up, up, and Away

Before I was even finished with breakfast, to Kadlec docs had confirmed with Virginia Mason that it would be best to have me at Virginia Mason. MedStar took that as an emergency and got to Kadlec before I was even able to get a shower. I was cocooned on their stretcher and transported to the Richland airport (where doting loving supporters sent me off)and after a quick flight was ambulanced to Virginia Mason. We got a great view of Mt. Rainier on the way over. The admin process was like a well oiled machine and I soon found myself in Bed 2, yes, not a private room!!! The hospital has a much older look than Kadlec, but the electronic equipment is top notch. By the time I got some pain meds, I realized it is going to be a long road ahead.

VM Dr Pros & Support Staff Cons: I already miss my Kadlec RNs and CNAs like crazy! I have to be more independent. I have not had someone try to find a vein...the last two days has been IV hell at Kadlec...I have already talked to all three of my General Dr staff (Intern, Resident, and Attending…kinda Greys flashback) and the GI Dr. consults. They have created a binder on me…and she sat down with me while I ate my dinner and we talked about lots of different treatment paths we could take. Right now we are letting my pancreas rest, watching levels with blood, vitals, and special tests. If things progress positively my outcome could be self healing pancreas without surgery and no need for insulin or enzyme dependence. The damaged pancreas will not regain its old status, but heal in such a way that other evasive procedures are not necessary. At any point, bacteria, addition necrosis, or infection can cause complications causing stints, drain tubes, surgery, etc. It could lead to a much less desirable dietary life later. I may be insulin dependent and/or require digestion enzymes. I wanted to show the polar differences and my trust in these doctors to be able to respond quickly with option already planned. This can take weeks or months and the process is not all hospitalization. Once we have the pancreas at an acceptable place, I will have gall bladder surgery. They may at some point go in and grab that remaining stone if they feel it is going to cause a bigger problem.

Some other side notes…when I got here they said I would have an NPO diet…that means nothing to eat or drink…maybe a swab to wet my mouth. That about drove me insane at Richland so I made sure they knew I made it to full liquid yesterday…once the gastro PA heard this she changed it to the same…get this…we are in Seattle…I can get a latte, cappuccino, mocha, or Americana with 4 flavor choices..haha! personally healing my pancreas does not include coffee.

In passing I mentioned my cell phone was dead to my nursing assistant and he called concierge service and they brought one up,,,nice! On a different note, I was sending texts out like mad and my phone overloaded and deleted ALL of my text messages. So if you have sent me anything over text that was important…please re-send, especially kid pics.

Jacob and Aaron made it over and Aaron got to meet Debbie, Joe, Rachel, Marshal, and Lucy! So thankful to have family here willing to help out!

Goodnight!