Set Back #…
Here we are again in the same familiar place with me hijacking April’s blog to give an update on what has happened since I left everyone last night. So yesterday April was moved up to what they call a post surgical diet 2 which includes all liquids, some raw fruits, raw veggies, crackers, pudding, and some meats like chicken or turkey. April took it easy only eating a few bites here and there making sure not to overdo it. Later in the evening though, April became extremely nauseated and vomited. She vomited 650ml of fluids and bile. 650ml is quite a bit, over half a liter. The other problem was that she had taken her meds no more than a minute before so most of them came up, but if the nurses can not find the pills or see them they have to assume they stayed in April’s stomach. After this she was only allowed sips of water with her meds. She slept ok through the night usually waking up every two hours or so in pain. So I did our ritual of helping put her in a new position and stuffing pillows in the appropriate areas to keep her back straight.
At 6am the spine team came and rounded on April like they do everyday. Not much to say, “yes I cannot feel my leg, no I don’t feel you touching there, etc..”They checked her spine incision and went on their way. At 7am the colorectal team rounded on April. This one I was more concerned with at this point. I voiced my concerns about her throwing up and how she has lost at least 20 lbs since she has been here and no one has even weighed her even though I have asked numerous times. I also told them she needs a PICC (peripherally inserted central catheter) so that she can receive TPN (total perenteral nutrition). They said it is early for the PICC and we will wait and see and that she was now strictly to have nothing to eat or drink. At 730am the pain team rounded and disconnected her lidocaine IV and said that the whole pain team will come by later to talk.
After sitting around for awhile and letting her rest she suddenly woke up yelling, “bucket bucket” so I rushed over and she began vomiting again, and she vomited a lot again. This time the she threw up pure bile, thick and green and 700ml of it. This means she threw up 1 1/2 liters in about 12 hours. I told the nurse to call the colorectal doctor, which she promptly did. The doctor came down to check things out and said nothing by mouth anymore. I told her I thought she was beginning to look destended again. She ordered an abdominal X-ray and for her to have a NG (nasogastric) tube placed. Also she said they would now get the ball rolling on the PICC line, probably because before she came down to see Aptil I saw the nutritionist and she was onboard with a PICC just because you can see how emaciated April is.
At 11 am the entire pain team came to talk with us. They wanted to discuss pain options since April will not be able to take anything by mouth with the NG tube in. They decided since dilaudid caused April to have intense hallucinations and nausea they would try fentanyl and turn her lidocaine back on at a little higher dose. Going forward a fentanyl patch may be ordered to help as well depending on how she reacts tonight.
At 1230 the X-ray was rolled into our room and two pics of April’s abdomen were taken. The colorectal doctor said that there is an ileus but since April is making BMs everything should be okay. This felt like Deja Vu though because April’s belly is starting to look distended again. She said the NG tube will help as well as not eating or drinking. Scoliosis
When 2pm rolled around there were four nurses in the room. Two of the nurses are what they call crisis nurses and they came to take out the old IV and put in a new one to hook up her new lidocaine and fentanyl. One of the crisis nurses even asked why doesn’t she have a PICC line in yet. The other two nurses were the floor nurses and they were getting things ready for April’s NG tube placement.
If you have not seen the placement of a NG tube you should go check one out on YouTube, they are very uncomfortable and make you feel like you are choking plus there is a tube in your nose going to your stomach. The NG tube basically sucks out all of the gastric juices and bile in your stomach until everything in your digestive systems calms down enough to try some water or other liquids. During April’s NG tube placement she threw up as well. The tube was in her nose and down her throat in her stomach and she started to throw up. She threw up 500ml of bile and once the NG was hooked up to suction it filled the canister to 300ml. Currently there is 550ml in the canister which means in under 24 hours about 2 1/2 liters of bile and other fluids have either been thrown up or sucked out of April. Then an hour and half later April threw up some more even with the NG tube in, this is not a great.
