Well, the good news is that the cardiologist ruled out blood pressure/heart rate as the cause of Shannon's excessive sweating.  As a result, he dropped some of the heavy hitting medicines that she was on.  That is a good thing because it was the side effects that were making her feel poorly.  I had been doing lots of research on my own and decided to take a urine sample myself to the lab for analysis.  Low and behold, she has a hefty urinary tract infection.  Yea Dr. Eric!  I don't think anyone followed up on it in the past because she has never run a fever.  They noticed the bacteria in the hospital but that is common for someone with a supra pubic catheter.  But they failed to do a culture on it (from what I'm guessing).  She started antibiotics on Thursday and felt a little better today but is still sweating.  I'm hoping that the antibiotics kick in in the next 24-48 hours.  This isn't necessarily the cause, but it's our best bet for right now.  I'm hoping for a happy Shannon this weekend.[...]

I know that I've been quiet for a few weeks.  Unfortunately I don't have any good updates for Shannon.  She is stuck in the same mode that she has been in for weeks.  We have tried some new medications but it has left her nauseous and lethargic.  All in all she has been pretty miserable.  We are headed to a cardiologist tomorrow and we're hoping that he will have some answers and maybe a new plan to deal with the blood pressure/heart rate/sweating issues.[...]

We got home from the hospital around 5:30 this evening.  Yea!!!

They found no cause for the rise in blood pressure even with the CT scan so they sent us on our way with a new medication that should lower her blood pressure/heart rate (which is really what drives the sweat).  We are trying it out tonight and I'm hoping that Shannon gets a good nights rest (she needs it).[...]

It's been some time so let me catch everyone up.

A few days after the last update, Shannon started to have high blood pressure problems.  Skipping the details, we have been working with all of her doctors trying to resolve the issues.  So far, every theory for the cause has been incorrect.  She can be in a position for about 30-45 minutes, then start sweating buckets and have her blood pressure rise.  This has led to countless sleepless nights over the past week +.  After another doctor visit today, we were admitted back into the hospital to try to find the problem.  So far all tests have come back negative so we are no closer now.  She is spending the night there tonight with plans for a CT scan tonight or tomorrow morning to try to possible find a stone (kidney, gall, etc) or something else.  All the X Rays look good to this point.[...]

Time is just flying by.  Shannon has been home for just over two weeks now.  She continues to get stronger and come up with creative ways to get things done.  She has been working very hard on picking her upper body up while in the chair.  She can now pick up something off the ground and get back upright in the chair by herself.  As you can guess, she is quite proud of that accomplishment (it took some time).  We continue to make doctor and therapy appointments and are still settling in to a new way of life.[...]

We have survived the first week.  As expected, it has been quite an adjustment for Shannon.  She left a facility that was dedicated perfectly suited to her condition to one that is getting there.  She was fitted into her motorized chair last Wednesday and it has been working out great.  (Picture in Photos).  It allows her to lean back when her blood pressure is low and is maneuverable in and out of the house.  Of course, the sheet rock and door jams are already paying the price, but nothing that can't be fixed far in the future. In an attempt to jump right back into normal, I took delivery of a wheelchair van last Thursday which allowed Shannon to go to the Harvest Festival to see Kirin in his first marching band as well as make his soccer game.  The chair does well over the grass.[...]

Shannon is finally home!!!

Shannon got home on Tuesday afternoon around 3:30pm.  She is very happy to be home and we are glad to have her back.  The first visit was to the pharmacy to pick up the meds (which of course took an hour +).  So far the time is flying by.  Today was the initial visit by Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy.  She also had her chair delivered and we worked on fitting for quite some time.  Still some additional tweaks to make but nothing major.  Otherwise it's just crazy at the house.  I'm still getting supplies organized and I already miss the staff of nurses offering to help.  The routine will get easier as we go and there will be less to do as she gets more control of her blood pressure.[...]

Team Shannon is doing well in training.  I think that I have covered everything and I'm waiting for the official OK that I can keep her alive.  They must be happy since they are giving us a day pass to go to a "Going Away" BBQ at the Whitings on Sunday.  That will be the first time out with only me.  We did get out to the movies today with the group.  Even though it was raining, Shannon is always happy to leave the hospital.[...]

It's great to be in SJ with Shannon.  She continues to get stronger and gain more arm strength.  We are only 6 days away from going home.  Shannon has hit all of her milestones and is cleared to go.  She is still struggling with blood pressure issues, but they will discharge her as is and allow her to continue to work on her medications.  Her body will hopefully figure out what it is supposed to be doing as well.  As for me, I've already started getting checked off on all of the things I need to be able to do for her to be discharged.  The only thing that can postpone her date is me not mastering a skill.  I'm fairly certain that would not go over well and cause a little strain in the marriage.  :)  We have covered lots of transfers today including bed, wheelchair, floor, and shower.  Yesterdays class included cooking and Shannon was in charge of the cookies.  She was able to do everything but melt the butter and take to cookies in and out of the oven.  It is amazing how that determination drives her to find unique ways to solve problems.[...]

Fewer updates due to the fact that I have not been up to SJ in awhile and there have been no major changes.  She did get her PEG tube out on Thursday (scheduling pushed it back to Thr) and continues to get stronger.  She went on an outing today to Hobees for Breakfast.  I admit, I'm a little jealous (we don't have a Hobees in SLO anymore).  She is still struggling with her blood pressure and is trying new medications.[...]