Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Trouble

I've spent the last 24 hours or so trying hard not to worry about my mother-in-law.

She's in ICU with sepsis, the result of a kidney infection left untreated. She's diabetic, and although no one has said this, I think her diabetes combined with recurring kidney stones ultimately led to this infection which has now spread to her bloodstream.

We got a call yesterday morning form my sister-in-law to let us know and have been in wait, pray, and see mode ever since.

I'm terrified. She's like a mother to me. I love her. I can't imagine what it would do to Scott to lose his mom, to my sons to lose the grandmother they adore. Beckett walks around the house asking for her; gets out my cell phone and pretends he's calling her or asks me to call her so he can talk to her.

72 hours. That's how long the doctor said it could take for the antibiotic to work. And I can't help but wonder if a small city doctor has the resources and the knowledge a doctor at a major medical facility in a large city would. Is that weird?

My mother died of sepsis in a small town hospital. I didn't even know what it was when they told me she had it. Today, I have a general idea of exactly what the doctor should be doing thanks to Google. Of course, I'm not there to ask all the questions and I think I pissed my brother-in-law off or he just thinks I'm a freak because I sent him a link to the Surviving Sepsis Campaign's guidelines for treating sepsis and asked him to discuss it with the doctor. I guess my attitude is that I may piss off the doctor, but what if I piss her off and she reconsiders her course of action and my loved one lives as a result. It would be worth it.

I'm rambling. Thankfully, I've had lots of distractions today with the boys.

I think I'll turn in now, say a few prayers, and believe that when I awake tomorrow she'll be better.

7 comments:

Cranky Mommy said...

I hope you hear something soon. And I agree with you, small town hospitals aren't always the best equipped. I understand that your BIL might feel defensive, like you don't trust him, even though I'm sure that isn't the case, but keep on sending your info and speaking up- and reassuring him that you know he only wants the best, too. I'm sorry that you not only have to deal with this in the here and now, but that it is bringing you back to your memories of fear and loss.

A. said...

She is definitely in my prayers. As are you all.

Kel said...

I'm so sorry - I hope she is doing better! I will keep her in my thoughts and prayers!
~K

anne said...

Hope she is doing better now, Dawn. Let us know if you need anything.

rennratt said...

What is the update? Is your M-I-L okay?

Thoughts and prayers for your entire family.

Dawn said...

Thanks, All for your thoughts and prayers.

My mother-in-law came home last Sunday, but was still very weak and sick. She's doing much better now and actually went in to work for a few hours today.

Thank you all so much for your kind words and positive energy!

Renn, it's great to hear from you! I've missed you!

ViolinMama said...

I hope she is still doing better.