Friday, July 16, 2010

Post-Op Day 3 Update

So, Harlie is still febrile and miserable.  I was told that she hardly slept throughout the night.  Just little cat naps here and there.  That tells me that she just doesn't feel good, or hurts.  Or maybe all the drugs and medications are messing with her.  I don't know.  The good thing is that she seems a bit more restful today - but only a bit. 

When they rounded on her this am they said they wanted her sitting up and/or walking.  They want to get her to take deeper breaths.  They are assuming she's splinting, which means that she's taking shallow breaths to avoid the chest pain that probably comes with breathing deeply.  And that's not good for getting stuff out of  your lungs.  She's on a lot of oxygen.  When we moved the chair next to her bed so she could sit on my lap, they had to disconnect her trach collar for a minute.  Her sats went from the 80s to 51!!!  And that is NOT good. 

And it was hours into the morning before she coughed for the first time since I arrived.  When the nurse suctioned her it was terribly thick and red and brown.   So, I think it's pretty safe to say that's where the infection could be brewing.  Oh, and her white blood count has risen to 29 (supposed to be somewhere around 5-10) and a little high is normal post-op.  So they have put her on an additional breathing treatment, called Tobramycin. 

They want to start her on another antibiotic, Cephalexan. But, that is the one that we thought caused her months of hives December through January.  The doc attending said that months of hives, in his opinion, is not an allergic reaction to a drug.  I told him we went around and around with this months ago, and it was the only thing she had gotten different.  However, if that med is the best to treat what she's got brewing, then I was agreeable to trying it again to see what happens.  Hives vs. infection - I'll take hives, thank you.  At least they are somewhat treatable (in most cases).  And Zyrtec worked for her last time.  So, he called infectious disease and they are supposed to come and talk to me I guess. 

The cardiovascular (CV) surgeon fellows came to pull one of her atrium lines.  There are two - one in her left atrium (LA) and one in her right atrium (RA).  They are like an IV in that they can pull blood out and deliver meds, etc.  I think I have that right.  Anyway, they tried to take one out, but it is stuck.  So, they had to call the CV surgeon attending to come and try (as of 2:15pm he hasn't been by).  They don't want it to snap (break), leaving the line in on the inside of her heart.  Although, I think if that were to happen, her heart cath doc would have to go and fish it out.  The CV fellow said that since it is still working, means it is still in her atrium, which makes it more dangerous if it snaps.  I must have had a worried look on my face, because he was very sincere and told me that they would take care of it and that I shouldn't worry.  So, good.  I'm not going to worry.  And I'm not being sarcastic.  I'm really no longer worried.  You don't have to tell me twice. 

As far as her fever goes, they put some cooling pad thing under Harlie and she has to lay on it, which is probably not very comfortable.  But it is hooked up to a machine that makes the pad cold and monitors her temp.  It has been off and on all day. 

Oh, and they changed her dressing over her incision, and she barely fought.  Which is a real indication of how crummy she must feel.  She is a fighter, that girl.  But, today she's fighting on the inside.  Which is what is needed right now. 

So, needless to say, she will stay in the CICU for a little longer. 

That's it for now.  Thanks for continuing to keep Harlie in your thoughts and prayers!
~Christy

13 comments:

Allie said...

Fighting on the inside. You said it.
I'm thinking about you and Harlie every second and so appreciate the updates. Text or call me if you need anything.

Susan said...

Oh dear, I'm sorry to hear things could be going better. Hang in there. (((((HUGS!)))))

Lindsay said...

So sorry to hear it's been a tough day! She's one tough little girl - as are you, btw. Hoping the new meds help and she can rest easily. Thinking of all of you often. XO

Anonymous said...

Hope the meds and the cold pad work and Harlie is feeling better soon. She is such a fighter.

I'm keeping you all in my thoughts.

Lisa B
Hampshire, UK

B-Mama said...

Hang in there, friend. Harlie IS such a toughie and is continuing the fight. You all are an amazing team--keep it up!! I love that you're listening when they tell you not to worry. Good girl! Tons of thoughts and prayers...

Kristen said...

Poor Harlie! And poor you, who has to watch her feeling so crummy! Here's to hoping that the infection is gone soon and she starts to feel much better!

Thinking of you all so much!

Ann said...

Ugh! Hope that getting Harlie up and moving gets her lungs cleared out.

Hugs.

Unknown said...

Do hope Harlie is feeling better this afternoon. Hope she has a better night tonight than last night. All rested and full of spunk for tomorrow. Harlie and family are in our thoughts and prayers. Ann from California

Tanya said...

Prayers for Harlie and for you. Hope tomorrow is a better day.

ANewKindOfPerfect said...

Harlie, I sure hope you feel better soon! You gotta get that crud out of your lungs. I'm sure it doesn't feel good to cough, but it'll definately help you.

Hang in there Mom. It is insane sitting and watching our little ones when they aren't doing well. Like you said, she IS fighting on the inside. It will show up on the outside soon!

heather said...

so sorry that it's turning out to be tougher then we all wanted. I know she's a fighter and will give this everything she's got. . which we know by know is ALOT! thinking about you constantly wishing you two were home and feeling better. xxoo

Anonymous said...

Our prayers are with all of you but especially our little Harlie. She will fight through all this. Pittsburgh is praying for you babe. Love Sue

Anonymous said...

You and Harlie are close in our hearts and much in our prayers. Folks at work have put her on many prayer lists and stop by my desk for updates. Your blog is the first thing we check in the morning amd the last at night. Be surounded by grace and healing sweet little girl .

Alex's MeMe & PaPa

Heart Update

Hi. Here's another thing that's been on my mind - Harlie's heart. l think I'm just going to think out loud and hopefully it&...