Rob has been doing pretty well since they put him on the heavier antibiotics. He seems to have shaken the worst of the staph and strep infections. Still, this week he has been having intermittent chills and fever’s of unknown origin (yes, there is a name for that — FUO).
I am relieved that they treated this aggressively, and decided that it was best to take him to the regional academic hospital for a PET scan, as they don’t have the equipment at the Westfriesgasthuis. So today Rob was bundled up and taken by ambulance, with an attending doctor and nurse, for a closer look to find the source of the infection.
The PET scan showed “hot spot” area’s of infection. Shortly after returning back to the Westfriesgasthuis he was taken back to radiology to incise and drain 2 of the abscess’. He needs to have a surgical procedure to clean and drain one more abscess tomorrow. With all luck, that will go well and he can finally be rid of these infernal infections!
Although the journey and subsequent procedures today were all heavy for Rob, he handled it all very well, and even with humour. I was saying to him that he finally got to wear his new pajama’s and that he looked very handsome. He was batting his eyes at me and smiling rather coyly to show me how handsome he looked.
Annelies Tacx
I can tell that my nerves are really starting to fray a bit, because I almost had a heart attack tonight when I went to visit Rob after he returned, only to find that he was taken to radiology to remove the abscess’. Luckily, one of our favourite doctors, who always keeps us well informed, let me know quickly what was happening and why, before I totally lost it. It was good that everything was done quickly and they dealt with my stress-out really well. (I hope she does not mind that I posted her picture from the hospital website).
I think in many ways, Rob is handling all of this better than I am. It is only the last days that he has really said that he wanted to go home. I think that is quite remarkable, after all that he has been through, that he has not demanded that more often and sooner.
I just looked at my calendar today and it is now 63 days since this all began. I would be lying if I didn’t say it has been the hardest days of both Rob’s and my lives, but it looks there is finally some light at the end of the tunnel!
Well hello to you guys and sorry its taken a while to reply, but we have thought of you often and are watching and willing Rob’s progress from across the water.We so hope Rob has finally fought off the nasties and will stay out of intensive care now. Ellen you sound like you have been such a support to Rob, holding the forte together and keeping going when I’m sure you are exhausted. Please send our love and thoughts to Rob and a huge hug to you Ellen.
With love
Julia, Carl and of course Ollie the Collie xxxxxxxxxx
Heard the good news that Rob is out of intensive care. Tell him to STAY OUT!! (Which I’m sure he would have if he was in control!) We’re hoping it’s smoother sailing from here and you both get a well-deserved break.
Love, Paul & Jean
Ellyn, I am amazed by your strength thru all of this. Not that I ever had any doubts….
I so hope Robert can get out of the hospital soon so he finally recover from all the infections. It will be good for both of you to have a change of scenery from the hospital. Maybe then you will be able to exhale. I’m sure all your critters are anxiously awaiting Robert’s return.
Love,
Sue
Thanks again dear Ellyn for sharing all the news with us, and Rob, beating those staph”s and streps….what a
relief to read he’s doing better…..Dear Ellyn,…
I have to admit, at this moment tears are in my eyes after reading your
mail….I really didn’t dare to open it because I was so afraid to read bad
news about Robert….and here you are, strong lady, sharing all your
informations with us, and Rob, beating those staph”s and sreps….what a
relief to read he’s doing better…..And I did feal your fears while reading about you not finding Rob when you came to visit him…can imagine the shock….
and still you keep yourself together!…
Sure these must be the hardest days you and Rob ever had…
you both were there for me when I had mine, and I’ll never forget that.
so please, if there is anything I can do (we are back in Amsterdam now) let
me know….keep you company, cook you a meal, visit Robert when he is ready
for that…just let me know.
For now, nighty night, you are BIG heroes, the way you get through this all
together and with your love for each other and all that joking….impressive
Nearly forgot to tell you: wendsday night we saw a lot of comets (falling
stars) in the Greek sky at night, and one of our wishes (Noah’s and mine)
was of course Rob getting better soon! Hope it will help to bring him home
soon.
Lots of love for both of you
xxxx
Great news! I’m keeping my fingers crossed that Rob will be home soon. I’m pretty sure that my sense of humor would be gone at this point……It’s great to hear that he is able to find a little of it. I’m sure Ellyn, that every time you step into his room, that you are also brightening his day…hang in there.
love, Bryan
Thanks so much for all the info, Ellie we so appreciate your efforts in keeping us informed. Where do you get all your energy?
It”s great to hear Rob has still got his sense of fun…
keep it up guys
love, Caro and Martin
I don’t mind lady… As long as the both of you will pull through. Get well. Both of you.
Tell me when it is OK to visit either of you if it is of any help or comfort. And if it does not suit you it’s OK too. I understand.
I have very fond memories of getting together and staying with you guys. Listening to music, having fun, discussing life, politics, the sperm and egg thing in Holland, home made strawberry ice, and so on. Sharing worries of lesser kinds you have now. Love you both.
Hopefully till soon!
Albert
Sorry for the messy e-mail notification. It’s been a long day…