Saturday, September 21, 2013

It was a tough day for MC and his progress

Hi all - I hope this day finds you well.  

I just need to dig in and say "Mikey had a hard day"  His day was filled with tests, tests, more test and a trip back to the ICU - Here's what happened from SB's point of view. 

Just Craig came in and did a wound change first thing this morning.  There had been a little concern ( mostly from Mike and myself) about the bleeding that was coming from his foot.  This came after 8 days of very little bleeding.  No red stuff in the past week or so. Now it's a mess and the wound changes are happening every few hours instead of every 24 hrs. 

Later in the morning as Mike was doing his morning bathroom routine (potty, teeth and shave) he let the nurse know that he wasn't feeling quite right.  Flag for Nurse Melonie when she hears a patient say that.  Just about then, MC passed out while sitting on the toilet.  Out for 30 seconds, back for a minute, gave instructions to everyone about how to get him off the toilet, then out again for 30 seconds or so.  When he woke again, he started giving instructions again on how to get himself up.  It cracked up the staff later when they recalled his wanting to give instructions.  Meanwhile when Mike went "out" Mel called down the hall for help and the Rapid Response Team came flying. The staff got him back to bed. After that came the EKG's, X-Rays, blood work and even the Telemeter again to monitor his heart.  Basically the heart is fine and his blood count is low.  Mike gets light headed easy.  Later today came another blood transfusion.  Mike's kidney function is not improving yet, so that also became another continued concern.  More blood and urine was taken for more tests.  Our nurse today, Melonie was a great one.  Some we just love!  

Doctor Dustin came in to redress Mike's foot.  He took photos this time and sent his notes and photo to Dr. Frome.  Remember she is the Doctor who finds "Everything" a concern. 

 MC - usually giving instructions or listening so he can give more instructions. 


My iPhone got an update and I can do these cool panoramic photos.  Here's MC's room from my view in the corner chair.  PA Bree is chatting with MC - Mike is talking "with his hands" :-)   Dr. Chang is looking at records and discussing test results.

Mike was suppose to get an ultrasound on his kidneys after the blood transfusion.  What happened before the ultrasound  was Dr. Fromes orders to move Mike back to ICU.  It took him awhile to get there, but he's back and he's getting full-time care again.  It's very important to figure out what's going on with all these little things that don't seem to be working quite right.  We both know he's back in good hands.  Not where we want him to be, but where he needs to be right now and that's a good thing.  Gotta Love Dr. Frome. 

The "best" part of Mike's day was that his friend David McKinney came to visit.  Dave was on the bike trip with Mike when the accident happened.  He wrote a blog of his trip and I wanted to share the second half of that article with you.  The second  part includes Mike's accident.  Dave is a beautiful writer and I think you'll enjoy this. Dave's Blog that includes info on Mike's accident .  Nice to see you Dave and we hope to see Lori next time. 

I just heard from MC - he is in his new room and getting all settled in.  I just got a description of the new nurse.  I think they are all pretty good and very dedicated to what they do.  

Love and hugs from MC - he knows you are out there thinking of him.  Thanks all, SB & MC 

IF YOU WANT TO LEAVE A COMMENT: (and Mike really wants you to) 
Click on the word comment below.  
Click on the drop-down and choose an option.  
Anonymous works well if you don't have a google account.  
Leave a comment in the box and be sure to sign your name so we know who you are.  

Friday, September 20, 2013

Mike meet Mike

Good evening Family and Friends, 


This is a super sweet story and I think it will warm your heart - 

Today Our Mikey received an email from "Mike Colligan"  -  Read on:

Hey Mike,

Another Mike Colligan here (from Pittsburgh, PA).  I stumbled across your website and story today when doing a "Mike Colligan" Google search for something I needed to find.  I read all of the updates from Sherry and just wanted to reach out and say congrats for all the progress you've made so far!  Even the first post on the site said the Doctors didn't expect your foot to make it, and you're already proving them wrong.

A common thread in many of the posts seems to be your determination.  I'm not sure if I could've made it through everything you have, so I'm going to remember your story every time I need to dig deep for inspiration.

It looks like you already have a ton of family and friends at your side and ready to help.  I plan to be one more and will definitely be following your story every step of the way.

Keep fighting and thanks for the inspiration.

