April 3, 2008

It's a rainy day here in the fair city of Fairview and most likely a lazy day to stay in and reflect (who wants to clean when there is reflecting to do!!!). Caitlin's physical therapy on Tuesday had to be cancelled because her blood pressure was too high. We're hoping today, after starting on her new blood pressure medication yesterday, that her blood pressure will be less than the 160/110 parameter that the MD has set up as the outside limit of when she can participate in PT. Yesterday, Caitlin had dialysis but prior to going had a fainting episode. Very worrisome for her brother who was upstairs when it happened. I could definitely here the panic in his voice and took the stairs 2-3 at a time to get up there quickly. Her doctor has been notified but we haven't heard back from them as to the possible/probable cause. Poor Caitlin, she said she got dizzy and tried to call for me and that's the last thing she remembers until hearing Brandon calling for me. She was upset, Brandon was upset, and me, well, I'm trying to take her blood pressure while she's on the ground. The bloodwork from the dialysis clinic shows that Caitlin's BUN and creatinine are coming down slowly but surely, which is really good. Caitlin had to stay at dialysis an hour longer than expected last night because her heart rate was too high (135-140's). They gave her some saline and called the MD for further orders. As long as her resting heart rate was less than 115-120 they told me she could go home and that I just needed to check it. She continues to have little energy and these trips really take a lot out of her. She's resting up today for a big night tonight - her brother Jordan is the Wizard in the Wizard of Oz, a production by the high school tonight, tomorrow, and Saturday. We're going to try to go tonight and hopefully Caitlin will be able to make it thru the whole play. Please continue to send your messages of encouragement to Caitlin as she really needs them to lift her spirits. Your prayers are always welcome and very much appreciated, as well!! Chris