Tuesday, February 24, 2015

Update # 169

8 Years

Still on the ventilator!

Jeff was slowly taken off the sedation this morning. They were getting ready to start a trial but felt Jeff was not yet awake enough. Someone would be back in half an hour. Near that time, a pulmonary doctor came in and made the decision that Jeff’s numbers were looking pretty good but he needed to remain on the vent – due to a fever. Jeff was awake for about 45 minutes and did well – no spikes or agitation. Meridith and I talked very briefly to him so he would not get over stimulated. The sedation has been at a lower setting today so we see some movement and opening of eyes.

Last evening about 8:00 PM, a 102 degree fever showed up. The lowest it has been for 24 hours is 101.5 When Jeff had that one fever the other day, the antibiotic was changed and seemed to quickly work. Jeff continues on that med (strong) but it does not appear to work this time. A dose of Tylenol was given but that did not help either.

Now we are in a tricky situation (in addition to where he is with the RSV and vent). Jeff’s liver enzymes are up and Tylenol would greatly affect that. Sometimes a gallbladder can cause liver enzymes to rise, so an ultra sound was done this afternoon. It shows liver enlargement and possibly some gallbladder issue. But they know back in 2011 with the multi-focal pneumonia, Jeff’s liver enzymes rose, were carefully watched, and lowered on their own after quite a time.

Sometimes when IV’s are in for an extended period, they can become infected and cause a fever. Maybe that’s the problem so the arterial line was pulled to see if the fever will break.

Or maybe the RSV itself is causing the fever. Today’s x-ray again looked better and everyone says Jeff’s lungs sound better. That’s what we want to hear.

Dr. DiPersio’s Physician Assistant, Stephanie, stopped by this morning. It just happened to be when Jeff was out of sedation so he recognized her voice. Steph’s been off for 2 weeks and could not believe her eyes when she saw Jeff’s name on the in-patient list. She is Dr. D this week while he’s off to Bangkok to give a speech.

Jeff also had 2 other visitors but he does not realize it right now. His immediate boss, Dan, and another co-worker, Kevin, had to bring a satellite truck down to StL so they took time to stop by and talk with Meridith. Thank you guys so much. Jeff will be sorry he missed you!

Last week, one of the doctor’s said Jeff’s situation is like a circle with one thing depending on another or affecting another. We are still in that circle but we’re ready to break out of it. We’ll see what tomorrow brings.

Thanks for prayers and encouragement. Three of us are fine but are waiting for Jeff to again be described as “fine”.

love,

Marcia