Complaints welcome

I thought that the diabetes wouldn't be so difficult to take care of. Apparently an endocrinologist wasn't consulted until last night when they asked me about calling my doctor. He said he was happy to help and offered some advice. I don't know why they didn't think to involve him or someone like him until now. Granted, my blood sugars are still out of range. But they just kept asking me what to do, and I have no experience with steroids - how am I supposed to know what will happen?? And, I just had surgery.

Additionally, I am barely eating, so I really don't think my diet is affecting my blood sugars, as someone noted in passing. Thanks for your opinion...(blank stare).

I'm closer to the low end of the mg range of the steroid, Decadron, now, so that's good. You can't stop it cold turkey though, so I have to finish the however many days of it there are. I'm burning through insulin like water and hardly making a dent. Very strange feeling, as I'm usually very sensitive to insulin.

Had I realized that this was going to be more of an issue, I may have tried to get more plans in place beforehand for the management of the diabetes, but it sounded like they knew what to do. Turns out all they did was ask a bunch of PAs what they thought and then left it up to me. If there was a treatment technique for AN removal/control that didn't involve steriods, I would totally do that, but I think it's pretty unavoidable. I hope I never have to go back on them again for the rest of my life.

Monday may be the day

Dr. T came by a few minutes ago to say that I'm looking good but that my blood sugars need to be a bit closer to normal before I can go home. The steriod is being stepped down, but he doesn't know how low it needs to be before I'll be ok since (repeat after me...) everybody is different. It looked like he'd like me to be able go home though, so that's good.

Diet Coke and chocolate are two fallen soldiers in this whole thing so far. The metallic taste in my mouth makes them unappetizing, but I am getting hungrier. I told Phil that I want to eat three grilled cheese sandwiches and two brats, but not necessarily all at once. My neck is very stiff still. I did get the feeling back in the pinky finger of my left hand though, so that's a victory.

Not being able to sleep at night makes you more tired during the day, so at least one part goes faster. My eyelids still look like they're inside out - when I close them, I feel like I'm looking at bugs and weird stuff that's growing. Various bruises are healing too, including a goofy one under my left eye from the facial nerve monitoring during surgery. I'd like to get this last IV line out so it can start to heal, plus it's not being used for anything anyway. I haven't taken any pain meds stronger than OTC Tylenol, which was a bit surprising but not totally unexpected. The PT gave us some names for vestibular therapists closer to where we live - getting back to normal may definitely take some time. Walking in a straight line is ok, but I think I look zombie-like. Could also be from my bed-head. Need to find out more about showering.

Hello all

Well, I'm posting this one today. It's a little tough with the numb fingers on my left hand, but I'm being patient for them to come back. They said it is probably a side effect from the parkbench position I was in for 10-12 hours where my arm was stretched out and the nerves disturbed. My face is doing well - hardly any evidence of weakness. Still gotta get the stuff out of my hair and my incision area feels pretty tight. Will take awhile for my neck to heal I imagine. Been walking with the PT and that's going well. I'm somewhat off balance but it's not horrible. I'm excited to drink some Diet Coke this afternoon. The hospital food isn't that great but enough is palatable. Those are the big events for now. Thanks for following along :)

Recovery Is Tough

Kim is back in her chair today, and met with the physical therapist who had her up to take a few steps. She's eating food again and is back on her insulin pump. When a private room opens up, she'll be moved out of the NCCU, which should be a nice change of scenery for her.

Kim's trying to stay in good spirits but says: "It's hard to repair one thing when it seems like everything's broken."

-pz

Less Plastic, More Kim

As of this morning Kim is sans the worst of the pesky plastic tubes (ventilator and feeding), and was able to get out of bed and move to a chair to hang out for awhile.

Dr. T and Dr. S (who assisted Dr. C with the surgery) came by to inspect Kim. Both were happy with what they found. There is more improvement in the shoulder, still no signs of anything odd with the facial nerve, and a healing incision.

Dr. T said that the head MRI looks great. Also, the neck MRI revealed the source of the shoulder issue (in short, swelling around the 5th and 6th vertebrates pinching a nerve, which will resolve itself with time).

Kim is going stay in critical care the rest of the day, and will hopefully be moving to her room tomorrow morning. We'll try to post tomorrow.

-pz