Saturday, 11.01.2008

Saturday afternoon, 11.01.2008, we had to make a little trip to the ER. This episode actually began Friday at mid day. Vikki was experiencing nausea. The nausea sort of came and went throughout the afternoon but about 4:30 we decided it was time to go to the ER since we had been unsuccessful contacting any of her doctors. Vikki changes clothes to get ready to go and that by itself, wore her out. Well, after a brief rest she felt like the ER trip was not needed. Good.

Saturday seemed like everything was going to be OK. We went to the grocery and Vikki walked with me almost the entire time. About mid-day, Vikki began vomiting. Now we really knew we needed to go to the ER. No ambulance this time. She was able to get comfortable lying down on the back seat of the truck. Since Vikki is a regular customer, she was assigned to her own reserved ER room immediately. Some perk huh? I am still waiting to get a reserved parking space.

After several needle pokes the IV specialist located an acceptable vein in her arm. Her veins are difficult to work with and add on the dehydration and it was even harder to get a needle in. The specialist got the job done and blood was drawn. Next was a quick trip down the hall to radiology for abdominal x-rays.

The good news. Blood and x-rays were normal. The "bad" news. Blood and x-rays were normal. Actually it was all good news but it did not point out what may be the source of the nausea. At this point the ER doctor thinks that the medication that she has been on has been a little "rough" on her GI system. We are given the option of having a contrast CAT scan today or come back on Monday after consulting with the surgeon +/- the infectious disease specialist and have the scan done as an outpatient. This was a no brainer. The IV line is already in place, we are here, we know it will be the first thing at least one if not both doctors will want done; shall I go on? She drinks the contrast fluid and waits the allotted time before going back to radiology for the scan. The good news. It looked normal. The "bad" news. It looked normal.

So now we are at the point, or should I say the ER doctor is at the point, where diagnosis is by exclusion. All blood is normal. X-ray is normal. CAT scan is normal. Maybe her distress is due to the cumulative effect of fairly long antibiotic treatment. One of the ER nurses did mention a stomach flu going around but Vikki really did not match all of the symptoms. They did treat her in the ER with fluids to combat the dehydration along with anti-nausea and pain medication. One other piece of good news was that they did NOT want to put in an NG (nasal-gastro) tube. If you know what that is, OK. If you don't know what it is I assure you that you do not want to know.

At 9:00pm we go home with her feeling MUCH better but instructed to remain on clear liquids until Monday. Her prescriptions include three types of medications for the nausea; to use one at a time as she thinks necessary. At least we can treat her symptoms effectively.

Vikki has continued throughout this ordeal to be so very encouraged and uplifted by your prayers, cards, and phone calls. Please pray specifically that she would be able to eat real food soon and get some strength back. I too want to express my sincere thanks for the way you have looked after me; I have certainly not been in want of food.

I will probably have more information to share late Monday or early Tuesday. Thank you!!!!!!!