Joe is in the hospital

[Nancy]

Yesterday, I brought Joe to the hospital ER. He had shortness of breath and sharp stabbing pains near his kidney area in his back.

The unusual thing about this is that he has no CHF, his lungs are clear and his oxygen level was at 99 in the ER.

He was examined at length. It doesn't appear to be an overt heart or lung problem. They did a CAT scan, there is no kidney stone. But his spleen is very enlarged and there were dark areas of unknown origin in the spleen. He has chronic spleen and liver enlargement due to his right-sided heart failure, but this is more than ordinary for him.

The SOB and sort of panting is apparently an automatic response to pain in the body near the thoracic area.

I am not sure about the final diagnosis or even what could be done about this.

This morning I spoke with Joe and he told me that the pain is now radiating around to the front near the spleen, and much bloodwork was being done.

I'll let you know when there is something to talk about.

Say some prayers for him, please.

[Mary]

Nancy,
You both are in my prayers.

[Ross]

You've got them. Always have too. I do hope he's not fixing to have another mystery case. If there is anything I or we can do, let me know.

[OldManEmu]

I am sending positive thoughts your way. I hope Joe recovers from this set back and is back at home with you in the near future. :)

[Phyllis]

Sending you are prayers and best wishes, Nancy.

[Karlynn]

Sending you and Joe many prayers.

[PJmomrunner]

I hope Joe's situation is already figured out and that he's feeling better very soon. All the best thoughts and prayers for both of you.

[Yaps]

Many prayers, hope he is feeling better very soon, love the pup

[Curtsmum]

Hope Joe feels better soon, all the best. Paula x

[Karen]

Nancy, I hope you get answers soon and that you both are home soon! Best wishes..
Karen

[bvdr]

Nancy, I am so sorry to hear this. You and Joe are in my heart and in my prayers. Cyber hug coming your way.

[Wise]

Sorry about your husband's illness. I certainly add my prayers to everyone else's and send best wishes to you both.

Wise

[Georgia]

All my prayers and best wishes to both of you.

[Harrybaby666]

You both have been through so much.....My prayer is for you both to get through this with all the speed and grace that God can give. You are both in my thoughts and prayers. Harrybaby :D :D

[catwoman]

Nancy:

You and Joe are in my prayers, many of them. Perhaps you will hear soon what's troubling Joe and that it's something that can be quickly corrected.

[Glenda]

Nancy, hugs and prayers are coming your way to both of you.

[gadgetman]

Nancy,

Prayers and good thoughts are being sent y'alls way for both you and Joe. We hope he will be back home soon.

May God Bless,

Danny

[RCB]

Nancy,
Did they check his gall bladder? What you described, sounded like when
I had a gall bladder attack. As always- tell Joe I am thinking of you both. :)

[Emma]

Keeping Joe firmly in our thoughts and hoping the mystery pains turn out to be nothing nasty!!

Lots of love
Emma
xxx

[ALCapshaw2]

Here's hoping the Doctors are able to pinpoint the source of Joe's pain and develop an appropriate and effective treatment plan.

As always, take care of Joe AND yourself Nancy.

Best wishes for a quick resolution.

'AL Capshaw'

[Creed3]

I am so sorry to hear about Joe. My thoughts and prayers are with both you. I hope that Joe recovers and is back home with you very soon.

Take Care!
Gail

[rottrod]

I have prayed for you and Joe today and will be thinking of you.

Melissa

[lance]

Hi Nancy,

Hugs and best wished coming your way. Hopefully Joe will be better soon.

Sandra

[savysmommy]

Nancy, You and Joe are in my prayers.

[Gemma]

Hi Nancy,
Sending lots of prayers and positive thoughts your and Joe's way. Hope whatever's wrong, it's resolved quickly and easily.
Gemma.

[Jan]

Hi Nancy,

positive thoughts, prayers and hugs are on the way to you both

Love

Jan

[WendyD]

Hi Nancy,
So sorry to hear that Joe is back in hospital.
Hope things settle down for him and he is feeling very much better, really soon.
Saying prayers and sending positive thoughts and very best wishes to you both.
Ernie & Wendy

[geebee]

Praying that all is well and Joe (and you) are doing better soon.

[Nancy]

The news is that there are some areas of infarct in the spleen, more than one. They are now going to do a hunt to find out where the emboli came from. The docs are trying to schedule a TEE, when, I don't know.

Also, a general surgeon saw Joe after I left today and mentioned that surgery will have to be done some time without a doubt, what kind of surgery and how extensive, I have no idea yet.

His heart rate is tachy, 112 last I knew, so something is going on.

His pains come and go, but he's relatively OK for now.

