Fever

Here we go again.  Jerry has been compaining about not feeling good for two days.  Said he can't put his finger on it he just doesn't feel good.  Tonight started running a low grade fever.  I'm sure its a rejection.  I really would like to take him to the ER tonight but he wants to wait until tomorrow.  Our book does say if the fever persists for more the 24 hrs.  But he hasn't felt good for two day.  Oh my what to do.  I'm so tired.  Hopefully this is just normal and its nothing serious.  Crazy!!! 

JoAnn

JoAnn I will be thinking of Jerry and you today and praying..........Hanging in there sweetie..........

Thoughts and prayers...........

Keep us posted! You have been such a big help to me with my mom, who is still in ICU, but you are providing a great roadmap and helping to keep me on my toes! Hang in there - not only does Jerry need you, we need you!! I will pray for you!

JoAnn,

You are still on high alert. Give yourself a break. It could be nothing. You will feel much more comfortable with time. Trust me.

Thinking about you and praying things settle down soon.

Love,

Penny

 

JoAnn,

 

My heart goes out to you.  I’m so glad you are feeling more comfortable.  It’s a tough row to hoe.  You have come such a long way and I am very proud of your progress.  Jerry may never realize all that you have gone through, but it’s okay.  God knows.

 

Don’t forget that as a man, (I don’t mean to sound facetious) Jerry has a longing to be in control of the situation.  It is important that you take a few steps back and let him take some risks.  He may stumble, but he will realize his boundaries.  He may never become the man he used to be, but at least you are afforded more time to spend with him.  Everyone is not so fortunate and we must count our blessings!

 

Harvey is really getting on my nerves so that reassures me that he is recovering well.  But I will never let my guard down completely.  I am currently sick with a cold or flu.  I am very careful not to expose Harvey to my germs.  This proved to be a real challenge.  I thought I had a can of Lysol but I couldn’t find it.  I have been rubbing the TV remote control down with his alcohol swabs!  J

 

Yesterday, Harvey went to the transplant clinic alone (I refused to go since there are very vulnerable patients there).  The doctor (secondary to the Transplant Director) wanted him to double the dose of his blood pressure medicine (Cozar 25mg to 50mg).  Harvey did not question this, but I had a fit!  I called them and demanded answers. 

 

Since Harvey has been going to the gym his blood pressure has dropped well within normal limits (at times he presented with low blood pressure).  I insisted that increasing the meds may jeopardize his health.  Within hours, they backed off this decision and decided not to change his meds.  It just goes to show you that you need to trust your instincts.

 

Life will slowly get back to normal.  You need to simply stretch, take in a deep breath and realize that there are things simply beyond your control.  It’s time to concentrate on yourself a little.  Jerry needs to step up and let you relax a bit.  You deserve it.

 

Life is short.  Live it as full as you can. 

 

Love,

 

Penny

JoAnn, I'm not Penny, but wanted to thank you for the update on Jerry.  You guys have been through so much.  I hope the problems he has now are just minor ones that can be dealt with or will disappear in time.  When you mentioned his itching and flaking skin, it made me think of my own.  It must be something about anesthesia--every time I am put under for surgery, my skin (which is dry to begin with) gets so dry it is flaking off and my feet are itching on top.  I look like a snake discarding his skin!  I've been wetting a washcloth and wiping as much of the dead skin off as I can and then following that with Neutrogena Bath Oil.  Lotions just don't help.  If the itching Jerry has now is due to the dry, flakiness of his skin, you might try some bath oil--or even a little baby oil.

I used to take yoga classes years ago in NYC, and you are right--it is really relaxing.  I don't think I could do most of the moves now with the artificial hips.  In fact, I can't get on the floor.  Wish I could do it, though.

Please continue to keep us updated.

Hugs,

Connie

JoAnn & Connie,

 

This is a link to a great website on dry skin that provides details and explanations on how to treat it.  I found it interesting and you may find a combination that will help.   http://dermnetnz.org/treatments/emollients.html

 

JoAnn, keep after the Doc’s about Jerry’s blood pressure.  Harvey’s was so high after the transplant that I suspect it caused his aneurysm.  Glad to hear that you are doing yoga and that you are maintaining your sense of humor.  I don’t do it, but there is nothing like a good stretch (and a yawn) to get me feeling energized. 

 

This cold is making me miserable.  I can’t rest because I keep coughing.  I took some Mucinex this morning so hopefully it will break up some of the congestion in my chest.  Other than the cough, I feel okay.  So far, Harvey shows no signs of catching it (fingers crossed). 

 

Penny

 

 

Connie,

 

2 WEEKS!??  I’m going camping in 2 weeks.  It’s Harvey’s “do over” in the Smoky Mountains.  I hope this clears up before then.  I’m miserable.  I didn’t bother going into work today because I cannot even maintain a conversation for the coughing spells.

 

I thought that website was pretty cool.  I didn’t realize there was such a difference in these products.  I thought they just came up with these fancy terms just to sell product.  Seems like if you use a moisturizer then apply the oil your skin would retain more fluid.  Seems that if you combine the products, you can get a greater benefit from them.

 

Penny