than he sat up and snapped it... Crises narrowly averted after significant csf loss and hopefully this is the last day he has to have it before it is removed...then, if all stable he may move to 'acute' care on Monday...
He enjoyed a Skype chat with darlings Jilly and Howy - able to catch up with footy news back home - now, how do I access the Chelsea v Man U match for him to watch on Monday? (So that's really why you're not leaving till Tuesday Howy!)...
Finally sitting out of bed...not the easiest of tasks...and quote of the day -
as Doug's nurse and I were helping to stand him with his arms round us, he lent to give me a hug , scratching his bum at the same time prompting Patrick to tease "hey, you can't scratch you're butt whilst hugging your wife" so Doug responded with " thats nothing, we have photos at home of far worse"! I doubt if either of us will leave here with our integrity intact! Never a dull moment!
He enjoyed a Skype chat with darlings Jilly and Howy - able to catch up with footy news back home - now, how do I access the Chelsea v Man U match for him to watch on Monday? (So that's really why you're not leaving till Tuesday Howy!)...
Finally sitting out of bed...not the easiest of tasks...and quote of the day -
as Doug's nurse and I were helping to stand him with his arms round us, he lent to give me a hug , scratching his bum at the same time prompting Patrick to tease "hey, you can't scratch you're butt whilst hugging your wife" so Doug responded with " thats nothing, we have photos at home of far worse"! I doubt if either of us will leave here with our integrity intact! Never a dull moment!
Friday, 29 March 2013
Two weeks on
Two weeks ago today i received that terrible phone call from a distressed Miles that sent our lives (and many of yours) into a tail spin. So much, and yet really, so little has happened since then...
Doug is still in ICU, still laying on the same bed, same revolving nurses, same threat of vaso spasms and same consistently sunny days.. but he is now down to a couple of IV cannulas and a head drain.. a plethora of lines, feeding tube, weeing tube, breathing tube are all gone as he tries to make sense of this absurd, immobile world he's been thrust into and move slowly out of it through a blur of fairly strong and mind altering analgesia.
I was laid low today with a bug that i've been fighting for the last few days so dependent on visiting friend/fam reports from the hospital... first day up in a chair which didn't go amazingly well, not surprisingly... sounds like a fuzzy. painful day for Doug where night and day just blur into one...
meanwhile they've started the three day preparation toward his head drain removal and soon as that has gone he'll be out of that bonkers, beeping, bleeping surreal world he's in...
Many of you are off on a well deserved easter break - enjoy...i'm trying not to be too envious :) - can't complain - we have a sunny 67 F (19.4 c) weekend to look forward to...
Thank you for the feedbacks from this 'updating' service...i know many of you appreciate it and are thankful not to feel as if you're "pestering me" - friends have made many comments about it - from my "British stiff upper lip" (ha ha - not sure about that) to emotional outpouring but think Ted summed it up best by saying "it's just one continuous string of consciousness"...i like that, so am going with that one!
Doug is still in ICU, still laying on the same bed, same revolving nurses, same threat of vaso spasms and same consistently sunny days.. but he is now down to a couple of IV cannulas and a head drain.. a plethora of lines, feeding tube, weeing tube, breathing tube are all gone as he tries to make sense of this absurd, immobile world he's been thrust into and move slowly out of it through a blur of fairly strong and mind altering analgesia.
I was laid low today with a bug that i've been fighting for the last few days so dependent on visiting friend/fam reports from the hospital... first day up in a chair which didn't go amazingly well, not surprisingly... sounds like a fuzzy. painful day for Doug where night and day just blur into one...
meanwhile they've started the three day preparation toward his head drain removal and soon as that has gone he'll be out of that bonkers, beeping, bleeping surreal world he's in...
Many of you are off on a well deserved easter break - enjoy...i'm trying not to be too envious :) - can't complain - we have a sunny 67 F (19.4 c) weekend to look forward to...
Thank you for the feedbacks from this 'updating' service...i know many of you appreciate it and are thankful not to feel as if you're "pestering me" - friends have made many comments about it - from my "British stiff upper lip" (ha ha - not sure about that) to emotional outpouring but think Ted summed it up best by saying "it's just one continuous string of consciousness"...i like that, so am going with that one!
