Setback

Granny was taken to the hospital emergency room yesterday evening. She had been extremely tired (more than usual) the 2 previous days, and when she sat up in bed she nearly passed out. The rehab nurse said her blood pressure drops suddenly and her pulse which had been 113 dropped to 71.

The initial ER tests found her to be anemic and admitted her to the hospital. She was missing more blood than can be accounted for (despite all they took for testing!). They ordered 2 units of blood for her to start with, and they had to put a main line into her neck for the IV...I watched all that drama. This is where they put needles and wires down all the way from the neck to the heart--ugh. But now it's done and they don't have to stick her with any more needles for blood draws or to give her IVs. Dr. Fisher came in about 10:30pm and told us they suspect she may be bleeding internally to have lost that much blood and today (Friday) she will be seeing a gasterolenterologist (spelling?). They will be doing a procedure they abbreviate because the name is too long (GDE I think) where they put a line down into the stomach to find out what is going on. Granny will be put to sleep for this procedure.

Some of the side effects of the medications she is taking for the heart (Plavix is one) can cause bleeding, so this may be where the problem is.

I still plan to pull Granny out of the rehab center after work on 12/24. I know she will be more comfortable at home and she can continue recovery from here. Will keep you posted with developments as soon as I can--will be at the hospital all day today.