FOOD!

After a 2 days of only little bits of water, 2 cups of broth and 3 snack cups of jello...finally...FOOD!  See her smiling behind that spoonful of mashed potatoes and gravy?

Yesterday there was an order for no solid food due to post surgery.  Needless to say, she was a starvin' marvin.  Today, she almost had lunch, but I ate it instead...oh yes I did!  Just in time, too, I was hungry!

When I got here this morning and mom was bragging about how she was going to get to eat real food, I checked in with the nursing staff.  I noticed she's drinking and is going to get food...but, she's scheduled for an EUS today.  Why is she going to eat, shouldn't she be NPO (Nil per os (alternatively nihil/non/nulla per os) (npo or NPO) is a medical instruction meaning to withhold oral food and fluids from a patient for various reasons.)?  Ooops, someone missed that order!  I successfully got the NPO order confirmed for her and back to tiny sips of water only...with an anticipated procedure time of 1-2pm-ish.  Ooooo, mom was NOT happy with me!

Wasn't until about 2:15pm until Dr. Gastroenterology Fellow (can't remember his name) came to talk with her about the procedure again.  Their concern is that her blood pressure has been pretty low, going up and down with her activity level and drug level.  Because elements of the procedure - anesthesia, etc. - would further lower her BP, they did not want to do it today until her BP stabilized.  She had a consult with the GI team last night, but she wasn't exactly cognizant and doesn't remember it.  I was listening, but something new was brought up today...and mom hearing that said, nope...don't want it!

The procedure is not the Celiac Plexus Block, it would have been a Celiac Plexus Neurolysis...they are different.  The block is temporary, the neurolysis is more long term and/or permanent. 

The celiac plexus is a group of nerves that supply organs in the abdomen.  A celiac plexus neurolysis may be performed if you are experiencing severe chronic abdominal pain from cancer or persistent pain associated with chronic pancreatitis that is not relieved by medications or other conservative measures. It is expected that the neurolysis will provide long-term relief (3 months or so) of your pain.

Really, this is for when meds aren't controlling pain anymore.  And talking about the risks, the first is only the 50/50 chance of success.  Additionally, this Dr. reviewed some of the risks of the procedure and one that wasn't mentioned last night that caught my ear as much as mom is "permanent" diarrhea...say what?  I saw diarrhea on the risk list, but not "permanent".  Oh, that will just not do! 

Weighing the risks against her current ability to control her pain with oral meds, she decided she didn't want to have the procedure and save it for when she may really want it and need it.  The doctor concurred that would be the better choice, as did I.  So, the NPO was cancelled and an order called to clear her for solid foods.

Now, can she please get some FOOD?  

Forget the order...I hustled down to the cafeteria.

Immediately improved attitude upon ingestion...whew! ;)

UPDATE:
The day closed out with a surprise visit from Pastor Brian of mom's church Spirit of Joy, weaning from the pain i.v. meds, three trips around the nurses station and sitting in a chair...playing her own iPad. ;)  Overall...a good day...one day at a time.