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Author Topic: DjTurtle Treatment Update  (Read 4839 times)

Offline Viper

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Re: DjTurtle Treatment Update
« Reply #30 on: October 07, 2011, 04:45:53 AM »
Update:

Well I spoke with DJ's doctor this morning. After more investigative blood work it appears that she developed a form of blood poisoning through the small soars that developed from scratching at her rash. Her low WBC and ANC levels, due to treatment, contributed to it by lowering her immune system's ability to fight it off. So, they have now taken her off ribavirin to allow her WBC and ANC levels to build back up so her own body can assist better in dealing with the blood poisoning. They also have placed her on IV antibiotics. They are continuing her daily moisturizing baths and IV fluids. Her rash areas are still somewhat itchy, but are improving from the baths they give her.

She's expected to be in the hospital for at least 4 more days. I will be going up to see her on Saturday and be able to visually see for myself how well she is doing. I unfortunately have been having to work through it all as I have run out of vacation as well as personal days for the year at work. My recent promotion to maintenance supervisor at work has also required me to attend additional corporate training for the position during the week. Though happy with the promotion, the timing couldn't have been worse. It's putting a real strain on fulfilling my responsibilities as a husband to DJ in being able to provide her with both personal and financial support.  I want to be there for her, yet I have to tend to our financial well being which unfortunately takes priority. If the hospital was more local and not 80 miles away it would be a lot easier to balance.

Unfortunately our local hospital extremely lacks in quality of care and doctors. Boston hospitals, however, are extremely better in both quality of care as well as doctors. This is why we both have chose to travel the 80 mile distance to Boston for our HCV treatment and management at the Liver Center at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. This said, the choice to have Dj go to Boston to have her treatment complications taken care of was obviously a no brainer for two reasons: the quality of care and the fact they are the ones treating her for her HCV which these complications are related to. Just wish she was closer and I was able to visit her daily, as I'm sure she does too.  Though I know she is getting the best care, its still very tough on me not being there for her and I miss her tremendously.

Will update again soon on how she is doing, and thanks again for everyone's kind words and prayers.


 :grin: Viper

Offline lml6203

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Re: DjTurtle Treatment Update
« Reply #31 on: October 07, 2011, 05:30:07 AM »
Thank goodness DJ is on the mend. I am sure she knows how much you want to be by her side but you are tending to your security and that is just as important right now. Money worries in a time of health problems can me so very stressfull. From what I read you are a wonderful human/husband. You are doing the very best you can and that's all we can ask of ourselves.
Prayers and best wishes for DJ's fast recovery and her return home so you can relax a little.
“And forget not that the earth delights to feel your bare feet and the winds long to play with your hair.” Kahlil Gibran

Offline Judith

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Re: DjTurtle Treatment Update
« Reply #32 on: October 07, 2011, 07:29:36 AM »
My prayers and thoughts are with you and DJ. The job as a caretaker is a difficult one, plus balancing a new position....yikes!

Thankfully DJ is at one of the best hospitals in the world and will be very well taken care of.

I bet tomorrow cannot come fast enough!

Many Blessings,
Judith  :heart:
"The most important thing is to enjoy your life—to be happy—it's all that matters."
— Audrey Hepburn

Offline LivinLife

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Re: DjTurtle Treatment Update
« Reply #33 on: October 07, 2011, 07:31:40 AM »
Viper was glad to see your post this morning that DJ is on the mend.  What great news to wake up and read.  Don't beat yourself up . . sounds like you are a most honorable, loving and dedicated husband and no doubt DJ is aware of this.  You two sound like such a supportive team.  You have my respect and above all prayers.  Hang in there and let DJ know we are anxiously awaiting her recovery from this.  Keep us posted.

Offline sweet sue

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Re: DjTurtle Treatment Update
« Reply #34 on: October 07, 2011, 07:32:05 AM »
Viper, I'm sure DJ understands you not being there under the circumstances. Those of us who have met you both know how hard it is for you not being with her ans visa versa.  Perhaps you can send us contact info for her so we can call her.

