Morning Update 7/11/11
Temp is normal without intervention. Has progressed to normal dialysis machine. Ventilator is lowered to 60 % all good signs. Kidney Doc is happy. Just squeezed nurses hand on command.
9:52 am
Brother firemen,
Here is the info you will need to travel and stay with Keith and his family. Keith's wife Cori is extremely thankful for our help and said she would enjoy the company. However please do not make travel arrangements on your own without being scheduled with Wayne Wolk. This is basically due to the hospitals visiting rules in the ICU. Also we are here to help and assist the family in anyway and do not want to become a distraction to the family or hospital staff. I know that as always members of the TFD will act in a professional manner and help the Quinlan family through this difficult time.
Hotel Information: 1(757)627-5555
Call and tell them you are fron the FD and you need the Sentra Healthcare (Norfolk)
the room rate is $79.00 per night for 2 double beds.
Hospital info:
Diresctions to the Hospital:
244 Perry St Trenton, NJ 08618
1.
Head east on Perry St
79 ft
2.
Slight right to merge onto US-1 S
0.4 mi
3.
Exit onto NJ-129 S
1.9 mi
4.
Keep left at the fork and merge onto NJ-129 S/NJ-29 S
1.2 mi
5.
Take the exit toward I-295 S
0.3 mi
6.
Keep right at the fork, follow signs for I-295 S and merge onto I-295 S
32.8 mi
7.
Keep right at the fork, follow signs for I-295 S/NJ-42 S/Del Memorial Bridge/Atlantic City
1.2 mi
8.
Keep right at the fork, follow signs for I-295 S/Del Mem Br and merge onto I-295 S Partial toll road Entering Delaware
29.6 mi
9.
Take the US-13 N exit toward Wilmington
0.3 mi
10.
Keep left at the fork, follow signs for US-13 S/US-40 W/New Castle/Airport/Dover and merge onto US-13 S/US-40 W/N Dupont Pkwy
4.0 mi
11.
Slight left onto US-13 S/S Dupont Pkwy
5.5 mi
12.
Continue onto DE-1 S Partial toll road
51.1 mi
13.
Merge onto DE-1 BUS S/US-113 S/N Dupont Blvd via the ramp to Milford/Georgetown Continue to follow US-113 S Entering Maryland
74.6 mi
14.
Turn left onto US-13 S Partial toll road Entering Virginia
96.7 mi
15.
Merge onto I-64 E via the ramp to Chesapeake/Suffolk
2.1 mi
16.
Take exit 284A to merge onto I-264 W toward Norfolk
4.8 mi
17.
Take exit 10 to merge onto E City Hall Ave
0.4 mi
18.
Turn right onto St Pauls Blvd
0.5 mi
19.
Turn left onto W Brambleton Ave
1.3 mi
20.
Turn right onto Gresham Dr
0.1 mi
21.
Take the 1st left to stay on Gresham Dr
0.2 mi
Evening Update 7/11/11
Condition remains same as this morning. More tests - no results yet. Szabo and friend are en-route will update in morning.
7:06 pm
7/11/11
Good News!
He woke up abruptly and tried to take the tube out so they mildly sedated him. They put him on spontaneous vent & may take him off tonight.
8:11 pm
7/12/11
They are going to take the lymph node under his arm out tomorrow. He is outputting some urine on his own. No dialysis today. Will try to remove ventilator again today depending on his blood gas levels. Hope to get bone marrow results today. Mild sedation so far. Fever down to 99.14 as of now. Color in nails improving on 7 fingers. Overall swelling is better.
10:15 am
The Family and the Trenton Fire Department members would like to thank the Norfolk FD, Chesapeake FD & Virginia Beach FD for the support that they are giving to Keith and Family. We can not thank you enough. You are taking Keith under your wing as one of your own. We salute you for all your support and time that your Department has given.
