My dear wife has been at Trident Hospital since Saturday. She had progressively gotten weaker and weaker the days leading up to rushing her to the emergency room.
The initial findings were that she had heart and kidney problems (obstructions in her kidneys was suspected) and was very anemic. Her potassium levels had increased to dangerous levels slowing her heart rate down.
A three hour emergency dialysis was performed beginning at midnight Saturday. The purpose was to decrease the potassium levels. If the postassium levels had continued increasing, her heart would have stopped. If we had waited another day before going in, I very well could have lost her.
A CT scan was performed Sunday to identify obstructions. Two large kidney stones were discovered, that were blocking urine flow, and allowing high levels of potassium, protein and creatine building up. She had not experienced the normal pain associated with kidney stones because they were so large , and the body couldn't expel them. It created a dam preventing flow of urine to the bladder.
She received a unit of blood due to low hemoglobin count and then was prepped for surgery to insert two uteral stents. Stones were two large to remove at this time. A system to bypass stones for drainage was put in. She has regained normal urine flow as a result. They have determined her heart is fine - the initial scare about the heart was the negative impact of the high postassium levels.
On Tuesday she is scheduled for an endoscopy to check for a bleed in the upper GI or stomach. There are definite signs of a bleed, that they want to identify and treat.
I have not been able to be with her due to visitors (even spouses) not being allowed because of Covid19 restrictions, to enter the hospital. This has been very difficult, not to be able to be at her side, hold her hand, give her a smile, and hug her. We have frequently texted and talked on the phone, but as you can imagine is not the same.
The health providers at Trident have been wonderful. They saved Dara's life with their decision making and prompt actions to get the postassium levels down and then take care of the cause of the increase. They called in the right people, the specialists best trained and experienced to take care of my Dara. All of the providers have been caring, comforting and professional. They are my new heroes.
Dara still has challenges, but is doing so much better. We will see what the endoscopy tomorrow identifies and we will go from there.
There may be other challenges we are not aware of yet, but we are trusting the God that we follow to give us peace and comfort even in adversity.
We have been overwhelmed with prayers and support from friends and family from all over the world. We have a Pastor and church body that have prayed and loved us through this difficult time. Our children and grandchildren have been precious in their love and concern for Mom/Gramma. Dara's brother Dave has been praying for his dear sister, called and texted her and he and I have regularly talked, comforting each other. I have had wonderful conversations with neighbors, hearing their expressions of love and support for Dara and I. We are truly blessed.
Thank you for your continued prayers, love and support. You are much appreciated.
UPDATE: The doctor who inserted the stents walked in while I was talking to Dara and clarified her kidney situation. First of all, I forgot to say above that Dara was in acute renal failure, her kidneys had shut down. When they went in they discovered the kidney stones were very large and there was an infection. They DID NOT remove the stones as Dara thought - it was too dangerous to remove them due to the size, the infection and her overall poor health. It could have killed her if they attempted it. They have to improve her health condition, which may take two weeks or more, before going in to break up the stones- it may take multiple trips to the operating room to safely remove them. He said the stones are like 'boulders'. Please keep her in your prayers.
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