Another nurse, who specializes in PICC lines, came around 530pm. A PICC line is a steril procedure. First the nurse uses an ultrasound machine to find the vein she wants to go after, above the elbow on the inside of the arm. April’s arm is then cleaned and prepped and a needle is inserted into the vein. Once she is confident the needle is in the right spot she make a stab incision then inserts a guide wire. Over the guide wire goes a sheath and once she has confirmed the sheath is inside the vein the wire is taken out. Then a soft flexible catheter is put into the sheath and into the vein. This catheter travels through this vein and into a large vein in the chest and into the vena cava which is a massive vein near your heart. This is placed there so when the TPN goes in it can easily be dispersed throughout the body. The procedure took about 30 minutes and was not to uncomfortable for April.
This brings us to now, I just got off the phone with the colorectal doctor who heard April is still throwing up. I voiced my concern about her being blocked up again and she said well ya she is kind of blocked up because she has an ileus in there. So I asked how is the same thing not going to happen? She said they will be keeping a close eye and since there is the NG tube and April is starting to have BMs it should be okay. Not very reassuring to hear.
So essentially we are back to square one except maybe a little worse. April can not drink or eat, is constantly throwing up and looks completely emaciated. This means no physical therapy because how can u get up and exercise when you can’t even eat or drink and you literally have nothing in your body and zero energy to move.
Anyways tomorrow is, well tomorrow and I have no freaking clue what to expect next.
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I LOVE when all the flowers are blooming in our yard but man, my allergies are HORRENDOUS 🤣 I went outside to garden and came right back in 10 minutes later.
Woke up with an insane migraine….but at least my closet it clean! 🤣 #blueandwhiteforever #springcleaning
Give me all the #gingham
SAVE AND SHARE THIS RECIPE! These#breakfast galettes are the perfect addition to a brunch or even for a fun breakfast in bed 🙌🏻 It’s a meal all in one and super delicious!
•One package bacon (cooked and chopped)
•Puff pastry cut into 8 equal squares
•Shredded gruyere cheese
•9 eggs (one used for egg wash)
•Chopped chives
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Cut puff pastry into 8 squares and scoop your cooked bacon into the center. Position the bacon into a donut shape leaving the center empty. Sprinkled gruyere cheese on top and then fold over all 4 sides, pressing firmed so it stays in place. Place on a non stick baking pan and brush egg wash on all sides of the puff pastry. Sprinkle fresh chives on top and bake for 20 minutes. Enjoy! #brunchrecipe #recipereel #puffpastry #breakfast
SAVE AND SHARE THIS RECIPE! These#breakfast galettes are the perfect addition to a brunch or even for a fun breakfast in bed 🙌🏻 It’s a meal all in one and super delicious!
•One package bacon (cooked and chopped)
•Puff pastry cut into 8 equal squares
•Shredded gruyere cheese
•9 eggs (one used for egg wash)
•Chopped chives
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Cut puff pastry into 8 squares and scoop your cooked bacon into the center. Position the bacon into a donut shape leaving the center empty. Sprinkled gruyere cheese on top and then fold over all 4 sides, pressing firmed so it stays in place. Place on a non stick baking pan and brush egg wash on all sides of the puff pastry. Sprinkle fresh chives on top and bake for 20 minutes. Enjoy! #brunchrecipe #recipereel #puffpastry #breakfast
Did ya read the newest post on our latest #DIY over on Apriljwagner.com (link in profile) Get in depth details on our recent entertainment space including step-by-step directions, photos, before and afters AND I linked ALL the items as well. #diyproject #diyhomeprojects
SAVE AND SHARE THIS RECIPE! This is an insanely easy way to make Raspberry Lemon Tarts with minimal steps and ingredients! As much as I love making lemon curd from scratch, sometimes, it’s just nice to cut some corners!
•6-7 oz of Lemon Curd (I used @mackays) you will have left over. I showed the second half of my tarts being made.
