Day 146 – No Yankin’

When I got home from work yesterday, Jeff ushered me into the living room and waved theatrically toward the corner where his medical supplies are stowed.  The IV pole and pump were gone!  Just a few days ago I had mentioned to Jeff that I hoped the pole would be picked up for another patient's use rather than have it become the start of a medical equipment graveyard in our basement.  I guess the pump is expensive enough to warrant re-use.  Whew!

Jeff admitted that when Amanda, the medical supply administrator, told him the pole would be picked up, he was nervous.  I guess the IV was a sort of crutch for him.  He asked Amanda if she was sure it was a good idea to take it away.  She laughed and assured him that if he ever needed IV infusions in the future, a pole and pump could be delivered again.

This morning Nurse Susan and Jeff discussed the removal of his Hickman catheter.  We learned yesterday that an appointment was made for him in HUP’s radiology department at the Perelman Center.  Jeff told Susan that he realized the removal will be more of a procedure than he originally thought and that he imagined someone in Dr. Porter’s office would “yank it.”  Susan said, “Nobody’s going to yank it!”  She said that care must be taken to ensure blood doesn’t leak into the chest cavity because the opening is in the vein in the chest, not at skin surface.  They will image the chest to check it.

Jeff is waiting with wild anticipation for next Friday’s HUP visit.  He will see Dr. Lee for his final study evaluation (exercise in BMT patients), Dr. Porter, and then the Hickman comes out!  Jeff says he has an irrational idea that removal of the Hickman will help the nerve in his shoulder/neck/arm.  What a crazy idea!  Wouldn’t that be nice, though?