Update from the Kwieks

Hello from UW-we are still here-Eddie is progressing, but very slowly.  Right after the surgery he went into post sursugical delirium, because his system can't void the narcotics-no kidney-he was so sick they thought he had a stroke and we really were scared he was checking out, but he battled back.  He has been dialized 3 times, it is draining, he still can't walk or stand alone, so until that happens he stays here.  He also developed a deep tissue wound on his heel (the foot we just got healed!!) from the pressure of the footboard and sheets while he was unconscious.  The skin is intact, Thank God, but no weight can be put on the foot now.  I don't know how I will get him in the house!  Then let's talk about getting him to dialysis 3 times a week-that was supposed to arranged before the surgery and it wasn't.  So after Eddie is sitting up here with NO kidney, they come and tell me that none of the dialysis centers down here will take him because of his tracheotomy.  You think they shoud have thought about this BEFORE SURGERY not after?  It's been fun.  Like root canal with a butterknife and no novacaine! Today we had Physical therapy, wound care, discharge planning and the transplant Dr. all in the room yelling at each other as to who was to blame for what today.  We hope tomorrow  we will be able to head home-we will see if everyone can agree on that.  Hope all is well in your worlds-Huge Hugs-Janet

Hi Janet.

My thoughts and prayers are with you and Eddie. I pray that you have the strength to help Eddie through this most trying time of his life. Yes, sometimes you wonder why they didn't take the dialysis necessary into consideration.

Remember through all of this, you do need to take care of yourself and you have many friends here on the IL Board for support!

Hope your travel home is safe for both of you. Keep in touch when you can.

God Bless! Hugs and Love,

Lucy  

Good to hear from you and thanks for the update.

Janet, Hugs to you and Eddie. You deserve them. Hoping your trip home will be fast and ccomfortable for both of you. See if they can set you up with a home dialysis machine.

Just remember, you and him are in charge. Don't let them discharge him if no plans are in place.

Lisa

Dear, dear Janet:

I am thinking of you every day and hoping that things get bearable.  We always call the doctors at UW "six-packs" because they seem to rove in packs.  I hope and pray that they get their act together so that you can come home.

LOVE you!

Hello

I'm glad to hear that Eddie is on his way to mending.  Sorry to hear that the doctors don't seem to have their act together.  I hope everything works out for your safe trip home. 

Hi Janet,

Thinking and sending up prayers for you both.  Hoping everything gets straightened out.  Before they "decide" what you should do about dialysis, as Lisa says, see about a home unit or at least be sure they have a plan to get him there....since it seems it would be extremely difficult for you to do it by yourself.

I had a friend who had to have dialysis, and he had a shunt put in so that he could have dialysis overnight and stay home.  Wonder if that is a possibility? 

Take care.

Georgie

 Hi Janet

I am glad things are progressing but sorry to hear about all the challenges that are ahead.  I do hope you are working with the hospital's social worker and that they do not release Eddie until a firm plan is in place.

Do not be afraid to let them know you cant take him to dialysis!  Put your foot down and remind them that they are the ones that got him to this point.  Now how are they going to solve the dialysis problem?  

Do you have a hospital or dialysis center that provides transportation?  My local hospital has a transportation service that will take you to medical appointments.  I used them after my knee replacement when I could not drive.  I also refused to leave the hospital until I was able to care for myself.  The social workers are very good at intervening with insurance companies and finding community resources to help you out.  That is their job!  

Hugs to you and hang in there!  It can only get better!