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Kathy's Pete
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Post subject: Kathy's been in the ICU  Posted: Mon Aug 10, 2009 9:39 pm |
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Joined: Fri Dec 19, 2008 8:10 pm
Posts: 1060
Location: PA
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I need some good thoughts from y'all over the next few days...
Kathy fell at home on Friday and we saw the doctor about it on Saturday, but at the time we were focused more on the fatigue and balance issues that contributed to the fall and probably didn't look as closely as we might have for injuries.
Sunday she was again very fatigued and I noticed some more problems with balance and walking.
This morning there were definite cognitive and communication issues. Her son called about 9 AM (I had already decided to cancel a trip and stay home today) and it was clear to both of us that she wasn't able to carry her side of a conversation. A CT scan in the ER showed significant hemorrhaging on the left side of her brain. In addition, her potassium level was very low (she hasn't been cooking or eating much lately) so they didn't dare operate until it was closer to normal, but finally by 9 PM she went into the OR for surgery to drain the fluid and relieve the pressure.
We spoke to her after surgery and even though she was groggy from the anesthesia she was significantly better in terms of being able to express herself.
The next few days are crucial to ensure that she doesn't re-hemorrhage or lose any functions. I know we're just on the first step of what might be a long recuperative road, but I'm encouraged by what I saw tonight. She had an excellent surgeon and we're lucky that our local hospital is an excellent trauma center.
I'm keeping my fingers crossed but I think the worst may be behind her.
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gardnercook
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Post subject: Re: Kathy's in the ICU Posted: Mon Aug 10, 2009 9:50 pm |
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Joined: Mon Dec 22, 2008 11:01 am
Posts: 1287
Location: Denver
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Pete
So sorry to learn that Kathy (and you) are going through this. Certainly sending you both good wishes
ilene
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Ilene
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marygott
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Post subject: Re: Kathy's in the ICU Posted: Tue Aug 11, 2009 2:14 am |
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Joined: Fri Jan 09, 2009 4:34 pm
Posts: 2011
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Pete,
I am so sorry to hear that! Please give my best to Kathy and a big hug too. I am glad she is in good hands. Yours I know are good but it is a great relief to have a good doctor that you feel comfortable with.
Wish I could send you a virtual casserole...
Take care of you both.
Mary
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wino
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Post subject: Re: Kathy's in the ICU Posted: Tue Aug 11, 2009 7:36 am |
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Joined: Sat Dec 20, 2008 5:35 am
Posts: 2305
Location: Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada
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Even us ol' crusty guys have a soft spot for the good ones (right, Frank?) so please let her know that the Canadian contingent is thinking about her with love, hope, and concern. Please keep us up-to-date.
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Da Bull Man
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Post subject: Re: Kathy's in the ICU Posted: Tue Aug 11, 2009 9:00 am |
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Joined: Fri Dec 19, 2008 11:21 am
Posts: 1403
Location: Six Shooter Junction, Texas
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Pete,
You are assured of mine & Melinda's prayers.
_________________
To do is to be [Descartes] To be is to do [Voltaire] Do be do be do [Sinatra].
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fitzie
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Post subject: Re: Kathy's in the ICU Posted: Tue Aug 11, 2009 11:55 am |
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Joined: Fri Dec 19, 2008 9:52 am
Posts: 1140
Location: Kansas City
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Pete, my prayers are with you both. God speed for a quick recovery.
Fitzie
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talanhart
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Post subject: Re: Kathy's in the ICU Posted: Tue Aug 11, 2009 1:39 pm |
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Joined: Thu Dec 18, 2008 7:43 am
Posts: 1427
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Pete,
My best to Kathy and you. I was thinking about the two of you last night at dinner. I ordered the short ribs and I was thinking about our dinner at the Flying Fig when I ordered them there. You made a comment about Kathy's short ribs and how good they were. Here's hoping she will be home soon.
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Kathy's Pete
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Post subject: Re: Kathy's in the ICU Posted: Tue Aug 11, 2009 3:10 pm |
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Joined: Fri Dec 19, 2008 8:10 pm
Posts: 1060
Location: PA
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Thanks to everyone for your good thoughts. This was probably a perfect storm of causes - we know that she fell in early July before falling on Friday (the surgeon says there it appeared from the CT scan that there were two injuries present - a fresh one and an older one), and in mid-July she had a stomach flu (e.g., intestinal virus) that along with the diarrhea upset her diet and probably caused or contributed to the very low potassium levels.
I'm sort of hoping for a slow, steady recovery that gets her home on the right track and avoids recurrence of any of the issues that may have been the cause of this. I need her cooking again!
Pete
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TheFuzzy
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Post subject: Re: Kathy's in the ICU Posted: Tue Aug 11, 2009 4:51 pm |
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Joined: Thu Dec 18, 2008 1:03 am
Posts: 5280
Location: Portland, OR
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Pete,
In the meantime, we'll send cookies. PM me your address!
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The Fuzzy Chef
Serious Chef iz Serious!
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MiGirl
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Post subject: Re: Kathy's in the ICU Posted: Tue Aug 11, 2009 5:12 pm |
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Joined: Tue Feb 10, 2009 9:18 am
Posts: 733
Location: Michigan
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Pete, I'm so sorry Kathy is having these problems. Please tell her that I am thinking of her and will include her in my prayers. After meeting the two of you in Chicago I know she's tough and will get through this. My best to you both.
Laurie
PS: If you need more cookies than Fuzzy sends let me know, I'll whip you up a batch with some Michigan dried cherries!
_________________
Kiss the cook....Oh wait, that's me!
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