New digs!

A better day calls for a more light-hearted tone…

There are some positives to share tonight. Firstly, Kristi finally accumulated enough “Stanford Points” to get an upgraded to a Jr. Suite. Just kidding!  Her first room was in what seemed like the bowels of the old section of the hospital. For whatever reason, they moved her to a fifth floor room in the new section. She’s been here before, but instead of a nice view of the hills across the Bay, she has a western view of the coastal hills. It really is nice — too bad she’s not really in the mood to enjoy it. 

Secondly, her blood sugar is back up to normal and being monitored. It was dangerously low yesterday and probably had been low for some time — remember, she hasn’t eaten since Friday. I first noticed Sunday morning when we went to the Reedley ER that she seemed a little dazed and confused — hindsight really is 20-20.  By mid-afternoon yesterday she was experiencing diabetic coma-like symptoms and behavior. They began giving IV glucose and gave her a IV dextrose bolus, which is an extra big dose of sugar.  It took some time but her blood sugar level began to rise to good levels. It is still good this afternoon. 

Thirdly — and maybe TMI, but I got a kick out of how excited the nurses were — she had a BM!  Although not necessarily an indication that things are moving again, it could be a good sign.  Human Biology lesson for the day: I learned that even if one isn’t eating anything, the intestines produce enough fluids to create feces. 

This afternoon they ordered a gastrografin study. That means they filled her stomach with a contrast and they will do an X-ray at 8pm to see if and how the contrast has moved though her gut.  This may indicate whether or not things have really begun to move along again. 

She seems to be more comfortable today.  I attribute that to being accustomed to the gastronasal tube and adjusting the IV pain meds to the proper levels.  This afternoon she has been sleeping and much more coherent. 

Yesterday I asked Emma to come up and stay with Kristi while I went home for the night. I regrouped and repacked for a longer stay. Whether her blockage resolves itself or she has surgery, I’m anticipating being here several more days???  I got back at about 1:30pm today and relieved Emma of duty; she headed back home. 

Do we need anything?  I’ll take a martini!  The kids at home and not at home, and the roommates, are holding down the fort in spectacular fashion — caring for the pets, taking out the trash, and keeping things tidy.  We really appreciate the offers and we will not hesitate to accept if/when needed, but for now Stanford has Kristi under control and the rest of us are doing ok.