Angie & Jim

A Slow Dayby Jim

Today was slower and a little better, emotionally, at least.  Angie’s fluid is still about the same, but they’ve increased her diuretic medication, so hopefully that will make some difference.  A few doctors have visited us throughout the day and the plans seem to be about the same.  It appears as though the transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) will not be done on this visit.  If the fluid doesn’t drain naturally, then a chest tube probably will be done on this visit.  Angie isn’t thrilled about that prospect, but it is so critical that her lungs are clear.  The doctors believe that her arrhythmia could be increasing her fluid build-up, which they also believe might have been caused by fluid build-up.  Kind of a downward spiral, you might say.  The doctors have been listening to us very well, and one of them even gave Angie her cell phone number so she can text her and get clarification when things are confusing or sound contradictory.  They really have been very good.  We can tell, however, that sometimes they disagree about the best path forward.  It is understandable given that they also don’t seem to know exactly what the problem is.  Still, this problem is common in patients like Angie, so it isn’t surprising, it just needs to be dealt with.

During this stay, they’ve given Angie a private room.  They have even brought in a cot for me to sleep in.  It is nice to be with her round the clock, and I know it helps her to have me near.  We’re also outside a noisy hallway, so we close the door most of the time, but then the room gets a little lonesome, I think.  I’ve read a lot to Angie to help keep her entertained and distracted.  We’ve finished book one of The Lord of the Rings (the first half of the Fellowship of the Ring, which is divided into two books).  It is an interesting experience reading about the hardships these characters had to endure from the perspective of enduring hardships ourselves.  Somehow, it makes it much more poignant.

Angie’s been a little emotional lately, as our hospital stay lengthens.  It is hard to endure the waiting and the restrictions.  Many of you have asked if there was anything you can do to help, so now I have a task for you.  Phone calls would become overwhelming after a while; it wears her out to talk a lot.  But, an email, or a text, or a facebook message would probably help to brighten her days.  Just keep in mind that she won’t be able to answer, even though she is very grateful for every thought and comment you may send.  Something that might make her laugh would also be great.  Don’t feel obligated, but if you were hoping to help somehow, go ahead and send her a little something over the next day or two (or three or four…).

Thank you all for your love and support.