Ed's Health Update and Hospital Ordeal

I'd like to thank all those who were asking about my health lately; it's been quite a roller coaster ride. On Friday, I had to drink 32 oz of water before having an ultrasound, and then they wanted me to pass it, just like that. If I could, I wouldn't have needed the ultrasound in the first place. So, all day Friday, I spent the day getting rid of all that water. Come Saturday, I'm drinking liquid, trying to make sure I didn't become dehydrated but passing nothing, and by Sunday, I was a mess. My head was spinning, and I was emptying my pouch every couple of hours and not eating, so it seems all the liquid I was drinking was going to the wrong place. By Sunday, I had to go to the ER, and after four hours, I was threatening to leave when one of the nurses realized I was in no shape to even do that, so they took me in, and out comes the catheter with very little to show for it. Now, they decided I was dehydrated. After a regimen of whatever and antibiotics, they kept me in until today, Friday. At least they don't believe I had a fistula, which was a big relief, as long as they are right, and after all the X-rays and CT scan, I'm hoping they're right. To make a long story short, I was sent home with a catheter, and next week my family doc will remove it in his office, and maybe by that time, I'll feel a bit more human. I thank each and everyone who asked about my health and wish you all the very best, Ed

I left the ER twice a few years back, Ed, with an extra bag. Apparently, my prostate wanted some of the attention my colon was getting. Anyway, I told the doctor that the last time I carried 2 bags was when I caddied in the 1957 US Amateur in Brookline, Massachusetts. So, be patient with your situation and things will fall into place. Pretty soon they will figure things out and you will straighten up and piss right. They know what they're doing. And be sure to use Lidocaine around the point of entry, which can become inflamed with the traffic and pressure. Take care of yourself and stay in touch.
PB

Hello Ed. Thanks for letting us know about your situation and I hope all is well from now on. It's difficult to know at what point to start asking where people are on this site as many will just be taking a break whereas others might be going through bad times and maybe needing or appreciating our support. As I am not a fully paid up member I don't have the facility to mail people directly to make enquiries.  I had wondered if Ambies was okay as she doesn't seem to have corresponded for a while.

Best wishes

Bill

Just to let you know, I figured out why they call it a CAT scan. The two glasses of some kind of mixture before the scan had to come from a cat, and I'm sure that cat had diabetes. Even brushing my teeth twice couldn't take away the taste left in my mouth, and breakfast was a lost cause, Ed.

Hi Ed,

You've been in my thoughts and prayers. I'm glad they are figuring out what is wrong with you before it gets too bad. I just spent a week in the cardiac ICU from hypovolemic shock. It started with adrenal deficiency, basically severe dehydration. I was emptying my bag up to 25 times a day, nothing but "water" output, couldn't pee. In the hospital, my kidney and liver started to shut down, heart rate went from 160s down to the 20s. I got to experience the "Paddles," central line torture, an IV line with fluids in each arm, etc. They had to start me on 2 shots a day of Octreotide to slow down my output.

I'm such a big baby I won't go to the ER until I'm forced, or half dead. I'm glad you knew yours was bad enough to get in quick enough. I've also had the "other bag" that's no fun. In fact, I went home from most of my surgeries with one, nothing but uncomfortableness, can't sleep, and infections. Take it out too soon and you end up right back in the ER getting another, leave it in too long, more of the above.

I hope this is all the treatment you need for now. Take care, you'll continue to be in my thoughts and prayers.

Nora "Calico"

Words of Encouragement from Ostomy Advocates I Hollister

Hi Nora, I know the troubles you've had and I'd have to say I'm very lucky, so far, after I get this episode cleared up then we have to take care of the biggie, but that's not something I'll worry about until the time comes. We wish you all the best Nora, so take care, Ed

Welcome back, Ed. Seems like things are going in the right direction, and I hope it's fast. I don't want to butt in, but my urologist told me to use Neosporin or Bacitracin where the tube enters.
Get well quickly.
Mike

Hi Ed... didn't realize you were under the weather, as they say in these parts... Good luck to you... and thanks for sharing... You have a great attitude and sense of humor, which seems to be the key to getting through this crappy plumbing situation many of us experience... Scotiaman

Hi scotiaman, like our weather, I think if I wait a few minutes something will change, and this time of year doesn't bode well for the future, but we try to think positively, Ed

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Hi Ed,

It's been ages since we've had contact, and I hate the thought of you being {English phrase}
pissed about. Catheters are never fun, and there aren't many jokes to be made about them. You've been a brilliant source of comfort and inspiration to so many people over the years; maybe some of them can come up with some humor to see you through. If not, how about a huge hug and lots of best wishes from me?

Best wishes and lots of love,

Marilyn xxx

Actually, Marilyn, I just thought of something about a catheter that was kind of funny. Many years ago, I had a blockage of some kind, and my doctor was at the hospital at the time. When a nurse brought him a catheter, he said it was the wrong one, and she brought another one, minus the clip on the end. When he inserted it, there was piss flying out the screen window and landing on the hood of a car. He had to move pretty fast to stop the flow, but somebody's car was really pissed on. Funny, after all these years, the things we remember, and today they seem funny, but at the time I wasn't laughing. Love and best wishes, Ed

Ed,
My old friend, I too send my belated well wishes. God knows you have had more than your share of bad breaks. Get and stay well, old friend.
Talking about going to the hospital... I was talking to my doctor the other day, and he said to me that he would never go into a hospital again. I kind of gave him a funny look, and he said, "Look at you, Jack, what happened to you?" He was referring to the time when I was admitted for congestive heart failure, they injected me with Lovenox, pierced my colon, and did a colostomy. I agreed with him. Been there my last time, unless...?

Jack