I try to keep the blog light, and mostly upbeat, but the week since I last posted has been rough.
Harry seemed recovered from the virus after three days of fever. He had some sniffles and a bit of congestion, but felt fine. We had Paxlovid, but there are complications with some drugs, and Harry’s cardioelectrophysiologist advised that he should not take it. Meanwhile, I developed a fever. On Day 2, I tested positive for Covid, just like Harry had.
Like Harry, I was sick for 3 days with a fever. I was miserable, and complained more than Harry, but it wasn’t all that bad. Harry had isolated upstairs in the north bedroom, with Weedy, so I followed suit in the south room, with Eddy. I took Paxlovid for 2 days, but then felt so well that I discontinued it. Harry was fine, and on Sunday, he went back to work at Chesterfield Mall on the big bear.
Monday all was well. But at midnight, Harry woke me feeling very sick. He had a fever and his oxygen saturation was not good. When his oxygen level dropped to 80, I rousted his doctor from deep sleep at 2 AM and we were advised to go immediately to St. Luke’s Hospital Emergency Room.
The ER confirmed with a chest X-ray that Harry had pneumonia, a sequel to Covid. As a likely bacterial infection, he was immediately started on IV antibiotics. His blood was cultured, and thankfully showed he was not septic.
Though it could have been worse, Harry was definitely going to need hospitalization. The hospital being full, they warned us that it might be a long time before we would get a room. But luck went our way, and before long, we were taken to a big, private room with a view to the west. The private, isolation room was thanks to Covid. Harry has Covid pneumonia.
Jane stepped immediately into the void, looking after the animals without a break in stride, which was a huge relief. I don’t know how she does it. She is a much better time manager than I am! The horses are going to live outside. The weather is mild, and they will be quite happy. Jane will keep them in hay.
I did make a quick foray home to pick up a few things in the middle of the night on Tuesday. Harry survived my absence and it was good to see the animals briefly. Eddy is having a strange introduction to life with us.
Yesterday, Wednesday, life was looking up, with Harry’s fever abated. But then, midday, his temperature rose again, and his heart rate was terribly high. We enlisted the help of a pulmonologist, Dr. Ettinger. He is very businesslike and very competent and well respected. We are grateful to have his help, but Harry has been sick now for what feels a long time, and it is stressful.
Today, the fever is well and truly gone. Now that the pneumonia is resolving, and Harry is off Oxygen, the pulmonologist suggested attending to the heart. Dr. Cooper was just here very late in the evening, straight from surgery, and he is aiming for a cardioversion tomorrow. There is a glimmer of light in this tunnel now.
I do have one tale to tell about today. For the most part, the nurses and everyone we have met, have been kind and delightful, despite working endlessly hard. This morning, a new nurse arrived, and she had a rather sour demeanor. I smiled and asked her name, and instead of saying it, she said “I’ll write it on the board”. She did not inspire confidence, either. She seemed unfamiliar with the equipment, in comparison to all the other nurses we have had. But we were making the best of it, relieved that things were looking up overall. The days are very full with a variety of people traipsing in and out – physical therapy, respiratory therapy, occupational therapy, cleaners, and doctors. In the afternoon, this grumpy nurse flushed Harry’s IV catheter. She was very rough with it, and sure enough, the vein blew. When we called the nurse to check the catheter, she confirmed the vein was blown (I admit that I used an expletive, since the other arm had been blown yesterday). Another IV catheter needed to be put in. I immediately suggested that we wanted Nick, from IV Services, who had demonstrated great expertise yesterday. It’s awful to watch bad sticks done on someone you love. She told me Nick was not working today, and that she would put the IV catheter in. Then she told me that I was making her nervous, so I had to leave the room. I waited outside the door for what seemed a very long time. Eventually, she marched out of the room, past me, and said that Harry’s vein had blown again. Five minutes later, Nick from IV Services walked through the door, and saved the day by expertly placing yet another IV catheter. Not long after that, the grumpy nurse left for the day, unexpectedly early.
Meanwhile, we are very aware that we have much good luck, even in this difficult week. We have had non stop texts, emails, and calls of concern. We feel surrounded by love, even here in this hospital room full of machines. I seem unable to find time to complete a blog post, despite having nothing to do – there’s that poor time management problem! Everyone stay healthy and have a Merry Christmas.
Be safe, be well, be grateful for every good day. Slava Ukraini! Peace.