So happy she is on the mend.

sweet sue :fairydust:
Avenge yourself, live long enough to be a problem to your children.

Offline Willy

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Re: DjTurtle Treatment Update
« Reply #35 on: October 07, 2011, 09:27:53 AM »
Viper, Susie told me about this and I've been concerned for both of you.  You did the right thing getting her to Boston where she will get the best of care. 

I know it is difficult her being so far away..... but..... you have to keep the job that provides the insurance; no way around that.  She is getting excellent care and will be back home soon.

My regards to both of you,

Willy

Offline greyrocker

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Re: DjTurtle Treatment Update
« Reply #36 on: October 07, 2011, 10:38:17 AM »
Wayne, you are doing the right thing. I sense a bit of guilt in your mind that you can't be all things at all times...well, you are being a great husband, partner, caregiver and provider, so not to worry, my friend. Dawn is in the right place and getting excellent care and you must do what you have to do.

Just think how much sweeter it will be to see your babe when you get there.... :joyful:

take care of you too!

Don
And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. Nelson Mandela
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Offline Marijean

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Re: DjTurtle Treatment Update
« Reply #37 on: October 07, 2011, 11:32:03 AM »
Viper,

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your wife.

:heart: MJ
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Offline Mick

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Re: DjTurtle Treatment Update
« Reply #38 on: October 07, 2011, 11:44:06 AM »
Sorry to hear about the bad time you guys are having. Sending good thoughts. Why is she still on Incevick after 12 weeks, my doc said no matter what happens I am off at 12 weeks?
Just curious so I can ask my doc the question.
Prayers being sent from Olympia WA.
Creation is messy....That's the deal

Offline banarep

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Re: DjTurtle Treatment Update
« Reply #39 on: October 07, 2011, 01:52:22 PM »
Viper,

Thanks so much for the update.  Like rocker says, you are being a great husband and partner. 

BR
I hate to advocate drugs, alcohol, or insanity to anyone, but they've always worked for me.    Hunter S. Thompson

Offline inquiring mind

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Re: DjTurtle Treatment Update
« Reply #40 on: October 07, 2011, 01:54:37 PM »
Don't beat yourself up Viper. Hang in there. So glad she is getting great care.
My blog about my experiences with Hep C is at http://myhepcdiary.wordpress.com/

Offline DougV

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Re: DjTurtle Treatment Update
« Reply #41 on: October 07, 2011, 08:53:37 PM »
I would do Boston Hospital too, and jobs are what they are these days. 

She is getting good care and that is the important thing.  Of course give her our regards and well wishes. 

She will be at home before you know it.

Doug

Offline snapplecandy

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Re: DjTurtle Treatment Update
« Reply #42 on: October 08, 2011, 02:22:06 PM »
Viper, it is a balance....you have made the right choice. Her getting the absolutely best medical care takes priority over you being able to visit her more often at a local hospital where she might not be be managed properly and get worse. I am so glad things are now under control.

I am curious about these moisturizing treatments they are giving her. I too have open sores from scratching and my anc down. Thankfully neupo has helped with this. I am really concerned now after hearing what you have gone through. Sometimes these things can turn south very quickly.So glad that with your help and good decisions, you are turning it back around for Dj.

Offline Viper

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Re: DjTurtle Treatment Update
« Reply #43 on: October 08, 2011, 05:19:40 PM »
Visiting with DJ at the hospital. She's doing good. Rash has improved a lot. Has gone from bright red to mild pink. Still itchy for her, but not as much.

DJ sends her love and says thank you for everyone's well wishes and prayers. Says they must be working because she is getting better each day.


Offline greyrocker

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Re: DjTurtle Treatment Update
« Reply #44 on: October 08, 2011, 07:03:36 PM »
Great to see her smiling! Thanks for the update, Viper!  :happy:

GR
And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. Nelson Mandela
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