Surgery Update

And now it is Monday, the last day of February. 

Turtle with its broken shell is a get well card from Kathy to Julie, who remains in the hospital with a headache from an accumulation of CSF.  

Early Saturday morning, it was the desire of the neuro team at the hospital to have her taken over to Denver for surgery, but I pitched that it was not in Julie' best interests to have her transported there, for more than a few good reasons.  Julie concurred.  So she remained in hospital here over the weekend until a different surgeon was back on duty today who might be willing to take on her challenging case.

Twice over the weekend her shunt was tapped and excess CSF fluid removed, lessening the headache.   But nausea and headaches continued.

Now it is time to put on the Full Armour of God and go see what the day brings.  Hopefully, some relief for Julie and a surgery to "fix the problem."  

Her name is in the prayer book at Immaculate Heart of Mary.  If you are a praying person, please remember her in your talks with the Almighty for grace in her time of need.  God bless.

Shunt Revision

IT is Friday and Julie has spent the last twelve hours both in the hospital ER and in a room with a view.  The view is of the parking lot, but a view nonetheless.

The ventricular arterial shunt has been causing Julie problems and she is facing a revision soon after the neurosurgeon on-call finishes up with a surgery.  The Physician Assistant, a pleasant man in his early middle years, finished with his assessment this last hour.  Julie's headache is manageable with Fentanyl and other pain medications.  It would be a stretch to say she is resting comfortably, but she is tolerating this newest ordeal with her usual perseverance.

Her blanket brought with her by ambulance from the manor is at home in the wash.  Gene will bring it later today.  My red pillow and iPad and phone are close at hand.  Julie rests, or feigns rest, and waits.