Tax Day

On Tuesday morning, Suzy and I walked into Mom's hospital room thinking we would stay with her long enough to visit with Tina, Bill and Pattie, then go mail Mom's tax forms. We discovered upon arrival that she had been put back on a clear liquid diet. We asked why, and the nursing staff didn't know; just that the doctor who had seen her before we arrived had ordered it. When we pressed for the reason, the nurse contacted the doctor. Turns out that the doctor felt she might be confused and unable to swallow safely. She was immediately returned to her unrestricted diet.

Throughout the day, as Suzy asked questions regarding Mom's treatment, she was met with defensiveness from the nursing staff. Mom was given a rectal catheter on Monday night per doctor's orders (we were in agreement to this) in order to prevent another c. diff. rash. She repeatedly lost the catheter. After the third time, a nursing staff from ICU with experience in this area came to reinsert it. The pain of insertion each time was excruciating for Mom, and this time the catheter came out immediately. The nurse then told us that Mom's rectal sphincters were not tone enough to retain it. By this time, Mom had already begun to develop a rash. Now, she had the rash and an irritated colon and rectum to deal with as well. No more rectal catheter.

An infectious disease doctor visited us on Tuesday. He recommended treating future urinary tract infections with a dose of antibiotics and a prophylactic dose of Flagyl. This way, the treatment of the UTI would not trigger the c. diff. infection, and we would avoid the problem of creating a resistant strain through repeated antibiotic dosing. It makes sense to us. But first we need to get rid of the current problem and get her home.

Mom's spirits are good, in spite of it all. Her cancer is still stable, and she is comfortable except for the c. diff. issues. Dr. Paz recommended a yogurt shake twice a day to encourage growth of the good flora in her colon. Suzy has acidophilus at home to maintain them.

Suzy is meeting with Mom's oncologist tonight. Hopefully they will be able to determine when Mom will be able to come home and how we can help prevent future hospital visits. Please pray that our communication with health care workers regarding Mom's care becomes easier and that they will be able to hear us. I'll try to post again tonight.