Thursday, January 13, 2011

Today's medical update:

Terry did have another platelets transfusion today. It makes for an all day affair, but we are happy to have it available for us. The count was up to 12, but that just isn't enough, especially with the weekend coming up and our next appointment delayed until Tuesday. He will get an IV dose of benedryl every time he gets platelets now. It seems to help, and it also helps him get some sleep, which is much needed and enjoyed since his nights are often quite sleepless due to the prednisone he is on.

The doctors at SCCA are talking about Terry during their "rounds" and will hopefully have some answers in the next day or so. We hoped for answers today, but of course that didn't happen. We really should have known! :)

We usually see Dr. Smith in ML on Mondays (because that is where she is on Mondays) but because we cannot get the irradiated blood products in ML we are going to change our appointments to Tuesdays in Wenatchee so we can be there for any transfusion he might need and not have to travel from ML to Wenatchee for it.

Even though the platelets transfusions are very important they do not help him feel better. Low platelets don't really cause any pain, discomfort, or exhaustion. Low platelets do cause thin blood concerns. He must not get any injuries that cause external or internal bleeding because he could bleed to death. He has been told that if he falls he is to take an ambulance to the hospital and have some CT scans to determine if there is any internal bleeding.

Be Careful! is a main theme for the last several months. Be aware! is another. It seems that both would be good for all aspects of life.

1 comment:

Ellen said...

We are trying to stay positive also. Hope things turn around soon. Love, Ellen