Barbara has mild bacterial pneumonia. Still intubated. That’s the update for now.
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Update
30 MarI am indeed typing this from inside the ICU with her. So no more excuse not to stay with her. 🙂 It’s weird typing while wearing nitrile gloves, which are required anytime you are in the room. The good side of that is that my hands are not quite so cold. The plastic gown should be interesting to sleep in…
Barbara’s condition is essentially unchanged with the exception of the emotional impact of having me here with her for so much more time each day. Fever is slightly lower right now, but not enough to be considered significant.
Originally posted at http://wyldraven.dreamwidth.org/560359.html
Minor concern (Barbara)
30 MarI went home last night, so what happened? You guessed it. lasarina developed a fever of unknown origin overnight. They are running all the usual cultures. Her WBC (White Blood Count) is normal so far. Fever could be a drug reaction, or it could be an infection that her immune system is not reacting to fully. With her immune system issues, her WBC may just be slow to react.
In addition, her esophagus is still too swollen to safely remove the vent tube, so she is still intubated. This is more disturbing to her than the fever, because it means her ability to communicate is severely limited. She is extremely afraid of becoming vent dependent or requiring a trach. They are medicating for the emotional issues.
On a good note: Her nurse today told me that one person can stay overnight in the room with her, and they will provide a sleeper sofa. So no more sleeping in the waiting room on chairs and footstools! Also, she is going to confirm this part, but she believes I was misinformed about cell phones and computers being prohibited from the unit. If that part is true, I can spend much more time each day with her than I have so far, and still be able to work and stay in touch with the outside world.
Originally posted at http://wyldraven.dreamwidth.org/559941.html
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29 MarI am going home tonight for first time since surgery. That’s another sign of how well Barbara is doing.
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29 MarBarbara is still awake and alert. She remains intubated. Tomorrow is another day.
Time for a summary of status to date (Barbara)
29 MarBarbara had surgery to repair everything last Thursday. The surgery was a complete success. Everything was repaired / reconnected successfully. Within 24 hours, she developed post-surgical pneumonia. It was mild, and is being successfully treated with IV abx. She is still intubated at this time, but may not be by the end of the day. The hold up right now for extubation is swelling of the throat. That is being treated with steroids, and she is responding to that treatment.
Thank you for all that you do. Everyone has been wonderful.
Originally posted at http://wyldraven.dreamwidth.org/559628.html
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29 MarBarbara is conscious and relatively alert. Still intubated for now, but calm. She is still lightly sedated.
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28 MarBarbara will remain intubated and sedated again today. Still not quite ready. WBC is coming down, so infection is improved.
The baby steps are important ones!
27 MarBarbara is breathing on her own with CPAP support. She has been upgraded to light sedation. Small steps, but good ones. Thanks to everyone who has been supporting us through this.
Originally posted at http://wyldraven.dreamwidth.org/559520.html
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27 MarBarbara is breathing on her own with CPAP support. She has been upgraded to light sedation. Small steps, but good ones.
An Aging Trans Woman 