Frustration (Update for February 9, 2016)

Sam today. 

I didn’t blog yesterday because I got home late, and there wasn't much news. Sam had a good day yesterday. He rested all day, and he went to his PCP to check his sodium level (was unable to do it on Friday due to dehydration). Instead of doing it in his office, the doctor sent him to the Legacy Emanuel lab for the blood draw. 

So today, I waited all day for the doctor’s office to call with his sodium level. I ran out of patience about 4 p.m. Little Rock time, 2 p.m. Portland time. Bridget was in class, and Sam was hanging out with sweet "Sam Sitter" Josie, so I decided to try to get the information myself. I called EIGHT different numbers, per the wild goose chase every person I talked to sent me on AND ended up talking to the same person I called in the first place. She finally told me she would have someone call me back. I was frustrated because every doctor and nurse in Portland had me paranoid about salt, and his sodium level was unknown! 

Then, relief. The doctor's office finally called me back (6 p.m. Arkansas time) with the news that Sam's sodium level was 138. Normal range. The normal range for sodium levels is between 136 and 148. At the hospital, Sam's hovered around 135. Before his injury, in late December, Sam had his annual check-up in Arkansas. His sodium level at that time was 141. 

When Sam was in the hospital, everyone was attentive and caring. Now that he has been released, I am having a hard time finding that same consideration. It was hard to get information today. And, they have pushed his therapy out a week (until next Monday). And, they already switched his PCP from one to another. It's frustrating. 

Josie said he was a good mood this afternoon, and she and Sam were going to work on some “fuzzy posters.” Pretty sure that’s an art thing. I texted Sam that his sodium level was 138, and he responded "Yes!" We are all excited. 

Thanks Mom. 

The next big milestone will be later this week, when he goes to his neurosurgeon for his CT scans to check his brain swelling. If the swelling is gone, they could schedule his next surgery. If not, he will have to wait a few weeks and go through the CT scans again. So, prayers for SWELLING DOWN is what we need today. 

It's been very hard being HERE when he is THERE. I feel a little helpless. What makes it easier is all my great friends and family. My friends and co-workers Damona and Tracy sent me flowers to cheer me up. My long-time dear friend Ann sent lunch to my office yesterday with some fresh flowers. My friend Karen listened to me for 1.5 hours last night, and I only cried once. My mom sent Sam a Packers blanket. 

Thank you for reading this blog, and thinking of my son.

Thank you Damona, Tracy.

Thank you Ann.