RCB, Joe had his gallbladder removed several years ago, that was a disaster and he almost died from a total bleedout. So it stands to reason that surgery on the spleen has me very worried. Sounds like bloody surgery.

[Karlynn]

Still praying hard Nancy. Big electronic hugs sent your way too.

[Michaelena]

Nancy,

I hope all goes well for Joe and you, my prayers are with you both.

Michaelena

[Phyllis]

Will keep you and Joe in our prayers, Nancy.

[Peggy in Alaska]

Nancy and Joe - You are both in my thoughts and prayers.

Peggy in Alaska

[Gnusgal]

You have my prayers.

[tobagotwo]

You and Joe are in my thoughts, Nancy. I wince every time I think of Joe even near a hospital.

I dearly hope this reverses itself very soon. You both deserve some time with each other without pain or concern.

I will be watching your posts, and worrying with you.

Very best wishes,

[Mary]

I'll step up the pace of my prayers Nancy.

[Marguerite53]

Nancy. I'm sorry for both of you to have this new event with Joe's health. I hope for the best. You are both so strong. Good luck. Keep us posted.

Best wishes.

Marguerite

[EVELYN]

You are both in my prayers. Please keep us posted!!! I will continue to pray for you each day, Nancy.

Evelyn

[hensylee]

Oh, Nancy, I am so sorry. It is always so scary when Joe goes in the hospital. He is fragile anyway.

This new thing has to be a complete surprise. I hope they can fix it without surgery on the spleen - or anywhere else. You will be on top of it, as usual, but sounds like you will have to do some new studying.

You are in my prayers always but I will try harder. God bless you both.

[cocoalab]

Nancy I am sorry to hear this and am praying for Joe and for you! Praying that the surgeons will have wisdom fom God himself and strength to get through what ever is decided needs to be done.

[fyrfytr]

Hey Nancy,
You and Joe are both in my thoughts and prayers.
Take Care

[Lynlw]

Nancy, I am sorry to hear this, you and Joe are in my prayers, Lyn www.caringbridge.org/nj/justinw

[Cris N]

Nancy, you and Joe are in my thoughts & prayers. Hopefully this difficulty will be resolved soon & in an easy way.

Cris

[knightfan2691]

Nancy,

Very sorry that Joe is back in the hospital. You and Joe are in my thoughts/prayers.


Cort, "Mr Road Trip" / soon2be ex-"Mr MC", 31swm/pig valve/pacer
MCfamily.models.HO.chdQB = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort/
MC Guide = http://www.chevyasylum.com/mcspotter/main.html
"Don't let your life pass you by" ... Sarah McLachlan ... 'I Will Remember You'

[PJmomrunner]

Joe and Nancy:

I hope you two feel all the caring and earnest thoughts and well wishes coming your way.

Only the best,

P. J.

[rbl1999]

I am sending good thoughts and prayers for both you and Joe... Rose

[Johnny Stephens]

Nancy - Joe - all the positive thoughts and hopes I can muster are headed your way. Hang in there, we're right there with you.

[MarkU]

Nancy,
Keeping Joe and you in our thoughts and prayers. Hope all goes well.
Mark

[momshell7]

Nancy,

You and Joe are in my thoughts. I am praying that everything goes well. It is understandabe why the surgery makes you worry.

Let us know if you need anything!

Michelle

[hensylee]

If you feel like it, maybe you can give us an update today? Take care.

[JAMES W]

Nancy & Joe.

Let Me Add My Prayers For A Speedy Recovery From These Troubles.... :)

[Nancy]

Thanks for all the well wishes and prayers for Joe. They must be working.

The final consensus on the spleen is that they want him to retain it as long as possible, so surgery is not indicated. He still has pain which is about a 7 or 8 on the scale. It comes and goes fairly quickly. He's back in afib, darn!

Tomorrow, they will make the decision whether to do a TEE on Monday. I really want to know if his valves are spitting off clots and causing the spleen infarcts. The cardiologist said tonight that even it the valves were spitting off clots, what they would do would be to use Coumadin and Joe is already on it, but they might raise the level from 2.5-3.5 to 3-4. The other reason to do a TEE is to make sure the valves are functional, but his recent right and left heart caths showed good function, and what they could see on the echo of yesterday looked OK. He was the card who monitored the echo. They used their new machine which was supposed to be excellent, but even that had trouble seeing everything.

They had stopped his Coumadin anticipating surgery, so will be restarting again tonight. The cardiologist said that they could do the TEE with anticoagulation.

If nothing else shows up, I guess Joe will be home in a day or so.

He surely is a three ring circus!

[Phyllis]

Thanks for taking time for an update, Nancy. You must be exhausted! :eek: That's good news and we hope that you will be taking Joe home in a day or two.

