BS: Is there a Doctor in the forum?

Subject: RE: BS: Is there a Doctor in the forum?
From: maeve
Date: 23 Jun 09 - 09:57 PM

I'm home from chorus and waiting for an update, Kendall. I'll check this thread again in the morning.

maeve

Subject: RE: BS: Is there a Doctor in the forum?
From: Rapparee
Date: 23 Jun 09 - 10:07 PM

Get thee to a hospitalry!

Subject: RE: BS: Is there a Doctor in the forum?
From: katlaughing
Date: 24 Jun 09 - 12:09 AM

Don't mess around with this one, Kendall. It's something they can take care of have it all come out all right, so to speak, but it's best not to delay, imo. Oh hell, yer probably asleep, so just gets lots of rest, okay and see the doc tomorrow!:-)

Subject: RE: BS: Is there a Doctor in the forum?
From: Mrrzy
Date: 24 Jun 09 - 10:45 AM

My first thought was Lyme disease too... good luck and good health!

Subject: RE: BS: Is there a Doctor in the forum?
From: jacqui.c
Date: 24 Jun 09 - 10:58 AM

Kendall started on antibiotics last evening and has to go for a CAT scan of his abdomen this afternoon at two o'clock. I don't know how long it will take to get the results of that but we will need to find out exactly what this infection is and whether it has anything to do with the well water. We've got a guy coming round to give an idea pf what needs to be done to clean out the well - Kendall is not in a fit condition to do that himself. We're also looking at the possibility of having town water piped in, although that is likely to be quite an expensive proposition.

I think that Kendall's constitution has been weakened over the past few weeks by surgery and stress and left him wide open for anything that might attack him. We'll hear what the doctors have to say and act accordingly.

Subject: RE: BS: Is there a Doctor in the forum?
From: SINSULL
Date: 24 Jun 09 - 12:33 PM

diverticulitis?
The Captain suffers from that occasionally.

Subject: RE: BS: Is there a Doctor in the forum?
From: Tinker
Date: 24 Jun 09 - 12:51 PM

Lifting you guys up ..... figure if we all pitch in this ridiculously heavy load might just get to the doable stage....

Subject: RE: BS: Is there a Doctor in the forum?
From: wysiwyg
Date: 24 Jun 09 - 01:06 PM

Diverticulitis could certainly be complicated by an over-abundance of E Coli, but it sounds unlikely that diverticulitis alone (lacking E Coli complication) would explain what Kendall described.

As I expected, it sounds to me like Jacqui has it all well in hand.

In our community, when E Coli in wells gets out of hand (some is usually safely present), we just dump bleach in it to knock it down. (The carrying capacity vs. sparse population here is such that bleach does not affect the total groundwater supply, and what we send downstream is fine.) In a more densely populated or more rapidly-vertical runoff topography, that would neither do the trick nor be safe for downstreamers.

The other factor they will be looking at is probably whether the E Coli found in the labwork is the same safe type most well water contains.

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: Is there a Doctor in the forum?
From: Rapparee
Date: 24 Jun 09 - 01:14 PM

Someone please remove the spam.

Thanks.

Subject: RE: BS: Is there a Doctor in the forum?
From: SINSULL
Date: 24 Jun 09 - 01:15 PM

How about all of us with free phone service call Ali and tell him to stay off Mudcat? That is a Texas number. How many calls will it take to screw up his phone line?

Subject: RE: BS: Is there a Doctor in the forum?
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 24 Jun 09 - 01:37 PM

What a bummer. Kendall and Jacqui need a vakay. They really need get away from home and all the problems and reminders of sad and worrisome stuff for a while.

So sorry you are suffering like this. Just is not fair.

tam

Subject: RE: BS: Is there a Doctor in the forum?
From: open mike
Date: 24 Jun 09 - 01:46 PM

yes the post from 1:04 p.m. has to go...

but meanwhile here is what I have to offer..
my business (shameless promotion....) is
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my house for 30 years and have been drinking
water direct from the stream....I totally
believe in my product and would love to
offer a mudcat discount to anyone who is
interested in having one...

This is a solid carbon block "point of use"
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the place you use the water...with it's
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and other contaminants..as small as .5 microns
Multi Pure filters can be used for all drinking
water, and there are units for filtering shower
water too. I got one for my daughter for the
water for the tub she gave birth in...and
the kid came out just fine!!

Seriously, though, for anyone who is unsure
of the quality of their water, and especially
if they have water that is contaminated , or
if they use bottled water, these filters will
be a great addition to your life.

Contact me at veraloe (at) gotsky (dot) com
if you are interested in more info....Laurel

ps if interested, please get it directly from me
i have been a distributor for many years. thanks

Subject: RE: BS: Is there a Doctor in the forum?
From: gnu
Date: 24 Jun 09 - 01:48 PM

Ya know... the well water could very well be slightly "contaminated" as of late with all the warm weather followed by the heavy rain.

