M
Mary
Yes Nancy, thank you for posting an update.
I hope you get some rest, and I hope tomorrow brings Joe more positives than minuses.
I hope you get some rest, and I hope tomorrow brings Joe more positives than minuses.
Joe is in the hospital
- Thread starter Nancy
- Start date
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Christina L
Well-known member
Nancy,
Nancy,
I don't know how I missed this thread!
Joe is in my thoughts and prayers as well as you.
May God give you both the strength to get through Joe's latest health crisis. We will all be waiting anxiously for your next post.
Christina L.
Nancy,
I don't know how I missed this thread!
Joe is in my thoughts and prayers as well as you.
May God give you both the strength to get through Joe's latest health crisis. We will all be waiting anxiously for your next post.
Christina L.
WendyD
Well-known member
Hi Nancy,
We are still saying prayers for Joe and sending positive thoughts and very best wishes for you both.
Ernie & Wendy
We are still saying prayers for Joe and sending positive thoughts and very best wishes for you both.
Ernie & Wendy
C
Curtsmum
That news is so sad, i will say a prayer for Joe. Hope everything works out for the best. x
Debrinha GT
Well-known member
This should be moved...
This should be moved...
Dear Nancy, first of all, I think this thread should now be moved to the HEART TALK section of the forum. Anyway, I'm so sorry for what you and Joe are having to go through again, and I want you to know that you're already in my prayers! He's such a strong man and I'm happy the doctors are taking good care of him, and so are you, I'm sure! Keep us posted whenever possible and remember that VR's working on the chain of prayers so that God will realize how important you and Joe are to our comunity here! Take care of yourself too!
Débora
This should be moved...
Dear Nancy, first of all, I think this thread should now be moved to the HEART TALK section of the forum. Anyway, I'm so sorry for what you and Joe are having to go through again, and I want you to know that you're already in my prayers! He's such a strong man and I'm happy the doctors are taking good care of him, and so are you, I'm sure! Keep us posted whenever possible and remember that VR's working on the chain of prayers so that God will realize how important you and Joe are to our comunity here! Take care of yourself too!
Débora
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PJmomrunner
Well-known member
Marybeth asks a good question: Does Joe get to keep the pacemaker now that there is no infection? That would be good news to not have to go through that procedure. How are his spirits? Hang in there you two! 
Nancy
Well-known member
Regarding the pacemaker--I don't know what will be done about it. I don't believe the docs are exactly sure that it is the smoking gun. They are not even sure that endocarditis is not trying to develop. It is the sort of thing that is a rule in or rule out situation. Although he had a TEE, it wasn't able to visualize all of the valves clearly, and of course, viewing the pacemaker area is a difficult thing. He cannot have an MRI since he has a pacemaker.
I do know that they are not going to rush into any kind of surgery while he is in such fragile condition, and until all the testing is done, and that is ongoing.
Yesterday, they even mentioned a TTE. Joe had one once before a long time ago, and that is a hard procedure when one has mechanical valves.
As far as the infection, he will be on a long term course of antibiotics. He's not out of the woods there either. The infectious disease doc cannot use the antibiotic that they want to use, so I guess they fear it will develop again. It has not been totally eradicated. I'm not sure they have the exact bacteria isolated. I only know that it is gram negative and that it has responded to antibiotics.
I spoke with him this morning and he sounds a little better. The cardizem brought his heart rate down to the 80s. So that's one good thing.
I do know that they are not going to rush into any kind of surgery while he is in such fragile condition, and until all the testing is done, and that is ongoing.
Yesterday, they even mentioned a TTE. Joe had one once before a long time ago, and that is a hard procedure when one has mechanical valves.
As far as the infection, he will be on a long term course of antibiotics. He's not out of the woods there either. The infectious disease doc cannot use the antibiotic that they want to use, so I guess they fear it will develop again. It has not been totally eradicated. I'm not sure they have the exact bacteria isolated. I only know that it is gram negative and that it has responded to antibiotics.
I spoke with him this morning and he sounds a little better. The cardizem brought his heart rate down to the 80s. So that's one good thing.
