When things get ironed out on one end something else gets wrinkled on the other.
Several new happenings this month.
First the bi-pap machine. It was back to it's old self with dozens of alarms throughout the night. These are alerting us to Apnea episodes. Steve finally decided to have them disarmed. This took a summit meeting between doctor, technician and the medical supply company. Finally all agreed that Steve would need to sign an affidavit taking full responsibility for this decision. OK, done deal and what a difference it made. We BOTH now have a restful sleep.
Second the catheter change. The nurse comes every three weeks to do this. About 4 months ago the doctor changed the type of catheter from latex to silicone to see if it would help with the sediment buildup. It did but it caused another problem. The silicone has a tendency to adhere to the inside wall of the bladder. The nurses have been having a hard time getting it out. Last time it really hurt him and there was blood in his urine for several days. This time the nurse tried but decided not to yank it out like last time. A trip to the urologist was in order to solve the problem. But his nurse could't do it either. So now the doctor was going to take charge. Steve and I both thought he would deaden the area or inject some novacaine. Not to be. Doctor walked in, took hold of the catherer and yanked it out. I guess it's like removing a bandaid, the faster you do it, the less pain you feel.
Of course Steve does not agree with that analogy.
Things are now fine. We are back to using the latex catheter but now I am irrigating Steve every morning to try and keep the sediment in check.
Hopefully next month will be uneventful.
Happy Easter
Fran
I so look forward to your posts. May God bless you both.
ReplyDeleteFran, I would love to talk with you one on one about MSA. Is there an email you could give me?
ReplyDelete