Tuesday, August 02, 2005

Almost lost Denise last night

After visiting the hospital, I found out the gravity of last night's crisis. Fortunately the nurse was on her toes, the specialist that they needed happened to be there already, and things went well considering the situation. Apparently she developed a leak in the lung and the right lung collapsed. The pleural sack that's between lung & body cavity had lots of fluid that they needed to get out. She couldn't breathe, even with the oxygen set to 100%. As stated earlier, too much oxygen is as bad as too little, so we'd like to get her off of the stuff. Denise's lungs are less elastic so it's difficult to breathe. They are under more pressure than they should be. My limited understanding makes me think that all of these things came into play. They put her on a "Pleur-Evac" machine (sounds like something that should have an "As Seen On TV" label on it). It helps her get the fluid out of the pleural sack. Looks to me like the fluid is blood. Most of her stats are near where they were before the emergency last night. There were even slight improvements in her breathing & heart rates (both were slower... good!). There is some risk while the Pleur-Evac is hooked up. So, as with everything, keep us in your thoughts & prayers.
Now for the medically-inclined that have been asking:
Amphotericin B Lipid Complex (Albacet?) is tackling the fungal stuff
Imipenem/Cilastatin (Primaxin?) is nailing the bacteria. (Denise loves Stan Getz doing "Girl from Ipanema" and now she's the "Girl on Imipenem"... bad joke. Sorry. I deal with this through humor.)
Kidney function is at .9, which is considered OK (was 1 yesterday).
Lowering the diuretic because they think she may be dehydrated (a puzzle to me because she looks swollen).

9 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

I will continue to keep her in my prayers. I have shared your story with some of my friends so that they can pray for her too. Just remember that God is watching over her and everyone involved in her treatment. Every little improvement in Denise's health is a celebration in my heart. I am praying for her recovery and her return home to get back to your two beautiful children. May God's blessings surround your family.

August 02, 2005 3:55 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Wish I could be there to hold all of you and make everything better. I hate that I'm in Illinois and I feel absolutely helpless. It just feels like there is something else I should be doing besides praying. Sorry, but I am frustrated (as I am sure you all are). I love all of you! Cindy

August 02, 2005 4:11 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

We are continuously thinking and praying for Denise and your family. We love you all so much, and are just shouting to God that He is hearing our prayers. Please tell Gracie that Casslyn says hello.

August 02, 2005 5:53 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

To my family especially Denise. I know i can't be with you at this time i found this poem on the net and thought that it best describe's me and my family (The Nelsons) that can't be w/ you but we would like to. I love and miss you all so much. Please get well soon Denise. Love Brigid.

Poem Title: We Share Your Suffering

Do not feel you are in your sickness all alone
We feel sorrow for every ache of cell and bone
The heat of your fever rests on our brows too
Our hearts beat with you all the day through
Even in night we pray for your your recovery
As constant as waves rushing at sea
It is hard to be ill, but we are ever near
As our thoughts hug and kiss away each fear
Wherever you hurt let God's angels kiss you well
As he rings out blessings from his heavenly bells
Oh precious one you are never alone
Friends and family cherish you from Earth
As God loves you dearly from his Holy Throne
You deserve to feel fine so get well soon
Believe that good health in your spirit will bloom




©2002 Yvonne Londres
[View all of Yvonne Londres's work!]

August 02, 2005 7:37 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

The Hsieh family is praying for you. We are trusting God's best in this situation. Matt will get more people from his church praying for Denise.

August 03, 2005 1:26 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Dear Phillip,

We continue to pray for you and Denise. We have started a couple of prayer chains out here in Illinois and one in Memphis, TN. Many of your brothers & sisters in Christ are with you during your time of need. If there is anything we can do, please let us know or have your Mom give my Mom a call.

God Bless,

Rick Catalano

August 03, 2005 7:24 AM  
Blogger dille2@cableone.net said...

These are days you will never forget. They are now a part of your mental DNA forever. The One who made each of you carries your picture in His Wallet and loves you more than you could ever ask or imagine. Hold on tight to Him as you walk thru each day. Blessings on your family, strength for Denise and comfort for you and the kids....

August 03, 2005 8:40 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Phil, I just learned from Heidi about the challenge your family is facing. I have read through tears of empathy the latest posts you have made. You can add my prayers to the long list of others.

August 03, 2005 5:04 PM  
Blogger alicia said...

Lori let me know about your situation. You don't know me from Adam, but I want to let you know that I have also posted a prayer request for your situation. I've seen Valley Fever in a pregnant woman only once in my career and that was more than 10 years ago. Thankfully we've come a long way since then in terms of the abilities of the intensivists to keep some one alive long enough for their bodies to fight off the invaders with the help of medication.

August 04, 2005 7:59 AM  

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