Phew! I was really running behind this morning, but finally caught up… somewhat. It all began when I noticed the smell of infected urine. “Ahhhh”, I thought, “nothing like the smell of resistant E. coli in the morning”. Then I saw a puddle of urine under Ryan’s seat. His external condom was completely off. It was not put on properly this morning. More accurately, the leg strap that secures the urine bag was not put on (at all). The weight of the urine bag and the pulling from the transfer out of bed undoubtedly caused the separation.
There’s really no excuse for this.
<via http://www.makeadare.com>
That’s how it goes though. One tiny oversight can cause a huge mess and an incredible waste of time. The result was not just putting on a leg strap. Nooooo. That would be too easy. It meant mopping-up and disinfecting the floor. It meant washing him. It meant changing Ryan’s clothing. His sling. His chair’s under-pad and seat. But wait… there’s more. The urine soaked the RT300 FES electrodes (that cost a small fortune), rendering them useless. I had to scrubbed the therapy and start over. I know I talked about it before, but I must point to the fuddruckin’ “domino effect” here again. Nothing to do but just watch the tiles fall until the last.
So, back to the smell of infected urine. We have three doctors working on this; the primary care physician, a urologist, and an infectious disease specialist. The plan is still to begin an IV (Intra Venous) antibiotic today or tomorrow, but with a better approach (I think). First, we can avoid the hospital by foregoing a PICC line and opting for a run-of-the-mill IV placed in the vein. Secondly, an infusion company will come to our home to start it. Viola!
I’ll make it a point to post an update (and photo, I suspect) when the antibiotic starts flowing.
Related articles
- Antibiotic Ineffective. UTI Persists. (ryansrally.org)
- E. Coli That Cause Urinary Tract Infections are Now Resistant to Antibiotics (blogs.discovermagazine.com)
I am praying that all works out and that nothing else goes wrong to add to the overall frustration level. When I read the post I just thought; what else can go wrong.
Good Grief! I am so sorry. I so understand. Glad he is not getting a PICC and glad they will get the antibiotic started soon and trust this gets totally cleared up.
Ken,Just read update,what a awful way to start the day:( hoping rest of day went better.Poor you,poor Ryan,but glad to hear Ryan can have IV put in at home.Better than to expose him to other infections.Praying IV antibiotic works and tonight is a little calmer.Thinking of all Love Gail
This is probably a stupid question but are the extra electrodes something we can send from a wish list? Or can you only get them from the manufacturer of the RT300 FES?
Oh, fudd. Elmer Fudd! E. Fudd III
Did the electrodes dry off? The RT300-FES is not out of commission indefinitely, is it? Oy, veh!
Urine not only destroys the electrode’s adhesive, but also contaminates them. I have extra electrodes I keep on hand.
I’m kind of like…what?? The leg strap wasn’t affixed? sighhh Ken, I’m so sorry you had to begin your day like this — and Ryan too. I am praying for the IV to be smoothly and gently placed, for the antibiotic to tackle and get rid of the infection, and for Ryan to be feeling better asap. I’m shaking my head about the RES electrodes — you’ve ascribed the perfect metaphor for the situation (and so many others) i.e. the domino effect. Darn it.
Hoping you and Ryan can get outside this weekend and soak in some sun. Looks like tomorrow will be a great day for Greg Well’s annual golf tournament fundraiser for Ryan. Good luck to all who are participating, and thank you so much for your caring and generous spirits!!
I know you’ve been very busy so I really appreciate you taking the time to update us!! Hugs to you and Ryan, love too and many prayers.
Paula
My first reaction to this post is to “thank the thugs” who put you in this position, but hopefully they are getting their own
domino effect where ever they are.
Hope the docs get the UTI under control.
Glad for no hospital visit…I had an IV put in at home that lasted for 3-4 days and it was easy set-up and I was able to do my own meds..I’m sure for Ryan things will go very smooth…boo to the mess this am…
Hoping for a better beginning to the morning tomorrow!
Geeze! What a way to start the day! So sorry — I would be on the clean-up crew if I could. This couldn’t have been an oversight by “good nurse!”
You know best, Ken. Really, I think it is good that Ryan isn’t going into hospital, considering all the contagious diseases he might be exposed to. Praying that the antibiotic will take effect fast.
I suppose it is too chilly to go outdoors, since Ryan is not at his best. 🙁 Thinking of you. 🙂