Day 25 - Updated
I've updated this entry below:
I'm sure there is no written language that can capture in script the sound of worry, frustration, patience and doubt in the sigh that I feel. I'm sure that it is not my cooking, but John remains and is again, sick for another night. Last night he threw up the tastefully bland pasta dish I prepared and tonight, the hamburger and tater tots alternative led to pains in his side. One of the places that GVHD attacks is in the "gut." So I worry.
The PA and team nurse prescribed another antinausea drug today because John seemed to show signs of increasing discomfort and lack of energy (even for him). They don't seem seriously concerned, but then he has not had consistent treatment from the same people since he left the hospital. In the 10 days, he has been seen by one doctor for less than three minutes and I don't remember his name, because he never even introduced himself. Only one person has actually seen him twice in that time. John is young and he bounced back quickly at first, but that is not reason enough for second rate attention from a world class place. Of course, I'm not an independent judge, being a bit biased, so....
I have to check John's temperature again - it was 101 a few minutes ago - and I have a conference call in a short time from now, so....
Update of sorts. About 11:30 PM, John began having sharp pains in his side and more nausea. He developed a fever of 101.5, which is above the level at which we have to call in to the hospital. When John was last released, I hoped that we might never be back, but as it turned out, we went in and stayed until 1:30 AM. The duty doctor and charge nurse ran various tests, took x-rays and poked and scoped his entire body.
I had a conference call at 6:00 AM, Seattle time, but I got enough sleep to handle the morning call and to revise a 20 page contract, all without falling back asleep - proof enough, if it was needed, that I love what I do for a living. On the otherhand, maybe I'm delirious.
It's already noon in Atlanta, but most of the world here is just getting started for the day. I'm sure we will be over at the clinic before long for most of the day. At least John was able to sleep once we got back.
I'm sure there is no written language that can capture in script the sound of worry, frustration, patience and doubt in the sigh that I feel. I'm sure that it is not my cooking, but John remains and is again, sick for another night. Last night he threw up the tastefully bland pasta dish I prepared and tonight, the hamburger and tater tots alternative led to pains in his side. One of the places that GVHD attacks is in the "gut." So I worry.
The PA and team nurse prescribed another antinausea drug today because John seemed to show signs of increasing discomfort and lack of energy (even for him). They don't seem seriously concerned, but then he has not had consistent treatment from the same people since he left the hospital. In the 10 days, he has been seen by one doctor for less than three minutes and I don't remember his name, because he never even introduced himself. Only one person has actually seen him twice in that time. John is young and he bounced back quickly at first, but that is not reason enough for second rate attention from a world class place. Of course, I'm not an independent judge, being a bit biased, so....
I have to check John's temperature again - it was 101 a few minutes ago - and I have a conference call in a short time from now, so....
Update of sorts. About 11:30 PM, John began having sharp pains in his side and more nausea. He developed a fever of 101.5, which is above the level at which we have to call in to the hospital. When John was last released, I hoped that we might never be back, but as it turned out, we went in and stayed until 1:30 AM. The duty doctor and charge nurse ran various tests, took x-rays and poked and scoped his entire body.
I had a conference call at 6:00 AM, Seattle time, but I got enough sleep to handle the morning call and to revise a 20 page contract, all without falling back asleep - proof enough, if it was needed, that I love what I do for a living. On the otherhand, maybe I'm delirious.
It's already noon in Atlanta, but most of the world here is just getting started for the day. I'm sure we will be over at the clinic before long for most of the day. At least John was able to sleep once we got back.
