

Archive for the 'Kidney Stone' Category
Getting prepped
Author: Tom
They are really excellent here. They explained the procedure and then what the visitors are to expect. The surgery should last an hour. The doctor will come out after about 45 minutes and explain how everything went. They will keep her observation for an hour afterwards. Then we get to see her again.
I like the way they are forthcoming with all of the information and keep us up to date. Almost all of them have been super pleasant.
read comments ()In the room
Author: Tom
Tammy got some sleep between 01:00 and 04:00. She is in good spirits.
Tammy’s parents and I ate at Whataburger.
Getting a move on
Author: Tom
Tammy just sent me a text message with a request of something that she needs. I am up and getting in the shower.
I asked if she was able to get any sleep and how she felt. She said that she got a little sleep but that she is very thirsty. She has not been allowed to injest anything since midnight.
I feel bad and wish that I could been there all night with her. I am certain that she is very nervous. I sure would be. I hope that the new nurse, Sarah was as good as the day nurse, Sydney.
I heard her parents come in last night. I wonder if they were kicked out after visiting hours.
I hope all goes well for Tammy and Lightning’s surgery today. All of the medical staff seem assured that all should be well and that this is the best time in a pregnancy to have any procedures done. They explained that the baby is completely developed and just growing in size now. Also that she is not so far along that an early labor is not that much of a concern. I have good feelings about today and can’t wait for Tammy to feel better.
Final entry today
Author: Tom
I just got home. Tammy is going in for surgery in the morning. They are going to give her a spinal tap and use a laser to break the stone in smaller pieces.
That is about all of the energy that I have to write. Nap time for Tom.
Update on possible solutions
Author: Tom
We just got an update on steps. First, Tammy will be in here for several days. They are going to see if it will pass on its own for a day or two. I don’t know about that! If not, the urologist will have to try and fish it out. Either way it does not sound pleasant or fast.
Back on watch
Author: Tom
The puppies got to go outside and go potty. I played with them for a couple of minutes before grabbing the toothbrush and toothpaste for Tammy. Now I’m back at my post.
Upon arrival, Tammy seemed in good spirits as the nurse was checking on her. She then changed position in bed. That was not such a great idea. We pushed the button for the nurse to get more medicine. She is still sipping water and chewing on ice chips.
I could not have picked a better time to leave as Tammy remained still and comfortable. There was no activity in my absense. There is no word on their next step. It is quite apparent that there is another night stay planned as we have to fill out tomorrow’s menu.
I think that I have hit my third or fourth wind. I can’t believe that I am still going. For that matter, I can’t believe that Tammy is.
Travel again
Author: Tom
The dogs have been alone for almost nine hours. Time to check on them. Tammy requested that I bring her toothbrush and toothpaste. I can’t blame her. Her mouth is really dry.
Ice chips for the sickly
Author: Tom
Yummy. Who wouldn’t like tons of ice chips? That is currently the staple of her diet. We are still waiting to hear what actions that are to be taken. Tammy is feeling tired and needs a nap. She had a bit of lime jello, applesauce and a grape juice from Sydney, our nurse. Now she is putting away the high-calorie ice chips. I think the most recent dose of medicine is doing the best. She is still in pain but is able to rest her eyes.
Picture of blockage
Author: Tom
The gentleman that did the Xray, Shane, was kind enough to give us copies of the three xrays that were taken. He was extremely nice and helpful.
About center of the picture and to the right of the spine, you can see the obstruction. It is a 12mm rock. We are waiting on the final word on the diagnosis and have no clue about the resolution.
Tammy is still in pain. We have requested that she get more pain medicine. At least that put her to sleep.
Crazy Xray controller
Author: Tom
Getting pictures
Author: Tom
A really large picture machine is over her now. We are in another room and on another floor. They are going to put dye in her and take a bunch of pictures.
On her right side
Author: Tom
In this picture, she is on her right. Two seconds ago, it was left.
She just got another shot of morphine in her butt. It allows her to sleep for a short bit. Between the doctor and nurse coming in and the machine alarms, how can anyone sleep?
I was able to sleep about fifteen minutes. I’m pooped.
I just glanced up at her and she is now asleep. It is hard for her to sleep but the meds are assisting with that.
Did I mention that the room is FREEZING. The blankets are working for her.
Back at hospital
Author: Tom
I made it back. While walking in, I spoke with the nurse and explained that I was smuggeling contraband. I brought some raisins in case Tammy was a little hungry. They said it was ok if she wanted them.
I came in to a dark room and sat down. Unfortunately, the chair was too close to the wall and made a thud. Tammy looked up from her sleep and muttered “They gave me a shot of morphine in my butt.” I guess you can’t beat that.
The nurse also explained that she was still throwing up.
Home for a second then back to the hospital
Author: Tom
I came home to check on the dogs and get a pair of socks for Tammy. They have admitted her into the hospital. Some of the paperwork that they gave us shows that it might be a kidney infection. They have a urine sample to test. I am really pooped now and might make some coffee to take back. Note to self: NO FLIP FLOPS IN THE ER! It is COLD in that place. Both Tammy and I were freezing!
The hospital room is pretty cold too. My phone battery is dead but I’m charging it a bit now and will bring my charger to the hospital and see if I can use their juice. I had to write an email saying that I cannot attend a meeting this morning. Stinks. I hate missing meetings when I am required.
I hope Tammy feels better soon. She really looks miserable and in pretty bad pain. She describes it as the worst pain that she has ever felt. As I understand, she has felt bad pain with other medical issues in the past. So, that says a bunch.
Keeping her overnight
Author: Tom
Dr. Williams is going to keep Tammy overnight. He is calling Dr.Jacobson and checking with him. Tammy is still in pretty bad pain and vomiting. I hope she gets better.
Tammy still sick
Author: Tom
She is still in very bad shape. She has had two Tylenol suppositories. They just now gave her a small dose of morphine and something else to help her with vomiting. She gave a urine sample also. There was mention of it perhaps being a kidney stone. Who knows. She has just been spinning around in the bed. She is asleep now that she had the morphine.
On call never called.
Author: Tom
I called the after hours number at 21:59. Dr. Jacobson never called us. I got a call while trying to expidite the service at the ER at 23:01. It was the answering service. The asked if the doctor called. I explained that I did not recieve a call and already came to the ER.
Dr. Williams saw her
Author: Tom
The doctor pushed and prodded. She has an IV in her right hand (no fluid yet). She is rolling around moaning in pain.
He is going to give her fluids, Zofran and Tylenol. They are testing blood and urine. She has yet to provide a urine sample. He thinks it is normal streatching of parts in there. I’m not a doctor but she does not sound/look normal to me.
I wish there was some way for me to help with the pain.
At ER again!
Author: Tom
Lower left back pain. Cramping (constant). Vomiting due to immense pain.
Took fifteen minutes to get here. The on call doctor, Dr.Jacobson NEVER called back. I took Tammy to the ER to have her checked out.
Another long night. Longer for her since she is in pain!

