I debated on whether or not to link up to the linky tool today. I don’t really have anything to report for ROW80 except for one thing…the authors in this community have really rallied together to help me in so many ways. Even when you all just stop by with prayers, thoughts, or virtual hugs, it means a great deal to me. The support in this community is phenomenal, and I am so grateful to every one of you. I’m also so very grateful for the increased book sales and the contributions you have made to the fundraiser Kait has set up for my family. I had no idea she was going to do that, and I still don’t have words to express how I feel about that. It’s kind of embarrassing to NEED help, but I know I shouldn’t feel that way. I’ve always enjoyed giving to fundraisers when I could, but I never thought I would be a recipient. Kait has a heart of gold, and so do those of you who have helped. And Anya is still talking about all this on Facebook, trying to help me with book sales.
So here’s a report for those of you who are wondering how hubby is doing. First of all, I’ve realized he was more seriously ill than I really knew. I knew it was bad, but just not how bad. The clot in his lung could have caused so many problems. Most of you know my best friend died of this same thing, but apparently she didn’t die the way I thought, now that I know more about it. I thought the clot left the lung and went to her heart. That’s not the way it works. From what I’ve read, the clots that go to the heart and brain are from the arteries. The ones that travel to the lungs (and these are more common) come from the veins (mostly in the legs). Clots in the lungs cause lack of oxygen, and that can affect many other parts of your body. Many people go into shock from clots in the lungs. The reason hubby was in ICU for so long was because his oxygen level wasn’t coming up enough. When they were able to turn his oxygen down a bit, he was put into a regular room. But his blood still isn’t thin enough to go home. I don’t know when he’s going to get out of the hospital.
So, I’m working some every day now, although not the whole day. I’m going back and forth from work and the hospital. My husband will be out of work 2-4 months, and he is the major source of income. The medical bills will be pretty big because insurance doesn’t pay it all. So the fundraiser Kait set up is going to help a lot. I’m so, so grateful.
I just want to say a word about the hospital. I live in a fairly small city. The hospital here doesn’t have the best reputation, and most people go to one of the two larger hospitals about 40 miles away. I had a friend upset me yesterday because she begged me to get a second opinion. But I can say that my husband had been treated with the utmost care at this facility. Everyone has been professional, but also very, very kind. The doctors are great, the nurses are awesome. There’s always a smile on everyone’s face. And I’ve been reading a lot about his situation, and the research I’ve done shows that the hospital is doing everything they are supposed to do in this situation. I don’t know why people always talk about the negative things and rarely talk about the positive things. This world would be a much better place if people would just be nice to each other and do the best job they can do, no matter what it is.
I didn’t mean to get so long-winded. But I guess I’ve just needed to let some words out. Because, you know, that’s what writers do. 🙂
lauralynnelliott.com 
Love you! Of course we will help you any way we can! 😉
Love you, too. And thank you.
The world would be a much better place if we all tried to be more positive – something I need to work on myself.
Take care.
I’m usually a very positive person. But I’ll admit…it’s been a little hard lately.
I had no idea blood clots worked like that. 😦 That’s so scary. Thanks for the update on your husband. I wondered how he was doing.
Kait and Anya have done an awesome job. 😀
It’s nice to hear good things about the hospital. I wish more people wouldn’t be so quick to complain.
I’ve been doing research, Ruth, and that’s what I’m finding. And, yes, Kait and Anya are really helping me.
The hospital has done a good job. The only thing that worries me now is that they’re sending him home too soon. They are talking about tomorrow. Sometimes, it’s because of the insurance companies. They usually dictate what doctors and hospitals can do. At least my mom, my son, and his fiancee are just next door through the woods if I have to go to work. They can keep an eye on him. But I told my husband if he has any concerns about the way he feels, he needs to communicate it to his doctor. They don’t know if he doesn’t tell them.
All the best! Every time I hear about something like this, I’m so glad I “got stuck” in Europe.
Glad to hear the hospital is good and your husband is making progress! *hugs*
Thanks, Ruth. How did you “get stuck” in Europe? 🙂
He’s making progress, but he still has a long way to go. But we’ll get through this.
Junior year abroad turned into a life abroad. 🙂
Good luck to you and your hubbie!
I’m glad to hear your hubby is doing better. And glad to hear that you feel like the hospital is doing a good job.
As a health care worker, yes most times our hands are tied by insurance companies. But if your husbands SATS are in the upper 90’s on room air, he should be fine at home. Most clots disolve on their own, but can helped with an anticoagulant or in severe cases a thrombolytic. The main concern is if he’s getting enough oxygen, or pain relief.
