Monday, January 07, 2013

A little excitement...

Early Sunday morning (4 AM) Reid started coughing and couldn't catch his breath.  It went on for about ten minutes.  He told me he was dizzy and couldn't breath.  He could barely talk.  Finally, I asked if I should call 911 and he said yes.

The ambulance arrived in less than five minutes, but by then he was breathing much better.  They put him on oxygen and brought him to the ER. I got dressed and followed a few minutes later.  Fortunately, there aren't many cars on the road then and of course, I made a wrong turn and got lost.  However, I found my way and arrived at the hospital a short time later.

They decided once again that he does not need oxygen at home.  The saturation rate is good.  He only has trouble when he has a coughing fit.  So, after six hours in the ER we left so he could keep his appointment upstairs for the three hour infusion that he needs each day.  He is very fatigued, but he was after the last stem cell transplant too.  It takes a long time for the energy level to get back up again.  I've been using the valet parking at the hospital so that I can get him right in a wheelchair.  He can walk, but everything is pretty spread out at the hospital and he can't do that much walking.  So, we grab a wheelchair at the front door.

Last night went very well.  He didn't have a coughing fit, but he's learned to walk slowly and not jump up fast.  It's when he takes deep breaths that he starts coughing.  I think he also panics a little when he can't catch his breath which causes him to breathe faster and just makes things worse.

Today Troy came to stay with him and I came home.  I will go back down on Thursday and stay until Troy returns on Monday.  And Keith arrives tomorrow.  So, I have reinforcements now!  That is a big relief.  I hadn't been able to leave Reid to go to the grocery store.  Candlewood has a small pantry and I was able to buy a few things there, but before I left for home I went grocery shopping so Reid and Troy would have plenty to eat.  The little kitchenette only has a microwave and a two burner stove top, but it's sufficient and I loaded up on TV dinners and assorted junk food that I thought might appeal to Reid. He is able to eat now and hold things down, but he doesn't have a big appetite.

We were teasing Troy about this being his big test.  When Reid was little we went out one day and left him with Keith and Troy.  They were in high school at the time and got busy playing a video game.  Reid had gone roller skating with a friend, but fell and broke his arm.  He told us later that he heard it break.  Anyway, he came home and told his brothers that he had broken his arm.  It was a clean break and not visible, and they didn't believe him.  In fact, they told him to quit crying and to leave them alone.  So, he got some ice from the freezer and put it on his arm.  When we arrived home he told us that he had broken his arm and "Keith and Troy don't even care."  It's one of those family stories that we like to retell from time to time.  Reid and I are confident that Troy will do a much better job this time.

I better get back to vacuuming.  I'm trying to get the house in order before Keith arrives tomorrow.  I wasn't getting much done at all in the evenings when I got home from the hospital and the place is a mess.  I'm also looking forward to sleeping in my own bed.  If the cats allow I'll sleep a little later.

9 comments:

  1. I think you should be called St. Betty = and I mean that seriously and sweetly. You have about the heaviest plate around. I want you to know at night I pray. I wish I could do more. I do thank God and am grateful for your two boys. And I know you miss Jim. Hugs. I understand that cough Reid has a little bit as I have one - it does get scary and tiring sometimes.

    Sandie

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  2. Funny story about his brothers watching him when he was younger! lol I think that was a boy thing. I think that if my daughter was watching her younger brother and he got hurt she would call an ambulance to come get him. We've only recently left them alone for a little over 2 hours. She was texting my husband a lot with updates on what they were doing! lol

    I'm so glad that your boys are coming to help. Something like that effects the entire family unfortunately but it does help the ones who aren't sick to help. I was honored to help my Granny when she was in the hospital for 3 months before she passed.

    I hope that Reid doesn't have another episode like that again. It makes no sense to me that they won't go ahead and set him up with oxygen. Maybe it's because you are in a hotel and they are scared someone might smoke? I don't know.

    I say kick the animals out of the bedroom and shut your door so they won't wake you up! You deserve to get to sleep in!

    Hugs,
    Angela

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  3. I'm going to ditto Sandie and call you a Saint. From what you type on here, you are handling this very well, although I'm sure the boys are a great help.

    Continued prayers!

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  4. I agree with Angela, it makes a big difference for me, but I know that is one of your desiginated Cat Areas. SO glad to get an update on your motel/hotel situation.

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  5. Betty, I am pleased that you will get some well needed rest yet I am also glad that your are Reid's stability pole!...:)JP

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  6. Glad you get some back up. When I was 8 m&d went to get groceries and left my big ugly brother in charge. He decided we should jump on the bed while they were gone. Well I fell sideways and the trim on the headboard knocked off. I got poked across my stomache with about five nails. He put bandaids on the spots and told me not to tell. Of course m saw the bandaids and we were busted. I had to go get a tetanus shot. But I lived.
    So glad things are looking up.

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  7. Glad you get some back up. When I was 8 m&d went to get groceries and left my big ugly brother in charge. He decided we should jump on the bed while they were gone. Well I fell sideways and the trim on the headboard knocked off. I got poked across my stomache with about five nails. He put bandaids on the spots and told me not to tell. Of course m saw the bandaids and we were busted. I had to go get a tetanus shot. But I lived.
    So glad things are looking up.

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  8. Yes, you are definitely a Saint!!!
    So many things going on in your life and all of them are stressful. You amaze me with your stamina and positive attitude about everything!

    Keeping all of you in my thoughts and prayers for perfect healing...
    Hugs,

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  9. I hope you will get some well deserved rest too! This has been such a process for your family. I hope everything falls into place and Reid comes home and gets stronger and healthier each day! God Bless Try and Keith for being such good brothers!

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