From Your Extended Family in Trenton
Thank You
Evening Update 7/12/11
The lymph node biopsy is scheduled for tomorrow at noon. He is still outputting urine on his own. They did not do dialysis at all today and will re-address it tomorrow. They had to put him on full ventilator and was not able to remove the tube yet because his blood gasses were still too low. Fever is still stable. Still mildly sedated but very responsive to visitors - opened eyes several times, responded to commands like squeezing hands and shaking head. Eye doctor came in and checked his eyes. Reconstructive plastic surgeon came in to check his hands and feet "just in case". Preliminary results on bone marrow biopsy show something but they don't know what it is yet but have ordered more tests. They seem to think there are two issues going on: the c-diff infection and possibly some kind of blood disorder and hope to know more from the additional tests in a day or so.
7:15 pm
Morning Update 7/13/11
Surgery is done, 2 lymph nodes removed he did well with surgery and just went back to his room and we can visit in about 15 mins.
10:14 am
T-Shirts for Sale
Contact after Friday
Mark Robotin
209-1833
$20.00 a Shirt
Afternoon Update 7/13/11
Consult with docs. Biopsies negative. No cancers, etc. Still no diagnosis but he's improving slowly since Friday. On 5 antibiotics plus steroids.
1:59 pm
Update 7/13/11
We just met with his 2 critical care doctors and EVERYTHING has come back
negative. Not seeing anything that represents cancer. Still waiting for
some additional pathology reports on the lymph nodes. Opthamologist looked
at the back of his eyes and all looks good. Urine output is still good but
kidney doctor still wants to start dialysis again today. Blood gasses are
up but not high enough to remove vent yet. If he's not off the ventilator
by Friday they will revaluate and discuss possibility of a tracheotomy. His
toes are still purple but the color is getting slightly better. There is a
possibility of losing some of the tips but they are still not sure.
Overall, he has improved slightly and is responding to the 5 antibiotics
and high doses of steroids that he is on.
Thank you ALL for your amazing support!
4:14 pm
Update 7/14/11
They have moved him back to spontaneous vent, his oxygen input has been decreased to 45%, they are trying to get him off vent by Friday. No dialysis today, Bp & temp good. Outputting urine on his own. Doctors are pleased with the small progress. Still monitoring his feet.
2:12 pm
Morning Update 7/15/11
Keith is off sedation and the breathing tube has been removed. He's talking!
7:45 am
Afternoon Update 7/15/11
What an amazing
wake up call this morning - Nurse Stacy called with "good, important news" -
when we arrived at his bedside he was off the vent, awake, talking and
recognized all of our faces and said each of our names one by one as he
looked around the room.
He even ate some ice chips. They will continue dialysis today and are happy
with the progress so far.
They feel the steroids were the biggest help in getting him to this state.
Kidney dr was happy with the urine output and is confident that he will
regain full kidney function. They did an xray of stomach and chest this
morning and are waiting for results. Results from lymph node biopsy didn't
show much. They are still monitoring his toes.
They are starting to narrow in on a diagnosis - they are leaning towards an
auto immune disorder called Churg Strauss Syndrome and ordering more tests
and could have been brought out by an infection (c-diff).
11:58 am
Update 7/16/11
He
had a very restless night with little sleep. Colleen (Keith's sister) and
Justin stayed with him overnight and my sister and I relieved them this
morning. Infectious Disease doctor came in is pleased with his progress and
will continue current antiobiotics. Kidney doctor came in and is pleased
with his continued renal recovery (kidneys continuing to recover). Critical
care team came in and ordered a CT scan because he is complaining of a lot
of stomach pain (most likely due to gas) but they want to rule out anything
else.
The nurse wants to get him out of bed and into a chair for a little while
today.
Norfolk Fire Department guys stop in regularly to visit with our family and
have been extremely supportive.
9:50 am
Evening Update 7/16/11
Keith was placed in chair around 10:30. The CT scan was negative, so his belly pain is gas related. He has been moving his arms & legs routinely. Got a little rest this afternoon. Doctors have checked him and his treatment is status quo.