Wednesday, 27 March 2013
Home and reflection
Home following an unbelievably full, low, creamy moon after a lovely evening and delicious meal at Bob and Joanies watching the sunset reflected in the space needle from their wonderful condo downtown...
and just had a phone call from Doug (from hospital phone so that freaked me out) just asking what our itinerary was for the rest of the week... didn't seem too impressed with what i had to offer...!!
thinking of how to spice his dietary intake...today, i took in some cubed mature Irish cheddar and apple...which prompted a "well, what this really needs is a nice glass of Claret".. still, he was drinking grape juice, which seemed to suffice...
Jilly - i gave him your sweet 'love you' heart so he turned to me and said "doesn't this make you jealous"?
wow, the brain can take some knocks...and it returns in twists and bounds..
night all x
and just had a phone call from Doug (from hospital phone so that freaked me out) just asking what our itinerary was for the rest of the week... didn't seem too impressed with what i had to offer...!!
thinking of how to spice his dietary intake...today, i took in some cubed mature Irish cheddar and apple...which prompted a "well, what this really needs is a nice glass of Claret".. still, he was drinking grape juice, which seemed to suffice...
Jilly - i gave him your sweet 'love you' heart so he turned to me and said "doesn't this make you jealous"?
wow, the brain can take some knocks...and it returns in twists and bounds..
night all x
Nearly out of danger #14
This should be the day we no longer need to worry about these dangerous vasospasms but the buggers are still lurking there this morning...just not many...another ct scan tomorrow ...
Doug continues to answer his location with London...I guess home really is where the heart is!! Hopefully he can sit out tomorrow if all stable but he says that " he's not too impressed with the venue"!
Franks famous mushroom soup has played it's part in the recovery process but even that was no match for cookie dough ice cream!
Spent most of the day sitting quietly next to the bed whilst he sleeps and trying to not nod off myself...
Visiting slots are filling for tomorrow as Kurt arrives back in town - will he enjoy seeing the vast improvement in his brother! And Matt booked in sometime too....doug was wondering what his itinerary was for this week!!
Talking much about a full fitness program when he gets out of here - still doesn't seem too keen in coming along to yoga with me though...
Best note today was from Rich ....
Doug continues to answer his location with London...I guess home really is where the heart is!! Hopefully he can sit out tomorrow if all stable but he says that " he's not too impressed with the venue"!
Franks famous mushroom soup has played it's part in the recovery process but even that was no match for cookie dough ice cream!
Spent most of the day sitting quietly next to the bed whilst he sleeps and trying to not nod off myself...
Visiting slots are filling for tomorrow as Kurt arrives back in town - will he enjoy seeing the vast improvement in his brother! And Matt booked in sometime too....doug was wondering what his itinerary was for this week!!
Talking much about a full fitness program when he gets out of here - still doesn't seem too keen in coming along to yoga with me though...
Best note today was from Rich ....
Hi Jane
Great to hear things looking up for Doug
Hope you are able to get some rest from the anxiety. I have an image of him in my mind staggering out of a nuclear explosion, dusting himself off and saying 'woah....heavy man'
When I read him that, he was laughing so much I thought he was going to burst his brain drain'.
Just one small corner and we're on the long road to rehab....
Tuesday, 26 March 2013
#13
Move onto solid food! Well, that would be a biggy in my world...although Doug seems quite content with the mush so far... although, i can relate to that too...
and the lovely, attentive young Neurologist agreed to letting him sit up in a chair...whoop, whoop...
huge leaps - now just to get this mac our friends kindly lent us to work so that he can watch Top gear (sorry Lis - and after all you've done)...
oh, and a 3 day gradual removal of the head drainage tube...but that might be too much information...
looking at leaving our friends in the icu this weekend...
survival kit of maltesers and jaffa cakes arrived this morning...thx Jilly xxx
and the lovely, attentive young Neurologist agreed to letting him sit up in a chair...whoop, whoop...
huge leaps - now just to get this mac our friends kindly lent us to work so that he can watch Top gear (sorry Lis - and after all you've done)...
oh, and a 3 day gradual removal of the head drainage tube...but that might be too much information...
looking at leaving our friends in the icu this weekend...
survival kit of maltesers and jaffa cakes arrived this morning...thx Jilly xxx
Monday, 25 March 2013
A beautiful Day # 12 - full of icecream and hope
One small step...one giant leap for mankind...know just how Neil feels now. The tubes, lines and thus beeps and bleeps are disappearing rapidly - Doug demolished his dodgy hospital mac n cheese lunch so convincingly in Streeter-hoovering up style that his NG was swiftly removed - much to Miles's unwitting horror and ultimate disappointment that it wasn't captured on video....the TJ's strawberry-coconut milk icecream was unsurprisingly, very well received too...
