-b7

This is Mom, with my own Update!

2009-05-07T13:31:00.002-07:00

Chelsey is typing what I dictate to her. To my family thank you for your love and support in my recent illness. I wanted to let everyone that I am fine, I am recovering slowly. They sent me home with a Life vest that monitors my heart rhythms. Every week Kristi calls a number and the hospital gets the information. They are doing this to see if I need a defibrillator. The life vest works like an outside defibrillator. If my heart for some reason stops then it will give me a warning and I have to push these two button so it doesn't shock me. Luckily we have not needed to push the buttons. They have my coumadin levels regulated and I no longer have to get the nasty shot in my belly. Luckily Kristi only had to give me 7 shots at $100 a pop. I was able to make it up to Mesa for the beautiful sealing of Kim and Adam. It was a wonderful experience to have all of my children and their spouses there. This has been a learning experience for me. I have learned a lot about my self and my testimony. I am working on writing more up in my journal so that my kids can know what I have learned through this experience. I am grateful for everything that my children have done to help get through this. Thank you for your prayers.

Friday Morning 17th Update

2009-04-17T11:48:00.003-07:00

Today is Rachel's Birthday! So Kally and Rachel are meeting up again in Phoenix to celebrate our birthdays. We'll have a "6" birthday when mom gets home and combine a welcome home party maybe we'll see what time allows. Rachel definitely wants to get together with all her cousins.

Okay - busy morning. We've been hoping since 6:00 am and I just sat down for a brief minute to call Rachel and wish her a Happy Birthday and now I'll update you on all the details.

First morning blood pressure is still high 165/95.

Lung Doctor came by first, Dr. de Chazel. He is also an internist and a sleep doctor. He has been looking at her hands and things possibly Renaud's syndrome as opposed to a disease. He recommends a hematology consult work up to investigate why she is forming blood clots. We will follow up with him after discharge and he is going to do a sleep study on her. He is taking her off all oxygen today. No home oxygen and no home breathing treatments.

Dr. Kirkpatrick came in. A nurse will show us how to give the Levenox shots for the next 4 to 5 days. He was going to make sure Dr. Perez came in (heart electrical). He also said there was no reason to keep mom. All doctors had signed off on the deal. She could possibly go home on Saturday.

Mom feels great today. She is getting around great with the walker. She got to enjoy her first great shower!!! She was in heaven and really enjoyed the shower.

Dr. Ramirez checked in briefly nothing new to report. We will follow up with the cardiologist in the coming weeks to monitor her blood pressure meds and other medications. BP was down to 150/88 and oxygen is at 92 w/o the oxygen.

One slight hold up - waiting for the Life Vest that will monitor her her heart rhythm and act as a defibrillator. We don't know if they will release her until that is here or if they will let her go until then. I guess we wont know for sure until in the morning.

After her wonderful (not) lunch we will take a ride on the wheel chair and go get some real food and a treat at the cafeteria and maybe get some fresh air.

Kally is heading to Phoenix this afternoon to spend the weekend with her family for birthdays.

Call if you have questions.

Mom's joy ride

2009-04-17T02:05:00.002-07:00

Well they found a wheel chair that mom could ride in. Actually Paul is a great technition and is very nice and detailed. Even offered us a soda. He found the wheel chair that no one else could find for a couple of days. So at late at night we took mom out for a ride. She was so excited. We went by the cafeteria and she could smell the food. So of course we had to share a plate of onion rings.

These are the flowers she has received. Starting at the left - from the Johnson family, middle from Aunt Ellen, and on the right from Dad.

2009-04-17T01:32:00.003-07:00

Mom got to hold Camilla.

Riley and Rachel and Mom and kally enjoyed a game of Yahtzee.

Riley is playing Peek a boo with Camilla and she is laughing.

Rachel wanted fingernails like mom's. Well I don't have Chelsey's talents and I don't have the patience. So we went to the drug store and bought stickers to go over nail polish. Kristi painted away. She was so happy.

