FYI

Nelson J. Shinnick lives in Arlington WA, he served with VMO-2 (67-68)

Latest from Lynn

For most of you, this is a report. For a few of you it may be news. Today is day seven of Nelson's being in the hospital without a clear diagnosis. He has been in the ICU for the past three days. What started with congestion, flu-like symptoms, then a rash escalated to hallucinations then wild flailing, then unconsciousness through sedation. It has been difficult. He is at the VA in Seattle and is receiving superb care! Since we just returned from Thailand, the Infectious Disease team has been all over it, as well as all departments , I think, except nephrology and dental. And I am serious. All doctors are from the U of W hospital, and not only is that a vast resource, but so in the CDC in Atlanta and the Washington State Public Health Office, the latter which is running more extensive tests.
Today we did get one positive from a blood test, and they adjusted his protocol to narrow the target. It may or may not be all that is going on. His respiratory system is not excellent, and is a concern, but is not the major concern at the moment.
Only today did they begin feeding him through a tube, and resuming his oral meds. That had been a concern for me, and all of you who understand anti-depression medication would know why.
Today, out of heavy sedation, he has been fighting to get out of bed. Fighting hard, against his restraints. (Which are firm, but allow him motion. They keep him from his central line and all tubes). Nelson's modus operendi when in danger and its fight or flight, his choice is always fight, even when it is the wrong choice.
He did call me by name today, and his brother, Phil. He can respond to commands at times, so that is all hopeful.
I hope I have better news later, but this is an easier way to communicate details to our friends and family. Keep him in your prayers, and I will be in touch.
Love to all of you,
Lynn

Sunday update from Lynn

Nelson remains the same, in ICU. He seems some calmer, which is not to say calm, but calmer is an improvement. He fever seems gone however. Since they have started tube feeding him, maybe the resumption of his regular medications are/will help. Nothing else new. One foot in front of the other, and prayers.
Lynn

Monday and Wednesday updates from Lynn

Monday
Tonight's update:
It's 9pm, and I just got home. Today they have finally agreed that Nelson's condition probably is not complicated by detox (I understand why they couldn't fully believe me). So now they are lowering the adavan. They had given him some heavy doses last night. Today the dose was lowered to 1.5 per hour (Dana) and I think they are going to get him off it if possible, given observation. They also added steroids to fight against (any possible ) inflamation in the brain. That will be a temporary protocol.
About 6pm Dad seemed to rouse, recognize me, and (I think) be able to take in some of what I told him. The nurse even removed one of his restraints, the arm cuff, and taped a bunch of wires to give him more sense of freedom, and he put his hand on his stomach and fell into a peaceful sleep. I left at 8pm. I hope he doesn't rouse with fear tonight, and that tomorrow shows similar or MORE improvement.

Wednesday
Yesterday was a very hard day, especially as the night nurse was the BAD nurse!!! Most are really excellent, personalities differing, but this gal was mean to look at, and only wanted to medicate him into a gomer, so she wouldn't have to worry or work. And she did. Even when his protocol showed he was on lowered sedatives. Damn her. It was a late night.
Today was a lot better. He was responsive (but not clear or verbal) to two sets of doctors, and some to me. The past days I have been able to loosen his restraints, and give him range of motion, which has calmed him a lot, especially when he seemed semi-rational. Before I left tho, he was struggling to get out, and said he "wanted a smoke", so he had to be put back into four point restraints. (rarely used) I felt okay tho, as he has had this nurse two nights before, and he is good, kind, and intelligent. Easier to leave him.
Nelson had been really fighting the oxygen mask, and the doctors changed him to nasal oxygen, and that calmed him. He slept the first totally relaxed sleep I have seen him in in 12 days! And he slept three hours! Right through Lane, Phil & BJ and Nathaniel's visit. But it was so good to see him calm.
I hope tomorrow brings more clarity. His case was being presented today to all the infectious disease doctors in the Seattle area hospitals and medical schools. He has all the best minds and care.

And more Wednesday
Nelson remains hospitalized and mainly delusional, but he seems to be slowly calming. They still don't know what is wrong. His case is being presented today to all the infectious disease doctors in the Seattle area med schools and hospitals. There is no lack of excellent care, both by many teams of doctors and the intensive care nursing staffs. He has been in ICU for....eight ? days now. I put one foot in front of the other and remain okay. I am tough, and the family is very supportive. I appreciate all your concern, but this is probably the best way to communicate until things resolve.
Merry Christmas to all.
Lynn

Dec 23 from Lynn

A quick update, this afternoon and evening, Nelson was able to come up out of his fog, and was able to understand and be somewhat responsive. That is a huge improvement. They had down-sized the Adavan sedative, and then off, and so I am quite sure that is the reason. By tomorrow it should be out of his system, so that will tell a lot, and could be quite a Christmas present. But he is still on one other sedative, and the psychiatrist (who changed to the new sedative) said the next days may be a roller coaster as they try to get all the brain chemicals readjusted.
Merry Christmas to all, and thank you all for your love and concern and prayers.
Lynn

My Christmas miracle, for real!

After 14 days of the unknown - deleriousness, fever, spots, lung involvement, brain involvement, central nervous system involvement - with four point restraints to control out of control battling, and after much sedation....today, Christmas morning, Nelson called me from the hospital at 8am, and he was himself!!!! Yesterday I had seen real glimmers of hope, but he was still not "back", and today remembers nothing of the last 11 days of his hospitalization. But he remembers everything else, and is in all ways himself - maybe better with gratitude!
Thank you all for your concern and prayers. I hope he will be home in 1-2 days, as soon as he has regained some steadiness upright. After 14 days in bed, you would expect weakness, but with the arms and legs battle he constantly waged, it's only core strength and balance he lost. He is truly a tough Marine, but today a very grateful one.
So many more miracles of the Christmas spirit I saw these last days. Some people have the biggest hearts for those alone or hospitalized at Christmas. I will be different next year; I won't forget.
Love to all of you,
Lynn...and Nelson who was amazed so many people cared!