Update[2] on the FlowerCat

[mdlbear]

High order bits: Colleen's condition has improved considerably (see the original post on why she's in the hospital in the first place, and the first update). Her white count is down to normal, her iron is low but not dangerously so (she's getting supplements), and almost all the redness is gone from the infected areas. The main areas of concern are the swelling, and especially the continuing pain in her fingers. There is a hernia that will have to be dealt with eventually, but not now.

Some of the stiffness and pain will probably go away once she gets back on aspirin; they don't allow it in the hospital because it promotes bleeding, but it's really the only thing that works on her arthritis.

She is still on Good Drugs for pain, and occasionally somewhat loopy. She related details of a phone call last night that, according to the log on her cell phone, was probably completely hallucinatory. But she's in as good spirits as one can expect for someone who's spending the last weekend before her husband's business trip in the hospital, and who has no access to WiFi.

The hospital is surrounded by little gardens with waterfalls and streams; a pleasant sight after a visit. The staff has been wonderful. Colleen has been handing out bags of tea flowers, and had me bring in a 2-pound box of See's chocolates yesterday.

There were several visitors today -- many thanks to figmo and to A and M, M and D (none of whom are on LJ as far as I know), and especially to super_star_girl (AKA the Younger Daughter), who came along with me this morning. The house still feels lonely, but we're getting a bit of good time together that we otherwise probably wouldn't.

Comments

For what it's worth

[capplor.livejournal.com]

One or both of us would have been there had we that option. Tell her that she needs to be healthy for the next time that we're in California (probably ConSonance) So that she can tell us silly stories.

Hugs to one & all.

Re: For what it's worth

[mdlbear]

Understand, and hugs back! I'll tell her.

[trektone.livejournal.com]

Yay that her condition has improved! Thanks for the updates.

[mdlbear]

You're welcome!

[harmonyheifer.livejournal.com]

I am very relieved that things are improving. I confess that I have been very worried. I am glad Colleen is doing better and I know you will make sure all the hoops get jumped to follow up on her care after discharge because although historically she has been the one to handle all that, right now she probably isn't going to be the designated driver for the next few weeks, which will be very important to her recovery.

[mdlbear]

We'll be watching it carefully; unfortunately I'm not going to be around during most of this week. I'll be at a conference in Portland starting tomorrow, and the plan is to meet Colleen in the airport in Seattle Friday afternoon. There's every reason to expect that that will still happen.

We will, of course, be in closer touch than usual while we're apart this week. And she's much better at managing her care than I am.

[roaringmouse.livejournal.com]

Tell Colleen to get better... Love and kisses.. Mouse

[mdlbear]

Will do -- thanks!

*hug*

[jilara.livejournal.com]

I go incommunicado for a few days at Civil War, and come back to go "Colleen, hospital, whaaa?" I would have been in touch if I hadn't been in a different century.

Glad to hear she's improving. I've been very concerned about the general look and vibes of the leg thing, lately. I'll see if I can get down for a visit after work.

[mdlbear]

Many thanks! It's been a weird weekend indeed -- lots of people have been out of touch.

[chaoswolf]

I more or less know the feeling: I was in Bellview at the time and had like 2 phone calls from JM during dinner, wasn't until after I listened to the voice mail that I called Dad and asked the WTF part. He mistakingly thought I was replying to the LJ post, which I hadn't read due to lack of interweb.

[jilara.livejournal.com]

Timing is all, they say. Just wait for when everyone is Not Around... Voice mail can be particularily a WTF sort of communication.

[chaoswolf]

Well, if you were at dinner with a group of friends you see mabey two or three times a year at most, you wouldn't want to answer a voice mail from him either.

[chaoswolf]

I really really hate Kaiser. Give our love to Mom in the form of a hug for me & selkit.

[mdlbear]

Will do.

Flowercat's condition

[linda-muireall.livejournal.com]

Eek! I've been out of town at a retreat since last Friday (up in the wilds of Lake County with absolutely no phone or internet access available) and just got back to find all of this! I'm sending all of you as much energy as I can - please use it as you see fit - and lots of hugs and love. - Kitty

Re: Flowercat's condition

[mdlbear]

Many thanks! I'll let her know.

*hugs*

[chipuni.livejournal.com]

I just learned about Colleen.

Will she still be in hospital tomorrow? (I'll look for books to bring her.)

[mdlbear]

Almost certainly; she might be getting out late tomorrow, but early Wednesday is more likely in my opinion.

She has plenty of books, though; she isn't really in shape for reading.

[chipuni.livejournal.com]

Is there anything (aside from myself) that I could bring?

(I read that she doesn't have access to a plug, more's the pity...)

[mdlbear]

Yeah; the lack of a plug is a problem.

There's a little bud vase on her table; the flowers I brought her over the weekend are wilting. It has room for a rose or two.

Conversation is the main thing, though. She needs all she can get of that.

I need to check my lj more often

[bookwyrm172006.livejournal.com]

Wow, I am sorry the Momma Cat is feeling poorly, but glad she is doing better. (That sucks; all hospitals should have wifi.) Give her an extra hug for me when you see her next, ok Papa Bear? Good luck to you all.

Re: I need to check my lj more often

[mdlbear]

Won't be until Friday -- I'm off on a business trip.

She's bored and lonely more than anything else; give her a visit if you have a chance today.

Thanks.