Stu had a rough night last night. He was getting agitated when I left, and it kept getting worse. The surgeon changed the bandage on his head about 8 pm because he partially pulled it off. He pulled it off 2 more times during the night, pulled out both drains in his scalp, and pulled out the lumbar drain (the drain in his back which decreases the pressure in his head). He was put in 4-point restraints (hands and feet tied) to keep him from injuring himself. The bed is padded on the side rails now. He has been reacting to the steroids ("roid rage"), and gets very agitated. When the nurse asks him to stop, he says "okay", and stops for about 2 seconds, then starts to pull at things again. He is very polite. He was asking for me early this morning, and asked if I had called. I am sitting by his bed as I type, and he is asking me to remove the wrist restraints. I breaks my heart...
Stu let me shave him a while ago--still have to tooth brushing to go. He really likes his nurses, Betti (day), and Dawn Marie (night). They have been amazing with him. Stu hasn't slept much at all since surgery, which adds to the confusion and agitation. Unfortunately, sedation is not an option with a neuro patient, as it would mask any symptoms of other problems.
I know that today and tomorrow will be bad days-the most brain swelling. It is so painful to watch the person you love the most in the world go through this--I would take his place in a second if I could.
Gotta go--the little Houdini just slipped out of his wrist restraints..
Deb
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Deb, I'm sorry to hear Stu is having a rough time. It is so important to keep him safe, and it must be hard to see. Just stay with him as much as you can. I wish I could be there to help. I love you both!
ReplyDeleteCathy
Deb,
ReplyDeleteHang in there! Stu's in great hands (God's and the nurses) and he will get better. I'm sure just knowing you are around is a comfort to him. It will get better.
Love you both.
Jennie
I am sorry to hear that Stu had a rough night, I am praying for you all that things will be well in the days ahead.
ReplyDelete*hugs hugs and more hugs*
Jeri
Deb, just got back to states and finally able to get on the blog. Appreciate all the updates and sorry to hear about the rough night. Wow, that must be extremely tough. Let's hope it gets better day by day. Give Stu my best and my thoughts/prayers with you too. Joe
ReplyDeleteStu's a fighter. I'm confident he'll be OK, but I can't imagine how hard it must be on you Deb. You'll be in our prayers before bed (which is soon here in Athens). Give Stu our best.
ReplyDeleteGreg
Hang in there Dr. Bash. Both of you are going to get through this and going to be OK. Think of the good days ahead. As always, you are in my thoughts and prayers. This too shell pass.
ReplyDeleteJenny K.
Now I see where Cedar Sue gets it, she is a master escape artist (or at least tries to be). Tell Stu hello from Cedar and Phinn.
ReplyDeleteDear Deb and Stu,
ReplyDeleteWhen I saw the UPS truck outside my house upon returning home this afternoon, I thought of Stu. Can't imagine seeing one of those trucks from here on without thinking of him. Your strength in coping with this challenge is an inspiration to me.
Elizabeth.
Dear Dr. Bash,
ReplyDeleteMark and I want you to know that you and yours are in our prayers and that the Lord will place his healing hand upon your husband.We pray that you will have strength and courage to get through this.And remember to take one day at a time.My Mom always said "And this too shall pass."God bless.
Nancy & Mark Yetsko