11:00 PM- When we showed up tonight she was yelping in pain. Pain will likely be a big part of her recovery. I explained to her while that’s not a fair thing, it’s going to be a reality for a while. The doctor has taken her off IV pain meds, and she’s actually taking pills. He’s calling that “tough love,” meaning they’re giving her something for pain, but they’re not going to completely cover it up. Tomorrow her nurse says they want her to be up and much more mobile in physical therapy, meaning they want her walking with a walker up and down the halls. They say that will not only help her regain her strength, but relieve some of her belly discomfort.
Know how she was so hungry. Well after that first popsicle, she really couldn’t eat anything more. She feels full now, and says everything tastes bad except for water, I had the same thing happen to me after having my tonsils out. Think there’s something in all those drugs that messes up your taste buds. Anyway, her nurse thinks it might be because she’s on that nourishment treatment from 6AM-6PM I mentioned in a previous entry. So that will be mentioned to the doc tomorrow.
Today, her doctor was able to give her a better idea about her prognosis. She asked about xigris, a new FDA approved sepsis drug. Her doctors explained she’s too well at this point to even consider using that. Her doctors told her they continue to treat her sepsis with antibiotics, but they have no idea right now how long it’s going to take to get her better. That means they have no idea how long she’s going to be in the hospital. But it does appear she will get to leave the part of the ICU she’s in now, and go to what’s known as a “step-down” room. That means more freedom, her own bathroom, and best of all no visiting hours.
We spent a lot time tonight reading all the comments a lot of you have left her, and she loves them. We’re going to work on setting her up her own blog tomorrow, so when I go back she can keep you all updated. Talk to you soon.
4:25 PM- Marissa made good on her wish yesterday to get out of bed today. Mom says she's been sitting in a chair, eating a popsicle. She did more intense physical therapy today, walking around with a walker. They also removed a tube from her leg. She feels terrible today though. She didn't sound as "good" as she had the past couple days. That seems to be the case because her body is realizing the full amount of pain she's truly in. The doctor told mom we have a lot of "tough love" days ahead. Also, the drugs make her feel constant nausea. I'll have a better idea of what's going on when I visit tonight. An update will follow.
Hi marissa....Yaaaaaa!!!! You`re out of bed eating popcicles.. you have surprised us all with your determination and will to get better!!! Keep going Marissa. Love, janne and Steph
Posted by: janne Targan | August 20, 2008 at 01:45 PM
Look at you! Already wakling around and eating popcicles! I'm not a bit surprised. You are so strong and determined! I love you sweet girl!! Can't wait to read more and to hear from you :) When you start making calls, one of them better be to ME!!
Posted by: kasey | August 20, 2008 at 01:51 PM
Marissa,
I'm glad to hear you are up and mobile.Elizabeth and Sam keep asking me to call and I told them when she feels better or when Grandma Simon goes to see her maybe she could call and they can speak to you.You are in our prayers and glad to hear that each day you are getting stronger.Keep on plugging.
Love,
Cousins,
Robin,Sam,Elizabeth and Karl
Posted by: Robin Fry | August 21, 2008 at 03:18 AM
Hi and great news...Please be sure to let us know Hospital and such....Have a safe trip back to Anchorage...Will look forward to Marissa info so we can E-Mail directly..That sounds so positive..Please send her our best....Love Marilyn and Nat....All the best to your Mom......
Posted by: nat & marilyn | August 21, 2008 at 04:38 PM