Wow-Life is fast!

YEs, it is already March! It seems like all of that yucky holiday sickness is behind us now.

Deuce is quite healthy and very happy to be back at QLI.

Jeff, Mary, Mom, Dad & Linda have returned to "normal" as much as is humanly possible for this group. Although Linda fell off a ladder and broke her wrist. She tells me she is healing well and is trying to figure out what to wear to Las Vegas next week.

Deuce is spending a lot of time doing e-mail and online with friends but he doesn't seem to want to pick up the blog-it doesn't exactly interface with his software well.

So we have worked out a comprimise-Deuce will send me e-mail to post in the blog from time to time. But I will remain committed to updating the blog (as all good sisters would do!)

One exciting thing is that the VanHorns (longtime friends from Florida) will be visiting next weekend. Jeff and I are flying back to NE just to hang out! Yay! We'll be putting up lots of pictures of this event next week! Thanks for your continued comments!

Mary

Yes, Deuce is Better and at home!

Sorry for not posting until now-all those things that have had to go on the sideburner while I was in Nebraska suddenly bubbled up. Like WORK! Thank goodness it's Saturday!

Yes, it is true. Deuce is better and back at QLI. I've got the picture to prove it!

Even though it has been a trying past month health wise-atleast Deucer's beloved Chicago Bears won right?

I think this blog has been so much fun-we are going to convince Deuce to keep it up. So stay tuned for future updates.

Thanks to everyone who posted-seriously, you don't know how much our entire family appreciates you connecting with the Deuceman! You people rock!

Love to all-

Mary, Jeff, Dad, Mom & Deuce!

Gonna try it again...

OK, so word is that Deucer was being loaded up and heading back to QLI...

This time let's hope he gets to STAY!!!!

Thanks again everyone for your kind words and sending your positive vibes Deucer's way.

Deucer is staying in the Hospital tonight.

Well-Patty was right but as they got Deucer ready to leave-again, his pulse shot up and they decided to keep him in the hospital again overnight-checking for blood clots.

He definately feels better, according to Dad, but now they just need to make sure he doesn't have a blood clot.

Please send good thoughts Dad's way-he hasn't had even a little break. He's been driving back and forth from Seward to Omaha almost every day for over 3 weeks now. (1:30 each way for those non-Nebraskans on the log.) Anyway- I appreciate all the nice things people keep mentioning on the blog about me-just wanted everyone to know there are many "Heros" that keep this operation running smoothly. The past couple of weeks have been an emotional rollercoaster for everyone!

Also- don't stop thinking or praying for Deucer! We need them now more than ever.

Going home again?

It seems as though some of our bloggers have news that Deuce is going home-Patty Jane Roth is always in the know!

I'm in the middle of training a class at Target HQ with about 100 people in it so not able to be reached by phone-so I'm going to hope Patty is right! I know Deuce's temperature went down this morning to a normal temperature. So keep those fingers crossed and I'll post when I hear more!

Mary

Back in the Hospital Again!

Well, Deucer's stay back home at QLI was very short lived. He didn't even get to spend the night in his bed... :-(((

Although he was doing well for his release from Methodist hospital, and Doctors, staff and family were all in agreement that he was doing well and should go home... he's back there again as of last night sometime before midnight. Apparently last evening while at QLI he spiked a really high fever which scared everyone, and made Deucer really uncomfortable. Because of this high fever, he was re-admitted.

The initial thinknig is that the poor guy has a really bad case of the flu, based on his symptoms. We're all hoping that's all it is, and it needs to run it's course with the help of some fluids and antibiotics, and that it isn't a symptom of something more serious.

His Mom is with him today... so as we know more we'll post.

Deuce has arrived at QLI!

Yes, it's true. Finally. Deuce was picked up by two of his favorite people, Amber and Steve J. and taken back to QLI only moments ago. Dad followed in the big red pick up truck.

All the doctors, including our favorite Infection Control guy, Dr. Penn, all gave the okay for Deuce to leave this morning. They even took the rest of his staples out-with a staple remover.

In his final examination, Dr. Penn even found an old suture left in accidently from Deucer's original "pump" scar. So he took it out. No one else had caught it up to now. Crazy-it could have caused another infection.

The hospital staff was quite impressed when Dad brought his own "Heuer" lift in to get Deuce into his chair. (I think the Smith family taught them a few things while we were at Methodist!)

