They are getting ready to move her to a regular floor. They're going to give her a PCA (patient controlled anesthesia) pump to help control her pain when she's there since she won't have a one on one nurse to give her IV meds regularly. She'll be able to push a button and get almost instant pain relief. That will be good because she mentioned that she's had her pain get away from her a couple of times since they started switching her over to the oral meds and making the other ones PRN (as needed).
She has loved all of the comments she has received on here. Please send her your love and if you don't want to comment publicly you can email her at cathytidwell@gmail.com.
Love,
Karen
Mom, this wasn't really relevant to the post so I didn't say it, but I think you will appreciate it. Those PCA pumps have settings to control the number of pushes you are allowed in a given time period. For example, you might only be allowed to receive the medication once every 9 minutes. You of course can push it as often as you need to.
ReplyDeleteWhen I worked at Primary Children's I often had patients who had those. Every two hours we had to go check the settings and see how many times they requested the med compared to how many times it was delivered so we could tell if their pain was being controlled adequately and request changes in the orders if not. There were some kids who would push those buttons like they were playing Mario Kart. It was always funny when a kid was acting totally fine and rating their pain a zero to look at the pump and see: attempts-137 delivered-14. Don't get trigger happy Wario!
Jillian sent you an email, she's very happy that you're going to get better. She's already planned out everything you're going to do on your next visit here. She has many many arts & crafts projects on her list and even some baking and story time too.
ReplyDeleteThinking of you, Mama Tidwell! Glad to hear you're doing so well.
ReplyDeleteHugs and Popsicles,
Molly Alvarez :)
Glad to hear things are going well Cathy! We got back last night and I was excited to see your big surgery news! Keep up the good work! Let us know if you need the Perrys for anything :)
ReplyDeleteI love the Lord's timing. Did I see that you had a Dr. Fix? How cool is that? And a John Taylor, you gotta feel good with that one. I look forward to comparing scars with you. Have a speedy recovery. Do those people know how lucky they are to have you as a patient? May the force be with you! Love, Barbara Hurst
ReplyDeleteDear Cathy:
ReplyDeleteFinally! Wow what a brave lady! You amaze and inspire me to do better. I am so pleased that you are having such great progress, and that we are able to "see" it happen. Our prayers are with you, take care and do what the doctors say!
Love,
Tom and Frances Malsbary
HOORAY, THIS IS SUCH GREAT NEWS! We are so glad that you have had the surgery and are doing so well. Love the updates and the fact that you still have your wonderful attitude and sense of humor, after all you have been through.
ReplyDeleteYou are in our prayers daily and we send our love and wishes for a speedy recovery.
Duane and Janet