The nurse's goals for today were: increase level of consciousness, stable electrolytes, and comfort.
The roller coaster ride continues. This morning we started bracing ourselves for a dip downward when the doctor ordered a CT scan of my mom's brain. This order was triggered by a few different abnormalities. The first being, irregular eye movement noted in the nurse's early morning assessment. Next, my mom's sodium level is still too high. Elevated levels can negatively affect the brain and other organs. And lastly, her kidneys started dumping excessive amounts of urine, but unfortunately the sodium wasn't following. The question was asked, could this be diabetes insipidus, a disorder of salt and water metabolism marked by intense thirst and heavy urination? Diabetes insipidus is a condition caused by a hormonal abnormality and isn't related to diabetes. The pituitary gland in the brain normally should release an anti-diuretic hormone in this situation. Was irregular function of the pituitary gland the culprit?
Well, the good news is, the CT scan came back normal. The doctor started a new medication, desmopressin, to treat diabetes insipidus and slow urine output. I am telling you, stabilizing electrolytes is such balancing act. I am truly amazed by our team of doctors and nurses. They are fantastic.
Our rollercoaster car took us upward today as well. My mom's sedative, Propofol, was turned off and her body remained relaxed. This hasn't been the case for an entire week. The nurse told us she was opening her eyes, looking at her when she called her name, and tracking her when she moved across the room. My mom was also able to nod her head and wiggle her toes slightly. It was comforting to see her look at us. We gave her an optimistic update and told her how proud we were of her, etc.
Onward and upward, one day at a time.
What a scary time for you all. I love hearing how strong she is and how her personality is pushing through despite the circumstances. I'm grateful you are close and that her medical team is so good!
ReplyDeleteThank you for all the updates, we are thinking of you all.
ReplyDeleteThank you for creating this blog to update everyone about your Moms situation and conditions. Please give her gentle hug from me and tell her I am cheering for her to get well! Such hard things for such a wonderful woman to have to go through, just doesn't seem fair. So blessed she is a fighter, and strong willed and has such a wonderful and supportive family. I have kept Nancy in my prayers since I first heard about her cancer, and your family too! Give her my love!
ReplyDeleteThank you for taking time to keep us updated. I'm sending her positive thoughts and lots of love!!
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