Nearly Independent Standing and an Allergic Reaction

Today when physical therapy came in to help Heather try to stand, Heather stood up very quickly and almost without any help. It was really great to see. She took a few steps, sat back down, and then stood again. It was harder the second time, but she did significantly better than she has in past. It was great to see. Her dressing changes have been much, much better the past couple of days, and her wounds look better every day. I saw her abdominal wound for the first time in about a week, and it is looking much better. It is really pulling together, and the nurses rave about how healthy the tissue looks.

We had a bit of a scare this evening. You know, we can't have things go smoothly for too long. Her hematocrit was a little low, so they decided to give her some IV iron called Venofer. Approximately an hour after they started the drip Heather had a major reaction to it. She first felt what she calls "extreme chills" that came on within seconds. She began shaking from head to food and her teeth began chattering. Her jaw began tightening up, and then all the muscles in her body began tightening up. It became difficult for her breathe, as it felt like her throat and lungs were tightening up. The nurses were quite concerned (as was Heather). Her nurse initially gave her Benadryl. This didn't seem to have much effect, so she then gave her hydrocortisone. Within about five minutes, Heather felt markedly better, and within ten minutes even better. She now seems back to normal. Of course the nurse said this is a very rare reaction. I could have told you that because Heather had it. Apparently if there is a low probability, negative occurrence out there, Heather will have it.