All about Bob... 2 steps forward, 1 step back

It is never ending for us right now.... I visited brother Bob after work today and when I went in the hospital I stopped at the lobby desk to find out what room he was in, since they had told me he was moving to a floor room today, only to find out he was still in CCU. DAMN! When I went up to his room I saw he was sleeping so I went to the nurses’ station to see why he wasn’t moved out of CCU today. Ruby was his nurse today and she let me know she didn’t move him for two reasons. One, his blood pressure was getting too low again and they needed to put him back on one of the medications to bring it back up and two he has developed an HAI (Hospital Acquired Infection). DOUBLE DAMN! So it turns out this infection is contagious, to a certain extent anyway, and to visit with him you must wear a mask, gloves and, if you will be in physical contact, a gown to protect yourself. WHATever! Of course he is getting antibiotics to treat the infection and, as per normal at this point, it is hour by hour, day by day. He is back on the pain meds and loopy/confused again, falling asleep off and on while I was there. Anyway here are some articles on the specific infection pathogen he has: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acinetobacter http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acinetobacter_baumannii http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dhqp/ar_acinetobacter.html I also had a good conversation on the phone with a Palliative Care Nurse, Michelle, today that our PCP, Dr. Jiffry, had contact me. Never heard of this practice before but I already know she will be a blessing for Bob and us. Here are a couple of links on palliative care: http://www.getpalliativecare.org/ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hospice When I, Bob, and hopefully, nephew Rob, Mom, brother Walter and Darrell have a meeting in the next days with the palliative team we will have a much better idea of what to expect and what help we can obtain at this traumatic time to make sure Bob is well taken care of and comfortable. Please keep Bob in your thoughts and prayers as he struggles to recover from this health crisis. Love you all,

Steve

Steve I am so sorry!!! For you, your brother, your family!!! I cannot even imagine the roller coaster you are on. Also as a nurse I want to go give an infection control lecture to the CCU idiots, OK maybe knock them around a little!! All I can do is send you and your family all the good thoughts, vibes, ect I can. I know meeting with the palliative care person will be very helpful. Make sure you eat and take care of yourself, I know it is hard to do in times of stress, but you need to remember you too!!  

Oh, Man! so sorry to hear about this newest problem, Steve... being in a hospital is a risk in itself... shoot...

palliative care and hospice care is available for people who have been diagnosed with 6 months or less as their predicted life span, as we understood it when my dad became ill...

my friend who is a hospice nurse told me that people choose hospice too late, typically living an average of 22 days once put on hospice. When in fact, she says, hospice can be entered into and out of, as the patient's condition changes/improves. That is how I understood it.

Anyway, it's a lot on your plate and your family's plate right now, for sure... may God guide you as you make choices... Bob is in God's hands, as we all are.

love and prayers...

Lori

Dear Steve, I'm sending you my love and good wishes and above all, prayers for Bob's strength and healing, wisdom for the physicians and care givers and for you and your family.  This is such a tough part of life to deal with, so  I'm glad we can all be here for you.   xo  Kim

Steve, My heart goes out to you and your family.  I pray that your Brother gets well and is on the way to a healing recovery.  Poor thing has been through a lot.   Take care of yourself Steve, and I know that I can speak for everyone on OH that we are sending you the bestest of wishes and all of our love. Thanks so much for keeping us well informed. Jeni    

Steve,  I am so sorry to hear about your brother!  My lil man and I will say an extra special prayer for Bob and your family tonight.                   Your brother is very lucky to have you by his side!   Lola

Steve, All of my prayers are with you and your family right now. I hope things start to improve with your brother. Like Nikki said...make sure to take care of you too!!! Just know that we are all thinking about you!!

((((((((((((((((STEVE))))))))))))))))) will be keeping Bob, you and all of your family in my prayers.  I know this is very rough on the family and especially Bob...I really have no words other than to stay positive and my heart goes out to all of you! I am hoping your brothers team will have the right answers and get your brother healthy as can be! Much love to all of you  

Steve, I too, echo everyone else. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Sue

Steve - the very best from me to you and your family also.  There are no words that can comfort enough - just know you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Chris