Clarification

I've been told there was some confusion with my last post: Mick will have a SHUNT put in. I used the term shenting because it was said to me but evidentally it is improper and confused people thinking they were stenting again. SO. for those of you I confused sorry I relayed back what was said to me. ANYHOW, for all who want to know more about this procedure here is a site that I thought explained it well. Complications are also listed but because Mick has the annurysms it makes things more touchy. HOPE THIS HELPS ON QUESTIONS....http://www.lifenph.com/surgery.asp

Decision Made

The five of us went to the Neurosurgeon's today. The girls wanted to hear for themselves what the options were and all the other stuff that has taken place. The Dr. is very adiment(sp?) about trying everything possible before we plunge into the removal. The verdict: we are doing the shunting. There are risks of bleeding and other things that could take place but the risks are much less than taking the jump to remove the annurysms. The plan is shunting ; see if it changes anything within 2-3 weeks THEN we do not have any other options except to remove the annurysms. The shunt will hopefully drain the fluid away from the annurysms. If it works, then in future they can look at trying the coiling/ stenting after another angigram (sp) would take place.
O.k. that's the scoop. I have some relief knowing I/we have at least 3-4 more weeks. Thanks for all the prayers...Keep them coming.
NOW FOR THE LAUGH OF THE DAY!------------------------------------------------------------------------By the way..............it has been brought to my attention that my grammar is not up to "Future Teachers of America's" Standards... That would be Jessica and Stephanie. ;0) So my apologies for anyone out there that it bothers. Just pretend that this is free writing and I do not have to worry about grammar when I am spilling my guts to everyone. That's what I do.... LOLJust in case you are curious.... I received A's in my Comp. classes sooooooooooooo I do know the correct way to write ; I just choose not to on facebook..SO ARE YOU STILL LAUGHING...

In Turmoil

Tuesday came and went but not without bad news. It's been 2 weeks since Mick's last surgery and there has been a long list of different symptoms/issues that have taken place. I faxed that list to the Dr. so they could ponder over it before the Dr.'s appt. that was to be set to discuss Mick's accidents on Friday. I did not hear from anyone by 11am so I called to make sure they received the fax and to see if they had a time yet for Mick to come in. I was told the Dr. was in Surgery and they have been discussing everything and verdict is still out. The Dr. was going to call later or they would call with a time to come in. 2pm rolled around and the Dr. called and we briefly discussed some of the issues. There was no good news. He said he wanted to see Mick today (Wed) to discuss options but before he said that he said the coiling and stenting procedures aren't working and "We are losing a battle". My heart dropped out of my chest. It's Wednesday and we went to see the Dr. today. We were lead right back to a room and within 2 min. the Dr. came in to talk to us... discussed a few things and then left to set up Mick's CT picture so he could show us what is going on. Mick's CT showed that there is spinal fluid backing up/filling in his brain. The annuerysm is causing a blocking the flow from the spinal fluids. After that blow to the stomach we went back to the room to discuss options. Here's the hard part. Coiling and stenting as said the day before is out (at least at this time) now we have to decide what is a "Level of Life" that Mick and the family can tolerate. TOLERATE how can that even be a word for the Living... The Dr. told us really the only options are staying the way he is and pretty much letting things take it's own course, removal of the annuerysms, or what Indianapolis Neurosurgeon suggested was "shenting" . With shenting they would cut an opening into the side of his brain put in a shent and let the fluids drain to his stomach to absorb. RISKS: Letting life happen= pins and needles waiting for the annuersyms burst and increased symptoms, Shenting=possible annuerysms bleeding=stroke or etc. I save the worst for last; Removing the annuerysm=40% or less of survival, possibilitie of vegative state or death is too high and they only want to consider this as a last option unless this is what the family decides. So, I am trying to figure out what is the best answer for him. It's not about the family. We have to decide what's in his best interest and he can't tell us what he wants other than; " I don't want to be like this" which he has always said anytime we discuss situations like this. How do we (family) make a decision that could be so devistating. My heart is breaking and I honestly don't know what to do. The girls and I are going to sit down and discuss everything per Dr.'s orders and then call him on Monday with an answer. At this point only thing we know for sure is he will never work again.( Mick broke down hearing this) We have 3 options and none of them are good. There's no right answer nor is this a win win situation. I'm trying to think of something positive right now but it's so hard because there was nothing postive said today so my positive is for the moment we have him in this state and it's better than the alternative but that's our (my) selfish thinking.So, I for now I will say goodnight and just ask for prayers for the right answer for him.

