1.18.22 Trach Floor 83

Ed’s post

Well today actually started last night when Aimee’s temperature dropped down below 35 degrees Celsius. Given her other signs of sleepiness and increased secretions over the last couple of days, the team did a full work up on her, including urine, blood cultures, and a mucus sample. The last blood draw was completed around 2 am, at which time Rosa and I went to sleep (Rosa was with us via FaceTime). By 4:30 am they had ordered a IV antibiotic, because a culture grew from the mucus sample indicating Tracheitis. 😣

Of course the elephant in the room is, does this now mean we have to push back yet again our central line placement? It can’t right!?! This has already been so long and so hard. It was discussed at rounds this morning, which lead me to ask to talk with our MCC and Palliative teams. Rosa and I (Rosa on the phone) were able to meet with them today. After talking about the risk and options, MCC is going to pursue General Surgery to reconsider their requirements knowing that getting Aimee picture perfect right now is near impossible. Our other option would be to have Intervention Radiology place a new larger single lumen PICC line to replace the double lumen PICC she has right now. The second option is not great, but if we truly have to wait two weeks after Aimee’s last oxygen requirement increase, we could be here for months. 

The infection is growing a bit differently than the previous two Tracheitis, but still too soon to tell exactly what it is. This afternoon she needed additional cough assist treatments and ultimately we had to add oxygen. This, plus her lung sounds, prompted the team to order a chest X-ray. It did show some pneumonia. This would explain some of the increased support she has needed. Overall she is still sleepy, but has been comfortable.