Mike Colligan

So how was that for a wonderful story and what a wonderful guy to reach out to our MC like that?  "Mike Colligan of PA, it's very nice to meet you and to have you following MC's Blog. We hope to hear from you again".

Today is actually the first day that I did not hang out at the hospital with Mike.  He did just fine with all of his daily activities with nurses and therapists and docs doing their rounds.  I heard Dr. Klomp (Mike's Plastics Doc from Utah) called Mike today to check in on him.  That's the Dixie folks for you.  One classy Doctor.  We have had some really incredible Doctors along this journey.  I say "we" like I'm having the surgeries - so I'm not under the knife, but I'm watching very closely just who is putting Mike under the knife.  8-]

Tonight Mikey had a little bleeding issue with his foot.  The On Call Doctor seemed to feel that everything is ok.  It sure got some of us (me) fired up for an hour or so.  Guess we (me) are not too relaxed just yet about the certainty of the foots survival.  Dr. Frome has said "everything is a concern".  This basically means she is on top of everything. 

Mike is doing a little better when it comes to having a visit.  But text him first and make sure he is up for the visit. 503-778-0190 - if he doesn't answer, don't just show up.  He's most likely busy or not up for even texting with you.  

Hugs to all of you from Tigard and NE Portland.  SB & MC 

  

Thursday, September 19, 2013

Remembering to enjoy the Sunsets and celebrate Mike's Progress

Hello everyone, 
Today's Post will cover 2 days:  On Wednesday Mike did the usual bedtime routine.  He has had some additional issues with his Kidney function and Blood Protein levels.  Some of this they feel is due to a very invasive antibiotic he was taking.  That stopped 48 hours ago and things seem to be improving. He will continue his Zosyn antibiotic given through his PICC line for another 4-6 weeks minimum.   Mikes has also had an excessive amount of water retention throughout his body and a large amount of swelling in his foot and ankle.  This is also causing a lot of seepage around the wound.  Time to tackle that:  Mike is now on oral lasix to reduce all the extra fluid.

Not too much news on the foot - still no bacteria and the flap is looking good.  Todays' report has more detail but first I want to share last night's sunset with you. 

My folks, Dave and Karen Haring invited me out to have dinner with them on their little dingy at the Columbia River Yacht Club.  It's such a lovely little place to have dinner, sip some vino, watch the sunset, the moon rise and get much needed hugs from Mom and Dad! "Thanks Mom and Dad, I love you" 

On my way walking down the docks to the Sun Runner on A-Dock. 

Mom and Dad waving hello!   See the moon?  It was so beautiful.  First all the Navy and or Air Force fighter jets had to grace us with their presence - Impressively loud.  Once the darkness came the moon was so big and round and bright.  It was one of those super clear and beautiful Willamette Valley September nights. 


OK - on to today's festivities on Mikey and the foot now that I am feeling all refreshed! 
Dr. Frome and Just Craig came in and undressed everything.  Still a lot of drainage, but no concerns and everything is looking as good as possible.  Here's the plan going forward:

Tuesday:  Dr. Gelman and Frome's Team will go to work on Mike in the Operating room.  Dr. Gelman will put the Ilizarov Frame onto Mike's ankle.  At that point Frome will replace the donor skin Mike has with another donors skin. Because of the Ilizarov she does not want to use Mike's own skin until she is sure there won't be any interruption for her grafting process. 

After that:  Not exactly sure if there will be a day or two in the hospital, then home!!!   Mike will be back for his skin to be grafted onto his flap one week after the frame is installed.  After that surgery he will be in the hospital for another couple of days - I'll remind you of that timeline as it comes and goes.   He is feeling so much better today and it's good to know what to expect  on some sort of timeline. 
Dr. Frome is very happy about how things are looking.  Time to redress. 

Dr. Frome is pushing Mike's foot UP to stretch his foot to a better place.  The Frame will put it in place next Tuesday and keep it there as long as need be for proper alignment and healing. 

Dr. Frome and Just Craig have wrapped MC all pretty again.  His Doppler will come out tomorrow and his nerve block will stay in as long as the Anesthesiologist feels it can stay. 

