Abelina In Critical Care

Most of you do not know that on Saturday Abelina feel asleep at 1:00 O'clock and did not wake up unitil Sunday morning. It was very frightening. Her blood pressure was the lowest I had ever seen it and she was very cold. I tried to wake her, she would try and open her eyes but with very little success. I read to hear, talked with her and sang to her trying to get a response. It was not until later around 10:15 that she started to repeat "Oh my God" over and over. She then was able to answer yes and no on occasion. Around 10:00 her cat scan came back without any deficits, this was a huge relief. I was so scared. They poked her and prodded her drawing blood and flashing lights in her eyes (which seem to irritate her, this was a good sign). Her niece Eli arrived around 10:30 so I was able to call it a night, but of course I did not sleep well.

When I woke up Sunday morning. I immediately called the hospital and they said, "she woke up." So I called John to let him know it was okay to bring the kids. With a sigh of relief I went to go get Pete's coffee with my girlfriend Jessica, enjoyed our treat and Yerba Buena gardens then headed back to the hospital. When I arrived she was sitting in the room with an unfamiliar couple, they introduced themselves. But my mind was on Abelina. She began to cry and "ask were I was"? She said, I called you and told you my blood pressure was low". I then told her that she did not tell me that, but only that she wanted a shower and her ingrown toe nail clipped. Matter of fact at 8:30 am Saturday she called me balling. I could hear her arguing with the nurses about a shower and then she asked me to help her. One of the reason they hesitate to give her showers is due to her blood pressure dipping. Then I told her I was with her all the night before and she was relieved. She did not remember my presence at all. She kept crying and saying she almost died. I do believe she had a fight on her hands.

Sunday we finally were able to talk with Dr. Attena and he deducted from all the test that she had a bacterial infection most likely from Mexican food. He said, this caused severe dehydration, which then lowered her blood pressure, couped with her medications caused her kidneys to start to fail.

So one thing we learned from this is how fragile she is. Another thing we learned is she has to be very careful with what she eats. The doctor said, "No fast food or chain restaurants."

So please do not bring her any food as of now. The only thing that seems to be safe as of now is well washed fruit. Fruit with lime, salt and Valentina is her favorite.

Also, please keep the visits minimal. Although we all want to see her she needs her rest. Also, when you bring children into the room it expels a lot of energy from her. Which on weekends takes away from her visits with her own kids.

Diana Tate

p.s. I f you think I sound a little bossy, I take my co-role of health care directive very seriously.