We are marching onwards and upwards dear friends but as his Neurologist 'god' (who i finally got to meet today) Dr Kim (funny, in UK when they reach that top tier of the ladder, they revert to mere Mr mortals again - clearly the 'Dr' label is too vulgar or something) says "the recovery only begins once he leaves ITU" - they're just there to over-see the crises stage ...for 2 weeks infact! In just 2 days we should be out of the danger-zone - final hurdle - hopefully, no trace of a vaso spasm and head drainage tube vamoosed....
Our conversations continue to be challenging, wonderful, and just bleedin' bonkers...Doug is already compiling a list of philosophers/poets that jack must read "and it's not homework" - just for fun... and i'm compiling a list of quotes that he may never want to hear about again...
BUT I'm finally feeling we have turned a huge corner knowing the road ahead is l-o-n-g...
In the meantime, i'm pampered and spoilt by this small but unbelievably attentive group of pals - another massage today (thx Kimberly ) - so 2 massages and 2 wonderful yoga sessions = nearly functioning body... now, i just have to wake up feeling as if i've really had 8 hours sleep...which i have!
hope this makes sense - i'm cream-crackered....
PS apologies if i caused a mass of shock with my opening two words yesterday....apparently i did!
We are marching onwards and upwards dear friends but as his Neurologist 'god' (who i finally got to meet today) Dr Kim (funny, in UK when they reach that top tier of the ladder, they revert to mere Mr mortals again - clearly the 'Dr' label is too vulgar or something) says "the recovery only begins once he leaves ITU" - they're just there to over-see the crises stage ...for 2 weeks infact! In just 2 days we should be out of the danger-zone - final hurdle - hopefully, no trace of a vaso spasm and head drainage tube vamoosed....
Our conversations continue to be challenging, wonderful, and just bleedin' bonkers...Doug is already compiling a list of philosophers/poets that jack must read "and it's not homework" - just for fun... and i'm compiling a list of quotes that he may never want to hear about again...
BUT I'm finally feeling we have turned a huge corner knowing the road ahead is l-o-n-g...
In the meantime, i'm pampered and spoilt by this small but unbelievably attentive group of pals - another massage today (thx Kimberly ) - so 2 massages and 2 wonderful yoga sessions = nearly functioning body... now, i just have to wake up feeling as if i've really had 8 hours sleep...which i have!
hope this makes sense - i'm cream-crackered....
PS apologies if i caused a mass of shock with my opening two words yesterday....apparently i did!
Sunday, 24 March 2013
Home...Sunday eve
Doug passed the swallowing test...taking in icecream tomorrow...
Meanwhile soup and bed for me...xxxx
Day # 11 - visiting for today
I know many of you want to visit Doug and he'll so love to see you . As i mentioned quiet time is between 12.30 and 2.30 pm so i'm discouraging all visiting during that period. Jane and Alan are going at 2.30pm. I'ii be heading down mid morning so if if anyone wants to swing by before 12 or this evening (depending how he is) give me a bell/text 206 4466332. Oh and just a reminder there's someone else in the same room not well so hush hush... also you can park free on teh streets around the hospital on a sunday!!
Hoping he'll be assessed by a speech therapist today and his NG tube removed...then we plan to give him his longed for ICECREAM!
And really, thank you again for everyone's support - walking Dora, leaving goodies, massages, messages, yoga, dinners, flowers, chocs, grocery deliveries...meals on wheels (so glad you're all amazing cooks!) - if i haven't said thank you personally - forgive me - i really can't say thank you enough - it has helped Miles and i endure this terrible ordeal...and here is the link that many of you have asked me about (should you ever need use of it for someone else)
http://www.takethemameal.com/meals.php?t=JUNL6697
more later..
Hoping he'll be assessed by a speech therapist today and his NG tube removed...then we plan to give him his longed for ICECREAM!
