Day 42 in CHOC PICU, Orange, California
Dear Friends,
Yesterday afternoon around 2:45 p.m., a group of 7 specialists (neurologist, cardiologist, hematologist, Director of PICU, social worker, case manager, and nurse) sat down with Michael and Marlene to go over some Q & A. According to Marlene, the answers and time line were satisfactory.
Melissa is trying to wake up today. Her eye lids are extremely heavy but she is trying to wake up. The medication is a very heavy dosage and therefore, is taking a longer period of time to wake up.
1. Seizures are affecting the right side of the brain which includes speech, learning and physical capacity. The extent of the potential impairment is uncertain until Melissa is able to respond. Seizures can be controlled by medication.
2. The cardiologist was rather surprised that Melissa's heart is relatively stable given the tremendous pressure of the past several weeks. The heart valve damaged by the endocarditis still needs to be replaced in due time. Currently, the timetable is at least 3 months to allow the heart to stabilize. This is the most optimistic time frame for the heart valve replacement. Further questions concern the ability of the heart and the brain to coordinate functions. In other words, can the brain tell the heart what to do?
3. The Director of PICU wants Melissa to be off the ventilation machine. The tracheotomy will be kept open for near future access. A humidifier will be added in order to moisten the air intake.
4. Currently, NG (nasal gastro...) is implemented for her feeding tube. In due time, she will need a simple operation called gastronomy which includes placing the feeding tube near the stomach. There is no time urgency or pressure for this. Given the lack of coagulation, this procedure will be put off until it is absolutely necessary.
5. The hematologist states the platelet count is abnormal, causing the inability of her blood to clot. Therefore, any unnecessary procedures will be placed on hold.
6. Around 10:00 p.m. last night, Melissa had been totally taken off Pentobarbital. Because of the heavy dosage, some adjustment symptoms are visible, such as fever 38.5 C (101.3 F), increase in brain pressure (went from 4 to 11), some diarrhea, and slight shivering. Pain relief medicine is being used to counter.
Please pray for smooth transition from total withdrawal of Pentobarbital.
In Him,
Michael
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