[Karlynn]

Thank you for letting us know the latest. You and Joe are still in my prayers.

[geebee]

I will pray that the news gets progressively better. Hope they find out what is really going on. Take care.

[PJmomrunner]

Thanks for the update, Nancy. I sure hope they're giving Joe some good pain meds--7 or 8/10 is feeling pretty lousy! You say he's in A-fib "again," has he been in and out recently? Couldn't this be a source of emboli?

I hope he's feeling better soon, Nancy, and that you're doing some eating and some resting.

Take care!

[bvdr]

Well, the report sounds better anyway. I just hate that he is in so much pain. I'm hoping for the very best for the two of you. You are surely in my prayers.

[EVELYN]

Hi Nancy

Thanks for filling us in on Joe's status. It definitely sounds much better than anticipated......

Be well, know that you are both in our prayers, and keep us posted.

Thinking of you.

Evelyn

[Brad72]

Nancy hope Joe feels better soon. Best wishes Brad

[hensylee]

Thank you, Nancy, for taking the time from your busy day to bring us up to date. It sounds better than yesterday. This being Sunday, while we are in church, we will send extra prayers, especially for Joe - and you. We all get upset when Joe is suffering. You two are very special to us.

[Michelle]

You two are added to our prayer list too Nancy. I am so sorry that you are going through this.

[John & Joann]

Hi Nancy and Joe,

We have been out of the mix for a few days. So sorry to hear all of the new/old issues. Wishing both of you the best. I am off for Katrina volunteer for 10 days to 21 days.

God Bless!

John & Joann

[Mb]

Dear Nancy and Joe:

Gosh......it seemed he was doing Ok for awhile. I know you will post as soon as you have something definitive. Please remember that you are both in all of our prayers.

Marybeth

[Mb]

Dear Nancy:

Besides coumaden, does Joe take aspirin? I can't recall the list of meds he is on, except the Tracleer for the PH. When Wayne was last throwing clots, (January small stroke, and Feb. a TIA), he had missed 2 days of the aspirin. Just a thought. Also, his tricuspid valve being severely leaking....could this be the area that is throwing the clots? I am sure after the TEE they will have a better idea. - Best wishes for a comprehesive test result tomorrow.
I cannot imagine they will just send him home with pain that bad.-Marybeth

[surfsparky]

Hi Nancy,
Praying for you and Joe, gosh how scary to go through all of this. Praying that the medical staff will be avle to find a solution that doesn't need to involve surgery.
Love and thoughts,
Yolanda

[Nancy]

Well, I spoke too soon. The cardiologists decided to do blood and other cultures to make sure there wasn't any infection causing endocarditis. Right after the first set of cultures, Joe developed shaking chills and spiked a temp of 103.3 in 30 minutes. Then got sick to his stomach and was going at the other end too.

Several doctors came in and decided a TEE is being done for sure tomorrow or Tuesday. And he'll probably be staying until the cultures develop. He wants to come home so badly. But with all this stuff hitting the fan, I'm so glad he's in the hospital where he can get real help.

His ammonia level was also very high, and creatinine out of whack so he's on lactulose to remove the ammonia. This is from kidney and liver malfunction. My guess is that it's all tied together some way, just don't have all the pieces of the puzzle yet.

He did feel better after a few days on lactulose (until this afternoon that is), so the ammonia was causing some unusual symptoms that I would never have recognized including the rapid heavy breathing with shortness of breath, tremors, headache and other subtle things.

We'll see what happens after the TEE. I've wanted that for the longest time, so this forced everyone's hand.

[Granbonny]

I have been away too..Hope Joe is better. Spleen? A good friend of mine had her's removed about 3 years ago..got hooked on morphine in hospital. She told me..it took her 3 weeks in hospital to get off it.. she's doing great now.. just takes her meds for it...Bonnie

[hensylee]

When it's Joe, you know that we are always checking in with bated breath. You are both in my prayers. I know it's not easy. Give him a VR hug.

[Sherry]

Nancy,
You and Joe are in my thoughts and prayers.

[geebee]

Praying for you both.

[cocoalab]

I'm sorry to hear of the turn of events. Wanted to mention Lactulose is also used for constipation so that might be if not causing, exasperating the runs. Poor guy. I am praying all the more for both of you. May God be merciful and help him to recover quickly.

[Phyllis]

So sorry to hear this Nancy and sending our prayers to you both.

[catwoman]

Nancy:
Sorry to hear of this turn of events for Joe. But perhaps the TEE will reveal some key details that will help him. Like everyone else here, I'll be awaiting a note from you on the results.

