Wednesday, September 5, 2007

pleurx catheter

i named this post "pleurx catheter" because that is the only thing that distinguished yesterday from today.

she was given platelets at 5 this morning to make sure she was prepared for the procedure and went downstairs around 8. she was put under mild sedation and came out about an hour later. she spent most of the day sleeping. after one of the p.a.'s came and showed me how to release the fluid, we removed another 3 liters, ellen woke up for a little while. she had a few bites of a sandwich and talked to her mom and me for a bit. since then she has been resting comfortably.

we are hoping that she can come around in the next few days and start to get her energy and strength back. keep thinking about her and sending any extra energy you might have. she needs all that she can get.

18 comments:

Anonymous said...

Ellen and Ryan, I appologize for not writing last week. I was unable to do so, as I had no access to internet. I UPS'd a package for ellen to your apt. you should get it this week; i speficied for them to leave without a signature. I am praying for the both of you each day. I would love to come down to see both of you, maybe the last weekend of Sept? let me know if it is OK? I totally know Ellen may be in the hosp or at the apt. I would just like to vist, but dont want to intrude, so let me know if it works or not. Keep up your postivie attitude, and keep holding on to each other, and supporting each other. I think of you guys each day! XOXOXOX ~ Morgen

Anonymous said...

We are praying and continually sending positve energy to Ellen and everyone who is a part of her recovery. Ryan, you are a blessing. All of us who read this blog will be bonded in a very special way when this is over. Give Ellen our love. All of you who are with Ellen are in our thoughts and prayers continually. Love, Bernie and Joe

Anonymous said...

Dear Ellen and Ryan: Sending love and prayers your way this evening. You both are always on my mind and in my heart. I wish you a restful night and a good day tomorrow. I am glad Ellen is resting better and hope that each day gives her a little more strength. Take good care of yourself Ryan, you are amazing. With much love, Anna Hillhouse

Anonymous said...

Greetings to all=
Love and prayers to all of you. Keep the faith-keep the strength. There is so much love and hope coming your way/ This blog has created an amazing amount of faith among everyone reading it.
Sending prayers and love your way!

Anonymous said...

Ell and Ryan,

Hope you are both resting and gaining strength every minute! Thinking of you and sending love your way.

Quick question: is the catheter an uncomfortable thing or is it virtually un-noticeable? This seems like a good thing as Ell won't have the pain and pressure from the buildup of the fluid in the abdomen.

Kelly Dragoiu

Elly Chain said...

Hi Ellen and Ryan! Positive thoughts and prayers are continual from this end. Know that we think of all of you daily and hope soon that Ellen will have her energy back!!Hopefully Ellen will be reading all the posts she missed while sleeping. Take care of each other and you have our blessings and good thoughts! Love, Elly

Anonymous said...

Hello Everyone,
Well here we go again. This is the
second time I wrote and who knows
where the first message went, or
maybe there will be two. Now I
can't remember what I wrote 2 minutes ago. Anyway guys, the
prayers, energy and positive thoughts are in full force as usual. Everyday more join the team
praying and wishing well for Ellen.
We are all positive and have lots
of faith. Lots of love & prayers to
all of you, JoAnn G

Anonymous said...

Ellen and Ryan-
We continue to send good thoughts your way. So many people have you in their prayers; it is truly amazing. You can be sure all of us have shared your story with many people who do not know you personally, but are adding their positive energy, thoughts, and prayers your way. I hope each day brings more strength your way.
Linda Neff

Jo Ann said...

Hi Ellen & Ryan,

Sending you lots of positive thoughts and much love. Hope Ellen is still resting and I hope you are getting some rest too Ryan.

My prayers are for Ellen to gain some strength every day and by the end of the week be ready to go back to the loft.

Love to you all,

Jo Ann & Tom

Anonymous said...

Hi Ellen and Ryan, I'm sure it will be a relief to be able to take care of the discomfort of the fluid on your own and not wait for assistance. Praying that today will bring more waking moments for visits and food in order to be able to get back to the apt. and a needed change of scenery. Thank you again for the update. Love, Aunt Connie

Anonymous said...

Just a note to say that I have not posted lately because I have been busy getting ready for my daughter Becky's wedding this weekend and I have been out of touch. Know, however, that my prayers are still coming your way and that my thoughts are with you both at all times. Thanks again for all of the informative posts. It sounds like things are going much better than they went the first round. At least Ellen is resting comfortably this time! Cathy D

joe k said...

Ellen and Ryan;Thinking of you both often.Ellen,you are an inspiration.Ryan,you are a pillar.Keep the strenght and faith.Please don't hesitate to ask if there is anything I can help you with at home.
God bless--joe k. and family

Anonymous said...

Ryan and Ellen,

Thanks for the daily posts, Ryan. I'm glad Ellen is getting rest which is so important to the healing process. Know that God in His infinite wisdom is in control. I pray that you will trust Him for that.
We continue to pray daily for healing, strength, courage, trust, peace and faith.
With love, coni

Suzanne Bort Gray said...

Always thinking about you. Prayers continue.
xoas

Anonymous said...

I just spoke with Ellen's dad and he said she called! He was so excited and that made me happy. Slowly regaining strength with lots of rest and TLC !!! That is what will make everyone feel better. Especially Ellen. Keep getting better Ellen. Ryan you are wonderful. We appreciate the time you take keeping us informed. And maybe a bite of a Krispy Creme (in a couple of days)might be okay !!

Anonymous said...

Ryan & Ellen,

I'm glad to hear Ellen is starting to feel a little better each day. I'm sending all of my energy your way so hopefully she we will be able to go to the apartment soon. Ryan- Thanks for all of the updates you are an amazing husband and best friend to Ellen.

Love and Prayers, Krickett & Dave

Anonymous said...

Still moving in the right direction....that's good. I try to imagine what Ellen goes through, yet when I think of Ellen I think of those beautiful blue eyes all lit up and sparkly and that great smile. We miss her and her energy up here. We continue to send our prayers and energy to her.

Jan K.

Anonymous said...

Thinking of you all!!!! Hope Ellen is resting comfortably after the catheter procedure.Thoughts and prayers are with you all. Love you Aunt Nancy