Friday, August 11, 2006

Status quo

I think Jack's goal before he gets out of here is to get every specialty involved in his care. Today he was seen by cardiothoracic, pulmonary, infectious disease, and otolaryngology. Interestingly, no sign of the orthopedic team, yet they supposedly "own" him. Because of the amount of blood we were suctioning and his history from last summer, the ENT did a bedside scope, with pulmonary looking on. He did not see any area of concern in the trachea - so, at this point they want us to be careful suctioning. They always want to blame it on suctioning (aka, the parent), which I know is not the issue because there is nothing different about how I have been suctioning the last two weeks, versus the last seven years and we've not had this problem before. It's all a guessing game and very frustrating.

The ID docs are taking the position that the infection must be in the hardware -- since they can't find it anywhere else. So, Jack will be on IV antibiotics for 6 weeks and oral antibiotics for a year. Gee, think we'll have any yeast related problems with that?

I fly home tomorrow and will fly back here on Thursday, unless I need to get back here sooner. Mark is a little nervous about having to relay information to me because he knows I'll be grilling him regularly and he is not good with the details. Should be a challenge for both of us. :-)

I want to thank all of you for taking the time to check on Jack, for leaving your words of support, for your prayers and for all the gifts, cards and food that have been sent. Jack's room is full of balloons and teddy bears and I have been well supplied with chocolate and diet coke! I can definitely feel the love and support of all of you and, without question, you have carried us through the last 2 weeks. Thank you!!

I'll continue to update, but after today ... my information will be coming from Mark. God willing, there won't be much to report!

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

Ann-
I'm glad to hear that you are going home-you need a "break" (if you can call it that) from the hospital for awhile. Love and prayers coming your way.

Anne

Anonymous said...

An - I am glad that you are going home and can spend some time with your other kids. I am saying prayers that Jack gets out of there soon. I want to give you a hug.
Carrie Stockmal

Anonymous said...

glad to hear that you will (hopefully) have a chance to recharge your batteries back home...although it may be a little of a stretch to call going back to work a good recharge!!

...hmmm, I'm already feeling a little sorry for Mark, maybe he should invest in a good pocket recorder so he can relay complete info!!

prayers continue for Jack, you, and your family!

sebby

Anonymous said...

So glad that you are able to go home for a bit. And glad that things have been "stable". Praying for a safe flight home and that you can just relax a bit. Praying that Jack is able to go home soon too...

Jennie

Anonymous said...

Tell Mark to make notes so that he can read off of them while you're grilling him!!! Don't rush to work on Monday...Gloria

Anonymous said...

Have a safe trip home Ann. It will be nice to see your kids back in AZ.
Please give Jack our love and many, many sweet kisses.
I've been thinking of him lots and lots.
We need a picture everyday. Does Mark own a camera? ha ha

Love Kerry

Anonymous said...

Ann

Glad to hear that you are going to get a break and it will be nice for you to spend time with the other kids without constantly needing to see to Jack. Hope Mark survives!!

Lots of love coming your way
Julie

Anonymous said...

HOpe you have a safe trip home and that you get a little time to yourself in the next couple of days...glad Jack's condition has settled for now, but you are all still in my thoughts and prayers.
lots of hugs and kisses
christina

Anonymous said...

Fly safely Ann! I'm hearing that the airports are somewhat backed up from the recent events.

I hope Jack decides he's had enough "specialists"! There are a few left that he hasn't had in there yet and I know he doesn't want to see a urologist or proctologist!!

Blessings,

Dawna

Anonymous said...

Ann,

Tell Jack that he is not allowed to see anymore docs, especially while you go home for a few days!

Godspeed to you on your trip home. May you be recharged and renewed and thing will be better when you return to St. Louis.

We're saying all the prayers we can for you both!

Love,
Melisande

Anonymous said...

Ann
Have a safe trip home and try not to stress too much.
Hugs
Carrie

Anonymous said...

I wish you a nice, long, hot, uninterrupted shower, followed by a 4-hour nap.

Here's to uneventfulness. Let's hope you get a day or two of that, too, followed by a safe trip home for your whole family.

Hugs,

Kar