•2 packs of puff pastry
•8 oz of whipped cream (I made my own with heavy whipping cream and a little vanilla extract and sugar)
•20 raspberries
Preheat the oven to 400°. Using a cookie cutter or top of a cup (approx 2 inches), cut circles out of the puff pastry. Place the circles of puff pastry into each mini muffin pan cup. Don’t forget to spray the mini muffin pan with nonstick spray like avocado oil! Place on the oven for 10-12 minutes. In a bowl, add the lemon curd and whipped cream and mix well. Stick in the refrigerator until the puff pastry is baked and cooled down. Add the lemon mixture to the puff pastry cups (tip: take a spoon after the puff pastry comes out of the oven and push the centers in). Add raspberry to the top and a little powdered sugar and there ya have it! Super easy, mini bite size desserts that are perfect for that Mothers Day brunch coming up! #puffpastry #minidesserts #easyrecipes
It’s that time of year where I can wear white pants again 🙌🏻🤣 Yay for Spring….
Always sad leaving our favorite camping spot…we’ve been bringing the kids here 2-3 times a year for the last 5 years and it never gets old. Sure, we could bring them to SoCal, where it’s warmer and packed with a crap ton of people. However, we much prefer the cooler weather (helps with my POTS), rocky cliffs, less people and you travel through the redwood forest (which looks like a storybook). We love it up here and fantasize about moving somewhere like this once Nicky graduates. See you in June Westport….
In my happy place for a long weekend….Comment COAST and I’ll send the link for this cute sweater (comes in East Coast too)!
https://liketk.it/59GmV #ltktravel #ltkstyletip #ltksalealert #coastalstyle #california #oceanview #beachday
Ahhh! Neil and I finished our biggest #diyproject yet! 💪🏻I’m so lucky I’m married to someone who goes along with all my ideas with little complaint 🤣 Our #diy entertainment space features an electric fireplace, frame tv and the biggest showstoppers of all…the #whiteoak mantel and floating shelves from Dakota Timber Co! I’m so in LOVE with how it turned out! #dakotatimbercompany sources their wood from retired buildings, urban tree removals as well as other sustainable sources. The quality is INSANE! Each piece meticulously crafted and ready for install. The mantel and shelves come with detailed instructions, steel brackets that hold 150 lbs or more and six 2.5 inch screws. Did I mention it’s #americanmade 🙌🏻 Right now, they have a BOGO sale on floating shelves and various awesome mantels on sale as well. Head over to my website for ALL the details on building, decor and everything in between!
Ahhh! Neil and I finished our biggest #diyproject yet! 💪🏻I’m so lucky I’m married to someone who goes along with all my ideas with little complaint 🤣 Our #diy entertainment space features an electric fireplace, frame tv and the biggest showstoppers of all…the #whiteoak mantel and floating shelves from @dakotatimberco I’m so in LOVE with how it turned out! #dakotatimbercompany sources their wood from retired buildings, urban tree removals as well as other sustainable sources. The quality is INSANE! Each piece meticulously crafted and ready for install. The mantel and shelves come with detailed instructions, steel brackets that hold 150 lbs or more and six 2.5 inch screws. Did I mention it’s #americanmade 🙌🏻 Right now, they have a BOGO sale on floating shelves and various awesome mantels on sale as well. Head over to my website for ALL the details on building, decor and everything in between!
It’s the ultimate twirling dress! 🙌🏻
Comment TWIRL below to receive a DM with the link to shop this post on my LTK ⬇ https://liketk.it/59b8R #ltkstyletip #ltksalealert
SAVE AND SHARE THIS POST! Check out my Strawberry Cheese Heary Pastries! Perfect for that #galentinesday brunch or for dessert with your loved ones. So yummy and the perfect serving size!
