Friday, January 30, 2009

Friday

Patsy here. Greg did the photos for me but I'm writing my first full blog post in awhile.

It has been an eventful day. I was in a-fib much of the day, off and on. The most enlightening thing was that I didn't realize it at least once when I was in it. But Sara, my nurse, was exceptional about checking on it today. I really, really like her.



In the background, notice the basket of beautiful yellow flowers. Mark sent those. He's been sending me flowers every day and that was today's entry. Do I have the best friends, or what?



So far, I like everyone I've come into contact with here. The reason the deal about me not recognizing the a-fib is significant is that it can be dangerous over the long haul if it's happening a lot. I thought I always knew when mine was happening but the telemetry lab tells another story. So, after consultation with a cardiologist who has seen me a couple of times since I've been here, she and my surgeon agreed it would be ideal for me to stay a couple of extra days while they put me on a medication that has to be monitored in a hospital setting, to address the a-fib on an ongoing basis.

I jumped at the chance to do that because it does affect my life when, at times, I just can't do anything but wait for it to pass. My heart always converts but if I can take a pill that just addresses the issue that would be fabulous. So, I started that tonight and we'll hope for the best in the morning and see where we're at. I'm hopeful this pill will do the trick and the a-fib will no longer be a factor in my life.



My patient care tech today was Hemma. It's the first time I'd been with her and she's a jewel, too. Her name is Austrian, by the way. Of course, you know me, I asked. Her parents are from Austria and gave their kids traditional Austrian names. She's a real sweetie.

I am continually struck by the superior care I'm receiving here. Everyone seems to go the extra mile for the patients and this patient appreciates it.

I was sharing that tonight with Staci, who was my nurse last night, too. But tonight I realized she was the charge nurse. I'm not sure exactly what that means except that she's in charge of some things. I'm not a medical person, you know.



Late this afternoon I was having some pain in my left leg. Because of the a-fib and surgery there was a concern about clotting so they sent me down for an ultrasound that came back negative so all is well in that department. Greg couldn't resist a photo of me with the morphine pump in hand.



And, bear in mind, if this isn't the most eloquent, or understandable, writing you've read on my blog, that I'm a person with a morphine pump. And I'm using it.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

So you're writing under the influence of drugs?

Tsk tsk. What a shining example to set for our young people.

lillie said...

Patsy, from the huge smiles on the faces of all of the hospital personnel who have contact with you, I'd say you have charmed them all. I am sure they appreciate a patient who is so much fun, kind, and inquisitive, even when split open and not feeling so well. I am glad you have had such wonderful caregivers!
Marie