[knightfan2691]

Aye. Sure hope the TEE shows what you and the doctors need to know to help Joe feel better.

Thoughts/prayers continue coming your way....


Cort, "Mr MC" / "Mr Road Trip", 31swm/pig valve/pacemaker
MC:family.IL.guide.future = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort/
chdQB = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort/quilt.html
"Someday tomorrow will smile" ... Oak Ridge Boys ... 'Dream On'

[gijanet]

I'm so sorry to hear of all this. It is probably not at all related, but there is a nasty stomach bug going around these parts already this school year. I hope y'all get some answers soon with some simple, easy fixes. Sending prayers and hugs. Much love. Janet

[PJmomrunner]

Sending you fervent wishes for a full and rapid recovery! And hugs too!

[Yaps]

how is he today?

[epstns]

Nancy,
I've been away from the boards for a couple of days, and come back to this. . .

Our prayers are with you and Joe, and we will continue to add to them.

[Mb]

Oh gosh Nancy....I hope he is up to the TEE today. Sure sounds like something is more wrong than just the spleen issues. My prayers will be with you both today. - Marybeth

[Nancy]

Today's news was not very good. The TEE was OK, valves seem to be doing OK, they couldn't visualize the aortic well, but the function is OK. This afternoon's news was disturbing. Joe's cultures have grown a bacterial infection. The consensus of opinion is that his pacemaker might be infected and possibly spun off some clots causing the spleen infarctions.

The other news is that he is allergic to the most important antibiotics they can use for this infection. And they all can cause kidney problems which is something that Joe cannot have.

The Infectious disease doctor didn't mince any words, he was worried, and not only about the pacemaker but the valves. I don't think he felt they were out of danger. And he suggested that removal of the pacemaker is possible, and said that they are not easy to remove. I guess the leads would have to come out as well.

By the way, the pacemaker is a Guidant. It wasn't on the recall list the last time I looked. But there were recalls for infections in Guidant pacemakers.

His temp was a little lower today but still there. He is still having episodes of stomach and intestinal problems. But that may be from the Lactulose. However he has to have that and enough of it to produce at least 3 evacs. per day, in order to clear the ammonia from his system.

About the only good news is that the flank pain from the infarctions in the spleen has gone away, so I guess the inflammation has lessened, leaving just the necrotic tissue.

So, it's a mess. He has been started on some antibiotic he can have, and tomorrow, there may be a better game plan. It's a serious issue. Things can sure turn on a dime---

[geebee]

Looks like it's time to step up the prayers quite a bit. I will start right now. I hope things get better soon.

[Mary]

Nancy,
I hope that Joe weathers this latest storm as he has so many before. My prayers will be with you for as long as they are needed.
Mary

[Mb]

Dear Nancy:

I am not really clear....are they trying to figure out what to do, or are they going to take out that pesky pacemaker? Gosh, you all must be in a quandry. This is a nightmare. - Marybeth

[M&M]

Dear Nancy, I so hope Joe is feeling better soon. I can't tell you how many times I pray things get better for him. I've been thinking about Joe so much lately as I've started the 'low' sodium diet as you had suggested and then as my CHF doc suggested. I can surely understand the frustration of this - there are so many foods with sodium. I'm shocked. I never realized it. It definently very challenging. I don't know how you and he do it.. But I'm sure to be giving it my best shot.. I'm breathing much better without the sodium - so I know its working along with my diuretic.

You and Joe are in my prayers and I pray everything gets better for him. You and Joe have been such an inspiration to me and I'm sure many others with CHF.

I've heard many times about patients with ICD or pacemakers getting infections. The best solution I've heard was to 'pull' it and clear the body of the infection and reinplant another pacemaker several days later. But maybe he won't have to go this route. Maybe they can clear the infection before then. I'm sending lots of positive thoughts to you and him.. Please keep us posted and tell Joe we are all praying things get better real soon.

Best Wishes
Marilyn (runner)

[Granbonny]

I have a long list of nighttime prayers..Joe will be on the top...Let us know..everyday..and what we can do..Bonnie

[hensylee]

Nancy, I don't know what to say, except that I am very concerned and check in here often to see if there's anything new. Please take care of yourself, too. I know you will stand strong, as always; what else would you do anyway. I want you to know that I am thinking of you two and caring about you. I can tell how hard this is right now. Love to you both.

[Phyllis]

Nancy, all our prayers continue to be with you and Joe. I hope you can feel all the love and support being sent to you each day.

[tobagotwo]

Nancy, my thoughts continue to be with you and Joe. Let's hope this all works out with the current antibiotic.

Very best wishes,

[Karlynn]

Joe (and you) remains in my prayers.

[knightfan2691]

Ohhh...Nancy. So very sorry about the newest news....