•Preheat oven 400 (this bakes approximately 15 min)
•2 sheets Puff Pastry
•1 egg yolk and 1 egg (for egg wash)
•1 8oz package cream cheese
•1/2 cup sugar
•1 tsp vanilla extract
•10-12 strawberries
Preheat oven to 400 (this will bake for approx. 15 min) Use a heart cookie cutter to cut out your puff pastry hearts and then use a knife to trace a heart into them. Brush on egg wash and set aside. In a bowl, mix cream cheese, vanilla, egg yolk and sugar. Add the cheese mixture to your little hearts (only spreading it up to the line you scored). Add fresh sliced strawberries and bake for 15-20 min! This is SO EASY AND SOOOOO GOOD! #recipeoftheday #danish #dessertrecipe #brunchrecipe #recipereel
SAVE AND SHARE THIS RECIPE! This recipe, by far, was a follower favorite last year! So so easy and omg so good! It’s a great brunch #recipe or dessert!
•store bought puff pastry
•raspberries or raspberry jam (I like fresh fruit better)
•6-8 oz of cream cheese
• 1/2 cup sugar
•1 tsp vanilla extract
•1 egg YOLK only
•powdered sugar
•sliced almonds
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Roll out your puff pastry and cut slices down each side (approximately 1 inch) leaving the center intact and set aside. In a bowl, mix cream cheese, sugar, egg and vanilla extract. Place the cheese mixture in the center of your puff pastry ( you may have extra leftover). Sprinkle fresh raspberries on top of the cheese. Fold each side of puff pastry one at a time in a lattice pattern. Brush some egg wash on top. Bake for 25 minutes. Sprinkle powdered sugar and fresh almonds on top for the finishing touch.
This is perfect for Valentines Day and I dare you to try it! #RECIPE #easyrecipe #recipeshare #brunchrecipe #dessert #recipereels
SAVE AND SHARE MY MOST VIEWED RECIPE! This is one of my favorite and most watched recipes and for good reason! My Ham and Cheese Croissant Bake is SOOOO easy to make and perfect for brunch! This can also be frozen and eaten later!
Don’t take my word for it...make it and let me know how fast it was devoured.
•4 large croissants
12-16 oz of cubed ham
•6 oz of shredded gruyere cheese
•6 oz of shredded cheddar cheese
•1/2 cup chopped chives
•6 eggs
•1 cup half and half
•1 tsp. honey
•1 tsp. Dijon mustard
•salt and pepper
Preheat your oven to 375. In a baking dish (spray with non stick spray) add in croissants, ham, cheese and chives. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, half and half, honey, mustard and salt and pepper.
Pour the egg mixture over the bake and press down with a fork. Cover with foil and bake for approximately 50 min. This is such a great family recipe and feeds a good amount of people. So before ya come for me with how much cheese is used ( remember that!
#easyrecipe #breakfastfordinner #recipereels #easterbrunch #brunchrecipes
#AD Who loves a good facial exfoliant?! 🙋🏼♀️ I ran over to Walgreens to get my favorite @stivesskin Apricot Fresh Skin Exfoliating Facial Scrub. It’s made with 100% natural exfoliants (including milled walnut shells and apricot pits), free from parabens and oils and provides a deep cleanse leaving my skin feeling super clean and oh so smooth. I use this 3 times a week and it makes my skin glow. Dermatologist tested and non-comedogenic, vegan and fur baby friendly! It literally checks all the boxes! Want glowing skin? Try #StIves at #Walgreens #StIvespartner
SAVE AND SHARE THIS RECIPE! These ham and cheese hand pies are the perfect #stpatricksday snack! Super easy and so so good! You only need a few ingredients and a cookie cutter!
•clover cookie cutter
•puff pastry sheet
•Dijon mustard
•Swiss cheese
•corned beef (pastrami also tastes great)
•egg for egg wash
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Use your cookie cutter on the puff pastry. Smear a good amount of Dijon mustard on half of them. Add the corned beef and cheese. Place the puff pastry on top like a sandwich. Using a fork, press down around each clover. Brush egg wash over and poke 4 little holes in the top. Bake in the oven for approximately 20 minutes. These are SOOOO YUMMY and quite a hit in our home! The kids love them! #puffpastry #cornedbeef #easyrecipe
I just binge watched Renovation Aloha and now I NEED another trip to Hawaii. It doesn’t look like it’s in the cards for us this year with Emma going to Boston for singing (we are tagging along for the last week). Buuuutttt, if we were to go……Which is your favorite and why? Big Island or Kauai? We’ve already been to Oahu and Maui and I love each of them for different reasons. PS, I painted all my doors in the house blue on a whim and I think I love them 💙
Comment DENIM and I’ll send you the details! I call this my errand running look….if you are on the fence about this denim jacket….DO IT!
