an update:

[auntAgonist]

I saw my surgeon/specialist today and he's not at all happy with my blood work. It seems my pre-albumin levels are critically low and so is almost everything else they tested for. Mostly the protein, pre-al, electrolytes etc .. they take a LOT of blood and do so many tests it's hard to keep up. Anyway, the pre-albumin is of great concern because it tells the Dr that I'm apparently suffering from malnutrition and that's why I'm having trouble with swelling in my legs ankles and feet. It also accounts for the low blood pressure 110 over 70. That explains the dizzy spells and the general 'depressed' feeling I'm having. So, .. I'm to be admitted into the hospital tomorrow (tuesday) and started on TPN feeding.

TPN stands for Total Parenteral Nutrition. This is a complete form of nutrition, containing protien, sugar, fat, and added vitamins and minerals as needed for each individual. It is admininstered through an intavenous infusion, usually using a central line. A central line is a special long lasting IV line that goes through a vein directly to the heart. It is usually placed on the chest, though sometimes if the location must be changed frequently it will be placed in other areas such as the groin or the neck.

doesn't that sound lovely?

I'm ok with it, I'm glad I'll get to feeling better real soon too. I still have horrible pain in my leg from falling down the stairs, I have vicodin for that but it's not helping much, maybe they'll give me something better in hospital.
We're in such turmoil here with the renovations and contractors coming and going, I feel like I'm abandoning the ship and my husband.

Anyway, that's it in a nutshell.

aA

[AlCzervik]

1. I'm so sorry. Ok now do you have to stay in the hospital and is that

basically a feeding tube? I hope you better quickly, sending out good thoughts to you.:hug:

[auntAgonist]

6. I will be admitted for about 4 days ..

the PIC line is an IV line that is connected to a cocktail for about 10 hours of the day. That's how the nutrients are delivered.
I'm hoping that this puts me back on track nutrition wise and I'll be in the race again, feeling good and healthier than I am today. I KNEW something wasn't right, and now we're looking after it.

See you all on the other side.

thanks :)
:grouphug:
aA

[lavenderdiva]

2. oh, aA...

I'm so very sorry to hear about your situation. I can only think that perhaps your fall, as bad as it was, was actually a blessing in disguise. Without it, you may not have found out about your overall situation. That could have progressed and been far worse than it now is. I am glad to hear that your treatment will begin ASAP, and that can only be a good thing. I know you will feel so much better quickly, and your leg will start to heal too.

You'll be in my prayers, and please keep us updated, ok? :hug:

[thinkingwoman]

3. I'm sorry to hear about your trouble

I hope you're feeling better soon and that your doctors can get you back on regular food ASAP!

Hang in there. This too shall pass.

:hug:

[Kathleen04]

4. wow, aA

That sounds like quite the ordeal. :( Sorry you have to go through all of that. Don't stress about the renovations, take care of yourself and get well. :hug:

[Longhorn]

5. As frustrating as this all sounds

I'll bet you're glad to find that there is a cause for what you've been experiencing that is now treatable. Take care and know that we'll be thinking of you and looking forward to progress reports! :hug:

[MissMillie]

7. Wow... aA, I had no idea

I am so sorry that you're having trouble.

Please take care of yourself. And let us know if there is anything we can do.

[u4ic]

8. auntieA,

I'm glad that you're getting the help you need. It must be concerning for you, but you sound like you're in good hands. Best to get it corrected now.

Take care, m'friend.

{{{Sending healing vibes your way}}}:grouphug:

[Kathleen04]

9. aA, let us know

when you're back and how you're doing. :hug: