(Most recent updates first)
First received Thursday, January 2, 2020
For Gary S. in Santa Fe, New Mexico in the process of getting medical care for himself and his wife...[February 3] Gary has an appointment for a lower gastrointestinal procedure on February 6 at 2:30 P.M...[February 6] Before
Gary could have the scheduled colonoscopy, he was admitted to the hospital in serious condition and is in intensive care...[February 8] After spending two days in the hospital and having nine liters of his urine examined, Gary
will have Home Health Care and will make an appointment to see a urologist. The cause of his condition is yet unknown... [Feburary 11] Gary was released from the hospital with a catheter. He has an appointment with a urologist
on Wednesday morning. No one knows what caused his urine to back up. Support for his wife who is now Gary's chauffeur and caregiver...[February 15] Gary's bladder was severely stretched by whatever caused the blockage. His next appointment is on February 21 when they will examine the bladder.
Update Thursday, February 27, 2020
The recent tests did not see any reason for the blockage that created the backup of urine in his bladder. He will now always need the catheter.
First received Monday, December 23, 2019
For Kay G. in New Mexico who is stressed as she has to do some challenging tasks.
Update Tuesday, February 25, 2020
Kay continues to be challenged by her health problems and helping her husband.
First received Thursday, May 2, 2019
For Tom J. in Mounds View, Minnesota with fatigue and severe gastrointestinal issues... [May 3] Tom is hospitalized with severe dehydration. He must recuperate before having a colonoscopy to determine the cause of severe
diarrhea... [May 9] Tom was released from the hospital on May 5. He is recovering from acute renal failure. He will be evaluated by his primary doctor on May 9...[May 13] Tom will have a colonoscopy on May 21.[May 18] Tom has
been diagnosed with C. diff and is on antibiotics for two weeks. The colonoscopy will be performed when he no longer has the infection... [June 10] A colonoscopy is scheduled for Tom on June 14 and a doctor's visit on June 18
that will hopefully resolve the cause of chronic diarrhea and weight loss...[June 24] Tom has been diagnosed with Crohn's disease. He is on medication which is giving him some relief while he waits for his insurance company to
approve an infusion type of medication that is needed to address his severe issues....[July 10] Tom's infusion medication was approved by insurance and he has had one infusion. His heart rate went up and his heart was monitored for a day. He had a stroke and heart attack on December 24. He has not had any other side-effects and his heart seems to be fine. He is scheduled for a second infusion on July 12...[July 16] Tom had his second infusion. He is having problems with fatigue and a sore throat which are gradually diminishing. These are common side effects. He is eating well, is not having diarrhea, and has stopped losing weight. He has lost sixty-five pounds since December 24. His next infusion will be August 9...[August 17] Tom had his infusion on August 9 and experienced the same side effects of fatigue and cold-like symptoms. His weight remains stable, and he has not had any intestinal issues. The side effects are now minimal. He is having problems with weakness in his left leg as a result of his stroke and is not walking properly...[September 16] Tom is having side effects from his August infusion including severe sore throat, nausea, headache, fatigue, and sinus issues. His next infusion is October 4. Side effects can occur at any time with this medication. His weight is stable and his walking is slowly improving...[October 20] Tom's infusion on October 4 went well. He continues to have severe fatigue and cold symptoms for several days afterward. His weight remains stable. His other medications may be causing some of his side effects and his medications will be reviewed. The strength in his left side has improved and he has now joined a gym. His next infusion is December 4. He will have testing to determine the level of inflammation in January... [November 18] Tom saw his cardiologist and they have adjusted his medication. His heart is functioning normally. There is no way to determine if his heart was weakened by a tear in his heart which has healed. His cholesterol remains normal and it was normal before his stroke. Doctors do not know why plaque totally clogged his carotid artery and caused his stroke. His infusions for Crohn's disease continue to cause sore throat and cold-like side effects after an infusion and occur occasionally in between infusions, requiring him to rest for several days. His weight remains stable... [December 24] Tom had an infusion on December 4 and the side-effects have slowly disappeared. With each infusion, the side-effects are lasting longer. He will be evaluated in several months to determine the effectiveness of the infusions....[January 21] Tom will have an infusion on January 27 for Crohn's disease. He is anxious because the side effects have been lasting longer with each infusion...[January 31] Tom had an infusion on January 27 and is struggling with severe fatigue and headache. He will have another infusion in March and be evaluated in April. He is hoping he can be put on another medication.