Hi Nancy-I am so sorry to hear of Joe's problems-you both are in my prayers. My mom is back in the hospital too-seems there is a problem with one of the coronary bypasses she had when she had valve replacement in April-basically it just closed up. Now she has kidney issues too...as you well know it is always something! Am praying for a quick recovery for Joe....
twinmaker
Well-known member
Nancy, I don't know how I missed this thread but just wanted to let you know that I will be praying for both you and Joe. Hope today is a better day and that each day is better and better. We are all here for you all. Linda
You must both be so tired. Thanks for the update Nancy. Hang in there. I think the "rub" he is referring to is a pleural friction rub. I'm glad his heart rate is down. One less thing to battle against.
M
Mb
Dear Nancy:
First, thank you for posting this morning. I think about you and Joe all of the time, since this most recent set back.
This is one of those times when you just wish they could KNOW what the heck is happening.
That is really good news about the heart rate though. I was thinking that perhaps it might be elevated due to dehydration from the side effect of the CIPRO ????? Although I am sure they are goving him fluids via IV.
Do you think he will be in hospital for the entire time he is on the antibiotics? Is your gut feeling telling you he is a bit better? What in the heck is a TTE test? I just cannot seem to recall.
Wishing you again, the best for today. Please, again, remember to take care of yourself Nancy. =- Marybeth
First, thank you for posting this morning. I think about you and Joe all of the time, since this most recent set back.
This is one of those times when you just wish they could KNOW what the heck is happening.
That is really good news about the heart rate though. I was thinking that perhaps it might be elevated due to dehydration from the side effect of the CIPRO ????? Although I am sure they are goving him fluids via IV.
Do you think he will be in hospital for the entire time he is on the antibiotics? Is your gut feeling telling you he is a bit better? What in the heck is a TTE test? I just cannot seem to recall.
Wishing you again, the best for today. Please, again, remember to take care of yourself Nancy. =- Marybeth
Ross
Well-known member
Transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE); Echocardiogram - transthoracic; Doppler ultrasound of the heart; Surface echo
How the test is performed:
A trained sonographer performs the test, then your physician interprets the results. An instrument that transmits high-frequency sound waves called a transducer is placed on your ribs near the breast bone and directed toward the heart. The transducer picks up the echoes of the sound waves and transmits them as electrical impulses. The echocardiography machine converts these impulses into moving pictures of the heart.
Echocardiogram works well for most patients and allows doctors to see the heart beating and to visualize many of the structures of the heart. Occasionally, because your lungs, ribs, or body tissue may prevent the sound waves and echoes from providing a clear picture of heart function, the sonographer may administer a small amount of a dye through an IV to better see the inside of the heart.
Very rarely, more invasive testing using special echocardiography probes may be necessary.
If the echocardiogram is unclear due to a barrel chest, congestive obstructive pulmonary disease, or obesity, your health care provider may choose to perform a transesophageal echocardiogram, or TEE. With TEE, the back of your throat is anesthetized and a scope is inserted down your throat. On the end of the scope is an ultrasonic device that an experienced technician will guide down to the lower part of the esophagus, where it is used to obtain a more clear two-dimensional echocardiogram of your heart.
How the test is performed:
A trained sonographer performs the test, then your physician interprets the results. An instrument that transmits high-frequency sound waves called a transducer is placed on your ribs near the breast bone and directed toward the heart. The transducer picks up the echoes of the sound waves and transmits them as electrical impulses. The echocardiography machine converts these impulses into moving pictures of the heart.
Echocardiogram works well for most patients and allows doctors to see the heart beating and to visualize many of the structures of the heart. Occasionally, because your lungs, ribs, or body tissue may prevent the sound waves and echoes from providing a clear picture of heart function, the sonographer may administer a small amount of a dye through an IV to better see the inside of the heart.
Very rarely, more invasive testing using special echocardiography probes may be necessary.
If the echocardiogram is unclear due to a barrel chest, congestive obstructive pulmonary disease, or obesity, your health care provider may choose to perform a transesophageal echocardiogram, or TEE. With TEE, the back of your throat is anesthetized and a scope is inserted down your throat. On the end of the scope is an ultrasonic device that an experienced technician will guide down to the lower part of the esophagus, where it is used to obtain a more clear two-dimensional echocardiogram of your heart.
