11/13/07 Dr Kipps appt & going into Hospital

Update from Donna because Terry is in the hospital AGAIN!

Well, it's been a long day. Today was his consult with Dr. Kipps in San Diego at UCSD. Our appointment was at 11:15 but we got there about 1/2 hour early to fill out forms. They sent him to the lab where 13 vials of blood were drawn--and that's not so good when you're as anemic as he is.

They finally put him into an examining room at 1pm and Dr. Kipps came in shortly thereafter. He first addressed Terry's low hemoglobin and hematocrit which were 4.6/16.6--dangerously low levels....he immediately wanted to do a direct admit to Thornton Hospital for a transfusion of 4 units packed red blood cells and IV administration of high dose glucocorticoids (steroids) to help with the anemia and enlarged neck nodes. Another vial needed to be drawn--that made 14! I think Dr. Kipps was amazed at how well Terry had been functioning with such a low H&H. An EKG was done to make sure his heart hadn't been under undo strain--it checked out good. Dr. Kipps did a thorough exam of Terry and took copious notes. We were very impressed with him.

His nurse escorted us over to the hospital where Terry was admitted quickly. He was put in a bed and began what we now know all too well, as the waiting game; waiting for them to crossmatch the blood with one that he will not reject. They even were going to call Memorial to find out what blood they used.

I decided I best come home or I wouldn't be capable of driving him home tomorrow. He is hoping to be discharged around noon. We will ask Dr. Kipps to refer us to a physician up here who will follow out Dr. Kipps plan of treatment.

Thank you for all your prayers and warm support.

Love,

Donna and Terry