BS: Mudcat Mojo - VaTam's daughter

Subject: BS: Mudcat Mojo - VaTam's daughter
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 13 Mar 12 - 04:32 PM

Hi all

Here I am again, hat in hand requesting some Mudcat mojo for my daughter Hilary. You may remember last January she landed in hospital with liver, spleen, gall bladder and other abdominal problems.

VirginiaTam's daughter - health prob

She was admitted to hospital again today with enlarged spleen. We were chatting last night I thought she said her liver enzymes were low, which is good news. She has been on medications for depression, however which can adversely effect the liver.

So if you could please send some mental and spiritual huggles to my 'lilbit' I'd really appreciate it.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Mojo - VaTam's daughter
From: maeve
Date: 13 Mar 12 - 05:07 PM

Yes, Tamara, of course. (((Tamara and Hilary and fiance)))

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Mojo - VaTam's daughter
From: ranger1
Date: 13 Mar 12 - 05:30 PM

Tam, you and Hilary have all the good thoughts I can spare.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Mojo - VaTam's daughter
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 13 Mar 12 - 05:37 PM

Thank you both. I expect Galen (the fiance) is with her. They moved in together to a smaller apartment a couple of months ago. Wish she would post something on FB.
If she has been admitted, I don't want to disturb her in the middle of tests by ringing her. I have Galen's number but I don't know where I put it.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Mojo - VaTam's daughter
From: gnu
Date: 13 Mar 12 - 06:39 PM

I'm there with good vibes.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Mojo - VaTam's daughter
From: Bobert
Date: 13 Mar 12 - 07:32 PM

Got 'um on the way, VT...

B~

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Mojo - VaTam's daughter
From: Maryrrf
Date: 13 Mar 12 - 07:45 PM

Best wishes for your daughter, VT.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Mojo - VaTam's daughter
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 13 Mar 12 - 10:30 PM

You got it coming from me, too.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Mojo - VaTam's daughter
From: YorkshireYankee
Date: 13 Mar 12 - 11:08 PM

VT, so very sorry to hear of this latest development. You and your family have already been through so much!
I sincerely hope that things start improving for all of you -- immediately if not sooner.

I'm not in the habit of praying, but I'll make an exception...

Keep us posted.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Mojo - VaTam's daughter
From: Ebbie
Date: 13 Mar 12 - 11:41 PM

And from me too. No road is downhill forever.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Mojo - VaTam's daughter
From: fat B****rd
Date: 14 Mar 12 - 04:30 AM

Thinking of you and yours VT.
All the very best from Charlie in Dunfermline.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Mojo - VaTam's daughter
From: wysiwyg
Date: 14 Mar 12 - 05:37 AM

<3 +++

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Mojo - VaTam's daughter
From: GUEST,I Don't Know
Date: 14 Mar 12 - 05:48 AM

Wishing her a speedy recovery.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Mojo - VaTam's daughter
From: alanabit
Date: 14 Mar 12 - 05:50 AM

Hope it all goes well for her VT. Unfortunately many doctors prescribe anti-depressants for patients, because they do not have the time or resources to give them real help. I had hepatitis B back in the eighties, so I know more than I want to about drugs and a dodgy liver. During recovery, I frequently experienced relapses and some quite interesting pain... Of course pain killers were out of the question, because it was the last thing the liver needed. The good news is that the liver can regenerate itself - as it has done in my case. Wishing both you and your daughter well.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Mojo - VaTam's daughter
From: Janie
Date: 14 Mar 12 - 05:58 AM

Holding all of you in my thoughts.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Mojo - VaTam's daughter
From: Keith A of Hertford
Date: 14 Mar 12 - 06:21 AM

All my best wishes for you.
keith.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Mojo - VaTam's daughter
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 14 Mar 12 - 08:57 AM

love & best wishes to all from this side of the big pond

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Mojo - VaTam's daughter
From: GUEST,olddude
Date: 14 Mar 12 - 09:38 AM

got my prayers my dear friend, right now

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Mojo - VaTam's daughter
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 14 Mar 12 - 09:45 AM

Still no posts on her facebook or boyfriend's FB. I sent messages to both.

I am freaking out. Can't wait for work to end today so I can ring her. Want to fuss about the fact that she has an android phone and should have put something up or messaged me. But I won't.

