Larry had decided a few months ago that he did not want a feeding tube. He put this in his directives.
Yesterday, prior to his procedure the GI Dr. explained what he thought he might find but was not sure until he got back in. He believed that Larry had more blockages beyond the stent placement of last Friday(why wasn't this found during the original EGD?). He also felt that the organ fluids that are generated from the stomach, liver and pancreas were not being absorbed by the body any longer because of the malnutrition. Normally these fluids go back into our tissues.
He discussed with us that a feeding tube could be inserted into Larry's stomach. Not just for feeding but to drain the accumulated fluid no longer being absorbed by his body. He could also burp the tube whenever he felt nauseous. Larry immediately agreed stating that he would do anything to feel more comfortable and no longer vomit. I asked him twice if he was sure. He said that he was allowed to change his mind. I agreed and told him he can always change his mind whenever he feels the need.
The procedure ended up being 2 hrs long, much longer than the first one. When his Dr came to talk to us he had taken the time to draw a diagram of what he had done. There were 2 additional blockages beyond the original stent. Within just a few days of placement of the original stent there was also tissue in-growth that was squeezing the original stent and causing a small narrowing. He ended up having to reinforce the original stent with another and do the same with the other blockages so that all 5 stents were overlapping. He used a dye to make sure that the remaining portion of the duodenum was clear.
He also discussed that Larry will probably only be able to tolerate liquids for awhile. He said that things could improve so his digestive system may handle some very soft foods like applesauce and mashed potatoes. This hit Larry very hard. The realization that you can never again have solid foods is very difficult. I reminded him that my Sister, Donna tolerated that for a long time and so could he.
The general anesthesia left him with memory issues. When he saw the tube coming out of his stomach he was upset and angry that it was there. I kept reminding him that it was his decision and that he had signed a form agreeing to it before the procedure.
Larry is now on pain meds for the first time. He has never taken them before and loves that he is sleeping and feels ok with no nausea or vomiting. I will read the booklet and figure out how to drain the stomach tube later today. We also have home health care and could call someone out to show me. It is complicated because the home health care is through the original Dr and hospital. I will figure this all out today or tomorrow.
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
The Trouble With Celery
After Larry's 2nd GI procedure, his Dr. came to talk to us about what was done, the hopefully good news and the problems. He spent a lot of time with us at 7pm and still had one more patient to work on.
At this time I am skipping the details(will post later) to share an underlying story that he was telling that was meant for only me.
I had a wrong picture in my mind of what the metal stent looked like that he had put in Larry to relieve the obstruction last Friday. I thought is was solid metal. He described it in detail as a mesh piece of metal with tiny holes that allows for fluid to pass through it.
He then told Larry that he can no longer eat any fiber. No fruit, no vegetables, especially celery. Stay away from celery. I stated that I always put celery in my chicken soup. Like the kind I made on Sunday that Larry could not keep down. He told me that you can make chicken soup without celery. I told him that I took the time to cut my celery and carrots into very very tiny pieces so it could pass through what I thought was a solid piece of metal stent. He then told me that those very tiny pieces could end up getting caught in the holes of the mesh stent and blocking it. He then changed the subject.
A minute or less later he noticed the horror on my face. He went back to the subject of what Larry cannot eat. He also said while looking at me to remember that Larry had other blockages and if some food had gotten caught in the mesh it would not have mattered, he still would not keep his food down.
After another very lengthy conversation about what new procedures we now had to deal with at home, he ended our talk with remember no fiber, especially no celery.
Larry: He really doesn't like celery. Then a look of fear and just shaking his head.
Larry Kyo: Intrigued with the tubing coming out of his Dads stomach.
Laura: Who had not seen her Dad in 2 weeks was stuck in a box of Kleenex.
Me: Reminding myself that I can and will handle this new change. Then thinking how I could put 1/2 stalks of celery in the soup while cooking it, then just remove it.
At this time I am skipping the details(will post later) to share an underlying story that he was telling that was meant for only me.
I had a wrong picture in my mind of what the metal stent looked like that he had put in Larry to relieve the obstruction last Friday. I thought is was solid metal. He described it in detail as a mesh piece of metal with tiny holes that allows for fluid to pass through it.
He then told Larry that he can no longer eat any fiber. No fruit, no vegetables, especially celery. Stay away from celery. I stated that I always put celery in my chicken soup. Like the kind I made on Sunday that Larry could not keep down. He told me that you can make chicken soup without celery. I told him that I took the time to cut my celery and carrots into very very tiny pieces so it could pass through what I thought was a solid piece of metal stent. He then told me that those very tiny pieces could end up getting caught in the holes of the mesh stent and blocking it. He then changed the subject.
A minute or less later he noticed the horror on my face. He went back to the subject of what Larry cannot eat. He also said while looking at me to remember that Larry had other blockages and if some food had gotten caught in the mesh it would not have mattered, he still would not keep his food down.
After another very lengthy conversation about what new procedures we now had to deal with at home, he ended our talk with remember no fiber, especially no celery.
Larry: He really doesn't like celery. Then a look of fear and just shaking his head.
Larry Kyo: Intrigued with the tubing coming out of his Dads stomach.
Laura: Who had not seen her Dad in 2 weeks was stuck in a box of Kleenex.
Me: Reminding myself that I can and will handle this new change. Then thinking how I could put 1/2 stalks of celery in the soup while cooking it, then just remove it.
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