Doctor Visit

We got in to see the doctor first thing this morning.  I just love our family doctor.

She quickly assessed the situation and immediately wrote her "to do" list.

* get a picc line inserted over at Radiology
* set up IV hydration
* order labs
* fill out a form for a handicap placard for DMV
* order abdominal ultrasound to check for fluid retention
* get a hospital bed and wheelchair delivered
* monitor diabetes - check blood glucose numbers in a week and re-evaluate
* prescribe pain patches
* switch medications to liquid or IV form if available
* communicate with home health about ongoing care

By the end of the day, she had most of her list done.  E's scheduled to get his picc line inserted tomorrow.  We had to run by the lab to get his protime, as it was a prerequisite for tomorrow's procedure, but future labs can just be drawn from his picc line.  The abdominal ultrasound is scheduled for Thursday.  The hospital bed and wheelchair are being delivered tomorrow.  Pain patches and liquid meds have been called in to the pharmacy.  The DMV form has been filled out and now awaits me actually taking it to that dreaded place.  Even the infusion clinic has already called to collect basic information to set up E.'s account for his hydration supplies.  I talked to her about my concern regarding his oxygen saturation levels as they have been running between 90 and 93 (once as low as 88).  She explained that she wanted to check for potential causes before just giving him oxygen as she'd much rather treat the problem than just provide a bandaid.  If there is a bunch of fluid in his abdomen, it could be pushing on organs including his diaphragm, making it difficult for him to getting adequate oxygen exchange.  If fluid retention is not the issue, E. may need some supplemental oxygen at that point.

I went ahead and cancelled the visit from the home health nurse today since we'd already seen the doctor.  E.'s vitals were stable and I think that's all home health would be checking today.