What a week, part 1 ...

We made it thru week 2 of Rick's recovery ... and into week 3 ... then, the swelling started. Not his shoulder. But everything from his belly button down. EVERYTHING. Sigh. He was so miserable. But he didn't tell me until after office hours last Friday (not yesterday). We put ice packs where we could at night - hoping it would help. Didn't. He tried walking some - and when he could, he did feel better. His feet and legs were so swollen tho that it was painful to walk. 

Finally, Monday this week came. I called Dr. Arneke's office. Appointment for 11 a.m. 
Dr. Arneke took one look at his weight and at him. Said he had about 20-25 pounds of fluid build up. He wanted to consult with Dr. Tobin to see what was best. 
We left and waited around in town to see. 

Dr. Arneke called. They wanted to send Rick to Tyler - Mother Frances Hospital - for a round of Lasix. Said that there was a 50/50 chance of it working. Which was why they wanted him there instead of in Sulphur Springs. Because the only other way to get the fluid off of him was with dialysis. 

We stopped by the house and threw our things together. Went to Tyler. We had been told to go to the ER - be admitted, and we would see the kidney specialist. All things were "set up" ... NOT. 

We got to the ER at 4:15 p.m. and sat there for 4 hours. Finally, Rick's name was called - but only for some information. More time sitting. Called again - IV put in place. Blood was drawn. More time sitting and waiting. 
Somewhere around 9 p.m. he was called and taken to the other side of the hospital, to an ER holding room. At least he had a bed to rest in, with his feet up. 
An ER doctor came in and did a 5 minute exam, asked a few questions. We were left waiting ... for 3 more hours. 

Sometime around midnight, Rick was then moved to a 2nd ER holding area. This time to a pediatric exam room. Put on a pediatric gurney. FOR THE NIGHT. He was absolutely miserable. 
The blood work had come back by this time. His potassium was slightly elevated. So, he was given Kayexalate. (Which I don't really understand - it is an extremely high sodium product, with swelling in the feet as one of the main side effects. ???) He spent the better part of the rest of the night in the bathroom. Sigh. 

He was also given an IV of Lasix. Trying to help his body shed the fluid. 

After shift change at 7 a.m.  Rick was taken to a 3rd ER holding area. We were told that he would be getting a room on a floor before lunch. So, more waiting ... and waiting ... 

He was taken to a room around 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday. 

Now keep in mind - that we have had nurses in and out ... but have seen no doctor yet!!!