Tuesday, November 27, 2007

John has sepsis

Hi you all.  I hope everyone's doing okay, and beginning to enjoy the holiday season.  Is it beginning to start feeling Christmasy yet to you?  Here everything is decorated.  Even the hospital is decked out in pretty Christmas trees with all sorts of bulbs. 

So I guess I should give you an update on John. 

I found out yesterday that he has sepsis.  That's a bacterial infection in the blood.  He has something called Gram Negative.  He probably has additional blood infections, but they are trying to figure out what they are.  It takes one to three days to get results back from a culture.  

The nurse told us that they hadn't expected him to live probably.  She told us because John asked her and wanted to know.  He then asked her if he was out of the woods, and she said not necessarily, but that they were giving him four antibiotics (three through IV and one orally) and that he had a good chance of making it.

Yesterday his fever came down (from being between 102.4 and 104.5 for days), so I asked the nurse last night if that meant he had turned the corner finally.  She stated that she didn't know.  So I am not really sure how he is doing.  But he is better than he was doing before, when he was just about unresponsive.  Now he can talk, and get up and go to the bathroom, although he needs some assistance some of the time.

The reason I am at home instead of at the hospital is because I come home nights because I need my CPAP machine.  It is vital that I wear it every night.  In the morning I go back to the hospital.  I prayed about it last night, and felt enough peace to leave the hospital, so I came home.

I also needed a break, they have me working some of the machines for the nurse, LOL, because they don't have enough staff I guess.  It is really insane and I get tired. 

I didn't want to leave because I asked John what the nurses would do if I wasn't there?  His machines would ding ding ding for an hour (because he is behind double doors and they can't hear the machines dinging so they can answer them when something is wrong).  

John told me he would just press the call button and tell the nurses his machines were dinging, and ask them to come stop them from dinging, and to fix the comparable problem that caused the dinging.  I told him that was all good and well, but what if he was asleep during the night, and didn't hear it?  He could have a problem with his IV port (or whatever it is called), or his things on his legs that prevent blood clots.  Or the machine that records blood pressure.  Arggghhhh.  Why would they wait an hour before checking up on him anyway?  Some shift nurses are better than others.  Some seem to wait longer than an hour to check on him.

At any rate, the oncologist was thinking of having John transferred to Hershey Medical Center by ambulance yesterday.  Then he changed his mind.  Now he is not sure.  We will see what happens.  One of the problems is John is getting close, very close, to needing blood again.  If he does need it, locally it will take three days to get it.  He won't have the time.  I asked them to order the blood yesterday, so they will have it when he needs it.  The nurse said they wouldn't in case John didn't need it.  If he doesn't need it, and doesn't use it, they would have to spill it, and it wouldn't be able to go to somebody else.  So they don't like to order the red blood cells unless it is imperative.

Well I will tell you what.  If they are wrong, and he DOES end up needing blood, he won't be able to get it in time.  He will go down hill VERY quickly.  I am frustrated by this.  I think they will have to send him to Hershey right away by ambulance or life flight.  The reason is because they can get blood the same day there, usually in about four hours.  In my small town it takes three days, LOL.  Actually it is not really funny.  So I am praying he doesn't need blood.

Okay, this is getting too long.  There are a lot of things I am probably leaving out, but I can't remember what they are.  I am feeling tired this morning, even though I slept. 

Oh, I haven't really told you how I feel yet.  Still worried, but WAY more peaceful.  Sometimes as I sit in the hospital chair I feel like I am fighting depression though - that it is trying to wash over me in waves.  But I fight it off, and it doesn't last for more than an hour usually.  I also feel exhausted because I have a lot of responsibility.  But I am with John 12 hours a day, at least, and will not leave his side, during those hours, except to get food.  I will have it no other way.  I am not going to stay away.  Well this morning I do have to come in late.  I need to get a prescription filled.  In case I end up going to Hershey in a day or two.

I am missing my cat terribly.  My parents took him, which was more than wonderful.  At night when I start to cry, reaching out for John and he is not there, I look for kitty to snuggle up with.  Then I realize he is not there either.  So I decide to be brave and not cry.  Besides, they are both in good hands.  And so am I.  God will take care of me.

Now this has gotten to long, and I need to get ready to go to the hospital. 

Love you all,

Krissy :)  

45 comments:

  1. {{{{{{{{Krissy}}}}}} I wish there was something I could do besides pray.. know you and John are in my thoughts
    love ya
    d

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  2. I'm glad to hear what seems to be encouraging news, I will be praying that our dear Lord guides those doctors and nurses to do the right thing for John.  It's good  you are able to come home and get some rest.  'On Ya' - ma

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  3. Krissy,

    I am very sorry that John is in such poor health, but at least he is beginning to improve. You are both in my thoughts at this time.