Mom's feet - warning graphic.

2009-04-17T01:01:00.003-07:00

This is the foot after the doctor cut off the dead skin from the blister. I thought we had a picture of the bubble - it stuck out a good 1/2 inch at least.

Foot all wrapped.

After her MIR she came back with markings - we teased her about them - told her they were measuring her for a cofin. Okay hope you all find that funny - mom is laughing and having a good time. WE are doing all we can to keep her laughing - good for the lungs said the doctor and good for her spirits.

Thursday's Update

2009-04-17T00:35:00.003-07:00

As quick as Chelsey and the kids were here - they were gone by noon today.

Mom's blood pressure still isn't balance and remains high, averaging about 155/90. It is still higher in the morning and the doctor doesn't like that. Mom's weight on Chelsey's Wee Fit was 240 lbs; the hospital weighed her today at 220 lbs - all that was water. You can see it.

There is a BNP test (?) that helps them determine when to stop giving diuretics. They want this number below 900. Yesterday it was in the 5,000's and today it is 4200 and when she came in last week it was 24,300. Potassium a little low (normal with the diuretics). She is a little more congested. It just takes time to get it all out of the lungs. Her blood levels aren't thin enough - still more drugs.

Dr. Bobby Foot (Mom's cousin) came in to see her today. He is a neurologist in the hospital. Mom's doctor, Dr. Norton (mom asked him if he knew Dr. Foot) and he did. So Dr. Norton saw him and told him about mom. Dr. Foot looked over mom's chart and confirmed that all this has been there a long time.

Mom's fingers are back changing colors: white & purple and cold.... She is a little more tired today after her little thing last night perhaps. She has slept a lot today.

The cardiologist finally came late tonight. He is concerned about the incident last night. Basically he said we need to consult with a doctor that specializes in the electrical part of the heart. We need to watch her more. So we may not be getting out as soon as first thought. Kevin's dad had a similar issue and was fixed with a simple surgery. Other options are a devise like a pace make called a defibrillator implanted in the chest to jump start her heart if needed. This is one of the results of congestive heart failure. One of the other results is a high incidence of kidney dialysis needed - the kidneys can't keep up with the demands from the heart. Mom's kidneys are great (she's been working on them). She is so glad that isn't a complication for her - she doesn't think she could do that.

She should only drink 2 liters of water per day and a no salt diet.

Last but not least - Mom got to go on a wheel chair ride. They finally found a wheel chair that was comfortable for her legs. So at 11:30 pm tonight we went for a joy ride. She was so happy for a change of pace. We went over to the cafeteria and had onion rings. Woo ho!!!

2009-04-16T23:41:00.002-07:00

All the kids outside Mom's hospital room sitting on the fence. They couldn't get in to see her yet. This is the view from mom's room looking out the window.

2009-04-16T23:33:00.002-07:00

Pictures of the Week

2009-04-16T23:23:00.002-07:00

This is from Easter Sunday when many kids came to visit mom - look at her thru the window.

2009-04-16T21:39:00.001-07:00

Two great nurses from ICU.

Wednesday Update (on Thursday)

2009-04-16T21:18:00.003-07:00

Mom has her phone and charger and if she is not busy she can answer. Howerver, her days can be very busy with nurses coming and pocking and proding all day and becuase of the diuretics she is going peeeeee..... all day often. This can be a 20 min ordeal. So she wont answer during that.

Wednesday nothing new - just monitoring all vitals. Mom had a weird thing with the heart and the nurses came in. They thought it was low potassium. Mom got up and down more and was hopping for a ride in a wheel chair - but there is none to be found for someone with legs as long as hers so far. Her foot was checked and is looking good. Blood preasure remains unstable. We got all the coumadin talks and how to manage her new drugs. The leg doctor has no more issues for keeping her. It is just the heart at this point. So not much just finally getting up and down going potty.