Not sure what else to write, except that I hope you know that Joe (and you, of course) are in my thoughts/prayers.....


Cort, "Mr MC" / "Mr Road Trip", 31swm/pig valve/pacemaker
MC:family.IL.guide.future = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort/
chdQB = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort/quilt.html
"Watch over them for me" ... Daryl Worley ... 'If Something Should Happen'

[cocoalab]

Nancy we are praying! I hope they will be able to get this infection under control. I wish there was more I could do for you and Joe but I will keep praying.

[Abbanabba]

Nancy - I'm so sorry to read about this latest turn of events for Joe (..haven't been on-line for a few days..). It seemed he had been doing so well this year - it all seems so unfair.

I'll be keeping you both in my thoughts and I hope the doctors are able to come up with a plan of attack that will have Joe back home and feeling better again real soon.

Best wishes and positive thoughts to you both.

Anna

[terryj]

Nancy, my prayers are going out big time for you and Joe. Thank you for keeping us informed. I was on vacation last week and didn't know anything was going on until yesterday. Please know I am thinking of you and Joe often.

[PJmomrunner]

Nancy, you and Joe are on my mind pretty near constantly. I hope that antibiotic he's on does the job and that he starts feeling much better soon. I am thankful that at least the splenic pain has subsided. That's certainly a step in the right direction.

[gadgetman]

Nancy,

We will continue our prayers and good thoughts for you and Joe. Hope the meds do their thing and he gets home soon.

May God Bless,

Danny

[Nancy]

Things are still in a see-saw situation. Some things are sort of heading in the right direction, and some are heading in the wrong direction.

The cultures now are negative. And he's still on Cipro IV. He's extremely weak from the heavy doses of lactulose they were giving him to get rid of ammonia, he's dehydrated. His blood is not doing well, and he may need some units of blood. His heart rate is up to 120 aflutter. So he will be going on Cardizem, which helped him in the past.

The other thing is a new lung sound, which the docs says is rubbing, so they will be doing another chest xray.

I expect tomorrow that there will be some improvement, in his heart rate anyway, and possibly some improvement in his blood levels and hydration. Those things should help him feel better in the short run.

He will be transferred over to a more cardiology unit. Right now he's in the Medical Cardiology unit.

Wish it were a better report.

[Mb]

Things are still in a see-saw situation. Some things are sort of heading in the right direction, and some are heading in the wrong direction.

The cultures now are negative. And he's still on Cipro IV. He's extremely weak from the heavy doses of lactulose they were giving him to get rid of ammonia, he's dehydrated. His blood is not doing well, and he may need some units of blood. His heart rate is up to 120 aflutter. So he will be going on Cardizem, which helped him in the past.

The other thing is a new lung sound, which the docs says is rubbing, so they will be doing another chest xray.

I expect tomorrow that there will be some improvement, in his heart rate anyway, and possibly some improvement in his blood levels and hydration. Those things should help him feel better in the short run.

He will be transferred over to a more cardiology unit. Right now he's in the Medical Cardiology unit.

Wish it were a better report.


Dear Nancy:

Just signed on, looking for an update. Sounds just like you stated....seesaw. He must be just completely wiped out. At least it seems like the infection is gone. Does this mean they will leave the pacemaker in?
Thank you for the update. We will be looking for more info tomorrow. In the mean time, get yourself some rest. This has been quite the week for you.
You both remain in our prayers. - Marybeth

[Johnny Stephens]

Hang in there, both of you. We're there with you in thoughts, Nancy. Post when you can, but take care of yourself first.

[Phyllis]

Thanks for taking the time to post, Nancy. We think of you both daily. Hope things look better tomorrow.

[Karlynn]

You and Joe have not left my thoughts. Thank you for taking time to post for your very concerned "family".

[Mary]

Yes Nancy, thank you for posting an update.
I hope you get some rest, and I hope tomorrow brings Joe more positives than minuses.

[Christina L]

I don't know how I missed this thread!

Joe is in my thoughts and prayers as well as you.

May God give you both the strength to get through Joe's latest health crisis. We will all be waiting anxiously for your next post.

Christina L.

[EVELYN]

Nancy

We're both wishing the best for Joe......I'm not posting much, just following and praying. Thanks for keeping us updated.

