Warded in TTSH: Post Hospitalisation Update

It has been 2 days since I was discharged from TTSH. I had started on solid food since yesterday and I am doing well. Not so well is the constant pain in the abdominal area. Not sure if the pain is due to the Pancreatic Tumor or if it is due to the stomach getting used to the solid food or if I am eating too much. In any case, I am still generally week and do not really have much energy for general activities. It was kind of a letdown as I thought I would be able to cope and recover quickly.

 

Tomorrow, I will be going for my 1^st radiotherapy session. Because of the stents that is inside me, the radio-oncologist wants to do another scan (CT Simulation) and “re-plan” for the therapy. Also, from tomorrow onward, you will get regular updates on the radiotherapy treatment.

I ask that you continue to pray for me, that:

a)      The pain would go away.

b)      The radiotherapy session would be successful and that the tumor will shrink

c)      That my liver will recover quickly and I can start on my chemotherapy too.

d)     Most of all, pray for miracles, pray that my faith will remain strong.

In God We Trust

Hebrews 11:1

Warded in TTSH: Day 24 (Discharged)

My bacteria culture test came up negative for any bacterial infection and this of course is good news. The chill and fever is probably resulted from the residual "bacteria" from the bile juice that is draining into the small intestine. As such, there was no reason to keep me in the hospital anymore considering that the hole from the catheter for draining the bile had also closed up, is clean and no infection at the site either.

I am a little lethargic from staying in the hospital and lying on the bed for so long and I had lost quite a fair bit of weight too and my pants are really loose.

The discharged procedure went very smoothly and I was literally able to go home by about 10:30am. Waited for Josie and got home by around 11:30am.

Really thank God for His care and compassion. During my stay in TTSH, I was reading another classic book “The Twelve Steps of Humility and Pride / On Loving God” by Bernard of Clairvaux” that spoke not just about humility and pride but also about compassion and love. It will be a topic for another blog entry. Why I mention this book is that the 24 days that I was in TTSH, I saw a lot of things and learnt a lot of things as well. One of the most obvious is about pain and I quote from the book what had become so obvious to me.

“‘A healthy man has no idea what an ill person is suffering, neither does a well-fed person know what a hungry person goes through.’ A sick person can feel for the sick, and a hungry person can understand the plight of the hungry, especially when those who suffer are in similar circumstances. Just as pure truth is only properly understood by the pure in heart, so a brother’s sadness is best understood by the sad in heart.”

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God” Matthew 5:8 (NASB)

In God We Trust

Hebrews 11:1

Warded in TTSH: Day 23

There is really nothing much to report today as I am just waiting for the blood culture result to be out. Hopefully it is clear of bacterial infection or at least a minor infection and I can be discharged with oral antibiotics. There was no further chills last night and today. So relieved but I am still taking panadol as a precaution.

Pray that all is well and that I can go home tomorrow.

In God We Trust
Hebrew 11:1

Warded in TTSH: Day 22

Suffered another bout of chill last night at 10:00pm with the shivering and trembling subsiding at about 10:45pm. Thereafter, temperature was back to normal with panadol but I was perspiring profusely and the pillow and bed were drenched. When the Consultant came around this morning and when I told him about the chill, he said that definitely have to stay as indicative of some form of infection. The blood culture result should be out by this Friday which means that I will probably stay in the hospital till then. Hopefully when the result is out on Friday, it is nothing serious requiring only oral antibiotic and I can be on the way home.

The oozing from the catheter opening had stopped and that means that the bile is draining into the intestine (hopefully) and the liver will have the chance to recover and I can start on my Chemotherapy soon. My Oncologist asked me to call the clinic in 2 to 3 time to arrange for a blood test to ascertain my suitability to proceed with chemotherapy. My radiotherapy is definitely postponed till next week pending my 'recovery' from fever/infection.

My Pastor and another church staff came today and I was served communion. So appreciative of the gesture and allowing me that commune with God.

Everything is moving forward well and on the home front, Nathan is starting to get use to his Childcare Centre and crying less. He was also accepted into Nursery for next year.

Thank and praise God.

In God We Trust
Hebrew 11:1

Warded in TTSH: Day 21

Sigh... Looks like I have to stay in the hospital for a few more days.

I started developing a fever on Sunday evening but it was an intermittent fever and transient and the fever was gone in about an hour but I stayed in the hospital on Monday more because of the bile drainage.

On Tuesday early morning at about 3:00am, I developed a chill that lasted for about an hour. The fever wasn't high at about 37.4ºC but I was shivering and having tremor liked I had high fever and because of this, I was advised and opted to stay one more day for observation and just as well because at about 4:00pm this afternoon, I really developed a fever at 38.4ºC. Took Panadol for the fever and blood was taken for bacteria culture test and an IV line was set for antibiotic infusion. Broad spectrum antibiotic was administered for now as a prophylactic until the culture result is out and if there is an infection and if the bacteria are sensitive to specific antibiotic(s) then that antibiotic will be used instead of the broad spectrum one. The culture result will take at least 2 to 3 days which is also the minimal number of additional days that I’ll have to stay in the hospital.