6:00 pm
Update 7/17/11
Lungs sound great - and they have started reducing oxygen and will take him
off of it soon.
All CT scans on stomach have come back negative - it's just gas and that has
started to work its way out.
He has been busy doing his arm exercises.
Results of lymph nodes are negative. No changes in his antibiotics today
because he is heading in the right direction. Feeding tube will be removed
and he will be moved to a liquid diet and increased to more solids as
tolerated. Kidney doctor removed the line for dialysis and he is done with
dialysis.
10:30 am
Afternoon Update 7/17/11
Great afternoon update! The feeding tube has been removed and he went from
ice chips to water to green tea to jello today in 4 hours!
Keep sending prayers - they are working!
1:30 pm
Morning Update 7/19/11
Kidney doctor came in to evaluate him and all looks good.
The doctors will start to reduce his steroids today and monitor a few more
levels. If all goes well today he will be moved to the step-down unit
tomorrow.
Keith's true diagnosis is still unknown - all of his tests and blood work
have ALL come back NEGATIVE.
Keep the prayers coming. He is one step closer to going home!!
10:08 am
A little TLC from the nurses. Thata boy!
Afternoon Update 7/20/11
Great news! His kidney doctor came in and was very pleased with kidney
function and signed off on Keith today.
No changes in his hands and feet and will continue to be monitored.
His infectious disease doctor will be signing off on his very soon.
He is scheduled to be moved out of the GICU some time today to a regular
floor.
One step closer to New Jersey!!
12:00 am
Cook'n Jersery style
Pork Roll on a burger is the best.
Trenton Burgers you can't go wrong.
They are preparing to move Keith to the step down unit within the hour.
Earlier today we brought a little bit of NJ (and TFD) to the guys at Norfolk
FD Engine 7, Ladder 7, Rescue 1 and introduced them to a "Trenton burger".
Many have never had pork roll -- they enjoyed every bit.
Afternoon Update 7/21/11
Keith spent his first night in the step down unit and slept fairly well.
The doctors met with him this morning and continue to be pleased with his
miraculous progress. He is referred to in the step down unit as the
"miracle man".
His catheter was just removed, he is down to one antibiotic now, they
continue to slowly reduce his steroids (although he will be on it for
several months), and physical therapy is scheduled to start today.
One step closer to home!
12:00 pm
Morning Update 7/22/11
Late last night
Keith sat up in bed on his own last night - completely unassisted! He also
wiggled his feet and toes back and forth.
Physical therapy came in this morning to work with him and will continue
therapy several times per week - his homework is to continue his exercises
on his own.
His doctors came in this morning and will switch heparin to something else
to help reduce the blood clots in his legs. They will slowly reduce the
steroids over a period of time.
Keith is known around the hospital as the "Miracle Man".
The entire Quinlan family thank everyone for their continued support, love
and prayers.
10:00 am
Afternoon Update
Great report from
the doctors today. Still pleased with his progress - he will most likely be
on steroids for a year or so, and will leave him on a blood thinner for 6
months to a year to eliminate any clots.
Although the diagnosis was Microscopic Polyangiitis (MPA), they are
narrowing it down to Churg Strauss syndrome, which is a more defined form of
MPA.
Keith complained about his left ear being clogged so they will take a look
at that today.
They removed the central line in his neck to eliminate any source of
additional infection and will allow him to get a shower today!!!!
10:30 am
Afternoon Update
The
physical therapist came in and had Keith WALK from his bed to the chair with
a walker. Keith got a HAIRCUT and a SHOWER and feels great (but
exhausted)!!!!
What a great day!! Miracles really DO come true!
12:30 pm
Afternoon Update 7/24/11
His team of
doctors (a/k/a the "dream team") came in this morning and are still amazed
and pleased with the "Miracle Man's" progress to date. Each day their visit
takes less time.
