Joyce Dalton update 9/13/08

September 13, 2008

Hi Group,

I just got off the phone w/ Lucian. Joyce had been in ICU since she

went into the hospital and she's been moved to a different unit. I

was thinking/hoping this meant there was improvement in her health.

Lucian explained that the reason she was moved was because she

signed the do not resucitate order so this move reflects that change

only. He said they have her on about 30 liters coming from the wall

units, basically the same they were piecing together between her

home unit and the tank w/ mask. For her to move at all just

completely drops her oxygen out. He said she just can't move at all

except to lay or sit up. She had been able to walk into the doctors

every time before this last Wednesday. He said she has been

sleeping mostly. Nausea has been a big problem (and any food she

could stomach would go right thru her) and now no movement to work

up any appetite or help w/ strength. She's burning calories with

every movement and not able to offset it. They have added 3 viagra

a day to her Flolan to try to open up more blood vessels to get the

oxygen in. Of course that's also causing headaches. Gretchen is

there w/ Lucian now and just left and will be back. They are

taking turns helping out along w/ some other friends. They want to

get her home as soon as possible. Lucian is not happy w/ the level

of care they take w/ her Flolan and the bandages and all the work he

knows it takes to keep germs away from the ports, etc. We all know

Joyce wants to be at home. They have a very close friend w/ Hospice

who's as close as a daughter per Lucian and they are talking w/

her. They will do what it takes, nurses in home or whatever to take

care of her. He specifically asked me to update the group here

online and said he was going to call Peggy. Peggy, he said a call

to you was in the list earlier today but he got sidetracked. Also

Leanne, he said he can't get calls thru to you. Joyce is in Jewish

Hospital in Louisville, KY. I don't have direct info, but the main

line is .

Also, while I'm updating... Judy Walling was released from Clarian

Methodist on Thursday she's doing well. I finally got to meet her

in person today at the Heart/Lung Transplant Reunion picnic. No

news on me... just waiting on my lungs.

Everyone... Prayers and love for Joyce,

Kerry

38 IPF '01

S. IN

Recommended Posts