THANKS TO EVERYONE

THANKING EVERYONE for their support, help, and prayers. I wish I could show how much we greatly appreciate each and everyone of you all... Friends, Family, Community pulling together is the way life should be and you showed that last night... LOVE EACH AND EVERYONE OF YOU!

Exhausted Him and Me...

LONG STORY SHORT'MONDAY;Orthopedic Specialist-Wheel Chair & Walker THURSDAY: Headaches & Both sides of neck swollen like someone put 2 balloons under skin- medication reaction- they don't think so now...but they do not know.FRIDAY: Not 1 but 2 ! FALLS.... 1 at Pats and 1 and our house; ER visit shows nothing to be concerned. Swelling is normal amount due to recent surgery.FRIDAY: Home 10 min. in bed with headache; 5 min. later fell again (minor-up against wall this time) , crazy out of his mind, stressed, heart rate way up, halucinations, love, hate, mean, defiant, working motions with hands like he was on job. Called Dr. and he had no answers other than "let's put him back in hospital -if you want" so we can monitor him and give him MORE meds to try to calm him down...I told him I'm baffled and nothing he said made me feel better about what was going on...(THIS IS THE DR. ON CALL-not-MICK'S NORMAL NEUROSURGEON.)I calmed Mick down by agreeing we would not stay at benefit for long because he was stressing about the benefit. Thought we were good and 20 min. passed and he was up again but this time food was his focus.Beats the heck out of me so we shall see what the morning brings. THANKS FOR READING AND LISTENING ....

Orthopedic Appt.

Today was Mick's appt. an ;X ray and CAT Scan were the same as previous ER X Ray. 2 torn ligaments. He said they were severe tears but with time they will heal.....Solution: Cast boot for about 4 more weeks. He said that Mick could use walker at home. With time he can work his way to not wearing the boot but estimated is that 4 weeks time frame....If it doesn't get better he talked about physical therapy. Physical Therapy was taking place in hospital but was agreed that it would be delayed because of the limit that the insurance allows. Because Mick still has surgeries to take place we all felt that it would be best to hold off. That's the scoop...so now everyone is in the loop. ;0)

Waiting...

Waiting for something positive. Waiting for good news. Mick has some "issues" that they have ran some tests to see if that is why he is having these issues.. Possible infection. I'm just a "Lady in Waiting"... As of Tuesday Mick has been working with a therapist for walking and his left side paralysis. Today a Speech therapist started working with him. The Dr. came in and said reality is do we really want to continue the therapy now or do what we can while still in the hospital or wait until we get further down the line. The issue is "INSURANCE" only allows so much time with patients and he would hate to use it now if it's going to better benefit him later. It's still in debate; more to come tomorrow. Tests came back with no infection. Maybe just irritation. Dr. said thinking he might let Mick go home tomorrow; after some more therapy here at the hospital. That's the scoop... Just a waiting.... Positive: Mick has talked a little bit more than yesterday and is able to at least roll himself to one side (with help)..Positive: NONE of this has stopped him from eating MY LUNCH. ;P)Negative: Speech Therapist said soft foods only because he does choke frequently during eating.NEGATIVE: GOOD BYE GIZZARDS...

News from the Dr.

