Lab results keep rolling in. The important current ones measure kidney function and acid/base balance. The kidney function remains poor (at least on paper), creatinine at just over 7, a steady, gentle, ugly rise. The acid/base balance is very good, and she is producing adequate urine, so the function that the kidney DOES have is, well, functional? It is doing a good enough job to keep her off dialysis even though the numbers don't look fabulous.
That odd ANA result (indicating possible autoimmune issues) has been followed up with more tests, all ordered by a doctor I've never heard of. (I checked google - she's a kidney specialist. By test type, I was thinking rheumatologist.) There is evidence of significant inflammation. I'm.....concerned. We still don't know WHY her kidney failed, but this may be part of it.
The nausea has stabilized on round-the-clock Zofran. She is eating a little (a VERY little) of each meal, and is taking fluids quite well. She had nausea as I was leaving tonight (7 hours into my 4 hour visit LOL), and got another dose of Haldol. Yesterday that knocked her unconscious for the entire night, so I don't feel bad about leaving before I was asked.
She is finally out of the ICU and on the transplant floor. The fact that there IS a transplant floor makes me feel better. They clearly have a clue about how to take care of her. I am sure there are three people in the ED waiting for her ICU bed. The stack-up of patients is horrible.
But as to Babygirl herself? She is alert, cheerful, and very happy to have her glasses and her phone. She's been busy catching up on all of the social media she missed. She asked me today if I was okay or if I needed to go to the hotel and rest. In other words, she is herself. She was awake the entire time I was there, FAR longer than at any one period of time since she arrived.
It's much easier to keep Karen in check when Babygirl is better.
DeeDee
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