Monday, August 18, 2008

In a Holding Pattern....

So much to tell....
First, Elaina is still having her fevers. She's between 102 - 104 on a consistent basis. SO, it was decided today that her broviac is the most likely source of these fevers. Since it's the only "foreign" object in her body (not counting the feeding tube!), the general consensus today was that her body was fighting it and it needed to go. On a quick side note, little stinker bug decided today that she was going to make life more difficult for everyone and she pulled her NJ tube out. They were able to get it back in, but she kept trying for the rest of the day to get it back out. I'm gonna have to keep my eyes on her and socks on her hands!! Anyway, back to the broviac..... We ended up taking a trip downstairs to fluoroscopy where the offending line was removed. They let me stay in, behind the glass due to the radiation, and I was able to watch the 'real time x-ray' as they removed the line. Elaina got some sedation, and they inserted a small guide wire into the line. There was a small balloon holding the line in place, so they had to make a small incision to get it out. It took less than half an hour. On the upside, we were able to get a peripheral IV into her so that we can continue giving her the good antibiotics. Oh! and get this! They got the IV into her LEFT FOOT!!! ON THE FIRST POKE!!!! This is the foot that was so purple, attached to the leg that was so dusky, that they were talking to me about amputation! I forgot to tell the IV team not to touch that leg, and then they poked, and I thought, "oh no, they're not going to get an IV there...." but I didn't want to say anything, just in case it worked (I was praying that she didn't have to have ump-teen-million pokes for a single IV), because I knew that if I said something they would pull it out and poke her somewhere else before they even tried to flush the silly thing. Anyway, I was VERY pleased that we were able to get IV access, on the first try no less! So now the plan is to watch her and see how she does. If her fevers go down (hopefully they go away) we will be home by dinner time on Tuesday. If she still has fevers, we will continue to watch her and give her the IV antibiotics for another day or so, but we are definitely the closest we've ever been to getting home. I even went to the grocery store tonight and stocked my fridge with good things to eat and easy things for Ben to grab for himself when he's hungry. We're getting so close.....Keep praying us home!!!
Thank you all SO much!!!!

9 comments:

Melynda said...

I'm so happy she got the broviac pulled!!! And that things are going well! I'm so excited for you. :) We're praying for you.

Heart hugs

Melynda and Mariska

Unknown said...

What an uplifting post this was. You guys are so close to going home! I'm so glad they got the broviac line out and amazed that they got an IV in that leg...and on the first try!! WOW!

Praying are going strong here in Arizona.

Much love,

Vanessa

The Portas said...

Praying praying praying....praying so hard!!!

Tina:0) said...

We're on that praying band wagon! How great that they were able to get the broviac out fairly easily & a peripheral line in!! Thank God for only one poke!

Praying that she continues to do well & you're home soon!

Melissa said...

Fever, fever, go away.....I hope she is doing better today and keeping my fingers crossed that you can head home! Wouldn't that be wonderful!!!
Melissa

Kathy said...

Gosh Elaina...It's time to go home now. We know that you love all this extra attention...but, your brother is ready to smoochy moochy all over you..so, shape up..tell that fever to go away, and let mom pack up all your toys!
We'll continue to pray for you guys...
Love,
Kathy

Marimoy said...

Poor thing hates the tubes! I hope all went well. Waiting to hear the update!

Sherri said...

YEAH! I hope things continue to improve!!

Anonymous said...

Hey, I think I figured out how to do this...stop laughing...haha Just kidding. I am glad that you got a quiet room. I'll see you tonight! Angie