h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

It looks like Frank is on the mend. Things aren't happening as quickly as we had hoped, but they are happening.

The surgery was Thursday afternoon. He was pretty much on schedule until Friday afternoon when his temperature started to climb. So, they started him on antibiotics. Then when they tried to turn off the ventillator, he had too much CO2 in his blood,so they decided to leave it until Saturday.

Saturday was a nightmare. His temperature climbed to 104.7. Then his blood pressure shot up really high and his heart beat became erratic. They decided to give him the blood pressure medication he takes at home....four different drugs....but instead of spacing them out they gave it to him all at once. Within an hour his BP had dropped to 55/35.

They put the head of his bed down so he was nearly standing on his head, packed him in ice, and turned a fan on him to bring down his temperature. Then they attached a pacemaker to regulate his heart beat.

Within another 4 hours his readings were all normalizing and he has continued to improve ever since. They took out the ventillator yesterday and have disconnected all of his drips. He still has two drains in his chest theat they are going to try to get out this afternoon. And they're finally going to get him out of bed today for a little while.

His temperature is still too high, but is staying at around 100, which isn't dangerous. He's cranky, so that's a good sign. The bad news is that it doesn't look like I'll be able to have him home for Thanksgiving. So, his turkey dinner will be late this year. Six years ago, when he had his bypass surgery, he was in the hospital over Easter. I guess he's trying to hit the holidays.

Yes, I think grumpiness is a good sign .

Definitely! for the fraught Saturday, but for Frank now he's in a state to appreciate it! Does he do grapes?

Thoughts and prayers still on-going for both of you.

B4

I hope things will now be on the up and up and that you are both over the worst, Hypatia.

Have another !

I'm glad to hear the situation is improving. And you can have Thanksgiving dinner when you're both good and ready for it.

Scary! But glad things are now on the mend. And I agree, cranky definately means good.

You have every prayer I can utter right now.
It does sound like there is some significant improvement
If there is anything I can do for you here, let me know. O.k.?
Keep well, and give Frank a on the forehead for me.
Karen

Can't imagine being stood on my head and packed in ice . As a medical treatment in hospital. Sounds like it did the trick, though, and I'm glad for that. I'm keeping my fingers crossed (which makes it very difficult to type).

Just wanted to add my thoughts and prayers to everyone elses. I also agree that grumpy is good.

When Frank comes home, your dinner will truly be a Thanksgiving dinner.

Courtesy

Ice is good for bringing temperature down - or, if it's below freezing point outside - open windows and put cold wet towels on the patient (yes, it works, believe me)

But it is terribly uncomfortable for the patient.

Hypatia, you are both in my prayers as well.

ahhhhh...some guy's'll do anything for attention.
Why's everyone looking at me like that?!?

I'll bet Hypatia would like some attention, too
Attention from a nice relaxing bath, and a full body theraputic massage with aromatherapy oils!
Perhaps in a few weeks, she and Frank could celebrate Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's day with mutual therapy?......
Karen

Thinking of you and husband

bedside

HAPPY HOLIDAZE!!

I hope everything is going well, Hypatia
I sincerely wish that this Thanksgiving you have loads to really be thankful for.
And that Frank is getting better (or crankier)
Lots of and
Karen

WE included 'all' of YOU guys in the Thanksgiving prayer this year!

Hypatia....

How are you? Frank?
Hope everything is alright.

Karen