What a bizarre title. But it was the matriarchal news of the day. My mom's been in the hospital since Wednesday. She's received 2 units of PRBCs, IV KCl and Mg replacement and IV venofer. In 12 hours or so, she's going to have a colonoscopy. Part of the preparation for the test is to clean the intestines. She's drinking this awful shit called GoLytely. It's a misnomer if ever there was one.
When a doctor orders OB x 3, they want you to check 3 different stool samples for occult blood, that is, blood in the stool. It's not always visible nor does it always smell that special way that only bloody stool can smell. Um, in case you happen upon this and are a bit freaked out, I'm a nurse. This stuff is all common practice and knowledge for us nurse peeps.
All three of my madre's samples turned out positive. She's bleeding from something, evidenced also by her low hemoglobin (8.2) and thus requirement of 2 units of PRBCs. I'm here in Florida on vacation visiting with my friends from Port Orange and Hollywood but I'm so worried about my mom and her medical situation that I'd much much much rather be home. So I could dictate her care. Ok, maybe that's too strong a word. But definitely manage her care. I'm sure the gastroenterologist will be able to find the source of her bleed but if I was there, he would be able to discuss it at length with me rather than my non-medical-background father. Sigh.
I almost wish I had a xanax to pop. Sleep is not my friend tonight but worry is my bedfellow. Alas.
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