Nyel with EMTs Thursday Morning
Well, here we are again! Back at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Portland! It had been just a day less than six weeks since Nyel left here with a repaired fractured hip and congestive heart failure that had been greatly exacerbated during his two-week stay. We vowed we’d never come back here. Yet, here we are! Funny how those things happen, eh?
Our return began early Thursday morning when Nyel finally gave in to ever-increasing discomfort –discomfort in his hip and in his digestive system as well. We called the EMTs and got him to Ocean Beach Hospital where the ER doctor and staff listened to his complaints and began doing a battery of tests. An X-ray of his stomach revealed that a screw in his hip repair had gone through the bone and into his pelvis. Not good.
White Board in Nyel’s Room
Nyel’s last experience at St, Vincent’s being what it was, he made known his desires to go ANYplace other than back there this time. Perhaps to Peace Health in Vancouver where Rebound surgeons have done several surgeries for him. Or perhaps to the UW Medical Center where his cardiologist could weigh in if necessary. Imagine our distress and surprise when every place said, “no.” The protocol, we learned, is that the original surgeon (or at least the surgical team) needs to do the repair – or whatever is necessary. No other surgeon, no other hospital would accept him.
Meanwhile, St. Vincent’s was full. It took more than twelve hours before the okay was given to transport him here. Thus far, though, I am so very pleased to report that this experience is 180 degrees different from the last one. A cardiologist is on board – not only that but he recognizes that Nyel’s present situation with his congestive heart failure is a direct result of his last visit when the hospitalist simply ignored our repeated requests for the cardio team to be involved.
Early Morning Nyel
Bottom line (as far as they know without opening him up) the screw that went through the bone wore a hole in his pelvis the size of a golf ball (actually closer to a baseball said the orthopedic surgeon). Apparently, every time he did his due walking diligence, he was “screwing” the hole bigger. Plus, he has a blood infection which they won’t know about completely for a few days when the culture-growing is complete. Plus, there is “probably a large pus pocket” in the area of the screw which has caused the infection – they won’t know until they get in there.
Nor will they know how to proceed with the repair until they see the extent of the damage first hand. They are watching and testing and consulting. Nyel is ever-patient. Me… ever-anxious. But, so far, we are ever-so-much happier with St. Vincent’s this time around!
So very sorry that Nyel has to go through this, as well as you! Prayers for excellent care and a complete and swift recovery!
I am so very sorry. But so glad he went in and now is being helped in a positive way. Prays for both of you.
I’m so sorry to hear this Sydney. I’m also glad you both had almost 6 weeks of home time to give you strength from your lovely community. Best of luck to you both.
Well, I see your blog, at last, and I am appalled by the news! I am so sorry for what’s happening. Feel so helpless to do anything but cheer for you both. Honestly, you have the elements of a horror story here. Hugs and courage.
Thanks, Caroline.
So very sorry to read about the continued challengers you two have been faced with. Happy to hear St. V’s is offering you better care. Sending you energy amd patience
I’m so sorry Nyel and you are going through this. I’m sending you good thoughts and a big virtual hug!
So sorry for this temporary slide backwards. Nyel is such a trooper and of course you are too. Hope that everything will be taken care of quickly and he will be back home in Oysterville. Our very best to you both.
OMG ? blessings and sunshine and all the best of luck to you both.
Sending great care and concern for you both. Xoxo
Oh boy! Sounds incredibly rough! Sending good thoughts your way!
We were horrified to read the latest Nyel saga! Egads! Glad though that the hospital experience so far is better than the last time! Having this hole happen is definitely a zebra in a herd of horses! We’ll be praying for you both! Hopefully they’ll give you a bed vs a chair this time to sleep in??!! Love from us both! ?
Sydney- So sorry (and distressed) to hear this. We’re pulling for Nyel and his recovery.
All the best (of a horrid situation).
Ky