The latest on Mike and having visitors.  He said because he is so up and down on energy that it would be best to text him directly if you wanted to come by.  503-778-0190.The room temp has been reduced to 75 degrees.  I can tolerate that!  :-)   Please keep in mind that a long visit for Mike right now is 10-15 minutes even if he seems like he is doing fine.  He won't really show how tired or "done" with the visit he is, so just try to keep that in mind. After all the visit is about him not you. Right?  :-)))

Early out today, love and hugs, SB and MC who is sound asleep right next to me. 

IF YOU WANT TO LEAVE A COMMENT: (and Mike really wants you to) 
Click on the word comment below.  
Click on the drop-down and choose an option.  
Anonymous works well if you don't have a google account.  
Leave a comment in the box and be sure to sign your name so we know who you are.  

Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Every Day is a BIG Day even when you're in a very small room.

Hello Loved Ones,  Here is tonights update.  Maybe a little later than usual, but I took a little time to myself and had Taco Tuesday Night with my Dear friends Chris and Maria.  Sometimes you just need to take a little time to down shift.  I love that Mikey encourages me to do so....  The days seem long and perhaps it's because the heat is so warm in the room..  We are in the tropics, but I'm not getting tan. 

So here's what happened with Mr. C today.  Shift change, breakfast and toiletries.  MC got up and into the bathroom today via a wheelchair.  I didn't even know they could get a WC into the room, but they did and Mike really appreciated it.  He has his bathroom preferences!!!  I don't blame him.  

Back to bed with the leg up and it wasn't long before Dr. Chang the Infectious Disease Doc came in.  He said there is still no bacteria growth - that's really good news.  Soon after "Just Craig" (Mike's new name for PA Craig Keller)  came in and the timing was good because Dr. Chang wanted to take a look at Mike's leg.  
Dr. Chang observing "Just Craig's" wound change

Next within minutes of opening up the wound, the Trauma Unit headed by the BIG GUY, Dr. Long, came in to make their Team assessment.  Dr. Chang and Just Craig stepped aside while they "did their thing".  This Team makes their rounds every morning and they go into each and every room.  They are over seeing Mike's progress as well as the other Doctors. 

You can see the room is FULL and everyone is huddled around the bed and trying to get a glimpse of Mike's foot.  Just Craig referred to the Free Flap as Enormous!   It is very large and covers the bottom of his foot, his entire ankle and up the side of his leg.   Mike's back is recovering well.  Thing #1 and Thing #2 got shorter leashes.  Dr. Long's orders.  I guess they work better than way. 

Dr. Long was a Hoot and spent time teaching Mike a little bit about this and than.  Some formulation that I got lost way before I could make sense of it.  I think Mike could sort of repeat the conversation.  It was interesting and this Doctor has a lot to share.  Good guy! 

This is pretty much how MC hangs out during the day with just his loincloth covering his privates.  His foot would normally be covered up. 

Just Craig wrapped it up with the help of Mike's Nurse Tiel and Tina - and Mike.  He works hard to lift that leg up.  Just Craig was not happy about the direction Mike's foot is heading.  The swelling is pushing the foot downward.  The cast that they are using is really not keeping the foot upright.  SO... "Ortho Craig" was called in. 

Here is Ortho Craig showing MC the aluminum splint they are going to lay his foot in.  After customizing it to fit his leg and allow for the flap to be free of any pressure, they fit it to his leg and wrapped it up again. 

It looked so pretty when they got done and I think Mike felt like his foot was pretty comfy. 
Yesterday he tried to reduce his pain meds, but that didn't work and he learned the hard way that he is in no way ready to wean himself off of pain meds.  

Mike met with his Nutritionist, PT, OT and many nurses throughout the day.  Then came the replacement of his Central Line (CVC).  This was good news to be taking it out of his chest, but this meant he needed a PICC line.  That's basically an IV inserted into his bicep area.  This procedure took two nurses, a tent covering Mike, an ultrasound and 45 minutes.  MC was not happy about this, but word of needing antibiotics via IV for 4-6 weeks meant he had no choice.  They didn't shave his arm hair and they kind of pinched his skin under the plastic tape - he was super grumpy about this!  I don't see him grumpy very often, but he doesn't like having his hair pulled.   After the PICC line was put IN, there needed to be an X-ray to verify that it was put in correctly.  YEP - looks good.  Now the Nurse hooked the IV lines up from the CVC to the PICC.  Later the CVC was removed along with the stitches holding it in.  Happy to have the CVC out ever happier to have the Telemetry Monitor ( click here to learn more )  off as well.  Now MC was Happy!!!  (Except for all the hair pulling on his chest again.  Owwwwww 