Riley and Rachel played Yatzee with mom and Kally - Mom and kally tied for the tip score only because we each got a Yatzee otherwise Riley would have beat us. Tucker and Hayden really enjoyed visiting with Grandma.

Sorry no update as Kally was busy with the kids and never turned on the computer. Pictures coming in a minute.

Oh by the way - it was cold in Tucson. the kids were freezing at the park and had to come in the hospital.

Tuesday Updates

2009-04-14T17:03:00.003-07:00

Her X-rays on the lungs are still showing a little cloudiness. Still trying to get blood pressure balanced - we haven't found the right cocktail.

Visitors - Jennifer Crotts and old friend from Safford that now lives in Tucson & Lori Thompson from Safford. Those brighten her days.

Last night was a long night. They kept testing and poking and checking all night. Every time the lights would go on bright. We were tired when the sun came up.

Busy morning with specialists checking mom out and getting things straight. Very busy.

Lung doctor said lungs sound good - needs to increase activity.

She will be on blood thinners for a bit.

We asked for a different general MD that we have more confidence in. The one now seems to not be aware of different issues happening.

Still trying to find a good blood pressure meds cocktail. Her blood pressure as always has remained hard to figure out.

We finally got a wound doctor, surgery specialist to come take care of the foot. Just a normal blister and nothing more. He even has suggested that we put oils like olive oil, grape seed oil on and other things on the legs. So we'll go get some. He has given the all clear to get up and around and start walk (we already did with PT - mix up in communication). Mom is very happy this means no bed pans!!! This doctor is good and will work with on vitamins and diet and other things and has some knowledge of natural health care. He will monitor her after the hospital and balance the coumadin. she can be tested in Safford and he cares for her in Tucson.

PT came and moved her and it was harder than she thought it would be - but easier than every one else thought that it would be.

Kristi went to the store and bought mom and nice pink robe and more junk food candy treats. She claims she is playing good cop / bad cop. Well I guess that makes Kally (me) the bad cop. What ever. Just remember it was my suggestion for the lemon pie.

Chelsey came back over with Nikki to help watch kids and she brought her 3 and Riley and Rachel. Should be entertaining. They could come and see mom. So no limit on visitors now - just can't get tired out.

I'm so excited: many of the care providers have a knowledge of natural products. They are giving her wonderful ideas for life style changes. They have her on pro-biotics.

So if anyone wants to edit my bad grammar and spelling - go ahead. I'm just hurrying to get something out. I think I got all the details.

We'll get some pictures posted later tonight.

Trip to Tucson

2009-04-14T15:00:00.002-07:00

Cami and me at the hospital park.

Jay and Mom

Kids sitting on the fence to see into Grandma's room.

Great Angiogram result

2009-04-14T01:28:00.003-07:00

We are so excited. Not only are the test results fantastic - but mom did great with the test. She is getting better and doing great.

She does NOT have coronary heart disease. She only had 1 blockage of a vein that was only 40% blocked.
The heart muscle is a little week. Nothing else was said about that. No stiffening of the arteries and veins.

So things are looking good. Again this is a problem that has been building for many years. Also a problem that mom tried to get help with early on and never got.

Overall many things have been ruled out – no cholesterol either. Her kidneys are in good shape also.

I'm trying to remember all the things the nurse said.
-the heparin (blood thinner) does not dissolve blood clots as we all thought. It just keeps the blood moving around the clots.
-The clots have been there a long time, they are fibrous and well organized. This has definitely contributed to high blood pressure.

Going forward - no Plavix as there were no stints. Yeah one less medication.
The cure of continued lifestyle changes are strongly encouraged. Walking is strongly encouraged and a good fix for the heart. Eating correctly. Also getting a good nights sleep.

The RN also said that Coumadin may possibly be given for 6 months to a year if that. The kidneys secret a chemical that dissolve blood clots. So the Coumadin would help manage until the kidneys could do their job.

