Granny had her ears cleaned out Friday; there was wax, debris, and dead skin. Afterwhich, she spent the night in the Surgical ICU. Apparently ear cleanings can be followed by a vasovagel response, meaning she became incoherent with either a seizure or confusion and fainting. Her daughter Jean has experienced a similar response post ear cleaning. The doctor thought it would be best to get some R&R in the ICU to normalize her.
The doctor explained that the things she is experiencing may be better monitored by a "well visit" in geriatrics or with a primary care physician going forward. Seems the magnesium loss and dehydration are not surgical related. She may need to be seen by a more medical-type practice, as she is not experiencing life threatening events due to surgery. (Although, I personally don't recall her having any of these symptoms prior to surgery.)
I probed further regarding the swelling in her face. Seems this is still considered normal after radiation, even 3 months out. Lymphedema causes fluid to be released, and the surrounding tissue swells. The swelling may go down and come back randomly. The doctor found there was a good deal of fluid on the non-surgery side, which is not infected.
On a positive note, Granny's thyroid number is 1.08, which means she is doing much better from an endocrinology stand point. I am very pleased the thyroid number is matching her symptoms; she has been showing more signs of life and less confused and tired the past couple weeks. This is a huge change from just 4 weeks ago when her numbers were well above 5 and 6.
Tomorrow, when Granny is released from the hospital, she has a dentist appointment. We hope they will help her fit her obturator back in her mouth. Due to the soreness and infection last month, she has not been able to put it back in. She is looking forward to having her mouth piece so she can taste more foods, and not just use the G-Tube for feeding. Thanks again to UNC for going over all the details and leaving no stone unturned.
Pictured below is Granddaughter Nalani, whose beautiful singing talents are worthy of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. I expect one day soon she will be part of America's #1 Choir.