    Guido

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  4. Good to hear John is a little better. Make sure though that you take care of yourself Krissy,  you won't be any good to anyone if you get sick too.
    Keeping you both in my thoughts and prayers.
    Hugs to you
    Carolxx


    http://journals.aol.co.uk/carolelainedodd/a-quiet-life......i-wish/

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  5. Oh! Krissi I am so sad you have to go through all this running about again.Prayers being said for the docs to soon get John better and you can be back together again in your new home with Kitty.I feel sure anybody else would feel down too,and I think you are an inspiration and very courageous lady,dealing with all this,again in sucha short time.A bust time of year too that it is.You take care and rest as much as possible.I hope the gloomy part washes over you that at times you keep feeling.I am sure God will see you all through this.God Bless Kath
    astoriasand http://journals.aol.co.uk/astoriasand/MYSIMPLERHYMES

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  6. Dear sweet Krissy, may God bless you and comfort you.  The sitting, waiting, is so hard and trying.  And I know it has to be discouraging when things seemed to be really looking up and then bam!  I am thankful that you are taking care of yourself as best you can.  That has to be a relief to John.  Holding you continually in my prayers.  -  Barbara

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  7. oh...I wish I could tak esome of the burden off of you!!!  please know I pray daily for you two!!!
    Becky

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  8. What is John's blood type?  I know I am not around the corner, but I think I  can get to you in a few  hours.  My blood is A+.  If I can donate directly to him...I will come there.  If I can donate HERE and have it shipped directly to him..I will do that too.  I don't know how all the blood stuff works, but I am A+ and if he needs my blood...I will get it to him.

    Email me if you need my help.  I will do everything I possibly can.

    ((hugs))
    Jeanne

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  9. The whole blood thing is a little scary. 3 days? Is there anyone who has the same blood type who could give direct? Glad to hear John is doing better. Thank you for the update! {{hugs}}

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  10. I am still in prayer for both of you. It does sound as if John is feeling some better. Helen

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  11. It's Christmas Krissy. Tammy

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  12. I am keeping you both in my thoughts and prayers.  It feels like John is being helped by the antibiotics they are pumping into him.  Thank God!
    Raise up a storm and insist they send him to his oncologists hospital ASAP.
    I am not happy with how they are just leaving him alone for so long ignoring his bleeps.
    Please try and take care of you too.  You must be just about worn out poor soul.
    I will keep you both in my prayers.
    Hope he recovers quickly.
    God Bless
    Jeanie xxxx

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  13. (((((((((((((((((((((Krissy)))))))))))))))))))))))) Like so many others, I wish there was something I could do to ease your burden other than pray. Not that prayer is a small thing at all, but then there are those tangible things that we can't do from afar. ::::::::::sigh:::::::::::::Glad to hear you are taking care of you--that's so important. I hope John will be transferred to Hershey soon; somehow I think you both would feel safer if he was there (?) So ride the waves and don't go under for  longer than you have to. You are brave and doing such a good job keeping it all together. As for bedtime---would a big soft stuffed animal help?
    All my love to you both~God bless you and keep you~Deb ;-)

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  14. I love you, Krissy.  Praying for John sooooooo hard!  Thanks for this update.  If you need to call me, please do!  I LOVE YOU GUYS SO MUCH!! xox
    http://journals.aol.com/valphish/ThereisaSeason

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  15. My heart goes out to you and John.  I cannot believe how strong you are.  I am glad you have peace thanks to your trust in God.  I'm sure everything will work out according to His plan.
    hugs,
    melissa

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  16. I'm sorry I'm just now seeing all of this, and thankful for your update.  I will pray for John, and for you, Krissy.  I hope these are signs of improvement!  It sure sounds a whole lot better.  Yes, you need some rest, too, whether or not you need the CPAP (sp) machine.  I'm sorry about your cat, but yes, both of your loved ones are in good care.  Gosh, this has to be hard.  I know you're strong, I know you stay looking at the bright side.  Peace be with you both.  -- Robin

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  17. Looks like I might be spending a lot of time in Hershey again at the Ronald McDonald house.  If so, and John is transferred there, I'll have to come visit you two.  Know that John is in my prayers and you are also.
    Missie

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  18. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers!
    John too!  And Michael.

    Please let John know I am thinking about him and praying.

    Hang in there.

    Kate

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  19.  Hope John continues to improve.  My prayers to you both.

                Julie

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  20. Oh Krissy...I am so sorry.  We'll just keep praying for both you and John.  Keep your chin up dear friend and remember that when you reach out your Heavenly Father will be there. Hugs  Linda in Washington state

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  21. ((((((((((((((((((KRSSY)))))))))))))))))))))))))Just know,I am always praying.So as many people here in J-land.We all love you.

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  22. My prayers are with you and John....God will take care of him and give him what he needs....and God will help you get through whatever you need to go through...put your faith in him....for he will never leave you.....June

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  23. Continued prayers okay?
    Lyn

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  24. God Bless you both Krissy- I'm sure there are lot's of us bombarding the Lord for you and John.  As usual, you amaze me- both of you do.  I'd be a basket case, but you aer right in that God knows what's happening and your'e in His hands!  Take care you~  ((()))'s Carolyn

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  25. You know what?? I think I would call Hershey myself and talk to them...and see if I could have him transferred NOW.
    Our hospital here is so smalll and I know what you mean about having to wait...
    Prayers going up for you both,
    love ya,
    carlene

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  26. hugs.. Sending lots of prayers your way.
    Barbara

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  27. Prayers to You & Yours. I wish & hope for recovery.

