Kirsten hasn’t suffered any hypertensive crisis episodes since yesterday morning, which is fantastic. Doctors continue to run tests, and we wait for their analysis, which takes days. They want to keep her in the hospital to monitor her for safety reasons, as the episodes are potentially life-threatening. Endocrine is still leaning toward a chemo-related cause, […]
hospital
Kirsten Is Hospitalized, Again
Yesterday at around 15:00 I was at work, talking to Kirsten on the phone about a recent visit she had with Jenna’s school guidance counselor, when she became panicky and complained of intense pain in her head. She went from carrying on a normal conversation to not being able to talk at all, within the […]
Kirsten Came Home! – Wednesday, September 26, 2012
After nearly six weeks in the hospital, Kirsten finally came home. She was originally supposed to come home last Saturday, but after a home visit with her therapists it was determined she was too weak to safely climb the stairs and operate in our apartment. The extra days made a huge difference, and today she […]
Kirsten Came Home. Briefly. Thursday, September 20, 2012
Kirsten came home today! For a brief visit. A few days ago her therapists Emily (OT) and Courtney (PT) arranged a visit to our apartment so they could assess the environment in which Kirsten would have to live and operate after discharge. I skipped out of work to be here, and it’s a good think […]
I Cut Kirsten’s Hair! Sunday, September 17, 2012
Over the course of Kirsten’s hospital stay she developed a single, large dreadlock right in the back of her hair. People poured baby oil on it and tried to work it in. They picked at it. She sprayed it with detangling solution. Nothing worked, and it was giving her shoulder, neck, and headaches as she […]
I Kidnapped Kirsten! – Sunday, September 16, 2012
Today, with anxious trepidation, I took Kirsten on a “day pass” from the New England Rehabilitation Hospital to visit Bug Light Park. It was a gorgeous autumn Maine day with temperatures in the cool 60 ºF range, mostly clear skies, and a slight breeze. I signed Kirsten out of the hospital just after noon, and […]
Kirsten Is Recovering – Sunday, September 9, 2012
This morning I accompanied Soni (Kirsten’s mother, who is staying with us) to the local Mormon church. It was nice to be with her, and I know it means a lot to her to worship and have a familiar routine. We sat next to my friend Fred Abaroa. As most of you know, I was […]
Kirsten Is Recovering – Friday, September 7, 2012
When I visited Kirsten in the morning before work, she looked good. She had a plethora of complaints about her care, but was in good spirits. I expressed some of my concerns with one of her day-shift CNAs, Denis. He said I should contact the nurse manager, Ellie Spear. I had been wondering with whom […]
Kirsten Is Recovering – Thursday, September 6, 2012
2321 Kirsten is no longer tethered! She has been taken off IVs, had her central line removed, and is no longer wearing compression socks. Apparently, some of you read too much hope into mentions of Kirsten coming home. First, I do not want her home. She is not ready. She would be unable to get […]
Kirsten Is Recovering – Wednesday, September 5, 2012
2200 When I arrived at Kirsten’s hospital room after work, Soni and the girls were already visiting. We talked about the girls’ day and Kirsten’s recovery. Kirsten seems to be doing pretty well. Friday has been mentioned as a possible date for discharge. I have mixed feelings about that. She is very weak and will […]