It's Thursday night, the Stem Cell Collection process is complete, and I'm still looking at the same Dallas skyline - meaning we're still in the hospital.
Bob's pain, in his abdomen continued to worsen and late yesterday (Wednesday) we were told that he had an infection in his intestines. The culprit is C.diff (Clostridium difficile). Because we are on the transplant floor, and the infection usually attacks people with compromised immune systems; everyone entering Bob's room must wear gowns and gloves. So now, the nurses just love (not) having to come into his room. Everytime I touch him, I must wash my hands - and no eating or drinking behind him.
It causes flu-like symptoms; cramping, nausea, vomiting, dehydration, weakness, fatigue, etc. Since Bob has had some of these symptoms for quite awhile, I can't help but wonder how long it has been in his system, undetected. It does not appear in blood tests, and is only diagnosed with stool samples.
Antibiotic usage is usually the initial cause of this disease, and antibiotics are usually the cause of recurrent cases (it can return). But, it takes a powerful antibiotic to treat it!! Only soap and water, for hand washing, are effective - it is resistant to the alcohol based hand cleaners.
He has now had 4 doses of Flagyl and is beginning to show some improvement.
The Stem Cell Transplant, scheduled to begin March 14, has now been postponed because of the infection, as well as Bob's weakened condition. He needs time to recover - Phase 4 won't be a picnic!!
I'm not happy at all how this has gone for you two, but I am thrilled that he is showing signs of improvement! This is GREAT news for so many reasons. Every time Dave got sick I would feel a panic in my core and every time he recovered I was thrilled to see that he could. Not quite the same as your poor guy's ordeal, but you get the idea.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the updates. I have you on my mind a lot!
Lori: He's out of the hospital, and we're back at the hotel - trying to let his strength build up, so we can go home.
ReplyDeleteIt just seems that nothing has been easy for him. This C.Diff is bad stuff - made him so sick. And, I think the sad thing was before they discovered the infection....I think they thought he was "just a whimp".
He still doesn't feel good, but now I know the reason why. When this is cleared up maybe the picture will look brighter.
Thanks for your support!!