Here is Barb's latest update --
Hi Everyone, just a quick update, LOL, ok long update. I came into the hospital yesterday afternoon. My PCM called the ER and the internal med team that would be caring for me. I arrived at 2:00 sent hubby home around 7:45, was finally brought up to my room around 9:30pm.
The whole time I was in the ER I was able to get IV pain meds. Upon getting on the floor they started me on a pain pump. Took lots of photos of my chest and spine. I have broken another rib and they really believe I also have a compression fracture in my spine.
My cardiologist came and did my echo at my bedside in the ER after 7:00pm. He found only a small portion of fluid around my heart. He did find, however, that I had calsifacation of my pericardium. Which isn't a good thing. Most likely will have to have surgery on my pericardium and collect multiple biopsies.
My malar rash was in FULL BLOOM last night and today. Cardiologist wanted to touch my cheeks, as he had NEVER seen my face so red and hot. The on call Rheumy took a photo of my face today for my regular Rheumy. I'm also having issues with my kidneys I am officially on a renal predialysis healthy heart diet. Yup you guessed it, NOT THE BEST OF DIETS. Then Pain Magement came to see me today. The way he was talking I most likely will be here thru Monday. He order a huge amount of oral pain meds, to attempt to wean me off the pain pump. They are planning on weaning me off the pain pump tomorrow.
Because I've been on narcotic pain relief for a really long time I have a HUGE tolerance issue. The nurse was afraid to give me the dose, this afternoon of my oral pain killer. I've managed to cut back on the number of times I've needed to push the button for IV meds.
The on-call Rheumy came by to see me, too. He informed me that I have a SEVERE case of osteoporosis, he's never seen such a bad case in someone my age. I had never met this Rheumy, but he knew me and my case. He actually told me that my Rheumy will be the on call attending starting on Monday, so I will be able to see him then.
I'm suspecting I'll be getting a CT w/contrast tomorrow and an MRI w/contrast. They need a better view of my spine, and I may end up needing an echo that's done from the inside of my throat.. It's like getting an endoscopy but it's of my heart it's called a TEE.
Other than that I'm sitting around and trying NOT to panic and flee in the middle of the night. Will keep you updated as I know more, Hope everyone is having a good weekend and you are all feeling well.
Hugs,
Barbara
Post Edited (Lynnwood) : 3/9/2013 7:17:11 PM (GMT-7)