More hospital fun...

I was finally discharged on May 20th! But not without complications arising first. It was discovered that I had developed a blood clot in my right arm from the PICC line. So on May 15th, the old PICC was pulled and a new one was put in my left arm. Then after a few pulmonary tests, it was determined that I had a small blood clot in my lung also. This extended my hospital stay an extra 5 days because I had to be on a continuous heparin drip during that time. I was also put on an oral anticoagulant that I get to take at home for approximately 6 months.

My blood transfusion

My new PICC line

On a happier note, I got to finally meet Skyler's daughter, Keeley (13 months).  It was brief and I'm sure unknown people and the hospital environment terrified her. Skyler is trying to work out an arrangement where he'll be able to spend more time with her.  We hope it will work out.

So I'm currently at home and on the mend. Unfortunately, my recovery is far from over but I think there's small improvements everyday.  My pain is hard to control and I'm still weak so I don't exactly know when I'll return to work.  Hopefully sooner than later.  I actually enjoy working and I know that the hospital bills will be coming all too soon.  Thank you to everyone for your support.  I have a wonderful support system and couldn't have done it without you.

Hospitals

Well, as many of you know- I am currently in a flare up of my Ulcerative Colitis.  I started having symptoms at the beginning of April so I contacted my gastroenterologist and I was started on 20mg of Prednisone.  I started feeling better at first but then then symptoms gradually got worse.  On Wednesday, April 28, I went to the ER for severe abdominal pain.  There I was treated for dehydration and was given IV steroids.  My oral prednisone was also increased at that time as well. 

The next day I started having uncontrollable nausea and vomiting.  I held out until Saturday, May 1, where I went back to the ER and was treated again for dehydration and was ultimately admitted to Alta View Hospital.

Date night??

Wondering why I'm taking pictures...

I had a PICC line placed Saturday, May 8 so I can receive my nutrition through it (TPN).

(Wasn't painful but I thought about it way too much and was freaking out)

This big white bag is the TPN- all the nutrients I could ever need....

More TPN

Girl's time- Kristin (at 8 months pregnant) volunteered to paint my toenails

Skyler made me a "high five."  All the nurses love it.

Flowers to brighten up my room

Another greenery to brighten the place up.

So, currently I am still at the hospital.  We have thrown many treatments my way to decrease the inflammation and are now in a waiting game.  We have seen many improvements in my labs.  My protein (Albumin) is still low but is no longer dropping, thanks to the TPN but I may need to go home with the PICC (that has not been determined yet).  My white blood cell count and platelets are continuing to go down, indicating that the inflammation is also decreasing. 

My hematocrit and hemoglobin are the labs that continue to go down, but need to go up- indicating that there is still bleeding present.  Our next plan of action for this is.... a blood transfusion.  The idea scares the crap out of me (because in this situation I'm the patient, not the nurse) but it will boost my numbers and make me feel better.

Thanks to everyone for your prayers, thoughts, and concerns.  I've beat this once before, I just need to do it again!

William Lyons Buchanan 1916-2010

Jon's grandpa passed away on April 23 in his home. 

We had seen a steady decline in his health and now we can say that he his freed of his physical body and "continuing his journey."

The funeral was a very Scottish one- bagpipes, kilts, and even rainy Scotland weather.

These were the pallbearers- the oldest grandsons.

"Amazing Grace"

Andrew & Julie's baby- William Andrew Buchanan.

He spent a few days in Heaven with Grandpa B before being born on April 27.

William Andrew Buchanan April 27, 2010

Andrew & Julie's baby boy made his appearance on April 27!

Will was 6 lbs 8 oz and 19 inches long.

Julie had a quick labor and there were no complications.

Congratulations!!