Nurse Ember - MC's favorite Nurse, even came over from ICU to visit with him today.  His hi-light of the day.  (that's my take. Seeing someone like that, who cared so much about him really made his day)  

Next came Scott the X-Ray Tech.  What?  Can't they do all the x-rays at once.  Now it was time for the foot to get a photo taken.  New Doc you really haven't heard about - Dr. Gilman the "bone" doctor wanted photos.  A little complicated because of the aluminum boot Mike was wearing and it took a small army of staff to undress, x-ray and redress his wound.  All in the day of Mikey Colligan...  

Next came some dinner, phone calls, TV and hopefully a peaceful nights rest.  Oh MC and I have such long and slow days that are packed with one activity after another.  

Night all, Night MC from home in Tigard.  SB out for tonight.   

PS Hope you take the time to leave a comment here.  The directions are below.  

IF YOU WANT TO LEAVE A COMMENT:
Click on the word comment below.  
Click on the drop-down and choose an option.  
Anonymous works well if you don't have a google account.  
Leave a comment in the box and be sure to sign your name so we know who you are.  

Monday, September 16, 2013

Graduation Day and Mike is out of ICU

Hi all,  Well they call it Graduation Day when you move from ICU to TRACU.   After MC had some breakfast, PT and a nap – the transport Nurse rolled in and moved him to his much, much smaller, tiny, itsy, bitsy, teeny, weenie, itty, bitty room.   If it’s possible to be  smaller than our first room – it is.  Basically the Nurse can get in there with the bed, the bed tray, the IV roller unit and a small chair in the corner.  I lost my suite and oh how I miss it.  They quickly pumped the heat up to 80 degrees just like the other room.  Funny how it seems to take hours to move only a few hundred feet down the hall and get settled again. 
MC rolling into his new room. We are going to miss EMBER his Nurse from ICU. 

I left about 5:00 tonight so I could take my oldest, Brandon out to dinner for his 31st b-day celebration.  Mike was resting comfortably and I made him promise to watch something funny on the tube tonight and drink tons of water.  His appetite is down so I’m doing my best to remind him to eat, eat, eat.  (no candy or sweets – he’s been making great choices)  And get plenty of protein.   Tonight when I kissed him good-bye, he kissed me back with a little more enthusiasm than usual.  That was a great sign and I felt a little pitter patter I hadn’t felt in a long time.  8-)  So happy Mike is feeling a little better.  He actually had a few smiles today.  If anything there is a lot of anxiety about the foot and the future.   I cannot blame him.  I think about those things all the time too. 

Dr. Frome checked in today and so did Dr. Chang the Infectious Disease specialist.  So far good reports and nothing to be too concerned about.  Just not out of the woods for a while yet.   The nerve block is helping with the foot pain and all the other drugs are helping with the rest of what the body is struggling with.   He has a few less wires hooked to his body and he sure likes that.  Also the BP cuff is only attached every hour now and not sitting on him taking readings every 15 minutes 24/7.   By the way his BP is doing fine on it’s own without the support meds.  He still has his Central Line and that is how they are giving him all of his fluids and antibiotics.

I’m missing my MC tonight and he is really missing the celebration with Brandon.  Mike is probably a couple more days out from visitors but if that changes tomorrow I will be sure to let you know.  His room is honestly big enough for 2 people to stand and that’s it.   His sister and dad are planning a visit on Wednesday evening.  I think he will be up for that.

Please text me if you have questions or you can email MC.  He does his best work at about 4 am when he can’t sleep.  J


SB & MC out from across town from each other, but together in spirit.   He will read this tonight, so I’d like to add “sleep well sweetheart, I love you”!  

Sunday, September 15, 2013

Dr. Frome and Craig Keller assess and redress! Then Mike heads for the swing!


Hi everyone!  It's been a rainy drizzle of a day here in Portlandia! I arrived bright and early again - YES!!! - just in time for both Doctors to come in together to take a look at Mike's foot and back.  It's nice when you can hear them telling each other what they are looking at and not just us in Doc / Patient speak.  But actually they both know what things look like and they didn't say too much to each other.  All in all it sounded positive.  Nothing negative 
Mike Kind of lays in bed with his loincloth on - so pretty much naked due to the fact that the room is so warm.  Cook Doppler in the foreground and the pulse is doing very well. The Doctors are attacking the old dressing while we watch intently. 