It is just nice to know that everything mom has done has helped her. so there are no other problems to complicate the matter. I would expect at this point a pretty quick recovery and then getting back in shape.

If Kristi or mom thinks of something else I've forgotten -we'll add it later. It is late and the bells and dings on the equipment keep going off and I'm and down trying to get it all figured out. Also mom is having a harder time getting comfortable. the bed isn't as nice as the one in ICU. She is finally dosing off. Kristi headed back to the hotel to sleep.

Monday the 13th

2009-04-13T18:13:00.003-07:00

One of MOm's nurses watching her smoke her peace pipe (her breathing treatments - to keep the bronchial tubes open).

Keven and Chelsey in Mom's room at ICU

This is mom's favorite nurse, Suzette - she is wonderful!

Mom is doing great. Still can't get out of bed on her own. When you are in bed for several days walking is a slow process. She moved today out of ICU down to a regular room. She has been able to leave ICU for a few days but there was not bed. In the process she didn't get PT today. She is scheduled for angiogram on the heart very soon possibly tonight.

Mom is happy and hopeful and feels that she can get better. Lori came today and they laughed and had a good time. Mom rested peacefully the rest of the afternoon.

Easter Sunday - morning

2009-04-12T12:35:00.002-07:00

We it is really quiet around here and I guess that is a good thing. Mom is resting well and doing great. Tucker and Hayden were so excited to come and see mom thru the window..

Mom got to enjoy a nice meal. Then wanted to wake up to before midnight to eat again as she couldn't eat before the MRI that was now scheduled for 1:30 in the afternoon. Of course her sugar levels were a bit high after her diet of Lemon pie, frozen yogurt, cookies, jell-o, and much more. But, they realized the food and no more finger blood tests as her sugar remains stable.

She slept soundly until 4:30 am when she had her bath.

They surprised us this morning with telling us in 1 hour they would be doing the MRI to check out more details on the pituitary tumor. Well the anesthesiologist said no way – she is not stable enough with the heart condition. The general critical care doctor is the one that ordered the MRI now. The neurologist said the growth is not critical – it has been there a long time and she should have the MRI after she is stable (heart under control). So after a little discussion this morning it was decided they are not going to look at mom’s pituitary tumor until 6 weeks after she has the heart cath. So that will be down the road. But, all the hormone testing that they did to see what the growth was affecting are all normal including giantism. Yes – they actually thought the growth around the pituitary could be causing more growth hormone because she is so big – ha ha. We said you need to see the rest of the family. This doctor has an accent and sounds like he is from a Slavic country - but he is from Mexico; we were surprised. He said his dad is from France and his grand parents from other parts of Europe.

So here is the latest:
-Heart condition, heart should be pumping 60% blood out and is only pumping 35% out - still the same and no news on this.
-High Blood pressure
-Lungs are better
-blood clots in legs
-Edema (but now the diuretics have worked and there is very little)

-Cholesterol is perfect
-Blood sugar is perfect (no diabetes)
-Hormones are where they should be
-Everything else works great

She is on high blood pressure meds; blood thinners; diuretics; anti-biotics; lung medicine; and others.

Mom's legs look fantastic. Chelsey brought a curling iron and make up to get her all dressed up for Jay's and Dustin's.
Sometime this week she will have the heart cath. We don’t know when and we don’t know when we are getting out. Hope you are all having a happy Easter.