I hope that this is my last blog about Deuce in the hospital. I talked to him about taking the blog over himself! He was a little reluctant so I think he might need some convincing....

Post comments here if you think DEUCE should continue the blog!

Thanks all!

GOING HOME TODAY!!!!

Yes, we think it is true. Right now we are waiting for 2 other docs to give the okay for Deuce to go home-back to QLI. But everything is looking up. Dad is with him right now-pushing those docs to just give their little signature and away he'll go!

Jeff and I are actually back in Minnesota-were greeted by a huge snow storm Minnesota style-and back at work. So that's why this message will be short.

I'll update later once we know for sure-but I can't thank you all enough for all of your posts and prayers. They truly have been uplifting!

Love to you all-

Mary

Big steps forward today!!!

So we made another big step forward about an hour ago. Since Deuce has been in the hospital, he's been laid basically out flat. Those of you that know him directly, know that he normally spends his days in his chair, rolling around and being social (can't imagine him being social can we....).

Well about an hour ago, he moved out of his bed into a hospital bed/chair!! He's been sitting up and watching his Chicago Bears go into overtime with the Seahawks... his food volume also just got upped again and everything looks good.

Two of his friends (and caregivers) from QLI are going to be over at around 4PM which Deucer is really, really looking forward to. Mary and Jeff are hoping to be on a 6:45PM flight back to Minneapolis... Mary's definately looking forward to seeing her kitties again (never mind the husband thing).

So... the blog faces a bit of an uncertain future... everyone needs to keep bugging deuce to keep this up! It seems like it's been a great way to keep friends and family in the loop with what's going on.... !

We've got a ticket to ride!!!

So Doctor Birch was by this morning, to do his rounds and took a good look at Deuce.

He said, "Wow, what an ugly mug!"

No, not really.

What he did say was that his progress is very good... really good in fact. His tube feeding has been increased while his IV food slows down today, which is also good news in that it means he's increasing the amount of food he's eating "normally" and is able to digest it pretty well.

So, right now it looks like Deuce-man will be discharged on Monday back to his home, and friends, at Quality Living!!!

Day 28-Another great night!

Deuce had another great night last night. Kept everything down. And we have determined with absolute certainty, several times, that his stomach and digestive tract are properly connected to the outside world. 'Nuf said.

Deuce has had some breathing problems this morning-because Jeff was making him laugh so hard he could hardly breathe. I called respiratory but they said it was beyond their job to remove Jeff, guess there is no suction tank big enough for that!! ;-)

Now we are just sitting here watching the (Republican spun) Meet the Press-again. It's worse than Passions in my book.

Check out the movie discussion on the post below-make sure you weigh in on the funniest movies ever! We've already had one change to the list thanks to Dave Halvorson! Nice going Dave!

More later-

What is the funnest movie ever???

Do you have an opinion? Deuce thought it might be a good idea to start a discussion about what is the funniest movie ever. You will see Deuce's top 5 list in the left navigational bar.

If you think we should list a different movie in that top 5, try and convince us! Tell us what are your favorite and you think are the most hilarious, side-splitting, silly movies ever.

Post your comments here!

2 out 4 of the Smith family have kept their cookies today

Sorry it has been so long since the last post! I've been down for the count with a touch of the flu since my last message. Bit of a 24 hr thing, better now though. Unfortunately, Mom's got the flu too. But enough about us!

The good news is....(Could I have a drumroll please)

DEUCE HAS KEPT HIS COOKIES!!!!

Yes, food intake has been successful. No sickness since he started food yesterday and you can tell he is feeling much better. He's laughing and making jokes- just like the old Deucer. He even had 10 out of his 24 staples removed today. Awesome huh?

He is definately on the mend. I really think he'll be headed home on Monday or Tuesday next week. (Everyone keep those prayers coming -we so appreciate them and they are helping!)

Bye for now- keep those messages coming!

Day 26- We had a good night!

Uneventful evening last night. Concerns about blood clots have now been dismissed. Ultrasound came back negative-yeah!

Everyone agrees that his incision looks great, in fact Dr. Penn the infection control doc called Deuce a "super healer." Deucer gave Dr. Penn a big smile.

Our only hill to climb is to start feedings again today. Deuce is overall looking and feeling well. His normal cheery facial expression is back, he will laugh at your jokes. He says his stomach doesn't feel right but he has agreed to give food a try yet again today.