Both leg drains / tubes were removed and all the old wet dressing was taken away.  Everything looked as expected and apparently very good.

The Flap is still swollen, but not like it was the first day.  The color under the dark donor skin is pink and very pretty according to Craig.  I told him if that is "pretty" than I wonder what his wife looks like.  He just laughed and said his wife is very pretty too. These Doctors obviously have their own idea of pretty - but we are glad he thinks so.  This is good! 

We had a wonderful nurse today.  Her name is Ember and she was a gift to us.  Mike said she was definitely one of the best!  That says a lot because  we've had close to 100 nurses / CNA's  to date.  

After the dressing change came the new half cast.  It's like a toboggan under Mikes foot. Dr. Frome held it in place pushing the ankle up and stretching the achilles tendon.  Mike really liked how that felt.  It's been ages (6 weeks and 5 days) since he felt that stretch. 
(see the Portland day we have - typical for us Oregonians) 

Here's the conversation and assessment about what's next.  The skin graft surgery will most likely be on the Monday after tomorrow. (23rd)  We hope to be off all BP support meds so that Mike can leave the ICU and go to the TRACU (Trauma Acute Care Unit) .   They will check in on the foot again tomorrow.  It will be at least another week before we know if the flap will live, no bacteria and so on.  Mike is doing everything he can to be a perfect patient. They took bacteria tests today and up the Antibiotics just in case there was something there.  Tomorrow we meet with Dr. Chang who specializes in Infectious Disease.  

Here is our first look at MC's back.  The incision starts way into the armpit and goes about 18 inches.  The back that so lovingly gave up it's muscle to become his foot!  This is truly amazing.  He has two tubes that drain into bulbs.  They are numbered #1 & #2.  I call them Thing 1 and Thing 2.  :-)  You will see them in photos from time to time.  They tend to go everywhere with Mike at the moment - doing their job like all the other wires that are attached to him.  I counted them the other day and came up with 16 devices that were hosed or wired to him.  

LATER IN THE DAY: 
Mike got up into a chair for a bit.  Had very little appetite and barely enough energy to talk to a family member or two.  This has been very rough on him.  It feels like 10 steps backwards.  Dr. Frome said "this surgery is ONLY for the toughest of the toughest.  It's limb salvage and there is nothing easy or comfortable about it.  Mike is a great patient and doing very well in attitude and spirit"  That was good to hear from her, but Mike's little spirit is worn thin and he /we really try hard not to remember the past 6 1/2 weeks (nothing happy about them) but try to focus on better times to come.  "We will dance again" and "We will appreciate just being able to hold each other again"  Pretty simple but that's what we dream about. 

The Swing
(don't get too excited, it's not what you think) 
Only adults read this, right? 


Mike's wonderful Nurse Ember and an assistant helped Mike get into the recliner via a hoist type swing.  MC looks a little unsure - but this is where he is saying "you told me to trust you so I will" 
The sling is under him and the straps are hooked


Up - Up and away!  This was so slick!  

Landing in the easy chair and getting unhooked.  This took a total of 5 minutes. 

These great ladies did a great job and Mike stayed there for about 30 minutes.  Tried to eat some salad, but hated the dressing.   ( I see Thing 1 and Thing 2)  :-) 

Need to keep the humor in the day - it's the only thing that keeps us going besides all the good incredible wishes and prayers that are sent our way.  We are so blessed.  I read all of your messages to Mike as I get them.  MC posted on his FB page today some thoughts of his own.  I think he really wishes he could be there for you - I told him you are all there for him.  Just please know he appreciates everything and feels it.  

More tomorrow and we hope to be out of ICU, however we will still be in the tropics once we hit TRACU.   SB and MC (sleeping) out for tonight.  

PS  I am going to try and post a couple of videos from the doctor on my FB page.  




IF YOU WANT TO LEAVE A COMMENT:
Click on the word comment below.  
Click on the drop-down and choose an option.  
Anonymous works well if you don't have a google account.  
Leave a comment in the box and be sure to sign your name so we know who you are.