"I've Got Sunshine on a Rainy Day..." April 11th 7:00 pm

2009-04-11T18:40:00.008-07:00

These 3 people escorted mom to the MRI - they are so funny. The guy on the left if a riot - his name is Patrick. He is a technician and comes in frequently checking mom's blood sugar levels - they are always great! They are great even after a meal of sugar. He tells jokes and stories. Kristi thinks he looks familiar and he thinks she looks familiar. No one can figure out where they might have scene each other. He sings to everyone in the ICU ward. Often he beats away at his belly and sings. You can hear him whistle Christmas tunes. The nurse says where ever she is in the hospital and she can hear beating - she knows that Patrick is around. He has made the stay very entertaining and makes mom laugh. The other guy - was the transportation specialist. Not just anyone can move you - you have to have a bed mover. He came like an airplane steward with hand movements saying, "Keep your hands and feet inside the vehicle at all times. No bathroom, no snacks, we are a low fare airline." Then he raised the bed all the way up - she thought she was going to hit the roof. They walked her over to Radiology for her MRI singing all the way. They even tried a country western song and some Kenny Rogers.... 'Lady'.

The MRI was to get a better picture of the growth around the pituitary gland. She has to have the MRI done before the angiogram in case they have to put a stint in. Once a stint is in you can't have an MRI for 6 weeks. Because of her claustrophobia we are cautious. They did a conscious sedation which means that she can still be woken up. They gave her something to squeeze in case she couldn't take it and woke up. Well mom didn't bail out - BUT the nurse practitioner pulled her out because her vitals started not looking so good from laying down flat. So we are now rescheduled for Sunday (Easter) at 1:30.

You have to be fasting when you do an MRI so after a week of feeding on a tube she has been hungry. Last night was not that filling. This morning she only got a tiny bit of applesauce and jello. She was hungry.

Kally saw a Lemon Meringue Pie at the cafeteria and thought mom would sure love that when she could eat food again - in several days. Well Kally was sitting in the Lobby talking to Aunt Debbie and down the hall comes Kristi carrying a lemon meringue pie. I (Kally) said, "There is no way you are taking that pie down to mom's room and eating that in front of her." Kristi tried hiding it and finally told me that they actually gave mom permission to eat it as a reward for doing the MRI. She ate it and enjoyed it greatly!

"Oh....it tasted so good."

After the pie they brought in her meal - her first mostly solid meal of: ground meat something (she thought is smelled and tasted like dog food), mashed potatoes, peas, roll, and 2 cookies.

Well that is it for now. We'll update some more tomorrow unless Kally has nothing better to do tonight.

Evening report April 10, 2009

2009-04-11T12:52:00.000-07:00

No cardiologist today yet... ? No vein doctor either.

We've been visiting now with the nurse just before shift change and here is what we know so far.

No angiogram (cath) today that will not happen before Monday. There is no other diagnostic for her heart that they can do/will do at this time. So we know nothing more. In all probability a clot or something is blocking the left side of the heart - not confirmed - just most likely.

No results of hormone testing for 3 to 4 days.

She is off the ventilator.

Talking is difficult but she tries.

She is enjoying her clear liquid meal (I don't know about clear as there is red, brown, orange, etc.) The jello went down easy. The broth is nasty. And she isn't diabetic but hospital food cand seriously shoot your sugar levels up. Her meal is : beef broth (need French Dip sandwich), orange jello (yum yum), iced tea - yuck (we gave that away), cranberry juice, and a sprite (we gave that away too!!)

We will work on eating again, sitting, moving, and getting stronger.

Okay - the cardiologist just cam and just said the same thing that the nurse just explained. Weak heart most likely a blockage on the left side. Said they will do an angiogram and MRI sometime between now and Monday or Tuesday, just has to be ordered and scheduled. That is a waiting game, she said they will come in and do it that day or the next. Said they have to coordinate with all specialists.

Well, think that's it. Very windy in the Old Pueblo.

Good night and sweet dreams.

The last few lines were written by Kevin Johnson who still has his faculties.

Midday report on April 10, 2009

2009-04-11T12:36:00.001-07:00

WAHOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!! Mom is off the ventilator!!!!! Okay now an update for the last couple of hours.

