My Thursday (10/23/2014) started out the same this week... Got up early, sat in traffic, worked STI like I do each Thursday. On the way to work, I decided to call my aunt, Bonnie, as I sometimes do when I'm driving to and from work, but usually later at night as opposed to early in the morning... It was around 9:45-10a.
She answered on the third or fourth ring. She sounded horrible. After asking if she was okay, she told me, "no" and that she couldn't keep anything down. I told her to be sure and stay hydrated, or she would be even more weak. She said she was trying to, but even when she drank water, it would come back up. I told her she needed to go to the doctor, and she replied with, "Gayle can take me if I need to go." I then finished the short conversation, said "I love you" and then hung up.
I tried calling Kim (her daughter), but coudn't get in touch with her until a little later. I let her know that I spoke with Aunt Bonnie and she sounded terrible, to call and check on her.
I then went about the rest of my day, trying to get things done, as usual.
After lunch when I was driving home, I received a phone call from Lori (cousin) and she told me that Aunt Bonnie was being life flighted to Bryan and was in a diabetic coma. Grant it, this was less than five hours from when I spoke with my aunt. [For those of you who don't know, my aunt Bonnie is one of my dad's little sisters. She adored Daddy, her Bubba, and I have always been close to her.... After all, she did introduce my mom and dad to each other! :) I love her!]
After the initial gut punch of what she told me, I wasn't happy to hear that by any means, but I wasn't anxious. I wasn't scared. I wasn't crazy upset where I thought I would be. I did, however, go a little fast to get to the hospital. All I could do is pray. Full of faith, not tears.
About 7:35, they took her back for a CT scan. At 7:55p, her bp was 126/54 and her heart rate was 99.
...
When I find myself in these positions, where I can feel my faith working in me, where I feel as though I have an open line of communication to God, and I can feel His presence... I love it. I am humbled by the power of prayer. I just smiled, and said to myself, she is going to be okay. Might be a winding road, with a few bumps, but she'll be okay.
...
10/24/2014. Friday. After sleeping in the CCU waiting area, I went over to Justin's to freshen up.
Found out today that her blood sugar was over 1,000 and her blood pressure bottomed out at 60/0 when they brought her in. The doctor on call, Dr. James Bonds (yes, that's really his name), isn't too hopeful. He is concerned that there is other damage to different organs because of her heart not being able to pump the blood to them as well. He thinks she may have had a heart attack, but will know more if the enzymes elevate within the next 48 or so hours, maybe 72. He said that the enzymes were climbing which is the result of a major heart attack. He stated that could be the reason she was nauseated and not able to keep anything down. However, we won't know the extent of the damage for a while. An EKG will be done probably next week to determine damage to the heart. He said it was so much damage to the heart that it would not be able to pump blood through her body without medication. But he did say though, she is still not out of the woods, that she IS headed in the right direction. Compared to yesterday when he saw her... vast improvement. So that's good! Then Dr. Wigley (her cardiologist) came in and told Kim and Danny that there might be some damage to her heart but his message had a much more positive delivery. Much lighter than Dr. Bonds. The acidosis has cleared (blessing) and breating tube will be removed in 20 minutes... Still I have a feeling everything will work out, the way God wants it to, in His time. :) 10a. She is responding to questions, and the tube in her throat is more irritating as the more awake she becomes. The nurse Jacqueline came in and did an EKG as per Dr. Wigley's request. She opened her eyes for a bit, then rested. Dr. asked her yes/no questions and she nodded and shook her head, but needs to be more alert to remove breathing tube. He told her that he would have tube removed as soon as she was more awake. 2:24p. Vent was not able to be removed as planned due to increased heart rate. Heart rhythm was off and they had to get it back on track by shocking it back into rhythm. (been through that with Dad) They gave her meds to reduce her heart rate, the doctor considered ablation but says it's not needed as of now. I went to see her momentarily and she was a little responsive, but sleepy.
...
10/25/2014. Saturday. Vitals looked good through the night. Going to try and extubate her today at 8:30a. May or may not depending on her heart rate level. She's tired of all the restraints and gets frustrated easily... so I'm hoping it works. Much more alert, eyes opening more, and more responsive. Still not out of the woods yet. More movement today, eyes open, then shut, still spacey. They finally removed the breathing tube. I had to go back to Houston to take photos today, so I didn't get to stay all day.
...
10/26. Sunday. Drove back up this morning from Houston. When I went in to see her this morning, she was speaking more than yesterday but still extremely tired and groggy. Physical therapist came in today for an assessment. He sat her up on the side of the bed (briefly) and she could hold herself up for a good minute or so; also gave her a little bit of applesauce. She didn't have much of an appetite. PT said bed was to stay mostly upright today to promote "awakeness" so she can eventually become more alert and mobile.
In CCU for most of the day, however, she was moved out of CCU and into her own room, later in the evening. Things were progressing well, and I thanked God there were not any further complications. Still a bit groggy, but becoming more alert with each hour that passed. She is uncomfortable because of an abrasion on her back side. They transferred her from the "normal" bed to a constant air bed (warm air, I might add), so the 4th floor room is freezing, yet she's hot. Go figure. :) But she's getting better.
...
10/27. Monday. Dr. Wigley came in and said she did NOT have a heart attack. Seems to be that all of this was related to her sugar spike and affected other vital organs. He said her heart was fine. So that was some good news. She was up in bed, talking nonsense... kind of funny. I have a small video clip of her talking about George Strait. :) I then went to Houston to take photos.
...
10/28. Tuesday. Ultrasound on stomach very early this morning. She actually sat up on the side of the bed to eat her breakfast. Baby steps! Progress though! I'll take it. Much more alert and getting tired of being in a bed... a hot bed at that. Wanting the port taken out of her neck. She keeps picking at the tape because it itches. Looks like Kim and I are bunking in the room tonight!
...
10/29 Wednesday. Ultrasound was clear. When Dr. B came to visit her today, he said she might actually get to go home tomorrow! Yay! Praise God. How wonderful is that! When less than a week ago it was much more critical! Went home to Houston tonight.
...
10/30 Thursday. 10:35a I had to work in Houston that day, so I didn't get to "be there" but Kim said that Tara (nurse) said she did receive word that she was being released today, just not sure when. 1:31p She finished lunch in the hospital and finally had the catheter removed. 9p Finally got home. :)
...
Something to say of this life event. Never let a day go by without telling those you love that you love them. Whether you like them or not, or agree with what they are doing in their life... if you love them, you love them. And whether or not they think they don't need to hear that or feel that, they are only kidding themselves. I love my aunt dearly, and always have. I talk to her and tell her. However with this, not only has my faith in God helped me get through what would ordinarily be a stressful, anxious time, it has allowed me to get closer with my dad's side of the family. And for that I am thankful. So happy she is back at her home. Thank you, God!
