Barbara is doing pretty well today, but her WBC is up. Surgeon has pulled the abdominal drains, and they are taking the usual cultures. She is still fever free, so whatever infection (if any) is still pretty minor.
Originally posted at http://wyldraven.dreamwidth.org/561385.html
Barbara progressed from “clear liquids” to “full liquid” diet. One more small step in the right direction.
She’s been unexplicably, even for her, depressed for a couple of days, getting worse each day. Well, today I realized: :SNAP: her anti-depressant was an oral med. She’s had no oral meds since she went NPO for surgery. Of course she is depressed. Abrupt DC of anti-depressants is generally a bad idea.
Once I realized this, I brought it up to the critical care team that is seeing her. They are going to discuss it with her attending. Hopefully, she will get back on her anti-depressant by sometime tomorrow.
Originally posted at http://wyldraven.dreamwidth.org/561103.html
Barbara is no longer intubated. She is breathing on her own, with oxygen mask. Voice is rough, raspy. But she can talk again!!
Originally posted at http://wyldraven.dreamwidth.org/560839.html
Barbara still has sufficient swelling of the esophagus that she remains intubated. She spiked a significant fever overnight (103) but it’s back down around 99 now. They’ve added another antibiotic to her regime. We have proof that everything abdominal is working now (enough said about that).
They took her for a CT scan this afternoon. I was deeply asleep when they left, and I woke up to an empty ICU room. I got punked. I don’t sleep well in here, so I catch as catch can, so to speak. Ah well, the staff had a good laugh at that.
Originally posted at http://wyldraven.dreamwidth.org/560497.html
I 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
I 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
Barbara 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
Barbara 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
Barbara has a low grade fever and elevated white blood cell count. After such a major surgery, I understand this is not an uncommon response. As a result though, they are being cautious and keeping her intubated and sedated. It’s frustrating, because I am so ready to tell her how great she did!
Originally posted at http://wyldraven.dreamwidth.org/558609.html
The surgery was utterly complication free, and could not possibly have gone better. It was long, about seven or so hours. Because of the lateness of the completion time, the decision was made to leave her intubated for the night, and save the stress of extubation for the morning. Thanks to all for your concern, good thoughts, prayers, and workings. I’m beat, and gonna go fall on my face for a few hours in a nearby hotel.
Originally posted at http://wyldraven.dreamwidth.org/558453.html
An Aging Trans Woman 