Dear Friends - thank you for taking the time to visit Doug's blog - last evening Jean spoke with one of the Doctors on Doug care team and he suggested that Doug may be a candidate for a procedure that uses laporscopy to repair a heart valve. Jean is looking into the procedure and if Doug meets the criteria we just may get his valve repaired and then he will once again be a candidate for a liver transplant - there is no better caregiver then Jean! I am so grateful for her diligence and care of Doug - and I know that he is truly blest to be in her care.
We will keep you all posted.
Hugs
Denise
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
UPDATE - DECEMBER 26,2007
Dear Friends;
Well, it looks like heart surgery is out of the question for now - however, Jean and I are working on a new plan for the New Year!
We are hoping to have Doug released to his new home - which is my house. Please note that we will be getting Hospice Care for an hour and a half a day and Jean will help with Doug's care etc...., she is still the Primary contact for anything relating to Doug.
Now don't fret about the Hospice Care - that does not mean we are giving up in any way shape or form, this only means that we are trying to get Doug happy, comfortable and strong - and if during that journey he becomes strong enough for further treatment, we are going to do it!!! So this news is not bad news, but hopeful planning on our part.
We want everyone to know that any and all of his friends are welcome to visit - just give Jean a quick call to be sure Doug is able to have company. If all goes well this will be Doug's home for a bit and you are welcome to write, visit or call - just email me at denise@glassbeadz.com for the address and Jean's phone number - I don't want to post that info on the world wide web - all emails will be answered within 24 hours.
Doug is so grateful for all his friends and is always so happy to see them, so please do not let his change of location stop you from visiting. I will keep you posted as to his move in date.
Hugs
Denise
Well, it looks like heart surgery is out of the question for now - however, Jean and I are working on a new plan for the New Year!
We are hoping to have Doug released to his new home - which is my house. Please note that we will be getting Hospice Care for an hour and a half a day and Jean will help with Doug's care etc...., she is still the Primary contact for anything relating to Doug.
Now don't fret about the Hospice Care - that does not mean we are giving up in any way shape or form, this only means that we are trying to get Doug happy, comfortable and strong - and if during that journey he becomes strong enough for further treatment, we are going to do it!!! So this news is not bad news, but hopeful planning on our part.
We want everyone to know that any and all of his friends are welcome to visit - just give Jean a quick call to be sure Doug is able to have company. If all goes well this will be Doug's home for a bit and you are welcome to write, visit or call - just email me at denise@glassbeadz.com for the address and Jean's phone number - I don't want to post that info on the world wide web - all emails will be answered within 24 hours.
Doug is so grateful for all his friends and is always so happy to see them, so please do not let his change of location stop you from visiting. I will keep you posted as to his move in date.
Hugs
Denise
Saturday, December 22, 2007
UP DATE DECEMBER 22, 2007
Well friends the news isn't as good as we had hoped from Mt. Sinai. Jean followed Doug to NY and was told that his heart has some issues that will have to be resolved prior to any transplant consideration. We may be looking at open heart surgery, but no one is sure as yet. Mt. Sinai has requested that St. Peter's Hospital readmit him there to see what their Cardiac Unit can do for him.....so hold on to your hats folks, we are in for a bit of a difficult time!
Blessings
Denise
Blessings
Denise
Thursday, December 20, 2007
UPDATE DECEMBER 20, 2007
Hello everyone - this is a very brief update, as we don't have alot of information as yet. After a month of Jean's total dedication to Doug at St. Peter's Hospital, he has been transferred by ambulance to Mt. Sinai Hospital in NY!!! We are all so excited and happy, as we feel this is the first step to Doug's liver transplant!!! It is sad that Doug will be away from Friends and family for Christmas - but if all goes well, we will be celebrating a much happier Christmas next year!
Hugs
Denise
Hugs
Denise
Monday, December 10, 2007
DECEMBER 10, 2007 UPDATE
Dear Friends - as of this date Doug is still at St. Peter's Hospital on the 6th Floor - he has some ongoing medical difficulties that are not easily managed. Presently he is fighting a condition called encephalopathy, which causes severe mood swings and disorientation. This is a condition that is part of his liver failure.
You can call him in his hospital room at 518-525-7298 - however, please be aware that at times he is not able to understand everything that is going on and he may or may not be able to answer the phone.
Doug is unable to return to his home and we are currently in the process of working with the hospital to find a placement in a facility that can manage encephalopathy. It is not possible for Doug to live with me or his faithful friend Jean at this time, as Doug requires professional assistance on a 24 hour basis, which is beyond the scope of either of us.
Fortunately, this condition can be reversed, once the liver failure is addressed and a transplant occurrs. Our main concern at this time is to get Doug stablized so that he can qualify for a transplant. In the meantime, please understand that Doug may not be himself when you contact him. However, he does appreciate hearing from his friends and family.
Thank you
Denise
You can call him in his hospital room at 518-525-7298 - however, please be aware that at times he is not able to understand everything that is going on and he may or may not be able to answer the phone.
Doug is unable to return to his home and we are currently in the process of working with the hospital to find a placement in a facility that can manage encephalopathy. It is not possible for Doug to live with me or his faithful friend Jean at this time, as Doug requires professional assistance on a 24 hour basis, which is beyond the scope of either of us.
Fortunately, this condition can be reversed, once the liver failure is addressed and a transplant occurrs. Our main concern at this time is to get Doug stablized so that he can qualify for a transplant. In the meantime, please understand that Doug may not be himself when you contact him. However, he does appreciate hearing from his friends and family.
Thank you
Denise
Monday, December 3, 2007
UPDATE DECEMBER 3, 2007
Well Friends - I hate to tell you but Doug has been re-admitted to the hospital - he is at St. Peter's Hospital on the 6th floor - you can call 525-1550 and ask for patient information to get Doug's new phone number. Doug is having a hard time at the moment.
He will be moving from his home on Sparkill to an assisted living facility where they can stabilize him and get him back on his feet. Needless to say he is heartbroken - but we are believing that this is just one step to his recovery...
I am sorry he has not been able to post himself, but he will do so as soon as he is able.
Sincerely
Denise
He will be moving from his home on Sparkill to an assisted living facility where they can stabilize him and get him back on his feet. Needless to say he is heartbroken - but we are believing that this is just one step to his recovery...
I am sorry he has not been able to post himself, but he will do so as soon as he is able.
Sincerely
Denise
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