A New Man!

At least it sure seems like he is a new man. We finally got some answers, or at least some hope of some answers today. The day started off pretty much the same, the doc came in about 8:30 am and basically told us all the tests looked pretty much normal, nothing to be concerned about. Said we can't go home because they had to send the Salmonella to a state lab for confirmation and they still haven't heard back on that so we still don't know "for sure" what we are dealing with. Then told us the Infectious disease doctor would be in later to see him. We did also talk about the REALLY bad headaches he has been having ever since the spinal tap so he also said he'd send the anesthesiologist up to talk to him about a blood patch over the hole where they did the spinal. So we met with the infectious disease Dr. about 12:30 or 1:00 and he gave us a lot more information about how the Salmonella infection could have actually been from 2 or 3 months ago and some of the bugs didn't get flushed out and eventually worked their way into the blood stream, which would have started the fever and Rigors (the really bad teeth chattering chills have their own special name--rigors). But that he still needed to find out the strain of Salmonella from the state lab and then probably do a bunch more tests to make sure it hasn't affected his gall bladder or anything else because his liver enzymes are significantly elevated. So, we can't go home. Still have a bunch of tests ahead and not any definite answers but at least a hope of some. Then about 2:30 the anesthesiologist came in and did the blood patch, this is very interesting--They take your own blood out of your arm and inject it into your back right in the area where they did the puncture in the spine and then when your blood clots it will cover the hole and stop the spinal fluid from leaking and thus stop the headaches. And amazingly IT WORKED!! It's the first time he's been able to sit up AT ALL without a headache. It is the first time he has been able to get out of bed and walk further than the 5 feet to the bathroom (he did make one lap around the floor last night but it almost killed him) and he made two whole laps around the floor without any headache! So we say Yea for some progress! Also he hasn't complained of any of the really, really bad shoulder pain that he has been having either. This had been one of his biggest complaints because the headaches he could control as long as he laid COMPLETELY flat but the back pain just never stopped; if I was constantly massaging it then it was bearable and about the only way he could fall asleep but a half hour later it was back just as bad. I think my arm and back will be sore for a while from 2 days of constant massaging! Things are looking better. Ryan is feeling better. Now if they can just get their answers and get us out of there life will be OK again! We love you all and appreciate all the calls, emails, goodies, and messages of love and support, thanks so much!!