Emma
Well-known member
Still thinking of you and Joe and hoping this all resolves itself soon for poor Joe! Sending much love!
Emma and Chloe
xxx
Emma and Chloe
xxx
hensylee
Well-known member
When I had some quiet moments these last two days, you were remembered here and prayers were sent. Bless you both.
K
KathyH
Nancy,
I just saw this thread, I am sorry to hear Joe is having such a time of it. Of course, I will keep the both of you in my prayers. Tell Joe we are all sending positive thoughts his way.
Kathy
I just saw this thread, I am sorry to hear Joe is having such a time of it. Of course, I will keep the both of you in my prayers. Tell Joe we are all sending positive thoughts his way.
Kathy
G
Guest
Aye.
Nancy, you and Joe continue to be in my thoughts/prayers.....
Nancy, you and Joe continue to be in my thoughts/prayers.....
Sherry
Well-known member
Nancy, I will continue to keep Joe in my thoughts and prayers.
Nancy
Well-known member
My modem decided to quit on me so I haven't been online for a couple of days. Got a new one today, would you believe, on sale at K Mart for $6.80. Such a deal!
Joe is still in the hospital, but his infectious disease doctor says as far as he's concerned, Joe is ready to go home soon. He is leaving it up to the cardiologists. He will continue on antibiotics for a while, I believe. The bacteria found was an unusual strain which usually comes from the gut. It's peculiar, since he's had no stomach or intestinal problems, his urine was clear, and he's had no fever in months and months, actually since last winter.
His heart rate is doing well on Cardizem.
The exact source of the spleen infarctions is a mystery. But as long as his spleen is functioning, I'm not sure that there is anything to be done for that.
Last check, the ammonia levels had been reduced, and he's no longer on Lactulose.
His blood levels are greatly improved.
He's quite weak and shaky walking, but did manage to tour the floor with a walker today.
There really is nothing new found regarding his heart functions. Still the same old things, hemolysis, CHF, restrictive heart disease and PH.
I believe the most worrisome thing for his cardiologists will be whether he is out of the woods regarding any endocarditis possibly developing. He'll be in the hospital at least for the weekend, and maybe a couple more days until they feel comfortable releasing him.
I have not heard mention of a TTE again, so perhaps they have decided against it.
But Joe is definitely ready to go.
He has had a nightmarish stay in the hospital which I will talk about in a different thread. It has been unbelieveable to say the least.
Joe is still in the hospital, but his infectious disease doctor says as far as he's concerned, Joe is ready to go home soon. He is leaving it up to the cardiologists. He will continue on antibiotics for a while, I believe. The bacteria found was an unusual strain which usually comes from the gut. It's peculiar, since he's had no stomach or intestinal problems, his urine was clear, and he's had no fever in months and months, actually since last winter.
His heart rate is doing well on Cardizem.
The exact source of the spleen infarctions is a mystery. But as long as his spleen is functioning, I'm not sure that there is anything to be done for that.
Last check, the ammonia levels had been reduced, and he's no longer on Lactulose.
His blood levels are greatly improved.
He's quite weak and shaky walking, but did manage to tour the floor with a walker today.
There really is nothing new found regarding his heart functions. Still the same old things, hemolysis, CHF, restrictive heart disease and PH.
I believe the most worrisome thing for his cardiologists will be whether he is out of the woods regarding any endocarditis possibly developing. He'll be in the hospital at least for the weekend, and maybe a couple more days until they feel comfortable releasing him.
I have not heard mention of a TTE again, so perhaps they have decided against it.
But Joe is definitely ready to go.
He has had a nightmarish stay in the hospital which I will talk about in a different thread. It has been unbelieveable to say the least.
G
geebee
Nancy,
Sounds like good news despite the fact that there are still so many questions. Happy to hear Joe is almost home. I will continue to pray for him and you.
Sounds like good news despite the fact that there are still so many questions. Happy to hear Joe is almost home. I will continue to pray for him and you.