Pray that there is no infection and that the fever is due to the bile drainage into my abdominal cavity. Also pray that the catheter/tube opening left behind after the catheter was removed will close up and that bile will stop oozing.

I still I have to admit that God is good to me and that the complications are minor not requiring any major interventions.

In God We Trust
Hebrew 11:1

Warded in TTSH: Day 20

Another day passes. I'm in a six-bedded cubicle and saw 4 of the beds got discharged today. Anyway, the Consultant came around today, took one look at the bag on my side and just said "Hey, have to suture". Asked me if I wanted to stay for one more day and I said yes because I got no idea how the suture will hold up. Had the suturing done at about 11:00am and just as well that I stay because despite the suturing, it still oozes and had to have the dressing changed twice. You might be wondering why not use the bag again but the doctor says to allow the opening to close up with pressure bandage. Now I'm not sure if I am discharged tomorrow, how will I cope with the dressing if I have to go to the Polyclinic to have the dressing changed more than once a day.

Pray that the wound will close up and dry up.

In God We Trust
Hebrew 11:1

Warded in TTSH: Day 19

It was sort of a good day today as nothing serious happened. The hole on my side is still oozing the bile juice and in quite a substantial amount. I was joking that if I was a bear I will be a rich man selling the bile juice for TCM purpose.

The junior doctor wanted to discharge me today but I declined as the Polyclinics and GPs would be closed today and no one can do the dressing for me. Instead of keep changing the dressings once it is soaked, one of the nurse patch me up with a bag to drain the bile juice. Quite a lot still oozes out. I will let the doctor review tomorrow and show them that I am in no condition to be discharged primarily because of the oozing. With the bag, it is more convenient but I got no idea how long before the hole will close up.

Started having mild fever too and I do not know what's causing it. Let's see how things are tomorrow.

In God We Trust
Hebrew 11:1

Warded in TTSH: Day 18c

My last report for this day.

There is seepage from the hole left behind where the catheter/tube was inserted into the bile duct to remove the bile juice. I had to have the dressing changed twice as a lot of the bile juice was oozing out and it is kind of yucky. Just pray that the hole/opening will dry and close up soon and the oozing stop or else I have to stay in the hospital for a few more days.

The pain is largely gone and except for the bandage, I pretty much have full movement. I am off the morphine pain killer but I still have a pain killer patch on my chest to take care of any residual pain.

Praise God for His hand of Grace and Mercy.

In God We Trust
Hebrew 11:1

Warded in TTSH: Day 18b

Just completed the bile duct stent review and everything is in order so the drainage tube was removed. The whole procedure took about 10 to 15 minutes excluding the preparation time. There was so much relieved after the tube was removed and on hindsight, the pain for the last few days was probably due to the tube rather than the stents or the contrast media as the pain is so much more reduced now and I can breadth and move normally with only very minor discomfort.

HALLEJUJAH!!

In God We Trust
Hebrew 11:1

Warded in TTSH: Day 18a

This entry is basically for the purpose of thanksgiving and in particular for the specific cubicle and bed that I'm occupying.

I was observing the surrounding and the various cubicles within the ward and realised that the cubicle I'm in do got get any morning or evening sun. In other word, where I am does not get very warm. My cubicle is also the 1^st in the ward and near the doorway is a passage that connects to another ward. What this means is that there is lateral wind circulating from one ward to another and where I am is generally cooler.

I was walking along the corridor of ward and near the middle, it was really stuffy.

Praise God.

In God We Trust
Hebrew 11:1

Warded in TTSH: Day 17

It was an early day today and just as well. My stenting was supposed to be done at 11:00am but because there was an early slot, they moved my procedure to 9:00am.

Surprisingly the procedure was over in about half an hour. But boy of boy the pain after the procedure was quite agonising.  It was not excruciating but agonising none the less. The contrast media used to review the stenting gave a burning sensation plus the pain from the stent... if the procedure was done at 11:00am, I might not have the chance to be reviewed at the ward by the doctors frequently and have the pain addressed expediently. I can see God's hand at work. I was on low dose of morphine every 4 hourly but because of this stenting, the dose was increased to 2 hourly plus I am given a pain killer patch that releases pain killer slowly through the skin. I could not eat much because of the pain but I'm slowly coping. The abdominal pain is very discomforting.

However, I thank God that the procedure was a success and tomorrow there will be a review of the stent and removal of the drainage tube. If my recovery proceeds well enough, there should be no reason why I can't go home on Monday but I think Tuesday might be better just in case.

In God We Trust
Hebrew 11:1

Warded in TTSH: Day 16

Things are looking up. The pain is still there but I am learning to cope with it with certain posture and stretching and aid of pain killer. The occasional sharp pain still appears when I try to laugh or burb or sit in a certain hunched position for too long.