First I will tell you that Mick has had trouble breathing. Dr. ordered an EKG, blood work and a chest xray...within 5 min. all 3 departments were here. Within the next 15 min. Doc. showed up to talk about results... ALL ARE O.K. he does still have some wheezing; unsure why tests only showed high white blood count but he said that was a normal thing because of the steroids. They also think part of his breathing issues might be anxiety because is oxygen level shows up o.k. Part II asked a lot of questions that didn't get answered because I missed him this morning. So he wanted to talk about what has gone on and the next steps.The reason there was such a big pocket at the bottom of the large annursym is due to the blood flow pushing the coils further and further into the annurysm. When they 1st did this there was only a little area but unfort. it became an issue. In 4 weeks they will be trying to stent again. He stated that it looks as if the vessel of the large and the small annurysm are connected and that could very well pose a problem. PROBLEMS.... If the coiling has the same issue again they have to look at other alternatives. There is two alternatives. 1st having someone else try to do the procedure and the only other option is to REMOVE the Annurysms. The other issue that could take place is that they get the stent in but because the annurysm shares the vessel they are afraid that the blood flow will pass by the large annurysm as planned but could cause the small annurysm to fill up more.POSITIVE: He said likely hood of the LARGE annurysm to burst is lessened. Should not be a problem.NEGATIVE: The chance of the small one bursting is higher and if it does than we are looking at death, comotose, vegetative and other things that could take place.He is staying longer for rest and so they can keep an eye on him.Doc said once again that we are back where we started from and basically we are at trial and error; because we really don't have many options. He did state that it is likely that Mick will back in a few years having to repeat these procedures of coiling because of the blood flow pushing up into the coilings.For all of you who are reading this I know with the comment above you are prob. saying trial and error my foot. But, I want you to realize this is it. It wasn't not just this Dr.'s decision to do this. 4 other States and about 10 other doctors all agreed this was the only option besides removal. He asked Mick if he wanted to continue this path or (as he hesitated when he stated) removing it. Mick and I trust this Dr. with (Mick's life-literally) He has been straightforward with us from the beginning and he wants what is best for Mick and I (we) have had too many conversations with him or staff members to know where his train of thought is.Last but not least (SOME LAUGHTER) Dr. told Mick when this is over he knows that they will be friends and continue a relationship. I told him he might be his friend but he probably won't share his GIZZARDS. Mick said probably not. Dr. said that would be alright too because he doesn't think he can tolerate gizzards.There it is ... a lot to consume...so until next time...ttfn

2 Steps forward & 3 Steps back....

Mick had his surgery today. Was suppose to have a stent put in that crossed the large annurysm and the small annurysm. DIDN'T HAPPEN... Nope it wasn't the Nutty Butty Bars.... After a little over 3.5 hrs. of surgery Dr. came out and showed us what he did but was dissappointed. They could not do the stent. The pocket that was left open from the large annurysm (the bottom section that wasn't coiled before) had filled with blood and going at a fast rate this time. The blood flow is going at a pace where the small annurysm is now grown more than before..... He said every time they tried to stent the blood flow would pull the stent out. They had to go in and RE-COIL the large annurysm. They did not pull the coil from before out; they added to it to make the annurysm have no pocket. He said we are starting back to square one and that he was sorry or something to that fact. At that time he said he would keep Mick for a couple of days. However when recovery called and said Mick was in NICU we passed the Dr. headed to check on Mick and he said Mick would be here until Thurs. or Friday. Unsure of what the difference but it's one more question I have for him when he comes around for his rounds in the morning. Mick has been wheezing, both feet are now swollen and the assumption is the right one was injured on his last fall (Tuesday) so, I do not know what the thinking is, maybe it's for precaution because of the increase of the little annurysm. As soon as I know AND I have all the facts straight I will let everyone know.

My apologies to a friend...