May I suggest boiling the well water? You can always use bottled water for drinking for a while.

Of course, jello is good (no red couloured stuff), as are clear fluids, no dairy, etc, etc... the regular advice to help clear up a bad case of the trots. And, after it settles, some "pro-biotic" yoghurt to get the good beasties going again.

In any case, I hope the doc stays on top of the situation and things work out well in the end. Yeah, I know... >:-)

Subject: RE: BS: Is there a Doctor in the forum?
From: bobad
Date: 24 Jun 09 - 02:10 PM

If I understood correctly Kendall was told he had a massive ABDOMINAL infection. In medical lingo that is usually distinct from an INTESTINAL infection.

Subject: RE: BS: Is there a Doctor in the forum?
From: gnu
Date: 24 Jun 09 - 02:19 PM

Oh. Fuck the jello.

Subject: RE: BS: Is there a Doctor in the forum?
From: Jeri
Date: 24 Jun 09 - 02:27 PM

Gnu: kinky. Got a special Jello mold?

Subject: RE: BS: Is there a Doctor in the forum?
From: gnu
Date: 24 Jun 09 - 03:10 PM

Mold? Yer sick!

Subject: RE: BS: Is there a Doctor in the forum?
From: Rapparee
Date: 24 Jun 09 - 03:37 PM

Moldy jello? Hmmmmmm.... Could be a new flavor and color.

Subject: RE: BS: Is there a Doctor in the forum?
From: maeve
Date: 24 Jun 09 - 04:07 PM

Thanks, Jacqui. I'll check back later.

maeve

Subject: RE: BS: Is there a Doctor in the forum?
From: Rapparee
Date: 24 Jun 09 - 04:20 PM

Yum! Jello!

Subject: RE: BS: Is there a Doctor in the forum?
From: catspaw49
Date: 24 Jun 09 - 06:19 PM

Just waiting to hear.................

Friend of mine in college had a step-Dad who would have said, "Boy, all you need is a good physic." Ironically, he died fairly young of stomach cancer. So much for the "good physic."

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: Is there a Doctor in the forum?
From: maeve
Date: 24 Jun 09 - 07:01 PM

It's later, and I suspect you won't know anything definitive tonight.

Back much later anyway,

maeve

Subject: RE: BS: Is there a Doctor in the forum?
From: jacqui.c
Date: 24 Jun 09 - 07:34 PM

We had to wait around after Kendall's scan as the doctor had requested immediate results. After about 15 minutes we were told that the results had been seen, that we could go home and that we would be contacted later in the day with further information. This we took as a good sign - I think if there had been anything serious showing up Kendall would have been whipped into hospital post haste.

His doctor's assistant called a while back to tell us that Kendall has diverticulitis and also some pneumonia in his left lung, luckily restricted to the lower part of the lung. The antibiotics that he is taking will deal with both problems over the next few days. He's also taking acidophilous to combat the damage that antibiotics do to the friendly gut bacteria.

We had a plumber come round this afternoon to pump out the well and clean it out with chlorine and that should deal with that problem. The only thing that was found was Total Coliform - not dangerous according to a couple of websites I found - this is a bit from one of them:-

Total coliform bacteria are commonly found in the environment (e.g. soil or
vegetation) and are generally harmless. If only total coliform bacteria are
detected in drinking water, the source is probably environmental, and fecal
contamination is not likely. However, if environmental contamination can enter
the system, there may be a way for other pathogens to enter the system.
Therefore, it is important to determine the source and resolve the problem.

I am not at all sure that the problem with the well is anything to do with Kendall's current condition. The stress of two lots of anaesthetics and two major disappointments, as well as the loss of Ezra, in such a short time period has caused a lot of stress, which would have been an easy trigger for the diverticulitis and in his weakened condition the pneumonia would not be surprising.

Anyway, I'm not going to feed him lobster until he feels a lot better as he just wouldn't appreciate it at all.

Subject: RE: BS: Is there a Doctor in the forum?
From: SINSULL
Date: 24 Jun 09 - 07:55 PM

Good news/bad news Jacqui. With the upcoming flu season promising to be unpleasant, we need to build the Captain up. I am proposing that you run around the backyard with a boombox blasting rap. He can chase you. Seamus and I will keep track of the miles run. OK?

Rest, Kendall. This really sucks.

Subject: RE: BS: Is there a Doctor in the forum?
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 24 Jun 09 - 08:22 PM

a good diagnosis with fast results from antibiotics. Easy enough to treat, apart from stresses.

hugs to you both

sandra

Subject: RE: BS: Is there a Doctor in the forum?
From: maeve
Date: 24 Jun 09 - 09:12 PM

Thank you, Jacqui. Could be worse, and he'll soon feel some better.