And really, thank you again for everyone's support - walking Dora, leaving goodies, massages, messages, yoga, dinners, flowers, chocs, grocery deliveries...meals on wheels (so glad you're all amazing cooks!) - if i haven't said thank you personally - forgive me - i really can't say thank you enough - it has helped Miles and i endure this terrible ordeal...and here is the link that many of you have asked me about (should you ever need use of it for someone else)
http://www.takethemameal.com/meals.php?t=JUNL6697
more later..
Saturday, 23 March 2013
End of day # 10
Sat here on my I pad whilst Doug slumbers peacefully after asking for "bubbly ice beer"! Thinking that sounds pretty good. Jon just left but he and good friend Greg had an entertaining and educated day talking with Doug by all accounts! Thankfully his 'Darth Vader' oxygen mask is off and he's maintaining good oxygen sats with just a loose mask hanging round his neck. He just needs to pull through the next few days with no repercussions from these bloody vasospasms...they seem to have it under control by increasing his BP... I know, it seems contradictory.
Miles spent time massaging Doug with the gadgets resembling torture devices Kimberly kindly lent us - they both seemed to get a lot of pleasure out it! Sooner we can get him off this bed the better...
He appears to have turned into an old slushy, holding my hand and telling me how female they are and how they just "waft over him in waves" whereas Jon had " male hands which establish contact, grip, charge..." ... So I told him he was getting very poetical on us ... To which he replied "I don't know if its poetry but I know I'm fucking right" ... And promptly knighted Jon! Henceforth to be known as Sir Jon-James Bond. Asking if he wanted me to rub his back, he told the nurse "you wouldn't know it looking at her but she was a great fullback with the rugby 7's".
On hearing the nurse talking to the doctor on the phone attempting to get him come talk to us...doug piped up " tell him to get here now, I'm going to die in 10 minutes! Never a dull moment and good to see flashes of clarity returning with remarkable memory...although we're enjoying all the barmy bits too!
Now I'm off on this warm, sunny, springy day to be fed and watered by more dear chums and Doug wants to know why he cant come with me! keep that energy flowing...
Miles spent time massaging Doug with the gadgets resembling torture devices Kimberly kindly lent us - they both seemed to get a lot of pleasure out it! Sooner we can get him off this bed the better...
He appears to have turned into an old slushy, holding my hand and telling me how female they are and how they just "waft over him in waves" whereas Jon had " male hands which establish contact, grip, charge..." ... So I told him he was getting very poetical on us ... To which he replied "I don't know if its poetry but I know I'm fucking right" ... And promptly knighted Jon! Henceforth to be known as Sir Jon-James Bond. Asking if he wanted me to rub his back, he told the nurse "you wouldn't know it looking at her but she was a great fullback with the rugby 7's".
On hearing the nurse talking to the doctor on the phone attempting to get him come talk to us...doug piped up " tell him to get here now, I'm going to die in 10 minutes! Never a dull moment and good to see flashes of clarity returning with remarkable memory...although we're enjoying all the barmy bits too!
Now I'm off on this warm, sunny, springy day to be fed and watered by more dear chums and Doug wants to know why he cant come with me! keep that energy flowing...
Message to Dougie from Howy..
PERSONAL MESSAGE: HOWY TO DOUG
(to be read out in a Black rap poet style!)
Douglas, Douglas, my man....where you bin Dood?
checking out like that - man that's just rude!
We thought you gone left us, without saying a word
Left...no goodbyes.....gone....just absurd.
I swear next time you pull a stunt like that,
I'm gonna tan your arse with a big cricket bat!
Where d'you go to anyways Dougy....was it heaven or hell
Cos I heard sometimes it's quite difficult to tell
Were you chasing the dragons in a hot fiery hole
Or was you shooting some hoops with the Lord in a celestial super bowl
Were you mixing with sinners and beggars and thieves
Or in concert with Jimi packed to the eaves?
If the place was full of bankers and politicians on the take
Then Dood, St Peter, he made one BIG BIG mistake
You deserve better than that with your life full of virtue
Sin free, clean living and things 'tween just me and you
like the time at La Push when we fired up and drank
And Jack joined us too, till the three of us sank
But never mind where you've been these last few days
You simply left us all in a bit of a daze
I know you got brothers - all right and propers
But I'm your bro too you know - let no one try stop us
I is yo bro man - deeper than skin
Talk about Streeter clan - hell yeah - count me in!
Could you hear all our prayers from this side of the pond?
What Presidents past called our own special bond
But it's more than that - it's love - of that there's no doubt
I love you like a brother; there - I've come out!
We don't talk much Dood do we - with you miles away it's so tough
But when we get together we're ignited - and maybe that's enough
When you get better and you're back on your feet
We gotta arrange Greece - and there we shall meet
We can do what we do best, talk, drink and rest
And remember our holidays and discuss which was best
There's France, Croatia, wet Spain, Camper trips
To remember with fondness and wet our whistle and lips
So Douglas, my man - my friend - my brother
You is without doubt,like no one else - no other
Stick at it Bro - get stronger, come see us
We'll once again ride in a VW Camper Bus
maybe round Ireland and sink lots of Guinness
or Greece or HOT Spain - our travels to finish.
Love you Douglas!
H
So, I couldn't convinced the male nurse on duty from the Dominican Rep to do it for me (well he was the blackest person I could find) so it was left to me..not sure if squeaky, Yorkshire white female was what you had in mind but he chuckled away...you big old softie Howy...I'm thinking you're going to have to do this yourself when we set up a Skype chat !! He lerves you too honey...here's to sailing those seas in the not too distant future...love you j x
Not out the woods yet.
So sorry to be a pooper after my morning news... Doug is fine but the ultrasound detected some vaso spasms this morning - apparently heightened danger is for next 4 days...i thought we were mainly over it by 10th day but apparently not...
So, i'm going to have to be very strict with Dougies social calender for next few days - don't want to get him too excited!...i know all you lovely people are itching to get in and visit...but we're going to have to delay wine, women and song for few more days...if you're thinking of coming by please check in with me first and i can try to stagger the masses!! 206 446 6332... i know he'll be dying to see you all...
Well it seems Miles prefers to hoover than walk the dog...oh, okay then....
So, i'm going to have to be very strict with Dougies social calender for next few days - don't want to get him too excited!...i know all you lovely people are itching to get in and visit...but we're going to have to delay wine, women and song for few more days...if you're thinking of coming by please check in with me first and i can try to stagger the masses!! 206 446 6332... i know he'll be dying to see you all...
Well it seems Miles prefers to hoover than walk the dog...oh, okay then....
Another sunny morning...saturday day #10
Waiting for Miles to wake up - could be a while on this beautiful spring morning...and all the gorgeous cherry blossoms are out
.Jon (from now on known as James) is with Doug and has just sent a great report on Doug's progress...he's talking up a storm (dialect to be deciphered later), watching documentaries on public tv saying "i'm bit of a nerd - if i'm just lying here i may as well be learning something"- better take in some slushy romantic comedies! Gave Jon a lesson in Chinese hospital design...hmmm - somethings clearly don't change!!
Meanwhile, i'd better finally unpack my bags, do some laundry and run a hoover around - whilst beaming madly...
time to release the visitors - in small, controlled packages...
enjoy your weekend dear friends...all looking good...X
.Jon (from now on known as James) is with Doug and has just sent a great report on Doug's progress...he's talking up a storm (dialect to be deciphered later), watching documentaries on public tv saying "i'm bit of a nerd - if i'm just lying here i may as well be learning something"- better take in some slushy romantic comedies! Gave Jon a lesson in Chinese hospital design...hmmm - somethings clearly don't change!!
Meanwhile, i'd better finally unpack my bags, do some laundry and run a hoover around - whilst beaming madly...
time to release the visitors - in small, controlled packages...
enjoy your weekend dear friends...all looking good...X
End of day #9
Nice woozy day for Doug with just Jon, Miles and me to distract him. Not as frisky as when the tube came out last weekend, when he must have heard it was St Patrick's day and woke with a pretty impressive Irish accent wondering if someone had "stolen his brain"!
Back to his Anglo/American lilt and clearly set on teasing the nurse with jokey responses to his mundane questions ..." Of course I know who that is, it's my brother" ....so "what's his name"...."well, James Bond of course".... I'm going to have to write all these down...some, I'm not sure he'd like me to share....but i'ii store it in my reserves for future dinner party entertainment...
Some wonderful doctors and I've targeted the two, young knowledgeable (oh and handsome) ones that will stand patiently and answer my long list of questions with a big smile on their faces until they ask 'if they can be dismissed'... Clearly, they are very happy with Doug's progress...