Don I am so sorry: I forgot to send you the information about the Fundraiser. It's Sat. May23rd...I think it starts at 5-7pm .. Dinner then Dance,Auction & Raffle, I forgot....they are also doing a washer tournament at 2 or 3pm. I've been told they don't want my help with anything so I'm somewhat out of the loop... ;0) So, this is what I know... Hope to see you but if not I'm sure we will gab later on.

And it... BEGINS

Straight from Mick...I'm fine but no one will give me something to eat or something to drink... Dr. just came in and talked about what will take place during surgery; he asked Mick if he had any questions.....YOU GOT IT....; His question was CAN I HAVE SOMETHING TO EAT.... of course Dr. said maybe tonight. No sooner did he leave Mick told me he would like to have some pretzels.I bet he dreams of food. Night before we came to the hospital he woke me up at 1am to tell me "since we are going to Columbia we can get me some gizzards!"... Of course I replied yes Mick now GO TO SLEEP. lol Now, If I was a betting person...OH WAIT...I am... I would bet you the 1st thing he says after surgery is CAN I HAVE GIZZARDS... I swear that boy is going to turn into a gizzard.

In the hospital

Here we are again. Mick ck'd in hospital at 4pm for Surgery tomorrow. They are giving him meds thru IV. We need special prayers because they too thought he was wheezing and they said that they had to let the Dr. know. They thought maybe at some time may "affixiation" sorry no idea on spelling of that word... anyhow because Mick constantly is choking on food the nurse thought that might be a culprit. So, just say a special prayer that they still do surgery (if it's safe) and what ever the issue is; it will correct itself.

Thursday 5-7 & Friday 5-8

Received call yesterday from Mick's Dr. because of Monday's ER visit with his foot along with his trouble breathing, excessive sleeping and blood pressure being higher than it has been he wanted a CAT scan to be done.So, this morning (Friday) off to get a CAT scan only to find out we also had to go to family physician because Mick has a big knot on his left side of his arm. The Dr. said it prob. took place with his fall this past weekend but he now also has torn a muscle in his upper arm that we didn't know about.Anyhow, CT scan came back with same results as before nothing has changed but nothing worse that he can see. That is good news however he doesn't know why Micks blood pres. and other symptoms have taken place other than maybe getting nervous about going back into hospital. Anyhow, surgery is still planned for Monday BUT he will be going in the hospital Sunday night around 3 or 4pm...So, that is the latest scoop for all who have been curious. Hope it helps with questions.

Step by Step

Original Post: 5-4-09
Here it is almost 10:30 pm. I have been home from the ER since shortly before 10. Rita took care of Mick today since Pat & Ig had Dr. appts. I came home early due to a Migraine... Anyhow I went and picked him up and in the midst of conversation Rita noticed he had bruising and swelling on his left foot. Nope I didn't notice it before because he constantly wears those slippers from Christmas. I contacted the family physician and neurosurgeon because I was told any bruising they needed to know so....off we went to the ER. Almost 5 hrs later we were released with Mick wearing a boot. After having an Xray they do not believe it's broke BUT has 2 torn ligaments. He is to see a Orthopedic Specialist to double ck that there isn't a breakage but also to see if anything else needs to take place with the torn ligaments. Right now the plan is wearing the boot until he sees the Orthopedic specialist. They wanted to get him in next week but of course we all know he is suppose to have Sx so they said the following week would be his appt. Oh... you are all prob. wondering how... Mick fell getting dressed after a shower about 3-4 days ago and didn't tell me he fell. I noticed he was dragging that foot more but I thought it was his paralysis getting worse. Stubborn Man! Anyhow, that is the scoop... ER, 2 Torn Ligaments, Boot, Orthopedic Specialist and according to Mick the most important thing of the evening "ARE WE GETTING GIZZARDS!"... At one point it was taking so long for Dr.'s to come in Mick said it was all my plan... to wait long enough for Church's to be closed and he wouldn't get his gizzards. He then proceeded to tell me how ticked off he would be which I just laughed at him.Got to love the Gizzard Eating Crazy Stubborn Man!