We are waiting for physical therapy to meet with him again today.
Keith met two goals yesterday: 1) getting out of bed and he walked about 8
feet with a walker to a chair; and 2) got a shower. He felt like a new man
after his shower!
Today's goal was to use the bedside commode, and as of this update he
accomplished his goal!
He's napping now and will go out in the wheelchair later today.
The guys from Station 7 invited my family and I for lunch today so we are
heading out to meet them now.
Thank you to EVERYONE for your continued support, love and prayers during
Keith's illness.
As Matt Mayhew says, "Faith + Love = Miracles"!
12:05 pm
Morning Update 7/25/11
The
Dream Team of doctors came through this morning and said that his kidneys
are almost fully functional - they were watching the vessels that
concentrate the urine and said it would take a few days to work again, but
as of today's visit, they are satisfied with how things are progressing.
Keith has also been complaining of his left ear feeling clogged. He needs to
get an audiogram when we get home - but given his job and age, he could have
some nerve damage in that ear.
The best news of the day is that the doctors asked for the phone number for
his primary physician and St. Lawrence Rehab -- one step closer to home!
10:51 am
Update 7/26/11
After speaking with Keith's primary physician yesterday and reviewing his
eosinophil levels from lab work done in the spring, his "dream team" of
doctors have narrowed his diagnosis down to Churg-Strauss Syndrome, a form
of microscopic polyangiitis.
To prevent future flare ups, as soon as he gets an infection of any type, he
should be put on steroids for a short period of time.
His doctors have been in touch with St. Lawrence Rehab and are coordinating
his transfer. We still do not have an exact date yet, but are confident in
saying that it should be by Sunday, if not sooner.
Keith got a shower this morning and did some physical therapy and is a
little tired, but overall he feels great.
He ate a bowl of Cheerios with a sliced banana, and a bran muffin this
morning, and did everything on his own (sliced a banana, unwrapped
silverware, opened cereal container and 2 cartons of milk) and he was so
proud!
Keith is feeling a little stronger each day and is anxious to get home and
start his rehabilitation. His rheumatologist estimates that in 8-9 months he
should feel like himself again!
One more step closer to home!!
Afternoon Update 7/27/11
Today was a very good day! As long as the insurance approves everything, Keith could be back in New Jersey as early as tomorrow!
The doctors are confident that he is ready to travel back to New Jersey to begin his stay at St. Lawrence Rehab, however, Aetna told us that our policy does not cover transportation by ambulance or by air. Luckily, I paid a little extra for the travel insurance for our trip to Kitty Hawk, NC earlier this month and for the cruise we were scheduled to take at the end of August so we have phone calls into both of them and are waiting for answers.
We are also waiting for the insurance company to work out details for his stay at St. Lawrence Rehabilitation.
One step closer to New Jersey!! Stay tuned!
Afternoon Update 7/28/11
We
are coming home to New Jersey tomorrow!!!!!!!!
We don't have any info on arrival time yet, but will pass that message on as
soon as possible.
Nothing but good news to report.
Once we arrive at Trenton-Mercer Airport, Keith will be transported to St.
Lawrence Rehab for approximately 2 weeks.
Morning Update 7/18/11
Keith rested a little better last night.
Creatinine levels are getting back to normal and white blood cell count is
much better. Kidney doctor was very happy with everything and may sign off
on him as early as Wednesday.
Dermatology came in to look at his hands and feet. No infections and will
continue to monitor things. They are going to have a hand therapist work
with him to regain range of motion and they will make him splints to keep
his hands in a good position.
Critical care team met with him this morning and will consider reducing his
steroids and albuterol since he is on very high doses of each. Overall they
are pleased with his progress to date.
He ate chocolate pudding, grits and milk for breakfast. He wasn't a fan of
the grits (sorry Virginia) but he ate it. He just got a bath and moved into
a chair and is ready for visitors today.
Thank you all for your love, prayers and support.
10:00 am