Free Lemberg Campaign Suffers Setback

As all noble crusaders encounter, we have hit a stumbling block. Blake was feeling good, then around 6 last night, felt feverish (although just a very low grade fever) and generally like he did when he had his blood infection. Back to the hospital we went. However, I had just enough time to do a literature search on the bug he is being treated for and the antibiotic. The first several entries say to NOT use this antibiotic because it can cultivate an uprising of resistance. Ironically, it also states this in my Johns Hopkins Antibiotic reference. They didn't even do a beta lactamase induction test- say that 5 times fast. My belated edification did not help things much, however. Blake was like a snarling pit bull. Very much unlike him-normally so trusting and calm. Because it is a new resident every time (such as myself), they like to experiment-I mean educate themselves- on the poor patients. He tried to tell Blake that since he had a dull headache and was feeling feverish, that they would need to do a spinal tap, another cat scan to rule out pneumonia and a whole slew of other tests. He said no thanks to the spinal tap (transcription reads: "you will stay 10 feet away from my back") , but that the headache was simply due to his intense frustration. The final scream of indignation ended with "and my wife is a doctor!". Cat comes out of the bag. I had been trying to keep this on the down-low, but it seems, things happen more quickly and with more deference when the cat is dancing upon the bag. I wasn't actually present last night, but today, the nurse clearly remembered his rebellion and told me he was in a "baaaad moood" yesterday but that they all understand. Very well then, hopefully they don't spit into that wonderful hospital food.

Actually, the 'deference' is more like they have a sighted target. I was called into the Principal's office this afternoon. His attending doctor called me personally. I think he did this because he hadn't had a frustrating or stubborn interaction in awhile. I could go into great length, but the essence is that they think this might just be the medication reaction, although we spoiled their fun of doing all those extra tests.

He did get the blood cultures taken, which have actually been negative so far. He also has not had a fever while there. It is possible, the doctors think, that this could be the fluish reaction to the immune system stimulant. That would be fantastic. He is in a lot of pain from the stimulant- Blake described, "I feel like I'm giving birth through my back." Ouch! Should end tomorrow.

All of this commotion has really interfered with our holiday plans, aghh! They initially told us that we'd have to stay at least 14 more days. They then agreed to transfer some of his care when he's definitely stable and with some semblance of an immune system. It is somewhat up again, so this may happen over the weekend if his cultures stay negative.

We had to do some rearranging, and I had a xanax, but in the end our support group here, Blake's cousin's family and his aunt and several others put their heads together and we worked out a way for Alden to be taken care of while I tend to Blake. I'll now come home on Monday, barring additional 'adverse events' and if we all cross our fingers, he may come home before Christmas. Otherwise, my family will celebrate Christmas by themselves in our home and my co-residents will put a horse's head on my pillow.

It seems from the terrific comments, that Christmas will wait for us this year. I love that! Only crusades with many determined people can accomplish such feats.

Let the Free Lemberg! crusade continue!