Evelyn and Tyce

[WendyD]

Hi Nancy,
We are still saying prayers for Joe and sending positive thoughts and very best wishes for you both.
Ernie & Wendy

[Curtsmum]

That news is so sad, i will say a prayer for Joe. Hope everything works out for the best. x

[Debrinha GT]

Dear Nancy, first of all, I think this thread should now be moved to the HEART TALK section of the forum. Anyway, I'm so sorry for what you and Joe are having to go through again, and I want you to know that you're already in my prayers! He's such a strong man and I'm happy the doctors are taking good care of him, and so are you, I'm sure! Keep us posted whenever possible and remember that VR's working on the chain of prayers so that God will realize how important you and Joe are to our comunity here! Take care of yourself too!
Débora

[PJmomrunner]

Marybeth asks a good question: Does Joe get to keep the pacemaker now that there is no infection? That would be good news to not have to go through that procedure. How are his spirits? Hang in there you two! :)

[Nancy]

Regarding the pacemaker--I don't know what will be done about it. I don't believe the docs are exactly sure that it is the smoking gun. They are not even sure that endocarditis is not trying to develop. It is the sort of thing that is a rule in or rule out situation. Although he had a TEE, it wasn't able to visualize all of the valves clearly, and of course, viewing the pacemaker area is a difficult thing. He cannot have an MRI since he has a pacemaker.

I do know that they are not going to rush into any kind of surgery while he is in such fragile condition, and until all the testing is done, and that is ongoing.

Yesterday, they even mentioned a TTE. Joe had one once before a long time ago, and that is a hard procedure when one has mechanical valves.

As far as the infection, he will be on a long term course of antibiotics. He's not out of the woods there either. The infectious disease doc cannot use the antibiotic that they want to use, so I guess they fear it will develop again. It has not been totally eradicated. I'm not sure they have the exact bacteria isolated. I only know that it is gram negative and that it has responded to antibiotics.

I spoke with him this morning and he sounds a little better. The cardizem brought his heart rate down to the 80s. So that's one good thing.

[Debster]

Hi Nancy-I am so sorry to hear of Joe's problems-you both are in my prayers. My mom is back in the hospital too-seems there is a problem with one of the coronary bypasses she had when she had valve replacement in April-basically it just closed up. Now she has kidney issues too...as you well know it is always something! Am praying for a quick recovery for Joe....

[twinmaker]

Nancy, I don't know how I missed this thread but just wanted to let you know that I will be praying for both you and Joe. Hope today is a better day and that each day is better and better. We are all here for you all. Linda

[bvdr]

You must both be so tired. Thanks for the update Nancy. Hang in there. I think the "rub" he is referring to is a pleural friction rub. I'm glad his heart rate is down. One less thing to battle against.

[Mb]

Dear Nancy:

First, thank you for posting this morning. I think about you and Joe all of the time, since this most recent set back.

This is one of those times when you just wish they could KNOW what the heck is happening.

That is really good news about the heart rate though. I was thinking that perhaps it might be elevated due to dehydration from the side effect of the CIPRO ????? Although I am sure they are goving him fluids via IV.

Do you think he will be in hospital for the entire time he is on the antibiotics? Is your gut feeling telling you he is a bit better? What in the heck is a TTE test? I just cannot seem to recall.

Wishing you again, the best for today. Please, again, remember to take care of yourself Nancy. =- Marybeth

[Ross]

Transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE); Echocardiogram - transthoracic; Doppler ultrasound of the heart; Surface echo


How the test is performed:
A trained sonographer performs the test, then your physician interprets the results. An instrument that transmits high-frequency sound waves called a transducer is placed on your ribs near the breast bone and directed toward the heart. The transducer picks up the echoes of the sound waves and transmits them as electrical impulses. The echocardiography machine converts these impulses into moving pictures of the heart.

Echocardiogram works well for most patients and allows doctors to see the heart beating and to visualize many of the structures of the heart. Occasionally, because your lungs, ribs, or body tissue may prevent the sound waves and echoes from providing a clear picture of heart function, the sonographer may administer a small amount of a dye through an IV to better see the inside of the heart.

Very rarely, more invasive testing using special echocardiography probes may be necessary.

If the echocardiogram is unclear due to a barrel chest, congestive obstructive pulmonary disease, or obesity, your health care provider may choose to perform a transesophageal echocardiogram, or TEE. With TEE, the back of your throat is anesthetized and a scope is inserted down your throat. On the end of the scope is an ultrasonic device that an experienced technician will guide down to the lower part of the esophagus, where it is used to obtain a more clear two-dimensional echocardiogram of your heart.

[Emma]

Still thinking of you and Joe and hoping this all resolves itself soon for poor Joe! Sending much love!
Emma and Chloe
xxx

[hensylee]

When I had some quiet moments these last two days, you were remembered here and prayers were sent. Bless you both.

[KathyH]

Nancy,
I just saw this thread, I am sorry to hear Joe is having such a time of it. Of course, I will keep the both of you in my prayers. Tell Joe we are all sending positive thoughts his way.