Thank you all and I think I will pinch a little of that good enegery for myself. This stress is not good.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Mojo - VaTam's daughter
From: Severn
Date: 14 Mar 12 - 11:20 AM

As always, bestwishes for all recovery. Muscat Mojo was and continues to be a great help to me, and I return it when I can

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Mojo - VaTam's daughter
From: GUEST,leeneia
Date: 14 Mar 12 - 11:25 AM

Call the hospital, ask for her nursing station, and tell them that you are her mother, you don't want to disturb her, you are thinking of her, and would she please call you when she's able. They will forward the message.

Or perhaps Patient Services will have some other method, but I'm sure hospitals handle things like this regularly.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Mojo - VaTam's daughter
From: GUEST,CS
Date: 14 Mar 12 - 01:39 PM

Poor Hil! I hope she has decent medical coverage now to deal with any costs incurred? I seem to recall when this first reared up that she was likely to lose her job due to time off sick, and thus the medical coverage with it? Memory may be inaccurate though. Is she in a different job with more tolerant boss now (I'm presuming this was an emergency admittance rather than scheduled treatment?) Anyway, good luck to her, I hope she gets whatever she needs for wellville without too many complications.

Is it possible in US for a Mum to obtain info on a daughters condition from nurses over telephone without waiting for a potentially sleeping/medicated daughter to rouse?

Hugs to you too T x

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Mojo - VaTam's daughter
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 14 Mar 12 - 02:41 PM

I didn't know what hospital so no use trying to call a nurses station. There are lots of hospitals in northern Virginia.

I got through on her phone this evening. She is hopped up on pain meds and IV to replenish fluids.

Turned out on Friday last week, she had results of liver enzyme test. Lower than they have been in a long time. That's great news. She has been on Weight Watchers diet for last 3 weeks, per PCP advice. Don't know if WW diet exacerbated an already brewing problem or is unrelated.

Yesterday she had severe pain in her left side and couldn't keep food or liquid down. Went to ER and given her history they admitted her. CT scan revealed enlarged spleen but pancreas looks ok (sigh of relief). They discovered she has portal hypertension which is abnormally high pressure in the hepatic portal vein. Cirrhosis is a common cause. (WORRY) But it could be fibropolycystic disease. She already has polycystic ovarian syndrome. (Don't know if this makes me feel any better.)

She is waiting to be seen by a new gastroenterologist. She requested a new one because the one she had would not talk to her except through his assistant who couldn't or wouldn't answer Hil's questions. Apparently her care has not been properly coordinated as her PCP has had her on viibryd for depression and buspar for anxiety both of which she says carry warnings about liver problems. They have not given her these meds while she has been in hospital and I am worried about the warning that you are not supposed to just stop taking them. Hopefully the pain meds will keep her calm.

Re health insurance she has just had promotion at work and there are other indicators she is well liked at work especially by her manager so I feel better about that. She says that she is now covered under the Family and Medical Leave Act which will protect her job and health insurance for 12 months. Though it is unpaid leave so I don't know how she would pay rent and bills, etc.

Bit more worrying because the fiance lost his job shortly after they moved in together. Luckily her dad bought her some income cover insurance for when she is hospital. She gets $400.00 a day for everyday in hospital. That will help. And they each have a car so one could be sold if needed.

Anyway I have had news and hopefully will sleep tonight.

Thank you all for listening to me and mostly for the love.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Mojo - VaTam's daughter
From: maeve
Date: 14 Mar 12 - 02:51 PM

It sounds like a mixture of good news and more questions, Tamara...but what a wonderful thing to have some good news in the mix!

I hope you can rest easy tonight. Tomorrow is its own worry generator; it needs no help from us! Happy music, a good meal, a foot massage, and then a deep sleep for refreshment.

Tranquility in Virginia ...

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Mojo - VaTam's daughter
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 14 Mar 12 - 02:56 PM

oh Maeve... I love red bud. Loved driving along the lanes in Virginia seeing red bud and dogwood in blossom.

Going to make me some buttered eggs with fresh spinach and vittoria tomatoes for dinner as I have been inspired by the poached egg nitty gritty thread.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Mojo - VaTam's daughter
From: maeve
Date: 14 Mar 12 - 03:28 PM

Sounds good, Tamara. That was my last night's supper!

