Isolation

Isolation is prescribed for Spence after coming down with a  stomach bug called Clostridium difficile (C. Diff for short), which although common and treatable, is highly contagious among cancer patients with suppressed immune systems.  

Spence has his own personal stethoscope and blood pressure machine in the room, so that they don't have to touch any other patients. 

One whole week without leaving the room! 

Lara and Glen are annoyed that the isolation even applies to us and there will be no more walking the halls or going to the  nutrition center anymore.  Straight from the elevator to the room is all we can do.

An antibiotic called flagyl is how they treat C-Diff. 

The nurses will have to run all errands for us, which will include getting ice water, heating up food in the microwave, and fetching fresh linens for us. 

It's considered almost exclusively a hospital bacteria. 

Oddly, Spencer does not feel too horrible with this bug.  The stomach cramps and frequent trips to the bathroom aren't fun, but for the most part he's eating okay and feeling somewhat chipper. 

Nurses and doctors have to wear gloves and full body suits when they come to Spence's room, so they don't spread the C. Diff germ to other patients on their clothing after visiting Spence. 

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This is the glove and gown station just outside Spence's door.  It's for the nurses and doctors to use, so they don't spread germs from him to other patients.   Visitors do NOT have to put gloves and gowns on unless they are visiting other rooms (including the nourishment center).

Spence's very own vital machine, complete with blood pressure reader and electronic thermometer. 

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Just a note:  VISITORS ARE STILL WELCOME!!!!  This is one of those bugs that is only a problem for people with suppressed immune systems and/or people who are handling bodily fluids of the patient.    While this is a bug that isn't fun for Spence, he actually doesn't feel too horrible either.  Please come visit!!!   The only difference you'll notice is that he can't leave the room and you'll need to wash your hands with soap and water (instead of the hand sanitizer) upon arriving and leaving his room. 


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"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy." 
                                                                                            Martin Luther King, Jr.                                                                                                                      (as seen on the MLK memorial in DC)