Harry-----Slight improvement

[Carol Arnett]

Hello Dear people,

Thank you all for your responses under the message from Barbara. You are the BEST!!!!!

Yesterday I thought Harry wasn`t going to make it. His BP was 72/52 and his pulse very high. His abdomen was so distended from the gasses used in surgery I thought it might burst.

Yesterday evening the Drs. moved him to ICU. Thry put in an arterial line that gives them a more accurate BP reading than the usual method. They inserted a line straight into his heart, through his neck, to administer heart meds to try to get his rate down. They can`t give him the usual meds because most, if not all, also lower the blood pressure. They also inserted a nasal gastral tube to try to drain the contents of his intestines.

When I arrived there today around noon, the NG tube had only sutioned 200cc, his BP still low and his heart rate stayed 125 to 130 all day. Around 3 he coughed and needed a tissue and in using it sort of dislodged the NG tube. Immedialely, the fluids began moving a little faster through the tubing. That supprised me and I asked Lori and the nurse on duty why that would happen. They said the opening of the tube might have become stuck to the intestional wall. From 3 until 7 it suctioned another 200cc and he became a little more comfortable. His abdomen is still very distended but not hard like it was yeaterday.

He is a ways from being out of the woods yet but at least they are trying to do a lot more for him in ICU than on the regular floor. The nursing staff there left a lot to be desireed. I hope they keep him in ICU until discharge.

In addition to everything that he has been feeling physically he cannot forget that he watched his brother die in Dec. `95 of Colon cancer and comparing his symptoms to Waynes. He fought a 6 year battle and Harry was with him almost constantly the las few months.

Again, thank you all for your love and support. Not many people one knows on a physical and personal basis are as caring as this group. You are all very special. Love, Carol

[Polly]

Hi Carol,

I am so relieved to hear that progress is being made. I have been so worried since your last post. Is Harry in a lot of pain/discomfort? And how are you holding up, dear? You must be physically and emotionally exhausted. Please picture all of us spiritually following you around all day and offering all of the support and prayers that we can.

Love,

Polly

[annie oakley]

I couldn't say it any better than Polly just said it. Visualize us following you around. More prayers are headed Harry's way dear. Love Oma

[Liz]

Hi Carol. Thinking of you & Harry & hoping that he continues to show some improvement. Keep your chin up & look after yourself as well.



Love

Liz

[TXBrenda]

Carol,

I'm sorry your husband is going through this. I can relate. They had to use an NG tube on me after C-section when my daughter was born. I did not have the heart rate or BP issues. I always have problems when I have had abdominal surgeries.

Prayers for you, your husband and the rest of your family.

Take care
Brenda

[tex]

Hi Carol,

Like everyone else, I'm relieved to see that Harry's condition is improving. Recovery after abdominal surgery can be nerve-wracking at times.

When I had surgery, (in November, year before last), I had a NG tube, also, and it seemed to take forever to remove much fluid, but it eventually got the job done. I was sure glad to get rid of the tube, when they finally decided to pull it out.

I also had BP problems the day after surgery. First it was way too low, and then after they added something to my IV to raise it, it got way too high. When they tried to regulate it, my BP would go too low again, then too high. After most of a day like that, I began to worry about the risk of having a stroke or something. I breathed a huge sigh of relief when they finally decided to stop fiddling with it.

Since people can react so differently to various drugs, I'm sure that it's sometimes a real challenge for the doctors to get the results that they are hoping for, during the immediate post-op period.

I hope that Harry continues to make good progress.

Love,
Tex

[Dee]

Hi Carol!
ICU is the best place for Harry as he will get constant monitoring.
I'm glad to hear that you saw a little improvement yesterday.
Hoping to hear this everyday until he is well enough to be released.
My thoughts and prayers are right there with you two!!

Love
Dee

[kate_ce1995]

Hi Carol,

I'm so relieved to hear that there has been some improvement for Harry. I never quite know what to say in situations like this...the others here have said it far more eloquently that I could. But I have been anxiously looking for updates to see how he is doing. Thoughts and prayers with you both.

Katy

[Mars]

Carol,

I'm relieved to hear that Harry has shown improvement. I will continue to pray that his healing continues and he'll be home before you know it!

Take care of yourself.



Mars

[JJ]

Hi Carol,

I'm glad to hear things are a little better...thinking of you! JJ

[starfire]

Carol,
I'm bringing up the rear but no less concern. I'm so glad there has been some improvement and I pray there will be at lest some every day. I hope Harry will soon be able to get rid of that tube. I'm sure it will improve the way he feels once that happens but will probably have a very uncomfortable throat for a while.

Still thinking of you both...........

Love, Shirley

[CAMary]

Carol-
I was so surprised to come home and see what has been going on since Harry's surgery! I hope he continues to improve, and know that you are in our thoughts an prayers!

Love,

Mary

[MaggieRedwings]

MOrning Carol,

So sorry I am late on this but was out of circulation this weekend. Glad to hear signs for Harry are looking up and that he continues to improve. My prayers are with him and also with you - being the onlooker can be just as bad as being the patient.

Love, Maggie