I will include you and Harry in Shabbat service healing prayers. So sorry for such a rough, scary time for you both. Sending healing prayers and love ❤️
Thank you so much, Harriet! Your prayers are powerful, evidence Mellie.
Anne I’m so sorry to hear about your and Harry’s illness. If there is anything I can do to help you call me anytime day or night. That Jane is a sweetheart to take care of your animals for you.
Thanks, Woody – Jane is our greatest blessing!
Ann, you are amazing! With all you and Harry have been going through, you had the energy to share it all. Thank you. It let’s us understand, and how to direct our healing prayers. Wishing you both only goodness from now on.😍
Oh, Patti! What a terrible year this has been for you and for Harry. Better days ahead! Heal quickly ❤️
Hi Harry Ann and Jane
Sending all of you positive vibes
Wishing everyone the best of Holidays
And sharing the Christmas 🎄 spirit
Talk soon
Greg
Thanks, Greg – definitely talk soon! Will call when we get home…
Anne, it sounds too grueling for you both to be criticizing your ‘time management’. You are there in so many necessary & supportive ways; I hope the luck continues and that all the grumpy nurses shoo.
Prayers for your both being ship- shape by the main holiday times, with plenty of healthy rest!
Thanks, Francie!
Love you guys. Be well soon.
Slava Ukraini
Peace
Thanks, Linda – you and Ted stay healthy! See you in the New Year.
Harry and Anne,
So very sorry to hear about this illness. I am sending love and all possible good vibes across the many miles.
Dan
Thank you, Dan!
I’m so sorry and I hope and pray that Harry continues to recover and that you remain healthy. I will keep you both in my thoughts and prayers and send lots of love, strength, prayers, healing thoughts and hugs. You are two very special people and hope that this episode of bad health is quickly behind you.Give Jane my best and isn’t it wonderful to have such great friends in times like this. Xoxoxo
Thanks, Louise!
Dear Anne and Harry,
I’m so terribly sorry to hear of your illness! I’m so glad you are better and can advocate for Harry in the hospital and I hope Harry is well enough to return home soon ❤️. I share your wonderful blogs with my parents in Sweden, and although you have never met them they too are sending you both healing thoughts and well wishes.
Oh, Jessica – thank you! I hope these unfortunate blog posts will soon be replaced by more interesting adventures! Looking forward to seeing you in the New Year!
Anne, you and Harry are troopers. This, too, shall pass. May there be great health, laughter and peace for you (and the 🌎) in 2024. Much ❤️
Thanks, Melinda – lunch together in 2024!
Oh gosh how awful. Those IV’s are no fun even when the veins are good. Praying for Harry for health, peace for you, and bones for Eddy and Weedy. I was going to tell you there is no banana bread this year, but that is the least of your worries. New Year will bring better health for all.
This has indeed been a bad year all round, Janis! Better days ahead, and your banana bread, while the most delicious in the history of the world, is the least of our worries. Have a wonderful Christmas!
Sending lots of love and best wishes for a full and healthy recovery. We are so sorry that the winter has brought this health issue and look to an early early spring of great good health. Easter is march 31 so that’s early. John said he will help Harry with the Bear if needed. Please call if he needs John to assist. We will not plan on New Years Day unless you call, which we hope for. Love you both
Thank you, Karen! Vlad will be making sure the bear is done. We will be in touch when things are better. New Year’s Day will be too soon, I’m afraid. There will be some time recovering from this.
Oh Anne, Sending healing thoughts to you and Harry. Prayers for continued improvement and you are both home with your critters for Christmas. Hugs for Jane, always having your back.
Thanks, Leslie – looking forward to another trail ride when this miserable winter is over.
Attempting to blog while so totally preoccupied would be more of a challenge than I could manage. I am so sorry Harry has been so ill. I can only imagine your anxiety not to mention the frustration of dealing with a grumpy nurse. I hope all will go well from here on. I shall be thinking of you and Harry.
Thank you, Carolyn!
Wow! Anne, with all these loving friends sending so many prayers, positive thoughts and well wishes, how can Harry not get better? Gosh, a scary week for sure, how the heck you got this off I’ll never know. Eddy seems to have absolutley no problem making himself at home. Weedy might still be scratching his head. Wishing strength and a fast recovery for Harry, and you both home to your own bed! Wishing the best for Jane, your stalwart unflappable friend.
Thanks, Jane!