Harry....Still in danger

Carol Arnett · Post by **Carol Arnett** » Sun Mar 04, 2007 10:19 am

Hi everyone,

Harrys` heart rate is down to 90-95 , his blood pressure is stable, his remaining kidney is working well but he is still in peril.

He has not had any bowel sounds since the surgery. In the beginning the Dr. said that wasn`t unusual because of the trauma his intestines went through during the surgery. He is now saying that if there are no bowel sounds soon they are going to have to explore the possibility of a blockage. Lori said if he has one that will probably mean another surgery and neither she nor I think he would survive another one.

Even though they have suctioned more than 2 liters of fluid from the intestines he is still very distended though his abdomen is not as hard. He is still in a lot of pain/discomfort and asking for pain meds every 3 hours or so. That is very unlike him. After his by-pass he didn`t ask for that much. He is still in ICU.

Some of you asked about my wrist. It is still a little painful...it has been almost 4 weeks...and dosen`t get too bad unless I over use my hand. Trying not to do that.

Tex, I was very sorry to hear that you went through a similar situation as Harry. I hope you had a lot of support from family.

Harry was hallucinating a lot yesterday but Lori said that is not an unusual occurance in ICU with all the meds and the fact that he cannot see outside. I am in sort of a mental fog myself.

I am going up there soon. Will post another update when there is new news. Thank you all again for your interest, compassion and prayers. Love, Carol

Mars · Post by **Mars** » Sun Mar 04, 2007 10:25 am

Carol,

I am so sorry to hear that Harry is doing poorly. I pray that the news will improve and that Harry will rest comfortably and continue to heal without further complications or further surgery.

Please remember to take care of yourself - you are both important to our family!

Love and

Mars

hazel · Post by **hazel** » Sun Mar 04, 2007 10:31 am

What Mars said.
:bigbighug:

Post by **tex** » Sun Mar 04, 2007 10:52 am

Hi Carol,

I'm glad to hear that most of Harry's systems are now working much better. The possibility of a blockage is, of course, rather troubling, but hopefully the problem can be resolved soon. My surgery was, in fact, because of a blockage, and my digestive system shut down for a couple of days afterward, (or maybe the doctors shut it down with drugs, for all I know). When I began eating again, though, fortunately, it restarted, on it's own.

I can't help but wonder if maybe his enteric nervous system, (which controls the digestive system), was somehow traumatized during the surgery, and it needs some type of stimulus for it to begin functioning again. I'm just thinking out loud here - I really don't know much about how the enteric nervous system actually works. Of course, it's also possible that the intestine became twisted somewhere during the surgery, but surely they would check for that possibility before closing.

I hope this can be resolved soon, with a minimum of intrusion, and my prayers will continue for both of you.

Love,
Wayne

Tessa · Post by **Tessa** » Sun Mar 04, 2007 1:50 pm

Carol, I am very sorry to hear that Harry is suffering so much. My prayers are with you and your husband.

Take care,
Love,
Tessa.

JJ · Post by JJ » Sun Mar 04, 2007 1:58 pm

Hugs and prayers on the way to you and Harry. Luv...JJ

:bigbighug:

Dee · Post by **Dee** » Sun Mar 04, 2007 2:28 pm

Thoughts and Prayers are still with Harry and You!!!!
Hoping that there is not a need for another surgery!!!
Also, Carol, I hope that you are taking the time to make sure that you are eating and resting whenever you can.. I know how exhausting this type of situation can be...

Love
Dee~~~~~

starfire · Post by **starfire** » Sun Mar 04, 2007 3:51 pm

Hugs & Prayers for you both.

Hoping that whatever the major problem(s) is will be resolved soon.

Many

Love, Shirley

barbaranoela · Post by **barbaranoela** » Sun Mar 04, 2007 5:22 pm

Carol~~~~~

My thoughts and prayers are with U and Harry---

After such surgery---I guess these interuptions are not too unusual---

You know what Carol----I dont know what to say to cheer U up---

U hang in----and let Harry know all of us here are pulling for him to recover--

luve Barbara

MaggieRedwings · Post by **MaggieRedwings** » Mon Mar 05, 2007 6:34 am

Morning Again Carol,

Guess getting here late shows how much I missed.

I pray for both of you and do hope that today brings Harry much improvement. This is so hard for both of you.

Love, Maggie