One thing we've come to expect here at Methodist is change. And that's what happened to the bronchoscopy. It got changed--------canceled in favor a of an MRI, which is currently being done as I write. This MRI will include the entire spine instead of just the cervical part. The medical team would like to know if there are clues in the thoracic and lumbar areas that will help them identify the masked bandit that has stolen Shirley's ability to function.
Meanwhile, the existing pathology has been studied by a premier radiologist from Texas who is in Indy to lecture. He's stumped too. A senior radiologist here at Methodist has returned from vacation and will also be studying the pathology work.
For the most part, Shirley rests rather comfortably. . She is given medication for pain regularly but also asks for booster doses periodically. It's hard for me to judge just how much pain she's really in. Most times when she's asked, she says it's a "7 or 8" (on a 1 to 10 scale) regardless if she's just had medication or if she's due for it. By and large, this is the same pain she came in the hospital with. (I'd guess that most of the neck pain as a result of surgery has subsided.) Of course, it's being treated with much stronger drugs than we were at home.
From nearly 3 weeks in bed, she's become weaker and mostly immobile. She needs help eating and changing positions. (But she smiles big or interjects a comment at appropriate times!) Physical therapists have been in a couple times for evaluation but I need to ask the Doc if a specific plan is in place.
The weekend approaches and both Doctors will be gone. So any action that may be indicated from today's MRI is not likely til at least Monday. Likewise, I don't expect anything to need updating until Monday or Tuesday.
Your interest and concern for her condition is appreciated; your prayers for her health are coveted. Love to you all.
Ray
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