Just as I suspected, last night was a very long and difficult night. Steve had a fever over 102 all night and he began having trouble breathing. He had been off the vent, on room air, for a lot of the day but I guess with the fever and infection somewhere in his body, it all proved to be too much for him and he needed the assistance of the vent to keep his lungs inflating fully. They've taken blood cultures to determine what kind of infection he has but the cultures take time to grow. In the meantime, he is on two different antibiotics. They are not giving him tylenol for his fever like they had because his liver enzymes are elevated and they don't know what's causing that. I'm waiting for Dr. Hanpeter to come in and give me more of an idea of what all of this means. But I had a long talk with Steve's nurse, Angela, last night who reassured me that it's true in nearly every case that a patient will make some small steps forward and then a step or two back. This I know intellectually but it's a whole lot different when you're living it.
On a lighter note, I got a glimpse early this morning of the Steven I know so well. Both Steve and I were taking cat naps when nurses and respiratory therapists weren't coming in and out. I think at some point, Steven woke up to see me asleep in the chair. Shortly after that, Angela the RN came in to tell us she was going home and Ryan would be taking over. In his best attempts to communicate, Steve let it be known that the nurses needed to bring in TWO blankets and he pointed at me. He wanted the blankets for me so I would be warm when I slept. That's my husband.
6 comments:
Beth-
One can only imagine the anguish you are experiencing, as you so eloquently enlighten us all with your blog. My heart goes out to you and Steve, and I pray for a smooth recovery.
Peace 11/95
Seek strength and comfort in the Lord. I believe in the power of prayer. It just takes a moment. You are both in my prayers.
M.E. Orta
Hello Beth,
I just wanted to let you know that you, Steve and your family are in our prayers. Please call me if you need anything. Remember, we only live down the street from you and can help on the homefront if you need it. Although you are being pulled in many directions, please remember to take care of yourself. As hard as it may seem, you need to nourish your body and soul by eating and getting rest.
Thank you for this blog. There are so many of us who are on the edge of our seats waiting for information. This is very helpful. Take care.
Al Erkelens SOW Dets
That is so sweet that even while in this situation, he was so concerned for your comfort.
Praying!!!!
Hi Beth,
That STEVE! Every wife's dream...a protective husband who puts his wife before himself. You two were made for each other. So nice when you can enjoy the special moments in such trying times. Love you both, AB
Beth: You don't know me but Steve and I were good friends at St. Barnabas grade school in Long Beach. We played sports together (even roller hockey), served mass, and he spent some time over at my parent's place hanging out. Back then Steve was a strong, enthusiastic, fun-loving, determined young kid that everyone liked and respected. God knows he earned it and stood up for me when I was getting bullied by some of the bad crowd at school for an entire year....a real warrior. Ask him about the "Cammando Rock Fights" at the vacant lot. I've heard bits and pieces about Steve over the years from my brother Chuck, an LAPD homicide detective who runs into Steve on occasion. Chuck often reported that Steve "is my kind of people." I guess some things never change. I wish you, Steve, and your family great strength during this challenging time. In the world we now live in it is such a great breath of fresh air to see people pull together for all the right reasons. I look forward to meeting you and catching up with Steve soon. Sincerely, Mark Geiger and Family
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