Both the acting PCP and the gastroenterologist have been by today. The good news is Tom's white blood cell count is down considerably and his ammonia level is down as well. They still haven't determined the exact source of the infection so although it is frustrating, at least he is getting better. The docs don't seem to think the hernia (a factor in the first hospital stay) is the cause. They did find a bacterial infection in one of the tests so Tom's picked up something from somewhere (kinda strange since he hasn't been that many places lately). He is now off the IV fluids because he is no longer dehydrated. He's still getting some antibiotics via IV. It seems every medication he is taking has a side effect of "extreme tiredness". At times, Tom can hardly keep his eyes open. But he probably needs the rest anyway. We have had lots of interruptions today so his rest has not been continuous.
For your reading pleasure, here is the medical lesson for today: Dating back to Tom's original sepsis infection with "multi-organ failure", the kidneys are functioning normally now but the liver rebound is a much, much slower process. The gastro doc seems to be leaning toward this as a major contributor to the trips to the hospital. The liver does a LOT of things (our favorite CCU nurse told me the phrase should be "I love you with all my liver" because it does more than the heart). If all those things don't/can't get done, many other functions are affected - they don't normally raise the WBC but who knows? One of the things the liver is responsible for is removing toxins in the blood. Since Tom's liver is not 100%, these toxins are building up in his system. During his hospital stays he received medications that helped remove these toxins and he got better. He may have to start a maintenance program of these meds. The nutritionist came by with information about some foods that are higher in toxins (i.e. ammonia) - naturally it's all the "good stuff" and stuff Tom has been eating when he does eat (and stuff I know how to cook - open can & heat). So, that info will be helpful going forward in keeping Tom out of here. The liver is the one organ that can regenerate itself too. Although it's not probable that Tom's will ever be completely 100%, it can improve over time!
While I'm thinking about it, I've probably jumped up on this soapbox before but I'll do it again . . . please consider being an organ donor. There are so many people who can be helped from one donor! I'm pretty sure our Heavenly bodies will not need them.
That leaves the kidney doctor as the one we have yet to see today. Since Tom's kidney function is good, I'm not as anxious for that report (which is just the opposite of the last hospital trip).
On tap for this evening will be a shower for Tom and more Discovery Channel. I am really tired of watching Deadliest Catch and Orange County Choppers. At home Tom got hooked on the DIY network - I like that much better but it's not available here (can't seem to get him hooked on HGTV - which is available). I think I'll grab a movie from home.
See, your prayers are working! THANK YOU!!!
No comments:
Post a Comment