Kathy

[knightfan2691]

Aye.

Nancy, you and Joe continue to be in my thoughts/prayers.....

[Sherry]

Nancy, I will continue to keep Joe in my thoughts and prayers.

[Nancy]

My modem decided to quit on me so I haven't been online for a couple of days. Got a new one today, would you believe, on sale at K Mart for $6.80. Such a deal!

Joe is still in the hospital, but his infectious disease doctor says as far as he's concerned, Joe is ready to go home soon. He is leaving it up to the cardiologists. He will continue on antibiotics for a while, I believe. The bacteria found was an unusual strain which usually comes from the gut. It's peculiar, since he's had no stomach or intestinal problems, his urine was clear, and he's had no fever in months and months, actually since last winter.

His heart rate is doing well on Cardizem.

The exact source of the spleen infarctions is a mystery. But as long as his spleen is functioning, I'm not sure that there is anything to be done for that.

Last check, the ammonia levels had been reduced, and he's no longer on Lactulose.

His blood levels are greatly improved.

He's quite weak and shaky walking, but did manage to tour the floor with a walker today.

There really is nothing new found regarding his heart functions. Still the same old things, hemolysis, CHF, restrictive heart disease and PH.

I believe the most worrisome thing for his cardiologists will be whether he is out of the woods regarding any endocarditis possibly developing. He'll be in the hospital at least for the weekend, and maybe a couple more days until they feel comfortable releasing him.

I have not heard mention of a TTE again, so perhaps they have decided against it.

But Joe is definitely ready to go.

He has had a nightmarish stay in the hospital which I will talk about in a different thread. It has been unbelieveable to say the least.

[geebee]

Nancy,

Sounds like good news despite the fact that there are still so many questions. Happy to hear Joe is almost home. I will continue to pray for him and you.

[catwoman]

Nancy:

Your post sounds promising. Will be interested in reading about Joe's nightmarish stay.

[Mb]

Dear Nancy:

All of this news is good! I was wondering one thing though....if the strain came from the gut, is it possible he had an infarct there as well? Perhaps caused some bleeding (small) internally, that entered his bloodstream, cauisng his problems???? Have they checked out the gut?

Joe is one strong guy....I think everyone would agree. I hope you can get a rest now Nancy. We think of both of you often. - Marybeth

[Nancy]

Yes, it is possible that there is some sort of breach in the intestine. His cardiologist brought this up the other day. He did examine Joe for rebound pain, saying that it would have been painful. Joe has never complained of any intestinal pain, and has none now.

I don't know what will happen next week regarding any further investigation into the cause. I do believe that Joe will have to have a colonoscopy some time soon.

The infection and the infarctions of the spleen are two separate issues, I think. But I don't know for sure.

Can you tell that it's not easy to come to a definite diagnosis with so much going on? :confused:

I do know that Joe's INR will have to be 3-4 now. Perhaps he threw some clots when his INR was at 1.8 briefly. It was only for a day or so, but maybe that was all that it took. His heart rate has been high for quite a while, possibly afib, certainly aflutter, so the low INR and irregular heart beats could have also caused infarcts.

[Mb]

Nancy:

That is interesting.

You might recall that Wayne had two "issues" this past winter. In January, they believe he had a small stroke, as he started having problems with his left leg. Then early February he had a TIA. His INR was 1.8 at the time.
As you know, he gets tested VERY regularly, as he has had TIA's in the past.
He is in chronic a-fib. (Note the INR number exactly what Joe's was)

I think you are probably right on the money about the cause of the infarct, although I had two doctors tell us that 1.8 was still considered antocoagulated. Crap, I say. Not with a-fib and two artificial heart valves.
They just have to be higher. BTW...Wayne had also missed two does of his baby aspirin when he had the TIA. Ran out, and just hadn't gotten up to the corner to buy more. Frankly I don;t think he remembered how important it is.

Lastly, isn't there some kid of test they could do on the intestine? I think I recall someone on this site having intestinal problems due to clots, but I cannot remember who.....

Our guys often have such similar problems. - Marybeth

[Karlynn]

Nancy,
I'm so glad to hear that things are looking better. I'm sure he will begin to feel much better once he gets home and his favorite nurse takes over fully.

[gijanet]

and I am so glad to hear that the "H" word is being mentioned, but I am still truly sorry that y'all are having to endure so much. Many hugs. Janet

[Granbonny]

Did Joe get home? How is he doing?Much better, I hope..Any new updates..We worry. Bonnie

[Nancy]

Joe is home. He's very weak and has gout from all the stuff in the hospital, so walking is painful. He's on colchicine for it and some pain meds. He's still on antibiotics and will be for about a month more. They are still worried that his Klebsiella bacterial infection could develop into endocarditis. His spleen pain is gone.

