Hank Update #9

Hank got the all clear to leave the room yesterday afternoon, so he has been all over this hospital.  His spirits are high, thanks to the amazing visitors and constant entertainment from Randy and I.  He is quickly becoming famous on the third floor.  The nurses are in love!

The Doctor just came in this afternoon and told us his platelets jumped from 59-76 which is awesome progress.  He said he wished his other HUS patients had that much progress.  He looked at Hank and said, "Gee I'm glad I don't have to put you on dialysis.".  He is hopeful that if we continue to see progress he can get out of here later this weekend possibly.  I'm trying not to get my hopes up because I know how medical things go and I need to be emotionally prepared for this thing to take longer than expected.  His kidney function is holding steady but is still only about 50% of normal.  I know he's going to beat this thing.  The doctor said the damage done to his kidneys is minimal so that is great news.

I can't thank everyone enough for their love and concern.  It means more to me than I can ever say.  I feel your support and it is the only thing getting me through this.  Thank you to everyone who has helped me with Max.  Randy and I are taking turns going home and spending time with him.  He is anxious to have our entire family back together and so am I.  Love to you all!



 

Hank Update #8

Another day, more of the same. Hank is a real trooper. We are still waiting for the e. coli tests to come back. I am told that will happen really soon, perhaps even while I'm writing this! The doctor came in this afternoon and here are the things I know thus far.

His platelet count went up slightly from 54 to 59. Dr. Grinsell said that usually goes up before the hematocrit and all the sudden they will shoot up. They need to get to 150.

His hematocrit or red blood cell count went down slightly from 25.5 to 24.9 but has been pretty steady for a few days. That needs to start trending up for at least 3 days before they let him out of here.

They are closely watching his potassium and phosphorus levels as they are both a bit high. He has some dietary restrictions that continue to change on a daily basis. He was told today he could have chocolate and then 15 minutes later told he couldn't. They are just looking for any way to help the kidneys out.

His kidneys are functioning better. He is producing adequate amounts of urine now but his labs are still on the high end. The doctor is pleased with the progress and doesn't anticipate needing dialysis treatment. There are 2 other kids on this floor with HUS and they are both on dialysis so in comparison, he is doing really well.

Sarah and Jack just stopped by this morning and that always cheers us up.

Rusty, don't be mad, the sippy cup has resurfaced!

Kunz, Dyson and Colby are producing some entertaining you tube videos that Hank LOVES! I can't thank everyone enough for all the love and support. I realize how long of a drive it is but that hasn't stopped the visitors from coming. It looks like Christmas in his hospital room. Thank you also for all the help with Max. It looks like we are going to be here a bit longer than I hoped but I keep reminding myself things could be much worse.

Hank Update #7

Randy stayed at the hospital last night and I went home to sleep with Mino and spend the morning with him on his birthday. He isn't aware that today is his birthday. We are planning to celebrate when Hank gets home from the hospital. I will keep everyone posted on when his fake birthday will be so don't wish him a happy birthday just yet. We had a very fun morning of making breakfast, playing games, and cuddling on the couch. He really needed his mama for a bit. Don't we all sometimes?

Happy Birthday Max! I love you so much!

In Hank news, we are still waiting to hear back on his last e. coli test, which I expect will come back negative again, and then he will be able to leave this bloody room! Not leave the hospital, just walk the halls or go down to the cafeteria or walk outside. I doubt the results of that test will come back until tonight or tomorrow :( The doctor came in this morning but Hank was in the tub so he said he would come back later. He told Randy that everything looked the same as yesterday. No better, no worse. I am happy it's no worse but I was really hoping for some improvement today. I will update as soon as there are any changes. Hank is doing well other than going a bit stir crazy. I don't blame the poor kid. He is itching to get out of here.

Hank Update #6

Dr. Grisnell came in this morning and delivered more of the same news. We have to wait at least one more day for more tests on the e. coli situation. I'm pretty annoyed about that. I know they have their reasons but man, it would be great if he could step outside this room for a few minutes. The nurse got in trouble for letting him go outside last night.

Some other new info is that he needs to limit the phosphorus intake and he can do that by taking tums with his meals and avoiding foods really high in phosphorus like chocolate. His updated list of foods he can't eat are, potatoes, dark sodas, melons, bananas, gatorade and chocolate. Everything else is holding pretty steady but no real improvements yet. Good thing he has such great visitors coming up and keeping him entertained. I am grateful things are not getting worse at least. He has been chugging the water today which is most excellent. Such a good boy.

Kick Ball

Photo booth fun on the computer

Art Time

Cheetos in bed

Cousins Galore

Hank Update #5

After a long day in the room yesterday, Hank was itching to get out. We had a really cool nurse last night and she said she might be able to get him outside if we waited until after 9. As long as Hank didn't touch anything or go into the cafeteria he could go outside. He was so cute! He kept saying "I'm Free!". We got some pennies from the car and he wished with all his might that he could go home soon. Before each toss of the penny, he would close his eyes and think really hard, please let me go home. Poor little buddy. Randy went home late last night to sleep at home with Max. I know he wanted to stay here really bad but he was the more mature parent and let me stay.

I don't have a ton of information this morning because I've only spoken to the resident doctor and not the real doctor yet. She told me his e.coli tests have come back negative so far so she thinks he will be able to leave our room and at least walk outside today. I'm not telling him that yet until I'm sure. His platelets and hematocrit have dropped slightly and his kidney function is staying the same. It just takes time for the body to fight this. His red blood cells are still being killed off but at a much slower rate. His blood pressure is being watched pretty closely and they are using medication to get that under control. I'm expecting the renal doctor, Dr. Grinsell, to come in later this morning. He seems to give me better information than the medical students.

Hank is handling all of this like the stud he is. He never complains and his favorite response to all the questions the docs ask him is "good". More updates to come.

Hank Update #4

The doctor just came in and confirmed what the nurses said. His platelets have dropped from 80 to 60 so they want to make sure that doesn't continue to drop but they don't seem too overly concerned about that. I mentioned that Hank's face looks a little puffy and he said that is normal considering his kidneys are only functioning about 40%. He needs to keep drinking lots of fluid and is off all the IV's right now. The other issue is his e.coli test. He can't leave his room until they get the results from that test and it won't be in until tomorrow. He really wants to go down to the cafeteria but can't for now so good thing he has room service. He ordered nuggets for breakfast and is playing Simpsons Road Rage with Randy and loving life.

That's all for now. He loves having visitors, just make sure you aren't sick! I love having visitors too!

Hank Update #3

Last night was 100% more restful than the night before. Hank took a bath last night and watched a movie with Randy and I. He is acting more and more like my old Hank. They took a blood sample this morning and said his red blood cell count was perfect and that he has plenty of blood but that his platelet count was a little low. They expect that after a transfusion but will continue to monitor that throughout the day.

The renal doctor, whose name I can't remember for the life of me, will be in today at some point to discuss his kidney function and give us further information. Since it's Sunday, I don't expect him to be in here any time soon. His blood pressure is stabilizing now and they haven't needed to give him any more medication. My little baby is resting so peacefully right now. I am so grateful this morning.