Sweet dreams, Kendall.

maeve

Subject: RE: BS: Is there a Doctor in the forum?
From: Rapparee
Date: 24 Jun 09 - 09:22 PM

Well, so much for the pregnancy theory.

Both can be cleaned up (I've had pneumonia several times -- it's not fun, but it is fixable). And yes, the stress probably had a lot to do with it.

You know he's not feeling well when he craves J***o.

Go down to the chandler's shop and buy one of those gas powered boat horns, the really loud kind. Then if/when he needs something he can just blow it and you'll know he has needs and wants that require fulfillment. That will help with his stress.

Subject: RE: BS: Is there a Doctor in the forum?
From: Jeri
Date: 24 Jun 09 - 09:43 PM

Coliform bacteria, other than the E coli 0157, don't cause major symptoms. What the plumber said* about coliform bacteria. It comes out of the wrong end of animals. Heavy rain/flooding can wash it into wells, but if you got E. coli, you likely have other animal-but related bacteria, so treating the well is a good idea.

Obey Jacqui, eat your fiber, take your meds, rest and don't talk. Good luck. Feel better quick.

*Don't go from Kendall's digestive tract to a plumber that fast again. I IMAGINED things.

Subject: RE: BS: Is there a Doctor in the forum?
From: maeve
Date: 24 Jun 09 - 10:03 PM

Rapaire, I can hear it now:

(Whispered) "Oh Love, I have need of thee!" followed by "HOOOOONK!"

Jacqui will love that idea.

maeve

Subject: RE: BS: Is there a Doctor in the forum?
From: olddude
Date: 24 Jun 09 - 10:04 PM

Ok Kendall my friend, sick and hurting is one thing but when you start talking Jello you are going to piss me off.   And have a hot dog ... dang Jello ... dang come on there pal must I drive there and kick your ass ... and you know I don't normally talk like this ... Jello

Help me out here Spaw. Get Better, quick .. no more of this stuff ok

Subject: RE: BS: Is there a Doctor in the forum?
From: maeve
Date: 24 Jun 09 - 10:13 PM

Come to think of it, maybe I should make apple pie jello for the song circle. Either Kendall would consider that comfort food or olddude would drive over in time for the song circle. Hmmm...

maeve

Subject: RE: BS: Is there a Doctor in the forum?
From: Ebbie
Date: 24 Jun 09 - 10:22 PM

Oh dear. I had forgotten about olddude and jello.

We have opened the hornets nest.

Run.

Subject: RE: BS: Is there a Doctor in the forum?
From: olddude
Date: 24 Jun 09 - 10:28 PM

Yes, Maeve, I will walk over for a piece of one of your pies. I heard they are legends. But hold the Jello ... gosh see Kendall
now I have to find my holy water and sprinkle it on the keyboard cuase you made me type that cursed word J-E-L-L-O

Is there an exercist in the Forum ...

Jello ... the root of all Evil

Subject: RE: BS: Is there a Doctor in the forum?
From: GUEST,Dani
Date: 24 Jun 09 - 10:36 PM

OK, you had me at "Screw the Scotch". But "fuck the jello"?!

What's the MATTER with you people?!

Don't you know they tried all those things BEFORE they called plumbers and doctors?

Dani

Subject: RE: BS: Is there a Doctor in the forum?
From: olddude
Date: 24 Jun 09 - 10:49 PM

It was the Jello I tell you , that's what did it
avoid at all cost

Subject: RE: BS: Is there a Doctor in the forum?
From: Tinker
Date: 25 Jun 09 - 07:44 AM

Kendall, I'm sure you know this, but don't take the antibiotic and probiotic (acidophilous) at the same time. The gut friendly stuff will just be wiped out if you do. There are lots of antibiotics in my house.

You guys have had enough....

Subject: RE: BS: Is there a Doctor in the forum?
From: SINSULL
Date: 25 Jun 09 - 08:02 AM

I like Jell-O. Does this mean that olddude and I can't be friends? Black Cherry is my favorite...

Kendall, will Jell-O bring you to the Song Circle on Saturday? If so, let me know flavor choices.

Subject: RE: BS: Is there a Doctor in the forum?
From: kendall
Date: 25 Jun 09 - 08:14 AM

I've never been this sick in my life.

Subject: RE: BS: Is there a Doctor in the forum?
From: Rapparee
Date: 25 Jun 09 - 09:00 AM

Are you including hangovers?