Update Monday, February 24, 2020
Tom will have a colonoscopy on March 13 to determine if he will continue with infusions for Crohn's disease. He is no longer having side effects from his last infusion.
First received Wednesday, January 8, 2020
For ninety-two-year-old Shirley J. in Mounds View, Minnesota who fell and fractured her leg and will have surgery on January 9...[January 10] Shirley's surgery went well. She now has a rod and screws in her right femur.
She did limited walking today. She previously walked with a cane and will now have to use a walker. She will go to a rehabilitation facility for several weeks on Monday or Tuesday... [January 11]Shirley is in pain, continues
to need IV fluids, and needs assistance when walking. She is very tired and resting as much as possible... [January 18] Shirley was moved to rehab five days ago and is doing well. Her pain is slowly decreasing, she is walking
fifteen feet with a walker each day, and started to use a stationary bicycle for ten minutes each day on January 17. She is slowly getting her strength back and continues to need a lot of rest. She is receiving excellent care,
good food, and is impressing the staff with her mental clarity, excellent outlook and humor....[January 21] Shirley will have the staples removed from her incision on January 22. She is increasing her walking each day and she is very tired after her therapy...[January 31] Shirley will be going home on February 3. She will be receiving occupational and physical therapy at home. She is mastering her walker and her pain has decreased. She is ready to go home.
Update Monday, February 24, 2020
Shirley's right leg is healing slower than they had hoped. She also has a pressure sore on her right heel which is slowly healing. She is to continue doing exercises and will see her doctor on March 18.
First received Tuesday, February 18, 2020
For 17-year-old L.K. in Cedar Rapids, Iowa who has been hospitalized with complications relating to influenza B which are causing significant stress to his kidneys.
Update Monday, February 24, 2020
On February 17 L.K.'s kidney function was at 25% and not improving. Fluids entered through the IV and accumulated in his body. By February 18 his kidneys had improved to 60% and within 36 hours were nearly normal. However, as the kidneys improved, pneumonia set into his lungs and required antibiotics. He was able to return home on February 21 and will see his care provider on February 26 to review a return to school.
First received Thursday, February 6, 2020
For Elena in Brighton, England who will have corrective surgery on her right wrist on February 14 after an unsuccessful operation a year ago.
Update Friday, February 21, 2020
Elena had her operation for corrective surgery on her wrist. It was very successful, and she is feeling very positive.
First received Tuesday, February 18, 2020
For Laurie D. in Arizona whose health is failing.
Update Thursday, February 20, 2020
Laurie made her transition. Support is requested for her family and friends.
First received Thursday, January 2, 2020
For 95-year-old Adam H. of Penn Valley, Pennsylvania who has been in the hospital for almost two weeks with a digestive blockage and is now scheduled for surgery; and for his family.... [January 4, 2020] Adam survived a lengthy surgery. The blockage in his small intestine turned out to be more cancer, after he already knew there was an inoperable tumor behind one kidney. The surgeon thinks they got the tumors around the intestine and that they reconnected everything, but they do not know yet whether he will be able to recover....[January 29] "Adam has done very well in rehab and is scheduled to be released tomorrow. He still has the tumor behind his kidney with more cancer probably near his stomach. He has chosen not to have radiation or chemotherapy and simply receive palliative care. His daughter wants to move him into her home in Toronto, but everyone is also trying to be sure he feels like he is going to be home rather than being in limbo without any of his own things. His wife, Hunni, died suddenly in August."
