Just got back from the first visit for today. Still doing okay.
His mouth is really not doing very well. He says he can not swollow anyting accept liquids. We tried some pudding, and after two spoons said no more.
Amy, is the info in this website something I should be worried about? He keeps talking about how much his back itches and burns still.
http://www.dilantin-side-effects.com/?gclid=CMyKmbSMvZ0CFdFL5Qodsho6hQ
Occupational Therapist came by today and Ken was able to write his name with his left and right hand. Slow going, but really did good!
He also was put back on the IV of potassium chlorate today as well.
I do not expect he will be released this week.
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I have seen one case of Stevens-johnson syndrome, and it is really something remarkable. It is extremely severe, it is not something that would be missed. It progresses rapidly (usually over hours) and is the most impressive "rash" you will ever see. Even if he is just having a typical "reaction" to the Dilantin, it would surely be very uncomfortable considering that he hasn't been able to get up and move around at all. Maybe they could give him a little Benadryl for itching, or possibly some hydrocortisone cream would help the itching as well as the burning. It is important that he doesn't itch as open skin in a hospital (germy place) is not a good idea :) couple of questions: Is his potassium low? or is it just maintenance fluids because he is not eating well? also, why is his throat so sore? Is it a swallowing problem, or a "sore" throat?
ReplyDeleteAh, I see. I've seen his back, and it looks normal to me. I didn't see a rash. The last Dilantin he had was Sunday afternoon, so I probably could rule this out, right?
ReplyDeleteThe KCL is maintenance fluids because he isn't eating enough.
I think his throat is sore from all the coughing. I asked the nurse if he may have aspirated some food and that is what causing the choking/coughing when he is on his back, and she said that if he had inhaled a bit of food into his lungs that he would probably have a temperature.
Going back at 5pm. I'll take another look at his back. Can you help me think of liquids that will help him get nutrition? I'm bringing juices and Bill and Helen are getting him some V8. What else? (he isn't doing dairy well, so that is out)
T
vitamin water? protein water (these are made by special K and come in ready made, or powder packets you mix in water). Make sure you run it by the nurse first though... Is he being seen by a nutritionist yet? They may do this if he doesn't eat soon...they can calculate exactly how many grams of calories, carbs, protein he will need to get stronger...also, remember when you hear hoofbeats, think horses not zebras...you can make yourself a nervous wreck trying to chase down every symptom. Just remember the hospital staff is there to answer your questions and help you - you don't have to figure it out all by yourself. Don't forget to get some rest and peaceful time yourself so that you can continue to be the amazing caregiver that you have been so far...you don't want to poop out
ReplyDeleteTodd, last summer I read "My stroke of insight" which is by a neuroscientist, who herself (I think her name is Jill Bolte Taylor) experienced a stroke, and it chronicles what it was like for her during, and also chronicles her recovery. I remember that one thing she stressed was that stroke victims who are upbeat and positive recover better and faster, so she was encouraging caregivers to be really supportive of every teeny step of progress, and to also break tasks (like sitting up) into lots of little steps, each of which could be applauded, and the achievement of which would give the stroke person encouragement. The book itself was really really interesting, was a fast read.
ReplyDelete