Sunday, November 2, 2008 - Day 19

Day 19 in the ICU

Condition 7:00 pm:

• Dianne has had 3 meals today. The food is pureed and by dinner she was commenting on how she didn't like the taste.
• She has been doing very well with conversation and showing signs that she is clear now on events, days, activities...
• She is also making comments that she is going to be cooperative so that she can get better.
• Dr. Chang (kidney doctor) came in for a few minutes to check out Dianne's swelling. She said that they will continue dialysis tomorrow, see how that goes and then might switch her over to every other day. Dr. Mooney will make that decision.

Condition 11:30 am:

• Dianne is more coherent this morning. The doctors indicate that she may move out of the ICU tomorrow.
• Kidneys have still not started. Dialysis (Lisa & Ann) from 8:00 am to 11:30 am.
  

Longmont United Hospital - Intensive Care Unit (ICU)
RN: Cindy (day) / Gladys (night)

Saturday, November 1, 2008 - Day 18

Day 18 in the ICU

Special Note! Jeff apologizes for missing Katie's Bon Voyage party. We will see you in the spring! Enjoy your winter.

Condition 6:30 pm:

• Dianne ate her first meal tonight! She had turkey, peas, mashed potatoes and gravy, and even ate some pumpkin pie.
  
• Amy informed us that when Dr. Tangel is back on Monday he will most likely move her to the regular part of the hospital. Once she is there she will have 2 sessions of physical therapy a day. She is down to only 2 IV drips and oxygen. Her vital stats have been stable for a couple of days.
• She is talking more but will occasionally say something that is random. These are not happening as often as earlier. We did get her some puzzles to help her with her hand coordination.
• She also stood up by herself for a couple of minutes, and took a few steps. She did have a session of physical therapy today too.
• Kidneys have still not started. Dialysis (Shelly) from 7:00 am to 10:30 am.

Condition 9:00 am:

• Dianne stayed awake most of the night. She has been awake most of the time during the past 2 nights and yesterday. They say this is common after coming off the ventilator.
  
• Her speech is clear, friendly, but doesn't make sense. We're told that this is common after being on high levels of medications.
  

Longmont United Hospital - Intensive Care Unit (ICU)
RN: Amy D (day) / Gladys (night)

Friday, October 31th

Day 17 in the ICU ... Happy Halloween! Some of the nurses and doctors are dressed up. Dianne is entertained by them.

Condition 9:00 pm:

• Dianne stayed awake during the day - actually, even when I dozed off. She would continue talking but would confuse words and phrases. Sometimes she would know answers to questions, but later could not answer the question.
• She says that she has had dreams and confuses what has happened in the dreams with what is actually occurring.
  

Condition 12:00 noon:

• Dianne is quite talkative, but not making sense. This is common until the drugs clear from her system. She has not spoken to us for 14 days.
• She keeps saying things like - "Promise me ..." -and- "I need you to ..." -and- "I think it's important to ..." -and- "I need to make a list ...". What follows usually doesn't make sense. She said that she is a neat freak and wants the room cleaned. I know that many of you are chuckling at this remark.
• Kidneys are still not functioning. Dialysis (Al) was done from 7:00 am to 10:30 am.

Longmont United Hospital - Intensive Care Unit (ICU)
RN: Amy D (day) / Gladys (night)