Update Thursday, February 20, 2020
Adam has now gone to stay with his daughter in Canada. He has decided to receive palliative care rather than agressive chemotherapy and surgical options for his cancer. Support also for his children and grandchildren.
First received Saturday, February 15, 2020
For Michael in Germany with choices of treatment for an inguinal hernia.
Update Tuesday, February 18, 2020
Michael came to a decision about treatment. Continued support for his healing process.
First received Monday, April 1, 2019
For Ulrike and Joachim G. in Frankfurt, Germany who want to have a baby after going through an early miscarriage six months ago... [July 7]After some difficult days, they got much clearer about their process and needs.
Ulrike is now ten weeks pregnant... [February 13] Joachim has had two severe epileptic fits and stayed for two days in the stroke unit. During those two days the uterine contractions preparing the birth of his and Ulrike's baby
stopped completely. The unborn baby is totally healthy. On Saturday the birth will be induced. Ulrike is very calm and present in all this excitement. Joachim is still exhausted from the additional medication he is taking.
His great hope is to attend the baby’s birth without problems.
Update Tuesday, February 18, 2020
Little Jonte Paula was born on Saturday evening, healthy and strong. Ulrike and Joachim and five-year-old Frida are very happy. Joachim was able to attend the birth of his daughter.
First received Saturday, January 25, 2020
For Jessica C. in Scottsdale, Arizona with an injured back, and hormonal and neurological challenges.
Update Thursday, February 13, 2020
Jessica has a giardia infection.
First received Friday, August 16, 2019
For Katia N. in Phoenix, Arizona who is being treated for breast cancer... [January 7] Katia will soon have her final chemotherapy treatment.
Update Thursday, February 13, 2020
Katia had a mastectomy two days ago.
First received Wednesday, January 22, 2020
For Philip C. in Brighton, England who is in intensive care, and for his wife Rose.
Update Thursday, February 13, 2020
Philip made his transition a few days ago. Continuing support for his wife as his funeral will be held February 17.
First received Wednesday, January 15, 2020
For Jean S. in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, with a bowel obstruction, pneumonia, and septic response... [January 17] The bowel obstruction
and septic condition have been taken care of. Requesting support for a stronger response to the pneumonia antibiotics...[January 19] Jean is now out of intensive care. Her vital signs are good. Continued support for recovering
from pneumonia...[January 23] There is no remaining concern about Jean's infection. However, another bowel obstruction has occurred...[January 25] It now appears that a second obstruction did not occur, but that the first
obstruction had not been fully resolved. In the past thirty-six hours, Jean has made excellent progress, so much so that she has been permitted to resume eating....[January 29] In the past few days, Jean has been eating and
processing food very well. However, her blood sugar level has been low. The doctors are trying to determine why this has occurred... [February 2] Jean's blood sugar level has stabilized. She was discharged from the hospital
today to a rehabilitation facility for therapy to improve her strength and mobility.
Update Wednesday, February 12, 2020
Jean is still in the rehab facility, primarily because she continues to require the assistance of two persons, one on each side, to safely stand, transfer from one seat to another, and walk. Her therapy goal is to require the
assistance of only one person to safely engage in those actions.
First received Wednesday, February 5, 2020
For Angela D. in Hampshire, United Kingdom who is having shoulder replacement surgery on February 5.
Update Friday, February 7, 2020
"Angela's shoulder replacement on February 5 was canceled. At the hospital she was prepared for surgery; but as a previous surgery was proving significantly more complex than expected and Angela's was considered major surgery, it was felt wiser to postpone her operation."