His INR was raised to 3.5-4.0, they don't want any more clots forming to cause trouble, so his doc is working on getting that stable. He's got a lot of medical appts. scheduled in the next couple of weeks.

Considering how ill he was in the hospital, I'd say he's doing OK. He was fortunate that the clots did not travel to his brain. It was a scary time.

He's very happy to be home, and I'm happy also.

[Sherry]

Glad to hear Joe is home. I'm sure he'll be under better care from you than he was in the hospital. Give him my best. :) :)

[bvdr]

Nancy, I'm sure glad to hear that Joe is home. I know being home doesn't mean that there isn't a long ways to go before this is behind him....but it is a start. I'm glad the clot(s) didn't go to his brain too.

As much as possible, you two try to rest and take a breather. Screen any visitors for sniffles! Again, I am so very happy that Joe made it out one more time.

[cocoalab]

I am so glad you are home! I was really scared for you. I will sleep better now.

[RCB]

Nancy,
I have been thinking about you both and so happy to hear that he is home. :)
I hope you and Joe can get some rest!

[geebee]

We are happy along with you. Praying for easier times ahead.

[Ross]

You two provide enough tension for everyone in here. Honestly do not know how you both handle these things. I know it's not by choice, but talk about having your share........

[Phyllis]

You two provide enough tension for everyone in here. Honestly do not know how you both handle these things. I know it's not by choice, but talk about having your share........
Glad he's home, Nancy. You are an inspiration for us all- as an advocate for good health care and as a most loving and supportive wife. I hope the days ahead are easier and that Joe continues to improve.

[knightfan2691]

Glad to know that Joe is finally back home :).

Thoughts/prayers continue coming your way....


Cort, "Mr MC" / "Mr Road Trip", 32swm/pig valve/pacemaker
MC:family.IL.guide.future = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort/
chdQB = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort/quilt.html
"Someday tomorrow will smile" ... Oak Ridge Boys ... 'Dream On'

[Ross]

Nancy I didn't mean to sound insensitive in my post. You know I always think about the both of you and pray for you too!

[hensylee]

we know what you're saying, Ross.

Nancy, I know how relieved you are to have Joe at home. Now, we know that he will be safe from the hospital inadequacies (sp?). Rest easy as you can and know that you are in many prayers.

[Nancy]

Ross,

You're not insensitive. What you said is true. Sometimes, I don't know how we get through all this. I think I view all these things in very small bites, and try to solve each small piece as they come. If we viewed them as the huge monsters that they are, nothing would ever get done, because we couldn't cope with the enormity of it.

I had to laugh in the hospital when an intern came in and started asking questions about Joe's medical history. We cannot remember it all. I have it on the computer in great detail, and bring it along wherever we go. So it was in his chart.

I asked her if she had read his chart, since all this info. was there.

She said that she was told not to read his history, that it would scare her. She only saw Joe once, so I guess she finally read his history and never came back.

He was followed from the ER to hospital admission and stay, by a fourth year medical student. She was a darling girl from California, and so nice. She'll be a very good doctor. She said she learned a LOT. Oh, by the way ladies, she told me that her class of med students had more females than males. ;)

I have seen lots of question marks in his doctor's eyes. You can see them ya know :) So they sometimes don't know what to do.

All I can say is that what they did worked, and he's getting better each day.

Can't tell you all how much I appreciate this website. Where else would I go where people understand about such things. I sure don't know anyone around here who could even approach the multiplicity of Joe's problems. But I think there are a few of you here.

[Mb]

hOORAY hOORAY hOORAY horray!

Joe is home! As someone else said, it's not a cure, and we are sure he is still pretty stick, but gosh, it sure is a step in the right direction!!

Bravo, Nancy! As usual, your input probably helped pull him through this one. I hope both of you can get some rest. - Marybeth

[Phyllis]

Nancy I didn't mean to sound insensitive in my post. You know I always think about the both of you and pray for you too
Ross,
I didn't mean to imply that you were being insensitive- how could another pillar in our foundation be insensitive? :) Your post just made me want to thank Nancy for taking the time (as she always does) to help us by sharing her experience and her knowledge and know that her input is always invaluable. As you do Ross, I only wish she didn't have such first hand experience. %3:eek:

[catwoman]

Nancy:
Glad to hear that Joe's home.
I know you two have very challenging situations from time to time. However, I have learned a lot from your inner strength. Should I ever be faced with what seems to be insurmountable problems, I will think of the two of you and know that I, too, can face life's challenges, no matter how great they seem.

[Mary]

I'm glad he's home Nancy.
There's no place like home. :)