Subject: RE: BS: Is there a Doctor in the forum?
From: kendall
Date: 25 Jun 09 - 09:17 AM

Yes

Subject: RE: BS: Is there a Doctor in the forum?
From: olddude
Date: 25 Jun 09 - 09:24 AM

SINS
for you, I will make an exception ... as long as I don't have to see it. Captain, lots of food with the antibiotics they always mess up my gut bigtime. No dairy, some antibiotics, dairy will cut the effectiveness according to my doc

Subject: RE: BS: Is there a Doctor in the forum?
From: jacqui.c
Date: 25 Jun 09 - 10:09 AM

LOL.

I learned, many years back, that, in order to get to finishing a course of antibiotics, I have to take acidophilous to repopulate the gut. On advice from my GP at the time I wait about 30 minutes after the antibiotics before taking the acidophilous. That seems to work and is what Kendall is doing right now.

He really doesn't have much of an appetite right now so isn't eating a lot. He's lost about ten pounds over the last couple of weeks and his blood pressure is coming down nicely! If he can keep the weight off he may be able to reduce the BP meds he's taking.

Subject: RE: BS: Is there a Doctor in the forum?
From: SINSULL
Date: 25 Jun 09 - 10:40 AM

Hell of a way to lose weight - pneumonia and diverticulitis. Opt for the meds next time, Captain.

Subject: RE: BS: Is there a Doctor in the forum?
From: Rapparee
Date: 25 Jun 09 - 11:17 AM

A layer of red jello with shredded carrots, a layer of sweetened cream cheese, and a layer of blue jello -- PERFECT for the Glorious Fourth!

Subject: RE: BS: Is there a Doctor in the forum?
From: olddude
Date: 25 Jun 09 - 11:22 AM

Rapaire
   I will pray for you !!

Subject: RE: BS: Is there a Doctor in the forum?
From: gnu
Date: 25 Jun 09 - 12:55 PM

Diverticulitis... eat no seeds from such as strawberries, tomatoes, etc.

And, whiskey won't kill ya.

Subject: RE: BS: Is there a Doctor in the forum?
From: katlaughing
Date: 25 Jun 09 - 01:18 PM

Tink, like jacqui, I also take the acidophilous and antibiotics over the same course of treatment and it works well for me. Maybe it depends on what type of meds?

Having just spent two months and about $600+ in insurance copays to diagnose and treat pneumonia, Kendall, I can tell you you to have patience AND don't rest too much.

I learned, the hard way, once again, that you have to keep active, even in small ways, so that you don't lose all of your strength. My pulse ox was dropping way low whenever I moved around, so I got scared and would lay up until I had it up in a better range, but lo and behold, I wasn't getting better.

There is a reason they always make a person get up and moving all of the time in hospital even when one doesn't want to...have to keep things moving etc. I knew all of that from having worked and been in hospital but when I get too sick it's hard to remember, esp. when all I feel like doing is lying in bed! So...rest, yes, but balance it with little walks, etc. And, heal up!

luvyakat

Subject: RE: BS: Is there a Doctor in the forum?
From: catspaw49
Date: 25 Jun 09 - 01:44 PM

I hate to piss you off Kendall, but you need to treat Diverticular disease as a serious condition. Especially for people who are compromised because of other existing conditions, it can be more than just a pain! You need to learn what you cannot tolerate and what you can. Gnu brings up seeds and nuts..........Some folks can do those things under certain conditions, many can't. The AMA says they are okay.....most sufferers say they are not. Similarly, peas, corn, and some beans, also fit that category.

Also.....re: probiotics-------One of the reasons that most have to be taken later is that they start to break down way before they ever get to the large intestine (gut).   I have gone to using "pearl" form and it worked immediately better. LIKE THESE
   
The big thing you're fighting is a bacteria called C-Dif and its the one can cause the biggest problems. It is nasty to the 100th power. It is naturally occurring but when the antibiotics kill the good, C-Dif is left and it will kill you! Capable of eating holes in your gut, you need yet another antibiotic to kill it and this is where the pearl form comes into play as by far the best probiotic to use. I had C-Dif and even after it was supposedly gone, it came right back and with avengeance! I took 4 pearls at intervals every day and they were capable of repopulating the gut with good little beggars where other forms had not worked. As a preventative even now I still take one a day.

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: Is there a Doctor in the forum?
From: kendall
Date: 25 Jun 09 - 01:57 PM

Piss me off? what makes you think you can piss me off?
What you say makes sense.

My doctor said the jury is still out on the nuts thing. Ironic that the only things that tase right are, strawberries, jello and ice water.

Subject: RE: BS: Is there a Doctor in the forum?
From: Tinker
Date: 25 Jun 09 - 03:07 PM

Sorry I wasn't clear... just need to stagger the time of day. We have big bottles here abouts for my immune deficient kids .... Try to scatter it as far as possible between the antibiotic doses.

Kendall ... big hugs...