    Brenda

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  28. I hope he keeps on getting better. Will be keeping you both in my prayers.
    Pam

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  29. Krissy you are in my special thoughts, know this is not an easy time for you, so it's understandable having your up and down feelings, but thankfully you are a trooper, dear.  Know John is in my prayers that he gets better dear, glad to hear the fever was down.  Wish I could be there to help you out and give you a hug dear....Arlene (AJ)

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  30. I'm praying for you both.  Take care of yourself so that you can continue to be there for John.
    Jackie

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  31. praying everything goes well and your all home soon.

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  32. praying for all:)

    Deb

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  33. Krissy, you know how much I'm praying for you both.  I can't imagine how terribly hard this is on you also.  I'm hoping that they can make the decision to get John to Hershey soon in case of the need for blood. God will work all of this out.  You can cry.  It clears the stress.  Just know we are all praying for John and you.  Love you, Chris

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  34. I'm so sorry to hear about your husband being so sick.  Please know my thoughts and prayers are with him and you.  Please take care of yourself too.  I agree with Carlene about calling Hershey Medical Center to try to get them to take your husband now, in case he needs blood quickly.  I hope you get a good nights rest.
    Hugs,
    Pat
    (from Virginia)

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  35. This sounds so awfully hard for you.  I just keep you in my prayers and hopefully things will be better soon for you all.  Take care.

    Phil

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  36. Dearest Krissy,
    You put so many of us to shame with your enormous courage. I want you to know that even though I've not stopped by here as often, I haven't forgotten you and John. You are both always in my prayers. God bless you, dear one.
    Barb- http://journals.aol.com/barbpinion/HEYLETSTALK

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  37. John and you are both in my prayers. ((((((Hugs)))))
    Love,
    Cindy

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  38. Oh Krissy, sweetheart, my heart aches for you as well as John. You know I am thinking of you and praying for you.   I hope John does go to Hershey as it sounds as if you feel more comfortable there......I am praying hard for John as well as you.  I send you hugs and love and prayers....and wish I could do more.  Merry

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  39. I am sending you and John prayers!  Keep fighting!!!!

    be well,
    Dawn

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  40. My gosh you are going through so much, I truly hope John gets better.  Too bad the staffing at the hospital is so poor, you would be much better off at Hershey.  I don't live too far from Hershey so I know how good they are.  My thoughts & Prayers are with you both.
    Lisa
    http://journals.aol.com/wwfbison/life-on-a-bison-farm

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  41. (((Krissy)))  My thoughts and prayers go out to both of you.  Sepsis is very serious.  Sending get well wishes to John.  Get some rest yourself.  I know it's hard being at the hospital.
    Hugs,
    D

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  42. Ah, Krissy, I missed a couple of entries and I am so sorry I haven't been here for you.

    Prayers, good thoughts and HUGE HUGS your way.  I like that you decided not to cry because you know both John and Kittie are in good hands.  You are too, hon. You are too.

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  43. Krissy,

    Praying that God will watch over both you and John.  May He strengthen you both and help John recover very quickly!

    Blessings,
    Jeanne

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  44. Hi Krissy,

    When I opened your journal up and saw the word "Sepsis" my heart started racing and I just felt this panic. Sepsis is so very serious. I am praying as I post that John will get through this and that the antibiotics will kick in.

    My husband Mark was in ICU for 3 months in a coma 2005 from a 36 foot fall~and that was one of the things I feared Mark would get. He was so sick and broken up I knew something like that could kill him. Praise God with lots of prayer and lots of antibiotics Mark did not get Sepsis.

    So I can understand your stress and worrying. I too was with Mark 12 hours a day 7 days a week. I truly know how you feel when it comes to that. There are so many machines and noises you get atuned too everyone of them, just so you'll know if something goes wrong. I lived and breathed that ICU ward and knew every sound and swoosh in it, good or bad.

    I pray they move John to Hershey Medical Center If he's going to need blood. Your right they can't have him wait 3 days for blood when he needs it now. Our hospital that Mark was in had it readily available, which was good as Mark needed 10 pints before he was ok. I want John & you to have that same advantage. So I am praying the Drs. will do what is right for John.

    Chrissy I too experienced depression and the heaviness of it when Mark was so hurt. Just know that I and many others are praying for both you and John ((HUGS)). If you need someone to e-mail or chat with, here is my info. My e-mail is~LadyMagnolia1963@aol.com.
    My YAHOO Instant Messenger is~magnoliablossom40

    So e-mail or IM me anytime. And I will continue my prayers until John gets better Ü.

    HUGS~Donna
    http://journals.aol.com/ladymagnolia1963/ladymagnolias-daily-blog/

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  45. Oh my gosh gal, you two have been
    through so much.
    Many prayers go out to you both.
    Hang in there, I see on the next
    entry he's going home.
    Delaine

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