Get some rest.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Mojo - VaTam's daughter
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 15 Mar 12 - 03:25 AM

Still in hospital when I went to bed last night. This morning her last FB post indicated they had to move her out of her room to make room for a male patient. She was not happy about being moved due to the physical pain involved in doing it.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Mojo - VaTam's daughter
From: jacqui.c
Date: 15 Mar 12 - 09:37 AM

Healing thoughts coming from Maine for Hilary.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Mojo - VaTam's daughter
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 15 Mar 12 - 04:09 PM

Still in hospital on clear diet and weirdly gaining weight. 4 pounds in 2 days. Though docs don't seem to think this is an issue.

Seen by new GI doc several times. He thinks it is her liver, even though enzymes are low and the pain is not on that side.

Another doc thinks it is her spleen as it is enlarged and the pain is there.   DUH!!!

She has been craving potassium and they discovered she has a deficiency. The potassium injection in the IV burns. She says she'd rather eat 100 bananas.

They are doing endoscopy tomorrow.

On the finance front, it appears she has some other coverage she invested in while she was well and earning. Pays for days in hospital, 6 weeks short term disability, and even one which pays her for certain tests like the CT scan they did. Smart girl.

Even better her dad and her soon to be father in law both insurance people so will help her complete the claims and provide proper documents.

She did not remember that we talked on the phone yesterday (pain killers is dilantin or something) so I got a lot of repeat info.

While talking to me on phone tonight, she clocked that perhaps she should call work in advance to let them know she is still in hospital tomorrow and may not be able in position tomorrow to call them after endoscopy.

That is all for now. I am shattered. Going to forage for food as I've not had dinner and lunch was a salad and breakfast didn't happen.


Love you guys.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Mojo - VaTam's daughter
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 15 Mar 12 - 04:31 PM

oh god! Now they are planning bone marrow and lymphoma test.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Mojo - VaTam's daughter
From: GUEST,olddude
Date: 15 Mar 12 - 04:59 PM

got my rosary, never fails me hon .. anytime anywhere I can help you please let me know ... Love you .. in my thoughts heart and prayers
Dan

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Mojo - VaTam's daughter
From: saulgoldie
Date: 15 Mar 12 - 05:11 PM

Thoughts, prayers, and Mojo--

Saul

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Mojo - VaTam's daughter
From: fat B****rd
Date: 15 Mar 12 - 05:11 PM

More best thoughts from here in Dunfermline. I really wish I could say somerhing clever but you know the people here are with you.
ATB from Charlie.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Mojo - VaTam's daughter
From: GUEST,I Don't Know
Date: 15 Mar 12 - 05:48 PM

Hope it is better than it sounds, shame you cannot bewith her. Prayers and hugs to you all.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Mojo - VaTam's daughter
From: maeve
Date: 15 Mar 12 - 07:06 PM

You have a hard job, Tamara. Hold on. Tomorrow will come soon enough.
I wish I could send you the real things instead of images; the real songs instead of clips. For now, these will have to do.

Maeve

Pretty

Rest

http://www.timberheadmusic.com/audio/TurningTowardtheMorning.mp3

Hope

http://www.timberheadmusic.com/audio/IsleAuHautLullaby_clip.mp3

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Mojo - VaTam's daughter
From: Janie
Date: 15 Mar 12 - 08:10 PM

Don't forget to breathe, VT.

It would be so very, very hard for you even if you lived next door to Hilary. I can only imagine how difficult it is to contain your worry from such a long distance.

Surrounding Hilary as well as you with imagery of healing light.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Mojo - VaTam's daughter
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 15 Mar 12 - 11:42 PM

Prayers continuing from me, too.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Mojo - VaTam's daughter
From: GUEST,CS
Date: 16 Mar 12 - 05:29 AM

Try to take each day as it comes, and for now keep hold of the fact that a test for lymphoma may rule lymphoma out.
Gimme a ring later if you would like a chat? x

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Mojo - VaTam's daughter
From: GUEST,CS
Date: 16 Mar 12 - 06:22 AM

I panicked the other day because I received what appeared to be some bad news.
While panicking I recalled this proverb I once heard on a Paul McKenna tape years ago: http://www.quotes-daily.com/2009/10/maybe-so-maybe-not-ancient-taoist.html and it reminded me to keep my mind located in the now and not to second guess the future. As it happened the news wasn't so bad.