2^nd day of solid food and they stayed down which is a good news. I was thus taken off the TPN (Total Parenteral Nutrition) where the nutrient is directly infused into the blood stream. I still can't take real solid food as yet and I am on soft and moist diet (i.e. porridge). The duodenum stenting was definitely a success.

I will be having the bile duct stenting done tomorrow at 11:00am with the concurrent removal of the bile drainage tube. Pray for successful procedure, reduced pain and speedy recovery.

In God We Trust
Hebrew 11:1

Warded in TTSH: Day 15

Another day passes and I'm surviving the pain that at times can be quite excruciating. I had my first soft meal in the last 2 weeks. In other word the duodenum stent is working. I will be going for the bile duct stenting on Friday.

I ask that you pray that the pain will go away and for speedy recovery. I ask also that you pray that the stenting on Friday will be successful and with minimal pain.

Can wait for full recovery and start chowing down some of my favorite food.

In God We Trust
Hebrew 11:1

Warded in TTSH: Day 14

Felt slightly better today although the pulling and pain from the duodenum stent is still giving me some cause for concern.  I'm adjusting and coping and hopefully tonight I'll be able to sleep well. This will go on for the next 3 to 4 days according to the Gastroenterology Consultant that did my stenting who happens to be the Director of the Endoscopy Centre.

In God We Trust
Hebrew 11:1

Warded in TTSH: Day 13 and 14

For Day 13, it is a post-dated entry as I was too sedated to be able to put in any entry.

My duodenum stenting went ahead and I was wheeled into the Endoscopy Procedure Room at about 5:00 pm. I was experiencing some pain from my bile duct drainage and this complicated the procedure a little due to the position I have to adopt.

This morning (Day 14) when the Senior Consultant came around he explained that there was some other complication with my stenting because of where the occlusion was and a different scope had to be used and even then, the initial position of the stent wasn't ideal and it had to be reposition. Overall it was a success. The stent will progressively open up and this may take another 3 to 4 days before the stent is fully deployed. As the drained bile juice is getting clearer, the Senior Consultant will check with Radiologist to find out when I can have the stent for the bile duct inserted.

I woke up once in the morning due to an excruciating pain running around my stomach region. I had never experienced such pain before and I was practically begging for pain killers. Wasn't given any as the doctor had not prescribed any and I had to tolerate the pain for about an hour it subsided to a more tolerable level. I am still experiencing some pain now but not as bad. However, it can be quite debilitating when it suddenly hit.

I can start going for liquid diet and so far in the morning I had 3 glasses of water over a 3 hour period and I am still feeling fine. Hope it continues to be so.

In God We Trust
Hebrew 11:1

Warded in TTSH: Day 12

I went on hospital home leave today to settle some personal admin. Had wanted to attend Easter service but I was a little under the weather and carrying the drainage pouch for the gall bladder was a hindrance.

I got home at about 7am and back to the hospital at about 4:30pm.

The duodenum stenting will be done tomorrow afternoon and in the meanwhile, rest and wait.

In God We Trust
Hebrew 11:1

Warded in TTSH: Day 11

It is yet another day with nothing new to report except for a big vomit to clear the stomach. Felt very uncomfortable the whole afternoon and knew that it was probably due to retention but I am much more comfortable now.


Will be going home for a short while tomorrow to clear some personal admin and hopefully feel well enough to attend Easter service.

In God We Trust
Hebrew 11:1

Warded in TTSH: Day 10

It was another one of those days with nothing much to report. The doctors came and check that everything is ok and went on their way. The duodenum stenting is on Monday but the time is not known yet. I had requested for home leave on Sunday so that I can do some personal admin and hopefully attend Easter service.

Praise God that all went well so far and that's all for today.

In God We Trust
Hebrew 11:1

Warded in TTSH: Day 09

Today was simply a recovery day and spent most of the day resting.

The Senor Consultant came around again and explained that actually the stent for the bile duct had not been inserted yet. What was done currently was to ensure that the bile duct is patent and the tube inserted was meant to drain the bile juice and dilate the bile duct for the stenting. The stenting for the bile duct will be done after the stenting of the small intestine that will be done on Monday.

Coming out of the procedure room after tube insertion for the bile duct, there was initially quite a fair bit of pain but it gradually got better during the day. There is still some pain but not as much and far more bearable.

God is good. He is watching over me. With the nutrient drip, I am picking up some strength.

In God We Trust
Hebrew 11:1

Warded in TTSH: Day 08

I got my prayer answer partially today. I had both the PTC and PICC line insertion done at the same time. The procedures went smoothly and there were no complications at all. Near towards the end of the PTC procedure, it was really quite painful and additional sedation had to be given. Lots of bile juice flowed out into an external bag and really yucky looking.

I am trying to rest now but quite difficult due to the pain from the PTC insertion point.


Pray for fast recovery and healing of the procedures' wound. Pray for easing of the pain too.

In God We Trust
Hebrew 11:1