Comment DENIM below to receive a DM with the link to shop this post on my LTK ⬇ https://liketk.it/57uSO #ltkover40 #ltkactive #ltkstyletip #denimjacket #momstyle #momfit
Julie Bower | 15th Jul 16
I’m so glad she has you there to advocate for her! And it’s great that you are medically trained so you can understand the doctors and speak their language. Keep up the good work.
It must be so hard for you to see her suffering from nausea and pain and getting so thin. I can’t imagine what you’re going through. But I know you can handle this–you’re doing it for your lovely wife and the mother of your beautiful kids. I’m confident she’ll rebound soon, once her intestines get their act together so she can take things orally again.
Stay strong, Neil.
Amanda (Silva) Arsenault | 15th Jul 16
Praying for April and your entire family, Neil. My family is thinking of you all and praying for her full and complete recovery and your continued strength. Take care!
Kitty Adams| 15th Jul 16
Oh April the road to recovery is a long and twisting one. Holding on to faith this will resolve itself and we all can help you focus on getting strong and healthy and back to your children. We love you guys
shaunaeedson | 15th Jul 16
You are doing all the right things, Neil. You are giving her every chance at incremental improvements. Keep being her champion, keep advocating, keep asking and then getting second opinions. Write down everything anyone tells you, for your memory and for medical record.
She’s got nutrition going into her body now to fuel her healing, to strengthen her. That’s going to make such a difference, even if it doesn’t all stay down. It’s a force against the latest setback.
Sending you all love and continuing to hold you in my heart.
Toni Orr | 15th Jul 16
Neil – thank you ~ thank you ~ thank you, for honoring your wife and keeping us all updated on her blog. I appreciate the knowledge and education on scoliosis for our own little. Our Lexie has a mild case, that does increase ever so slightly each year. So my eyes are wide open to understanding what her own future could possibly hold .
As I completely engage in your recount of April and your days/experiences, I have so many emotions I can barely read my screen through my tears streaming down face. My heart aches for you both and I pray often whenever I think of you two and those beautiful babies. Thank you for always sharing your strength, love, devotion, fear, fight, encouragement, compassion…its raw emotions that make it this journey real for others to understand.
I know that Brian and I cant give either of you words wisdom, or say ” hey, we’ve been there”, but know that we are both truly in awe of your courage and bravely along this journey together.
Remember to find a quiet moment each day to remind yourself of all your happy moments. To just be able to escape the days crap before you close your eyes to embrace the next day.
We love you guys and are just a hop, skip & a jump away to help in anyway we possible can!
Xoxoxo from all of us to all of you 😘
Carol Edson| 15th Jul 16
Neil- Please ask for someone to just listen to you. They have folks to do that…and you are so lucid and clear here, but I want to be sure there is actual IN HOUSE support FOR you. The job of advocating for someone as defenseless as April is right now feels like a 24/7 job. I want to be sure you can care for yourself, stay healthy yourself, eat well and sleep well yourself. I know I sound naggy but a million years as an RN in ICU ….I know how exhausting this is…running on pure adrenaline and caffiene and stale bagels.
Hugs…and please do this. We need you healthy- April needs you strong, as do the kids. And you deserve care too as you walk this very hard road.
LeAnn | 16th Jul 16
Neil, stay strong. Praying for April and your family.
Grandma | 16th Jul 16
I am Neil;s grandma and I would like to thank all of you for sending your thoughts and prayers to Neil and April. You all are giving sound advice and encourgament. Please continue as I know it means a lot to know they are not alone in this fight. Bless you.
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