He was able to give Miles and us big, grateful hugs and 'FaceTime' with jack before taken off for his MRI scan and breathing comfortably on his own with just an oxygen mask.
We left buoyant and gratefully fed and pampered by the wonderful Friday night crew... Not that I have much of an appetite...
But hey, I'm 1/2 stone lighter (alas, not in the right places) ...not that I'd recommend it a a diet...!
Looking forward to a new day...X
Back to his Anglo/American lilt and clearly set on teasing the nurse with jokey responses to his mundane questions ..." Of course I know who that is, it's my brother" ....so "what's his name"...."well, James Bond of course".... I'm going to have to write all these down...some, I'm not sure he'd like me to share....but i'ii store it in my reserves for future dinner party entertainment...
Some wonderful doctors and I've targeted the two, young knowledgeable (oh and handsome) ones that will stand patiently and answer my long list of questions with a big smile on their faces until they ask 'if they can be dismissed'... Clearly, they are very happy with Doug's progress...
He was able to give Miles and us big, grateful hugs and 'FaceTime' with jack before taken off for his MRI scan and breathing comfortably on his own with just an oxygen mask.
We left buoyant and gratefully fed and pampered by the wonderful Friday night crew... Not that I have much of an appetite...
But hey, I'm 1/2 stone lighter (alas, not in the right places) ...not that I'd recommend it a a diet...!
Looking forward to a new day...X
Friday, 22 March 2013
A quick word from Jane's secretary
If you'd like to leave a message on Jane's blog:
1) Click on the orange coloured 'comments' text at the bottom of any post
2) Type your message into the white text box
3) Sign in or select 'Anonymous' from the 'Comment as' drop-down list
3) Click 'publish'
1) Click on the orange coloured 'comments' text at the bottom of any post
2) Type your message into the white text box
3) Sign in or select 'Anonymous' from the 'Comment as' drop-down list
3) Click 'publish'
PS
Just want to say, don't worry if you can't work out how to leave a message as many of you have said...i'm getting your emails...thank you...but replying on here...(unless someone would like to employ me a secretary)
and yes Lis, Cupcake wine - kills two needs in one hit right? very efficient!!
I made it to yoga yesterday - thank you lovely Michelle - it was perfect - and helped my body/mind get through the day ...
what a support team...couldn't have done it without you... x
and yes Lis, Cupcake wine - kills two needs in one hit right? very efficient!!
I made it to yoga yesterday - thank you lovely Michelle - it was perfect - and helped my body/mind get through the day ...
what a support team...couldn't have done it without you... x
Cold, sunny, snowy day #9
Snowing here but Dora doesn't seem to mind! Good that she makes me get out and walk!
As hoped, they extubated Doug this morning. Jon (his brother) had flown in last night and is with him now...doesn't sound like he's putting on the show like he did for us last sunday!... after slight anxiety about breathing on his own, he is resting quietly and doing really well...everything crossed that it stays out this time...
An MRI today or soon will help ascertain the cause of this bleed - probably from a vein in the neck... and as i mentioned before, however hideous this is, it appears to be the 'better' type of haemorrhage to have had!!
Two days ago his room mate was wheeled away in a black box...so that was jolly :( ....makes me so thankful as to how lucky we are...
Sunshine out and a good day to feel sunny... off now to kick Doug out of bed :)
will update tonight...
thanks to everyone of you again..and a huge hug and insurmountable praise for my two other brave boys - Jack and Miles... you have been amazing...Dad will be so proud... love you all so much x
As hoped, they extubated Doug this morning. Jon (his brother) had flown in last night and is with him now...doesn't sound like he's putting on the show like he did for us last sunday!... after slight anxiety about breathing on his own, he is resting quietly and doing really well...everything crossed that it stays out this time...
An MRI today or soon will help ascertain the cause of this bleed - probably from a vein in the neck... and as i mentioned before, however hideous this is, it appears to be the 'better' type of haemorrhage to have had!!
Two days ago his room mate was wheeled away in a black box...so that was jolly :( ....makes me so thankful as to how lucky we are...
Sunshine out and a good day to feel sunny... off now to kick Doug out of bed :)
will update tonight...
thanks to everyone of you again..and a huge hug and insurmountable praise for my two other brave boys - Jack and Miles... you have been amazing...Dad will be so proud... love you all so much x
Thursday, 21 March 2013
A joyful Day #8
Returned home with uplifting news...such a roller coaster...