Working in CT I’ve seen a lot of cases of pulmonary emboli. It’s probably the most ordered exam that I do, and whenever I’m called in for it, one of the few exams I don’t complain about being called in for.
Take care and best wishes for the both of you.
I was hoping you would weigh in on this, Chris. They’ve turned his oxygen down to “1”. It was on “6” when he was in the ICU, so that’s improved. He might have to take oxygen home with him, depending on his level when it’s time to leave. He is taking Coumadin and he’ll have to give himself injections of Lovenox twice a day for a week after he goes home (they are giving it to him here now). From what I’ve read about thrombolytics, they can be pretty dangerous, with a higher chance of bleeding out. So I guess that’s why they don’t use it unless absolutely necessary.
Thanks for being a good friend, Chris. 🙂
It’s certainly good to know that your husband is better (those oxygen levels sound much improved). I do understand your concern about him coming home, but part of the reason that people are being sent home early from hospitals these days isn’t just insurance… Hospitals (even good ones) are not exactly restful or healthy places to be.
Your situations sounds a bit similar to one we’re dealing with (albeit on a slightly different scale) with my grandfather. Your husband’s clot has already moved to the lungs; my grandfather’s is still in his heart. The only other difference is my grandfather’s aneurysm (bleeding) doesn’t allow us to use blood thinners on him. But like you, I am very aware of how each day is precious… Grandpa is already back home too–has been for almost two weeks now; he’s feeding himself, getting out and about to socialize with his girlfriend (they’re both in their 90s).
Mom calls it a miracle..
Much love and luck to you and your husband. May the miracle we’ve been having in our family grace you both too.
Thank you so much, Eden. I’m sure he’ll rest better at home. I know I will! He seems much happier.
That’s so sweet that your grandpa has a girlfriend! I hope he does well.
I hope you don’t have to wait much longer to have your husband home. Though you found out the situation was worse than first thought, I’m glad things haven’t gotten worse. You have been strong through this. You are a tough, wonderful lady.
He’s home, Gloria. 🙂
Yay! You must be so happy. I’m glad. 🙂
It’s good to hear that they were able to move your husband to a regular room – that’s always a positive direction, isn’t it? And it sounds like they’re taking good care of him there and that they’re a friendly, optimistic staff to boot. He’s in good hands.
Perhaps your friend was acting out of her own fears – I’m sure she didn’t mean to upset you – but it’s a reminder that when faced with someone else’s troubles, we need to be more empathetic instead of getting lost in our own baggage.
I wish your husband a speedy recovery, and repeat what others have said: We’re all thinking of you.
He got to come home yesterday, Lisa. Yay!
My friend that’s so concerned is actually the sister of my best friend that died from this. So I do understand her concern. But she just made me start worrying about stuff. She’s just scared.
That’s wonderful news, Lauralynn! Hurray!!!
Lauralynn,
My husband was airlifted to the major medical center in our area. One of the first decisions made, once they had tended to the emergency situation (broken ribs, lacerated spleen, collapsed lung, and a hand injury) was to give morphine despite him informing them that he is allergic and would vomit – he did (with 8 broken ribs, no less), so they gave another medication so he wouldn’t….
Throughout his stay, he said he felt as though HE, as a person, wasn’t there, that what was being tended to was a collection of conditions and injuries, and not him.
They were excellent at the emergency care, but I think the personal touch of happy employees counts for a lot, and that might be easier to find at smaller hospitals.
I am so glad he is home, and I hope your high-alert status eases soon, and that you and your husband can get back to the business of loving one another. =)
Oh, man, your husband had some painful injuries. I can’t believe they didn’t pay attention to him about being allergic to morphine. Luckily, neither my husband nor I are allergic to any medications, so that’s never an issue.
That’s terrible about not feeling like a real person. When you’re sick or injured, that’s when you need loving care the most. We even had one male nurse who liked to have prayer with his patients before he went off shift. We were a little surprised, because that seems like something he could have gotten in trouble for, but since we’re praying people, we didn’t mind. It was kind of weird, though. But it also showed that the nurse truly cared for his patients. All the staff members seemed to be happy with their jobs and to care for their patients.
I am glad that you felt so comfortable there, and that your husband was well treated.
We were thrilled to get Jim home, where he most certainly IS a person!
Keeping you both close in my thoughts!
Thoughts and prayers are with you. I heard about your situation from two different sources, so people are caring and thinking about you.
Thank you so much! Everyone’s been so nice, spreading the word and sending good thoughts, even helping in monetary ways. Things are getting so much better now. He seems almost back to normal, doing normal things.