More later today!

Day 25-Hanging in there!

So after the big upchuck this morning, (Hero of the day goes to LaShonda who was here to deal with it.-Thanks Shonda) Docs decided to do another x-ray of Deuce's abdomen. We haven't seen the results of that x-ray yet.

They also did an ultra sound of his upper arms. They seemed swelled today and were unusually red. The ultra sound was specifically to rule out blood clots. Because he is so stationary and confined to bed, blood clots are always a risk. The hospital takes precautions but nothing is fool proof. We haven't seen the results of this test either. Most likely will know more tomorrow morning.

Other than that...Deuce had a pretty good day. He ABSOLUTELY LOVES reading all the messages from everyone. THANK YOU. In fact, he wanted me to pass along a message to everyone as you can see in the picture!

Thanks Patti and Rick Roth for asking for more pictures so I also included a picture of Deuce and Dad in the new room and I posted a BIG picture of Deucer and his friend Casey right before we left ICU yesterday. Scroll down to the bottom of the blog!

Keep those messages and prayers coming! They help!

Mary

New Room, New Problems

The move went successfully yesterday. Deuce's friend from QLI, Casey, came by and ended up helping us move to the new room. I'll post the pics below. Deuce is now in Room 730. Which means we are finally out of intensive care It's not bad, we've been in much smaller.

Unfortunately, he had a rough night last night. Tossed his cookies this morning around 4:30 am. So this is a bit of a setback. He has not been allowed any food via stomach for 24 hours. He receives all his nutrition intraveniously until we get back on the tube feedings.

The positive thing is that he was able to handle almost 20 hours of feeding yesterday. Gotta keep looking at the positive side.

Thats all for now-more later today.

Eating & Moving Day

The big step for today is beginning feedings. 13 years ago, Deuce had a "G" tube installed and that is where he receives all of his nutrition. It is a tube that goes directly to his stomach. He does eat small doses of food

So today, they have started slightly dripping his food into his stomach to see how he will handle it. Keep your fingers crossed for us. (For those of you who know him, he is only going to get one can of Jevity continuous for 12 hours-very slow.)

So, the other thing is that I guess all hospitals in Omaha are full to the brim. We actually have been waiting to move to another room but because the hospital is full, there isn't a bed to move to. It looks like they are going to move us across the hall to 7 South. We have not had good luck on the regular hospital "floor." Nurses in ICU have to manage 1-3 patients, Nurses on the "floor" must manage sometimes up to 8 patients. Pretty much an impossibility in some cases. I don't envy them. The nurses in ICU are also the creme of the crop. We have Kate today. Kate is Deucer's age and very smart and cute. That helps.

My one rant/question I will pose today is that it will be interesting to watch as insurance companies start to force people to select "consumer driven health-care" if hospitals and care providers get on board with the idea. Will consumerist health care force competion in health care and force them to spend more time and money on customer focused training & evaluation? Doubtful. Even though there are some incredibly caring and competent care providers, it is inconsistent. Focusing and on the needs and empathy for the patient and family should be paramount. Especially when stakes are so high. Hospitals are still trying to learn how to balance the nuts and bolts of business with the delicate care of their "customers." Okay, down off the soapbox, ahh. That is better.

Okay, now I feel this is the time to out my brother a bit. Yes, it's true. He is an avid soap opera watcher. I am currently being forced to watch "Passions." Ugh-is there worse writing out there?

Thanks to everyone who continues to post! We love them! Lata...

Today was a good day!

Lots of great things happened today. The blog got posted, that was good. Lots of fantastic people posted comments-that was even better!

Deuce started the day by basically upchucking on Dr. Rose, the surgeon who saved his life by rushing him into surgery to snip that pesky peice of bowel. Dr. Rose was unphased and said, "guess we aren't going to start tube feedings today huh?"

One of the residents accompanying Dr. Rose left the room quickly when the cookie upheaval began. Deucer thought that was kinda funny later.

We are now awaiting the People Choice Awards by watching...Wheel....of...Fortune! Hopefully, Deuce will take the Hughes boys advice and keep his cookies tonight!

Seriously thanks to all of you who posted-really brought a smile to his face and to mine. You guys totally rock!

Give Deuce a "shout out"

Hi-

Just respond here if you want to say hi!

Day 23-my first post and a quick rundown of the past 23 days

Seems strange to start with Day 23, but I finally figured out I should start blogging about Deucer so everyone could connect with him electronically.