Doug's angiogram still showed no evidence of an aneurysm and increasingly likely to have been a perimesencephalic subarachnoid haemorrhage... so much better right! And indeed it is - basically, this means he most likely had a venous bleed (not arterial) and the chances/speed of recovery are so, so much better - with near zero chance of it repeating...yeah, im still trying to get my head around that one....basically, you and i have the same odds of it happening as Doug does again...hmmmm
Still, he has to go another night ventilated :( - but that too is progressing well...breathing better and oxygen sats good.. i'm promised they'll remove the intubation tomorrow if he continues the same as today...and his nurse is on my team... but no doubt he'll have plenty to say when it's removed!
I can't believe sitting on one's bum all day can be so knackering... wanted to share this great news before i collapse into bed after dining on Carston's delicious bolognese (and Cupcake wine!) ...we're so liking this 'meals on wheels' service..
grateful to have so much support here and back home...otherwise i'd have never coped...
just wanted to get this great news out before i collapse...
night x
Doug's angiogram still showed no evidence of an aneurysm and increasingly likely to have been a perimesencephalic subarachnoid haemorrhage... so much better right! And indeed it is - basically, this means he most likely had a venous bleed (not arterial) and the chances/speed of recovery are so, so much better - with near zero chance of it repeating...yeah, im still trying to get my head around that one....basically, you and i have the same odds of it happening as Doug does again...hmmmm
Still, he has to go another night ventilated :( - but that too is progressing well...breathing better and oxygen sats good.. i'm promised they'll remove the intubation tomorrow if he continues the same as today...and his nurse is on my team... but no doubt he'll have plenty to say when it's removed!
I can't believe sitting on one's bum all day can be so knackering... wanted to share this great news before i collapse into bed after dining on Carston's delicious bolognese (and Cupcake wine!) ...we're so liking this 'meals on wheels' service..
grateful to have so much support here and back home...otherwise i'd have never coped...
just wanted to get this great news out before i collapse...
night x
Day 7/8
My darling friends Lis and Philip helped set this up back in England...this will help to keep everyone posted and alleviate the pressure of answering the many emails from friends around the world...thank you all so much for your concern...
I missed yesterday but Doug stable...heavily sedated due to the intubation ... neurologically all signs are good and having angiogram today. Only issue seems to be his breathing, not helped by the pneumonia and compromised lungs form previous embolisms...so want to get him off the ventilator....
Heading to hospital now...thank you all for you support...we can feel the energy flowing this way...
more later when i get home...
I missed yesterday but Doug stable...heavily sedated due to the intubation ... neurologically all signs are good and having angiogram today. Only issue seems to be his breathing, not helped by the pneumonia and compromised lungs form previous embolisms...so want to get him off the ventilator....
Heading to hospital now...thank you all for you support...we can feel the energy flowing this way...
more later when i get home...
Wednesday, 20 March 2013
Day 6
Hi all
Trying to set up a 'bloggy thingy' so i can just write updates and you can
write stuff too - but always seem to run out of time and energy ( I need a
secretary) - but i know that you're all anxious for news..
I also attempted a 'caring and sharing site' offered by the hospital but
soon rejected that on account of its 'Hey, lets share our lerve of Doug' with a
little donation philosophy - and then it seemed just too bloody morbid with its
"let's share our memories'... I figured I'd attempt a blog in the knowledge that
he'll recover before i even had to do it! and i know he will...
A tough few days - he still has to be ventilated...because of the
pneumonia.... and his poor lungs are compromised after two nasty embolisms ...
the good news is ...his temp is down and no sign of vaso spasm - a huge problem
with 2/3 chance it happening - (resulting in another bleed/stroke)... so i
actually left the hospital happy...despite everything ...
Keep sending those positive vibes over - I know how much you all care and
how hard it is to be so far away - I want everyone of you here, now...but..miles
and I seem to be coping...strangely, suddenly alone...
Helped by this very marvellous site that a friend set up which involves
meal deliveries...left on the doorstep in a cooler...which has so far contained
sustenance and refreshment in a bottle or two...oh how my local chums know
me...they have been my rock...
Teri 'insisted' I went for a massage today...i feel there should be a
donation site for that too......