At 11:30am a pulmonologist came in and ordered another blood test for hormones. The respiratory therapist came in and he lowered the amount of breaths that the ventilator was making her take. And then after she breathed a few times on her own he turned it completely off to see if she can do it on her own. They turned off all the sedation at this time. It was too hard for her at that time to breathe on her own and she started to worry because of it so they turned it back on but only with 7 breaths instead of 14. She was too sedated still to really get some good breaths on her own. It needed to wear off. She then was breathing anywhere from 5 to 8 breaths on her own. So she did really good staying calm while the tube was still in the throat. Can't imagine what it must feel like to have that tube in there. They let her breathe like this for awhile and get used to it. Then at 1 pm they came in and turned the ventilator completely off so that she could try and breathe again on her own. She did really good with this! She asked Kevin to give her a blessing right after this to help her remain calm. She was told that the Lord's spirit was with her. She asked him to do this by pointing to him and putting her hand on her head. At 2:00 she got thru an hour on her own with Kally and Kristi helping to keep her calm and focused. Now all she needed to do was pass a test - gas levels and pH. At 2:30 they came in to report she passed and got everything ready and were able to pull the tube out. As soon as the tube came out she wanted to start talking and began trying. She said she was anxious to talk because she hasn't been able to for so long. Her voice is really hourse and she can only talk real soft. While she was breathing on her own with the tube in Kally did lifelines on her and she feels like mom released a lot. At 2:45 pm they came in and did a breathing treatment to keep the swelling down.

She has been asking questions about what happened and what has been happening so we have been filling her in.

We haven't been told a game plan as to what happens next, how long she has to be in ICU or when and if they will do an angiogram.

Her favorite flowers is tulips, she can't have any now but once she is out of ICU then she can.

Kally, Kristi, Chelsey and of course Richard and Kevin

The morning report on April 10, 2009

2009-04-11T12:07:00.000-07:00

I (Kally) have a computer with email and we will send out an email every time there is something to report - one to keep the story straight and two to remember ourselves and that way everyone has access to the information. Please call to confirm you got this email so we can make sure wer have your correct information. Aunt Debbie I have not got an email from you with your siblings adresses so forward this along. If interested - we will send another email with a picture of mom and the helicopter so you're not missing out.

There wasn't a lot of good solid information yesterday. Many doctors are looking at her condition. She never wanted to go to doctors and now has many. The hospital and staff are excellent and she is in good hands. Her first communication this morning (she talks by pointing to letters on a paper to spell as she has a ventilator in her throat and can't speak) anyway, she said 'bath good'. Her nurse gave her a sponge bath last night and we put Lavender essential oil in the rub down and she got a nice 'spa' rub down and must have really enjoyed it. A big male nurse came and helped to adjust her and make her comfortable and she was happy. She is of course on some sedation to keep her calm and relaxed.

She is resting well.

The last 24 hours has been one of observation and not a lot of reporting - sorry that is the way it is.

As all of you know - she has been dealing with some issues for a while. She has been praying to know if she needed medical attention. We had been encouraging her to get some advice. She had some chest pain on Wednesday evening and numbness in her mouth and after a family prayer SHE felt good about going.

The report today -

There is no sign of a recent heart attack. Although the heart has some damage. They are pretty sure it's from a long time ago. The heart should be pumping out 60% of the blood and is only pumping out about 35% right now. This has been causing fluid to back up around the heart and lungs. Of course her swelling in the feet and legs is part of the story as well. When she is more stable they will do an angiogram looking for blockages. So far some of the things they have looked for are good.

At the hospital in Safford she panicked/severe anxiety with the tests. They sedated her and put her on ventilation. When she got to Tucson they stabilized her and have kept her on ventilation to help with some fluid in the lungs. No infection is present. She has been doing good in taking care of herself as there is no infection anywhere in the body and her white blood cell count is excellent (I think they are a bit surprised by this). Last night the Doctors had her oxygen input at 80%. They are starting to wean her off the oxygen, and is now down to 30% and is doing great. They should start to wean her off the ventilator as she is doing good.