First received Thursday, March 14, 2019
For Sheryl C. of Barrington, Rhode Island who is in the ER with pain in her chest and left arm and very high blood pressure... [March 15] A follow-up appointment with Sheryl's doctor revealed that she definitely has a heart issue. The doctor ordered two medications and a stress test, which should take place soon... [March 19] Sheryl now has blurred and double vision. Her doctor recommends consultation with her eye doctor...[November 19] Sheryl's blood pressure remains extremely high, in spite of taking medication for it...[November 24] Sheryl is scheduled for a heart catheterization tomorrow in Providence, Rhode Island to photograph arteries for blockages and possibly insert stents... [November 26] Sheryl is being released from the hospital to go home with new medications...[November 29] Sheryl is back in the Miriam Hospital emergency room in Providence with recurring chest and jaw pain. The doctor told her to return because the stent had possibly become dislodged... [December 15] Sheryl continues to have pain in her chest, left arm, and jaw. She was scheduled to do a stress echocardiogram test Friday, but it was determined it was too soon after her heart attack. Consequently, it is not certain if she will be able to begin cardiac rehabilitation this week....[December 27] Sheryl was scheduled for a stress echocardiogram this morning...[January 3] Sheryl is still having chest and left jaw pain as well as very high blood pressure. Her cardiologist changed medications today, but the doctors do not seem to know exactly what is causing the heart problems. Continued Radiant support for finding the right doctor and effective rehabilitation.
Update Friday, February 7, 2020
Sheryl continues to have frequent heart episodes. Doctors do not know if blood-pressure variations causes the heart episodes or if the heart issues cause blood-pressure problems. She also has been having severe back pain for a month. Support for a more accurate diagnosis leading to effective treatments.
First received Sunday, January 26, 2020
For Jeanne O. in Annapolis, Maryland who is scheduled for colon surgery on January 23, and for her family...[January 27]
Jeanne's surgery went well. They had to remove a portion of her colon as it was infected. She is home, recovering well, and is only taking over-the-counter pain medication.
Update Wednesday, February 5, 2020
In her checkup today, Jeanne's doctors told her the critical infection is gone, the healing has been very fast and will probably be complete in two more weeks.
First received Tuesday, July 2, 2019
For Miki I. in Vienna, Austria who is having four dental inlays removed on July 3 with the possibility of irritating nerves...[July 7]
"The dental procedure went well and so far the nerves seem not to have been affected." [July 20] "I will have intense and invasive dental work in which all teeth are to be drilled for crowns on July 22 (lower jaw) and July 24 (upper jaw). Support also for the dentist and his team."...[July 28] The latest procedures went well. The work will continue on August 1 and August 8. Miki is in constant pain and is therefore on pain medication. Continued support is requested...[August 11] "Everything went well, still inflammation and discomfort, but moderate. It will take several months for the final adjustment, but the worst is over."...[November 13] At the last dental check-up it was determined that the right jaw joint is inflamed. The alignment of both jaws is not correct....[December 16]One tooth has started to move. The movement is connected with the correct jaw alignment, which is still not in position. Continued support is requested.
Update Friday, January 31, 2020
A painful inflammation started a few days ago. Miki has a doctor's appointment scheduled for Monday, February 3.
First received Monday, January 13, 2020
For Amanda D. in LaSalle, Canada who will have surgery on on her optic nerve on January 16 and who has increasing hereditary deafness.
Update Thursday, January 30, 2020
Amanda's surgery went well, but a few days later spinal fluid was coming out of her nose. She had to have another surgical procedure, which was successful. She is now home but is unable to bend or move quickly and has to sit at an angle. She is very worried about her mobility as she has three small children.
First received Sunday, January 26, 2020
For 97-year-old Myron H. in Schenectady, New York who is in palliative care and is nearing his transition; and for his wife, his daughter, Susan, and his family.
Update Thursday, January 30, 2020
Myron has made his transition.
First received Friday, January 10, 2020
For Brandon B. in Windsor, Canada who had surgery on January 9 for Barrett’s esophagus....[January 14] Brandon is having breathing difficulties, dizziness, and nausea. If the nausea continues, a tube will have to be placed into the stomach.
Update Thursday, January 30, 2020
Brandon's surgery went well. A week later he had to go back to the hospital because he was nauseated. He will always be unable to vomit and will have to have a tube inserted.