Monday 23 July 2012

Not a quick PICC

Good news! My CO2 level is down to 45!!! Sucky thing is I'm still on the Bipap.

"Let me at that Bipap"
Doc says they can't release me based on one number, that it's the global picture. Because I got so sick so suddenly, they are being extra cautious. Even though I had the infection for a couple of weeks prior to ending up in the hospital, it's the fact that I went from "0 - 60" in a matter of a half an hour.

I got a PICC line today!!! A PICC line is a peripherally inserted central catheter, it's a form of IV access that can be used for a prolonged period of time (up to a year I guess). I usually get a PICC at the beginning of a hospital stay, but as I was so sick when I came in they just rammed the IV in. So now I have this purple thing in my arm:

I just keep getting sexier and sexier
The PICC will be great for home IV's (if it comes to that) and they want it there in case I get sick again in the future.

I was actually supposed to attempt physio today, but as I was on the phone with the transplant physiotherapist, my nurse poked her head in the room and said they were ready to "PICC me".  And as I know how long that can take we cancelled the physio. Later I talked to the CF physio guy and he needs to talk with the transplant physio girl to figure things out.

I ended up taking forever getting the PICC. I fell asleep waiting for the porter to bring me back to my room. The PICC insertion party was quite interesting. There are 5 additional spots where PICC guy tried to get it in.

Stupid, sneaky, crazy veins.

The good news I received later today: I get to stop the Bipap!!! They want to see how I do without it for a couple of nights. They'll then do another fun blood gas and see where my CO2 is. If good, no Bipap. If bad, stupid Bipap and I will keep on being roommates.

We ended up going to the Eaton Centre on my day pass as I wanted to check out some sneakers I've been contemplating exchanging some $$$ for. Completely my idea. We get there, I try them on and Brad, Ted and Judy love them. I say I love them and Brad grabs the box and says "Happy Birthday!"

These just scream "Fun"

He planned on getting them for me for my birthday on Wednesday. He was going to sneak off and buy them, but I kinda changed things for him. I LOVE them! Red is my favorite colour and hello!!! lime green laces!!?!?! Love :)

Everybody at physio will be so jealous.

We spent the rest of my get-out-of-jail-free pass relaxing at the condo. What I look forward to most on these passes is to see my little G-man. He's always so happy to see me, squeaking and tap dancing.

There is a rumor that I will be exiting this fantastical hotel by the end of the week. I don't want to get too excited but...

21 comments:

  1. Hi Jessica, Love the sneakers, red is my favourite colour too !!! It just picks me up and makes me happy when I wear red. I am thinking Brad should have a matching pair, do they come in size hmmmm maybe 14, that would stop the traffic when you cross those busy TO streets. I am keeping the fingers crossed that you break out of there by the end of the week. Love you, Linda D

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    1. I can't wait to wear them to physio! It's going to get crazzzy ;)

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  2. Hey Jess....exhibition time is here again! yeah! reminded me of last year when we went to see the strong man and then went for supper! we will have to have a date soon! i'll make a special trip to you just for supper!! well....maybe i'll stay a few days too to catch up! Love the sneakers!!!
    Oh yeah...did you see the coca cola cans were white for a while??? red is so much better!! miss you xoxox

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    1. I am sad I'll miss it :( But you can go and tell me all about it. Definitely a date soon...a TO date!
      I did see the coke cans (it was about the polar bears). Red is much better.
      Miss you!

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  3. Gaaaaaaa, five tries!!!?? The two times I've had my friend PICC, it's been first try only, and that was bad enough. I hope you at least got a celebratory chocolate bar or latte after that!
    Megs
    Also, will you be able to make the call this Thursday?

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    1. I've had many PICC's and have never before had problems. Weird. I'm definitely eating lots of junk lately though, Starbucks, street meat and the chips and pop that the hospital gives me for snacks. The insulin sure is getting a work out!
      I will be on the call Thursday. You?

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    2. Yes I will. Possibly with a blizzard (my diabeti weakness)... But it is miracle treat day!!! How can I not get one is the real question... ;)

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  4. reading your blog and thinking of you Jess...weather is bad for exhibition...you aren't missing a thing in THAT department!
    Big hugs!
    Sandi

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  5. Love reading your blog Jess! Your escapades bring a smile every day. Hope you are feeling better day by day, and hope you get out of the hospital for good very soon. Take care & God bless. Keep writing - you should write a book!
    P.S. Happy Birthday!

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    1. Aw Linda, you are so sweet. I am feeling better every day; hope to soon get out. I've been pondering the whole book thing...

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  6. Me thinks you'll be starting a new trend in the Treadmill Room...or at the very least a dress code update! Sexy beast shoes Baby! Bad News: PICC; Worse News: 5 tries! Best News: once it's in, it's in - yeah!
    Jess, Jess, infection mess!
    Bugs, bugs, don't give em hugs!
    Bipap, beds and lots of meds!
    Shout, shout, we want you out!
    Cheer, cheer, we miss you dear!

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    1. Love the cheer! Trust me, I'm ecstatic to have the PICC! Spread the word at physio about the cool new shoes!

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  7. Glad to hear you may soon be sprung free!! Love the sneakers!! The laces are just the best!! All the joking and laughing at physio should be good for the lungs!! Take care and Happy Birthday!! Prayers continue.

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    1. Thanks! I agree, love the laces! Who are you BooBear?

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  8. How did I know when you got sneakers they would be red. I would like to wish you and Ted and very happy day tomorrow. I know it would be great if you were out of the hospital but your really special day will come soon. You so deserve this to happen soon and it will. We love you very much. Mom and Dad

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    1. Hahaha, of course they would be red!! Love you both!!

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  9. lovin the sneaks!
    Hope you do get out of there this weekend :)

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    1. Thanks Amy! I can't wait to show them off at physio!!

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  10. Hey Jess!
    Love the sneakers :-) Happy Birthday! Hope you soon get out... I spent my birthday this year in the hospital too :-( Its not fun at all.. Wow 5 tries for the picc... How sore are you now?? Have you ever thought about a portacathe?? I have one and I love it Jess... No IVs, no picc lines, no bloodwork!! Just one little poke and I cant even feel it anymore... It stays in forever unless it gets infected... But its worth it in the end... Dont know what Id do without mine... You can still do home IVs and when you get put in the hospital you dont have to wait for it to like you do the picc... Just something to really consider... Alot of pros with a port! Hope you feel better soon! Take care! Think about you everyday!
    *Hugs*
    Jennifer Crouse

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  11. Actually the PICC can last up to 1 year. I'm really hoping I won't need Iv's after that...fingers crossed for my new windbags soon.
    Surprisingly I'm not sore at all. Just find the bruise and poke holes cool to look at...I have so many scars that it just doesn't matter anymore. Battle scars!

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