She does have a blood clot in each leg. She is on high doses of blood thinners to break them up.

She is on lasix to get the water off her feet and legs.

Her heart and lungs is however the main concern right now and there is much improvement in her blood work and stats. Sodium and potassium are being monitored and balanced. Sugar levels are good. She wasn't diabetic (also I think that surprised them). But she may have issues with it in the future because of the medication.

They did find a small tumor on her pituitary. The neurologist came in this morning briefly and siad it has been there a very long time. Didn't seem to think it was a big deal but will watch it because of the blood thinners. Simple surgery would remove it but it is not necessary at this time. They are checking the endocrine system to follow up on that. There is no relation to the heart with this but it is another thing. He believes it is benign.

Talked with a student doctor that is assisting and she said definitely that extreme snoring would really contribute to her condition. They said she should follow up with a sleep study and get her sleeping better for after care. This causes high blood pressure and Congestive Heart Failure, and the lack of a good night sleep is not good.

She had a chest X-ray this morning - no report.

No cardiologist yet.

Mom is in good spirits. She is relaxed. As I said she has great people doing an amazing job for her. They even have her on pro-biotics (Kally is happy about that). She has been doing great lately at taking care of herself with better eating and supplements and as a result this has helped her right now and made her stronger and more balanced.

She will all of the sudden want her alphabet paper and will point out someone's name to ask how they are. She has also consented to let Chelsey paint her toes. Chelsey brought red and blue.

Mom wants the red polish. But she won't let us put in little pony tails YET! She also want to know when she can have Steak and potatoes wiiiiith lots of butter and sour cream!

We love you all. We are taking turns sleeping so that someone is here with her every minute supporting her. She is still in the ICU.

Love, Kally - Kristi - Chelsey

Friday Night, Saturday Morning April 10 - 11, 2009

2009-04-11T09:53:00.001-07:00

Last night the cardiologist decided to get the MRI done Friday night if she can handle just using a sleeping pill so she will sleep through it. This made mom very nervous just thinking about having to lay down flat and go in a tube. If she gets the MRI done then she can have the angiogram done. She has to have the MRI done first. (Not because this is more urgent, but because if they put a stint in with the angiogram – she can’t have an MRI for 6 weeks. So they need to do this first.) So Mom was wanting to try the sleeping pill to get the MRI done. The respiratory therapist came in and wanted her to try and use a nose mask to help with her sleep apnea. Just thinking about that as well made her blood pressure go up. So we decided not to try it. They wanted to try the sleep pill to see if it would work. She was given the sleeping pill at 9:30 pm thinking that it would put her pretty out within 30 min. It didn't put her out until 10:30 - 11:00 pm so it is a good thing that they didn't even try and do the MRI last night. Her nurse from the last two nights that we love was on the floor but she wasn't over Mom. She came in and wanted to see Mom just as she fell asleep. But as soon as Suzette (mom’s nurse from before and also the one that gives great baths) came in Mom's eyes popped open and was glad to see her. It was a really good thing that we decided not to do the MRI last night she would have been too awake to do it. The cardiologist came in around 11:30 and said that he will do the angiogram either Sunday or Monday. He will be off till Monday if she wanted to wait until he could it on Monday. He said that there really wasn't a hurry. They just had to wait to do the angiogram until after the MRI because if they needed to put a stint in she couldn't get a MRI for a few weeks. She was able sleep pretty good but after she had been asleep for a few hours her blood pressure did start to go up do to the sleep apnea. She has been prescribed to do a sleep study when this is all said and done.

Nurses

2009-04-10T17:08:00.000-07:00

The day nurses, the one in purple is the RN the other is training.

Painting of the toes

2009-04-10T17:04:00.000-07:00

At TMC in the ICU

2009-04-10T16:59:00.000-07:00

Leaving for TMC

2009-04-10T13:00:00.000-07:00