Keith’s daugther Christie stopped in for a couple of days this weekend and worked her magic on our guest room and mud room. I am so grateful for all she did because while I am out of town, there is now a comfortable space for our substitute nurses to stay in.
Keith started feeling a stomach ache and gas on Saturday afternoon. By this morning, he was having a tough time eating, drinking, or taking his medicine. His son Brandon chipped in and helped me get Keith dressed and off to the doctor for his blood test. Once Keith arrived, our nurse checked his blood pressure (low pressure is just one of many indicators of dehydration) and after receiving a low pressure reading, they did indeed start him on fluids. His blood work showed that his white blood cell count was low in addition to the hydration problem which has prompted our doctor to start him on a course of antibiotics. They also introduced two medications through the port to both calm his stomach and help with the gas (again another indicator of dehydration).
So for anyone who communicates with him over the course of the next few days, remind him that part of his fight is to drink and eat. One of the most important medicines he must take to survive this is nothing you need a prescription for – it just boils down to water and food – hydration and fuel. Tomorrow we will return to the doctors for another IV of fluids. I have no problems leading my husband to the water but how do I make him drink? I’ve got bendy straws and ice cubes but it is becoming very clear that there has to be something else to motivate him. Any suggestions?
Thanks
Cherish
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