I rattle on...but you all have to know he is in 'The top Neurological
Hospital' in the world - so they say - and my faith is with them....even if his
nurse seemed to be 120 today... but i have been very impressed so far - and i
have my eagle eye on their every move, naturally...
Tomorrow is another day... and im positive it'll be a good one...
Thank you so much for all your love and concern...
Love jane x
Tuesday, 19 March 2013
Day 5
Just heading to hospital ...unfortunately Doug had to go back on the ventilator
:( - due to breathing problems and low oxygen levels - it's going to be an up
and down ride but least we know he has his old spark intact...
Will update you tonight when I get in
J xx
Monday, 18 March 2013
Unbelievable day...
Doug more animated as afternoon wore on...responding
to us very enigmatically and with much frustration!!! ...realized he wanted a
pen and paper...and finally he was able to communicate that his head was
itchy!!!
And best news...his intubation tube came out...then there's no stopping him ...plenty to say about everything and everyone - and having the room in stitches ...finally getting cross when we told him he couldn't itch his head because of drainage tube...which led to a gyrating rendition of mc hammer ' can't do that'...you had to be there...clearly, humor and belligerence still intact!! Good for jack to witness before he headed back...
This is a quick synopsis..when I recall the whole performance I'll write it down...Which I believe Kurt did...
A very good day...our hopes are high...although he clearly recognizes the injustice of this happening to him again...
It's late but I wanted you all to know the good news
J xxx
And best news...his intubation tube came out...then there's no stopping him ...plenty to say about everything and everyone - and having the room in stitches ...finally getting cross when we told him he couldn't itch his head because of drainage tube...which led to a gyrating rendition of mc hammer ' can't do that'...you had to be there...clearly, humor and belligerence still intact!! Good for jack to witness before he headed back...
This is a quick synopsis..when I recall the whole performance I'll write it down...Which I believe Kurt did...
A very good day...our hopes are high...although he clearly recognizes the injustice of this happening to him again...
It's late but I wanted you all to know the good news
J xxx
Sunday, 17 March 2013
Doug critically ill
Sending this as a group email - sorry if it seems impersonal - few of you know already what has happened (sorry if it was by notes left by concerned friends on facebook) and for many this will come as a shock - ...but wanted to let you know what has happened to Doug...
I had been back 2 days in UK (to help Mum after her heart operation) when i got a distressed call from miles (2am in Seattle) saying Doug had been rushed to hospital - he was lucid enough to call for an ambulance and tell miles to ring me as he was stretchered out. He had a blinding headache and then things deteriorated.
I was at my friend Flea's house - (who was just wonderful) and BA were just brilliant - so I was on a flight back within 2 hours...longest flight ever (despite the much appreciated upgrade!)...I managed to activate 'the village' back in Seattle by text and arrived back to everyone on the scene including Doug's brothers and jack flown in from California. Quite a gang of incredible support had gathered...one unexpected concern is trying to contain crowd control now...can't believe how people (esp those he hasn't seen in years) are allowed to just wander into his room...trying hard to maintain doug's privacy and rest...
Doug suffered a subarachnoid haemorrhage - pretty severe bleed and is currently in icu at Harbour View Hospital. (Specialist in stroke victims and care brilliant). Fortunately, the cause wasn't an aneurysm and the bleeding has stopped so he didn't need surgery. He's responding very well to treatment (and us) and we're willing him to full recovery but as they like to say ' he's in critical but stable condition'. We've been told this will be a long ride and huge mountain to climb - and not to expect 'full' recovery for 6 months. Unfortunately, he's now developed pneumonia so is now on antibiotics and can't come off the ventilator for another few days...we were hoping it to be today...:(
So, so painful seeing him like this ... I seem to be running on adrenaline, disbelief and hope...boys have been great but Miles was clearly traumatised after seeing his dad taken away like that.. it seems so unfair after him pulling through so well after his two episodes of pulmonary embolisms several years ago - apparently unrelated but the warfarin he was on clearly didn't help..
Will try to keep you all updated....thanks for your concern...keep those positive thoughts coming...
Please pass onto those you think will want to know...
Love Jane
My phone # are home 206 453 4198 mob 206 446 6332 ... We're 7 hours behind UK -someone called at 4am yesterday - that didn't help!!
Now I hear mum's operation (I was back in UK for) has been cancelled due to another emergency!
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