This isn't meant to be patronising, sometimes very small things like the wisdom of an ancient proverb, can help to provide anchorage in the storm.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Mojo - VaTam's daughter
From: GUEST
Date: 16 Mar 12 - 07:05 AM

Something of a leftfeild suggestion this. Is Hil still Wiccan Tam? I wonder if it might be helpful to both her and to you, if you work her some Mojo in the form of a simple healing/protection ceremony, particularly involving song - as it taps into your strengths? Whether you consciously 'believe' or not, it may be good for Hil to know she's being supported in such fashion?

Looking for Wiccan healing songs, some chants by Lisa Theil which could easily be adapted came up:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9SZ6vFs9w20
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eGGZq0UInTg

CS

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Mojo - VaTam's daughter
From: SINSULL
Date: 16 Mar 12 - 05:10 PM

Tests rule out problems and enable the doctors to focus on a diagnosis. Tests are good things.

Try to breathe Miss Tam. Seeing one's own child suffer is a parent's worst nightmare. Hang in there.
Mary

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Mojo - VaTam's daughter
From: YorkshireYankee
Date: 16 Mar 12 - 05:52 PM

When my sister needed a kidney transplant and one of my brothers was the donor, my other brother and I were worried and concerned -- but I could see that our feelings were a mere fraction of those of my parents; I have never (before or since) seen them looking/feeling so vulnerable -- which told me so much... A mother's/father's love is unfathomable (until you are a parent yourself).
Keeping you and your family in my thoughts, and hoping for good news.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Mojo - VaTam's daughter
From: maeve
Date: 17 Mar 12 - 06:17 AM

Good morning, Tamara.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Mojo - VaTam's daughter
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 17 Mar 12 - 10:32 AM

Hello all - thank you for the encouragement, thoughts and links.

She is still in hospital. Docs have not said why they are still holding her.

First indication of endoscopy is gastritis, but she cannot eat (offering her soft solids now) unless they give her strong pain killers. They took stomach biopsy during endoscopy, so pain even greater now. One nurse has not been very kind regards her pain. "Only gastritis? You should not be hurting that much then!" Might have been nurse's tone or Hil's interpretation. She was very "testy" last night.

Last 2 hours of facebook posts she has posted twice.

2 hours ago = :'(

1 hour ago = *sob*

Have heard no more about the desire to do bone marrow and lymphoma tests. I want to be there.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Mojo - VaTam's daughter
From: maeve
Date: 17 Mar 12 - 10:37 AM

Of course you want to be there, Tam. I wish you could.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Mojo - VaTam's daughter
From: gnu
Date: 17 Mar 12 - 01:32 PM

Me too.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Mojo - VaTam's daughter
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 17 Mar 12 - 01:59 PM

Well her Dad and his partner are there getting the info from the specialists today. The hematologist believes her liver is acting out and causing the other problems.

I talked on phone with her and her father. Hil is very emotionally and in a lot of pain. they have not been giving her her thyroid replacement but continuing the antidepressant and anti anxiety med (which I believe may be causing the liver to act out but you can't just suddenly withdraw these kinds of meds).

Gastro doc arrived so I had to hang up. But her dad thinks they will keep her in until Monday or Tuesday for bone marrow lymphoma test.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Mojo - VaTam's daughter
From: SINSULL
Date: 17 Mar 12 - 02:39 PM

Only gastritis? I have seen grown men doubled over and reduced to tears by gastritis.
Silly bitch!
Rant over.
SINS

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Mojo - VaTam's daughter
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 17 Mar 12 - 02:54 PM

Turns out there are now 2 nurses who are shaming her for asking for the pain meds that doc prescribed for very 3 hours. They wait until she is begging them for it then give her a hard time saying she doesn't really need them. I told her to get Galen or her Dad to talk to their supervisor.
But I also reminded her that when she had liver biopsy when she was age 14 that nurses advised trying to go longer without pain meds. And they did same to me in UK when I was in similar lower abdominal pain. Not shaming but telling me the longer I could go without the better in the long run.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Mojo - VaTam's daughter
From: YorkshireYankee
Date: 18 Mar 12 - 11:58 AM

I am absolutely gobsmacked to hear of such callous, unsympathetic and downright nasty "nurses". I'd like to slap them; can't imagine how you must feel...