Monday, September 5, 2011

Handling the unexpected

They say it's a place like home.  Well, almost.  I did spend 3 nights here this last week.  Alone.  Sometimes plans are interrupted and you need to adjust quickly and calmly.

The Trout had been having some abdominal discomfort for a couple of weeks and it finally reached a point where it was out of our hands.  Being ill away from home is not a comfortable situation.  But, we handled it.

We are still in Montana and headed to a small town hospital for help.  What comforted us most was the kind, caring attention showed to both of us.  Dale spent the night and the surgeon did all he could to make The Trout comfortable.  X-rays showed a blockage in the small intestine but it could not be determined as to cause or extent.  The next morning, Trout felt better and went home.  That night things went bad so the surgeon suggested we head to Missoula which had a larger hospital, 1 hour and 45 minutes from the cabin.  Amazingly, he gave me his cell phone number and asked me to call with any questions or concerns.

Missoula admitted him to the hospital and took more x-rays.  The surgeon decided to do a watch and wait because the small intestine was a strange place to have diverticulitis, which is what this looked like.  By Friday morning, surgery was definitely needed.  There was inflammation and the start of perforation.

A 10" scar and 3 inches of intestine removed later, the Trout is doing pretty good.  Getting slowly back to allowing food intake has been frustrating since the fly fishing right now is getting quite good.  He will try to recover at the cabin for a couple of weeks and hopefully we will both be in good health to drive the long drive back to Florida.


29 comments:

  1. So glad things turned out well and glad you found compassionate care with the doctors and hospital staff. That makes *so* much difference!

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  2. I'm sorry to read about Trout's surgery but so glad he got the help he needed in time! Best wishes for his speedy recovery.

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  3. I'm so sorry to read about this - no one would want to be ill far from home. It sounds like you received good care, and that all is on the mend. Thinking of you and sending healing thoughts to The Trout.

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  4. So sorry to hear that things went a little haywire, but glad that it looks like The Trout is on the mend. Take it easy and take care. Diane

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  5. Susan, how scary! All our very best wishes for a speedy recovery -big hug to you and the Trout.

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  6. I'm sure it was very uncomfortable for both of you to face a surgery away from what is familiar. Glad to hear that things are going well and hope for complete healing before you start back to Florida.

    Best,
    Bonnie

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  7. So very glad the perforation was only just beginning!! That could have meant a whole different scenario. A special prayer for the Trout's speedy and full recovery. blessings to you both ~ tanna

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  8. So pleased you were well taken care of Susan and that the Trout is on the mend. You must both have been so frightened! Saying a little prayer for you both.
    Love, Barbara

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  9. Gloria1:30 PM

    Whew!! I am glad the worst is behind you. I know how you must have felt as you were dealing with Dale's health situation. Praying for a speedy recovery--remember to be patient :-) All my best to you!

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  10. just be thankful that you weren't in another country...the insurance ordeal would have been a nightmare alone! tell the trout that the fish will be waiting for him next year and to thank the man above for giving him that chance. i hope that he heals quickly and that the rest of your trip is uneventful...

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  11. Susan, I am so sorry that you had this trouble far from home. But look how well you all managed, and it sounds like the Trout is recovering very well...I'm sending prayers and wishes for healing and patience and strength for the journey home to Fl.

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  12. Hope the Trout is making a good recovery. It's never good to be sick and certainly not away from home, but Missoula is good place to be cared for.

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  13. So glad to know Dale is doing fine and that everything worked out okay. You are so right - being away from home when you're sick is not good. Take good care of each other. I know he's anxious to go fishing. Just take at easy.
    Sam

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  14. So glad to know Dale is doing fine and that everything worked out okay. You are so right - being away from home when you're sick is not good. Take good care of each other. I know he's anxious to go fishing. Just take at easy.
    Sam

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  15. Poor you; what an awful situation made even worse when you away from home. Life seems to be always throwing us curves at every corner. Happy to hear it all worked out. Take good care.
    Rita

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  16. It is always so difficult to be ill when you are not in your own home. Take care and I hope he gets well quickly and you both can enjoy the trip home in a few weeks.

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  17. I am so relieved to hear that Dale is well. Being sick away from home is difficult. Have major surgery away from home is as close to hell as most of us will get on earth. I'm so glad they caught while the perforation was just beginning. Hugs and blessings to you both. I hope he heals quickly. Mary

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  18. You have been through quite an ordeal, Susan. It's difficult to have medical problems when you are so far away from Home. I hope Dale recovers quickly and can get in a little fishing before you head home.

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  19. I am so sorry to read this! Awful to be away from home when sick, but I am glad you were treated well.
    My prayers for a speedy recovery and a safe trip!
    Now that it is getting cooler I will try some of those recipes from the book you so kindly sent me!

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  20. Oh Susan how hard this must all be on you and Trout. I hope he recovers quickly so that you can get home.

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  21. Anonymous5:33 AM

    Sorry to hear about Trouts ordeal. It is hard to deal with something like that when at home, so much harder while traveling. My husband developed a dangerous infection while we were in Austria, so I know how you feel. My wishes for a complete recovery and a safe trip home.

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  22. Oh! I do hope your husband mends well! What a drag to be sick when you're away from your home and your doctors ... glad the surgury went well and that you were able to get the care needed while 'on the road'!

    Not to mention missing the fly fishing! Poor guy!

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  23. This is a little off topic because I just read an old post of yours about rosemary in which you wonder why yours never bloomed...Rosemary needs cold to set blossoms and you may just live in a place which is too warm.....

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  24. It needs cold to blossom, but too much cold will kill it...I bring mine in at about 26F but leave it out to about that cold for flowering.

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  25. Checking back to see if there is any news on Trout's progress. I hope the recovery is going well.
    I am enjoying the wonderful book you sent me!

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  26. I'm sorry I'm here so late but haven't been on the computer a lot lately with Bill having pneumonia and me bronchitis. I hope Trout is bounding back now and near normal. That's the worst when it happens away from home but it sounds like he got great care! Take care.

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  27. Susan, I'm really ready to hear something from you two. I'm concerned. blessings ~ tanna

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  28. I'm a little behind on my reading. I'm so sorry your hubby was ill and I'm wishing the Trout a speedy recovery!

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  29. I was so very surprised and sorry to hear about Dale's illness. The drive to Missoula must have seemed like it would never end. How forunate you got there in time and the story has a happy ending! If you come through on your way to Florida, please stop by for lunch or dinner. I'd love to hear about your summer adventures!s Speedy recovery, Dale! Susan

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