Day 23, morningKathy had a somewhat problematic day

Day 23, morning

Kathy had a somewhat problematic day yesterday, mainly, again, with her ICPs. Late afternoon stat CT scan showed no change from the previous day, so we took that as a plus, given the up-and-down day. Then she settled down again last night. The tracheotomy was postponed until today for scheduling reasons, and to provide one more day of monitoring Kathy to see if she will tolerate the procedure. We’re very anxious to get this one behind us.

Yesterday and today we have guests – two stroke veterans. I’ve mentioned Kevin before. He and his lovely mate Candy stopped by early in Kathy’s stay here. It’s because of Kevin and Candy that I will go to every length to get Kathy’s rehab in the Cottage system here in Santa Barbara. Kevin’s treatment here was instrumental in pulling him through his stroke to a place no one who doesn’t know him would suspect a previous health problem, for which we are all extremely grateful – even for the return of his gift of gab.

Allen has a healthcare history beyond belief. Two Viet Nam tours on a navy river boat, about as dangerous duty as you could do in that war.  PTSD. Two open heart surgeries. Multiple TIA’s.  Three strokes. A long story of coldhearted pushback from the VA.  Allen had a reputation, well-earned, as the quickest wit in town, never at a loss for the inspired comeback. Then his last stroke primarily affected his speech, fate’s way, I suppose, of showing us just how punishing life can be. Has it affected his real self? Many would say that Allen’s wit is his defining quality. Kathy says no, it’s the purity of his heart. She sees into him clearer that anyone I know.

Much as I’d love to, I rarely get a chance to brag about Kathy’s nursing talents and experiences. I’m welcome at the nurses’ stations, and I do get to hear Kathy’s reports on co-worker gossip (don’t worry nurses, I’ll try to ignore the the skeletons in the closet here – but be aware, I do know all about them),  and I hear tons of testimonials from mothers we’ve run into around SLO county whose children Kathy welcomed into this world at their birth.  But I don’t get the opportunity to go into the Labor & Delivery or Mother Baby rooms to observe firsthand how and what she does. Plus there’s HIPPA.

Once in awhile, though, I get a glimpse. Here’s one.

Early one morning Kathy answered our phone. All she heard was hesitant vowels and consonants. Then she said, “Allen…is this you?” After more hesitation, the word “yes.” We hurried over to Allen’s place to assess. Although he passed a few quick tests for stroke that Kathy performed, we quickly hurried him off to the ER. Once in the parking lot, Allen – a man with a mind of his own – stood firm that he wasn’t going in. He’d had too much of hospitals and was adamant about not going in again, fearful of another long stay. No way was he going back in. Rather die. So Kathy played her trump card. She said “Allen, we love you. I know you love us. I’m a nurse. If you don’t come in here with us this minute, I could lose my job.” Without another moment’s hesitation Allen said “let’s go in.” I don’t recall ever having heard that peremptory tone of voice in Kathy. Sometimes I guess nurses have to twist arms.

I am so proud of her in so many ways.