Update

[vdansk]

Charles is still on oxygen and three kinds of antibiotics, but he is looking better. It looks like an overwhelming pneumococcal pneumonia, and his band count (for medical people) is a very scary 35%. At least his electrolytes, while still abnormal, are now compatible with life. He'll probably be in the hospital several more days. I'm hoping to delay having his Mom move in with us until he is quite a bit better, so am strongly encouraging the hospital to send her back to rehab before releasing her.

In other news, my hospital is aggressively recruiting me to stay...and given the care I and mine are receiving from the hospital and doctors, I think I need to at least explore this. It's hard to complain in this economy that I am stressed by too many job options.

Dyeing my hair a most unsubtle shade of red seems to have been very therapeutic, although I'm grateful I used a temporary dye! I've found that the vast majority of people do not have a memory for colors, so as long as a hair color has the same general name as the original, most people don't notice. Usually, when stressed, I go for a subtle shade that is just a slightly brighter version of my normal strawberry blond...and less than 1 in 10 people notice. Stress levels encouraged a more extreme reaction this time, and I think probably even someone who was color blind could tell the difference. But it beats alcohol as a coping mechanism!

Thank you all for your continued prayers and kind thoughts. I can't tell you how much they mean to me.

Comments

[chris-warrior.livejournal.com]

my God, i had no idea he was THAT sick. *HUG* i'm glad they seem to have gotten a handle on it with antibiotics...

funny you dyed your hair red with impermanent dye... i picked up a bottle myself (Suyra?) (it's henna) at the natural food store near me. haven't used it yet, i wanted it for Faire, but i might try it first over vacation. :D

i think it's a great stress reaction. or a massageor a manicure or a day watching movies and vegging.

[vdansk]

Yeah, my massage for Tuesday will probably need to be cancelled. i did go to the movie today, since I already had babysitting and Charles wanted me to--but I missed him. (Star Trek--I forgot all of my troubles for 2 hours and six minutes.)

[trinibelle.livejournal.com]

Geez, Hope. I completely missed this. How utterly terrifying. I'm glad Charles seems to be doing better. There are no words. *hugs*

I do not know why the universe gives such lumps of awfulness. Would it really ruin the plan to have things things spaced out a bit? I don't know.

You are all in my prayers.

(Dying hair an extreme shade is a small rebellion. I cut all mine off. Like, with a pair of scissors.)

[saxikath]

Geez. Was away for the weekend and just saw this. Many hugs & good thoughts for you both.

[vdansk]

Thank you. We're hanging in there. Maybe more "hanging" than "in", but still kicking.

[olivine-sidhe.livejournal.com]

Wow, what one can miss in a weekend at a game.

So sorry to hear all that's been happening to you. I'm glad to hear Charles is getting better. Sending positive thoughts.

[mewsgryphoncat.livejournal.com]

Hi Hope! Please let Charles know that he and you and the girls are all in my thoughts and prayers. I'm glad he's getting better. I'm also glad that you found a good way to cope! Dyeing my hair is a pleasure for me -- just to chase away the years. For now.

I hope your girls are handling this all well. Give them a hug from Aunt Nancy... and if they don't remember me, you have my permission to make up stories! ^__~

[vdansk]

Thanks, Nan! Life kind of sucks at the moment, but the girls are doing great. Leah is abnormally good in a crisis, and Joy doesn't really understand.

We're tentatively planning Fort Fest 2010 for the 20th anniversary of Charles' and my first meeting. And Leah will be eleven, so if she's read the Harper Hall books by then (and maybe the littlest dragonrider story) we'll let her Impress. :)

Gonna write me a Spicebark story to cheer me up?

[crackferret.livejournal.com]

Thinking about you guys; so glad you got him there when you did. :: hugs :: Take care of yourself and take care of him! Will think lots more good stuff for you guys, this sounds like a lot to stress about.

You should post a pic of the hair.

[jeni-chan.livejournal.com]

:hug: Keep us posted. Prayers and thoughts with your family.

[rantarn.livejournal.com]

Oh crap. I just saw this. I'm really glad Charles is on the mend, but wow... You're both in my thoughts and prayers here.

[quasar273.livejournal.com]

I'm very glad to hear Charles is doing better, and I hope he can be out of hospital in time for his mother's arrival. \

I don't think you owe the hospital anything except perhaps a hearing. I would say you should consider their position only if they can give you some concessions on more livable hours. You've been working much, much too hard for too long. Better pay is also up there, but survivable scheduling is a must.

[callenghast.livejournal.com]

I didn't see this until just now, but add Colleen's and my good wishes to the pile. I hope Charles is recovering speedily.

[vdansk]

Just got him home half an hour ago. He's tired and weak, but he's home.

We really appreciate all the good wishes. 2009 is not quite living up to my hopes...!

[perimyndith.livejournal.com]

Wow, clearly I am way way way way behind because I just now am catching up. I am so glad things are getting better. I'm sending extra good thoughts for everybody to get well and stay that way!