April 02, 2006
Can't Catch a Break, Part 2
After a couple of days of progress, on Saturday morning the residents told Jean that the fluids draining from her belly were showing elevated levels of creatine, indicating leakage, probably in the bladder.
If the leak is small, it likely will heal on its own, but if the leak is large, it requires further surgery (again). Further surgery might mean more complications, as it has for the last week, and there's the danger of losing the bladder permanently. The news spoiled our Saturday to some degree. It helped that we had both sets of parents visiting us at BI during the day to keep us distracted.
On Saturday afternoon, Jean spent a couple of hours getting a CT scan. Dr. Johnson, an associate of Dr. Hanto, and some radialogists took a look at the scans over the weekend. Their conclusion is that the leak is small, located near or on the site where they repaired the bladder, and probably will heal on its own (hopefully).
We'll see Dr. Hanto on Monday. Jean might be discharged within the next day or two, sans further developments. When she is discharged, she'll go home with a foley catheter in her ureter, which they'll remove in a week or two after they check the healing of the bladder. And she'll be doing some rehab to get her right leg working again.
Jean is able to walk around with some independence now, and she can move her leg somewhat with great effort. The last couple of days have been so nice in Boston that she was tempted to take a short walk outside. Jean's parents stayed with her for much of the last few days. We moved them from the Best Western Longwood to Chez Gasbarro in Somerville. The Armbrusters drove from West Boylston to Boston to visit Jean for a couple of hours, which was awfully nice. My parents visited on the way home from New Hampshire. We had little time to celebrate my dad's and my brother Chris' birthday this weekend - so Happy Birthday, Dad and Chris!
As soon as we have news when Jean is home, I'll post it here. She might even write something herself soon.
Posted by gasbarro at April 2, 2006 10:55 PMHi There
So sorry about the setback but hopefully the leak is small enough that it will heal on its own. It is disappointing when you thought it was finally time to go home and start a normal life again. Keep us posted on her progress and the prayers are still coming in. Just try to stay positive and God Bless you both.
love CArolyn
Posted by: Carolyn at April 3, 2006 05:49 AMJean & Pat - love and prayers continue to flow your way.
Gabrielle
Hey jean,
i dont really know what to say..iam angry and
upset things are not going the way they should.
But i can say, me and jewel pray for you everday
to make a speedy recovery..
Dont give up and keep fighting..
Love,
Danny and jewel
Hi Jean and Pat,
We were so excited when we read that things were good, even boring! We were sorry to hear that more troubling news has come recently. We hope that the leak is indeed small and will heal on its own. That is what we are praying for because you have been through more than enough at this point. We are looking forward to the entry when Pat says you are coming home!!! We plan to visit when you are back home and will help however we can. Please know you are always in our thoughts.
Lots of hugs!
Love,
Kate and Paul
I am so sorry about this latest setback, and it is doubly hard I am sure after a peaceful weekend with some progress. I am glad to hear that it sounds like a small leak, and will hopefully heal on its own. Please Let me know if I can bring you anything to the hospital.
Love,
Kate
Hi Jean,
Sorry to hear you had another setback. Hope it's very minor and you are up and about now that the good weather is coming. Did M. tell you that we bought a condo in Medfield to take care of the new baby three days a week? We don't start until the end of the month but if your parents are still here and need a place to stay, we have a guest rm., we'll be gone from it
most Thursday nights to Tuesday mornings and for about a week in May. And they are most welcome there.
Is there anything we can do for you, send you, etc.? At least for now we send you our love and prayers.
I hope you're well enough to celebrate Easter with the family at Aunt Sandy's----egg hunt, etc.It sounds like fun!!!
Much love, Anne and Richard
I just saw I posted this twice. Remember I'm brand-new at this computer stuff and it takes me as long to type, correct this message,etc. Oh, well double the wishes and love!!!!!
Posted by: anne and richard prior at April 3, 2006 05:36 PMSooooooo glad you're home. Rest, relax, do your therapy, and get well. We'll keep pulling for you at this end.
Posted by: Claire Kissil at April 5, 2006 04:52 PM