It has been a busy 23 days so I'm going to give you a brief history of why Deuce is in the hospital and what has happened so far.

This all started back in September-Deuce has a medical pump that gives him a synthetic form of Gaba. Gaba is the chemical that allows your muscles to relax. After his head injury 13 years ago, his body stopped making Gaba. We had this pump installed about 6 years ago and this September, it was time for the replacement.

All went well until the pump got infected. Evidently Deucer is a carrier for a Pennicillin resistant staph called MRSA. That is why in all the pictures you will notice we are wearing "yellow" gowns. We are in "isolation" trying to manage the infection.

December 18th: Deuce is admitted to Methodist Hospital in Omaha.

December 19th: The Baclofen pump is removed due to infection. Deucer starts going through Baclofen withdrawal. I believe there are not many worse experiences than to have to 1) go through this 2) watch someone you love go through this. Deuce's body shakes uncontrollably because he cannot make his muscles relax. Think about having a really bad muscle cramp-throughout your entire body-for 4-8 hours at a time-non-stop. Torture.

December 20-23 Started huge antibiotics. One called Vancomyacin, Deuce ended up being allergic to. Got a bad rash all over and basically turned beet red. We spent these days just trying to manage his pain and spasms. Working with the doctors to get the infection under control so we could put the pump back in. Oh, and in the meantime, he got Pnumonia. This made breathing difficult.

December 24th (Christmas Eve) It was a tough day but we had made it though. About 11pm Deuce got a bad spasm spell and the Nurse was not quick enough with his meds. This put him into severe respiratory distress. We got shipped up to ICU and put on a respirator. Deuce was not happy about having a tube shoved down his throat. But as usual, he dealt with it like a pro.

December 25-Had a quiet Christmas day. No presents. Just sleep. That was the best present of all. With the machine breathing for him, it made us all rest a little easier.

December 26th- Deuce went to Surgery to have pump put back in. The old pump was on his right side and this new pump was placed on his left side. It took about a day to get the medicine to take effect. There is a catheter that delivers the medicine straight to his spinal cord. We were hoping that he would come off the respirator after surgery but the Neurosurgeons wanted to keep him on "just in case" one more day. That night, Deuce bit down on the tube in his sleep when he was having a bad spasm and choked his air supply off for a short time. Pretty freakin' scary. Luckily I was awake and was able to get a bite stick between his teeth to give him some air. They changed his tube to a hard plastic tube for the rest of the night.

December 27th- Came off the respirator. Started having unexplainable stomach problems.

December 28th-January 2nd- Deuce started feeling much better. Kept a his food down and was just generally much better.

January 3rd- Deuce went back to QLI (Quality Living Inc-his home) and pretty much the best place in the world. (See link to the website if you are interested) He reveled in all the attention of being away and then being home again. All seemed fine.

January 4th- Deuce has an "episode" during lunch. He looses consciousness and is unresponsive to staff for a period of 30 seconds. Concerned that this is related to his recent pump surgery and that it could be a seizure, staff rush Deuce back to Methodist Hospital Emergency Room. Many tests are done including a CT of his stomach and everything is inconclusive. He is admitted for observation overnight.

January 5th-Deuce starts the day by getting really sick and emptying the contents of his stomach. Doctors are concerned and don't know what is causing his problems. Today, tests show something is effecting his liver. After another CT of his abdomen he is rushed into emergency surgery (again). The surgeon explains that they have concerns that there has been a loss of blood flow to his colon and that it could be perforated causing it to leak into his liver. This situation can become fatal very quickly.

Deuce makes it out of surgery and the surgeon reports that they removed a foot long piece of his colon. Luckily, it wasn't as bad as the CT showed. Deuce is sewn back together and now just needs to recover. He has a really pretty scar with 24 staples!

January 6-Doctors are puzzled by Deuce's Ischemic Bowel because of it's rarity in someone his age. Surgeon thinks we won't find out what caused it. We are waiting for the Pathology report to return with more information. Hopefully that will be back today-Tuesday.

January 7-9-Still in ICU. Deuce is getting all of his nutrition intravenously. Sunday was a great day, lots of visitors. See pictures posted below. Monday he wasn't feeling as well again.

So that's where it stands right now. Everyone is tired but holding up okay. Please post messages to Deuce here! He'd love to hear from you!

Mary