Afternoon Update

BLUF: Rainey’s hematocrit test came back low, so they have opted for the blood transfusion.

LONGER DESCRIPTION: After being told that the hematocrit test would not take long to come back, we opted to wait for that before making the decision on the transfusion. Well, it took 3 tries to get the freakin’ results – the first two blood samples clotted, supposedly. When Rainey was on her walk, I went to talk to Jennifer, a kick butt nurse who recommended the Dilantin last night. “Whatever it takes to get the stupid results, we need to do that since we’re waiting on that for the transfusion.” Jennifer came in and got the job done. We had results in less than 30 minutes.

We just got the results, and her hematocrit test came back lower – a 22.8 (it was a 23.7 yesterday). Remember, this is the number that’s supposed to be in the 30s. So we’re going ahead with the transfusion. They should start within a few minutes.

Do you know that Simpsons’ episode where Mr. Burns got a transfusion from Smithers and ended up stronger than ever? That’s what we’re hoping happens with the transfusion. Fingers crossed.