Tough Day

Well, today was a tough day to say the least. So much to report about that I just don't know where to start. And I am way too tired to stay up and write about it all in one post.

So, I'll just start and pick up later, when I can. But first, let me say that Harlie is fine now.

However, about 10 minutes into surgery, Harlie coded and went into cardiac arrest. Maybe that sentence is redundant, but, this is new territory for me. Her blood pressure dropped and dropped and then went to nothing. And they started chest compressions. The cardiac anesthesiologist said that chest compressions are difficult on her physiology (see this post for more info) so he was glad they got her back.

I'll say.

What they are suspecting is that when the surgeon went to debride the wound, it sent toxins/bacteria from the infected area into her blood stream, and into her heart. While a normal, healthy heart could tolerate it, one with her heart complications could not.

They gave her all the drugs you would hear in any medical tv drama (epinephrine and some other ones I can't remember right now). And they got her stable again.

It turns out that part of the bone graft (harvested from her skull) became infected and essentially died. So, he had to remove that portion of the graft. Luckily, it wasn't the entire graft. But, I can't imagine this bodes well for the graft that remains. I'm guessing it won't break any records in good growth. So, that's very unfortunate.

Infectious Disease was called and they are keeping tabs on her. They took bone, blood and tissue cultures to see what bacteria we are dealing with. But until then, she is on two very strong IV antibiotics. Unfortunately, they are so strong that they are very hard on the veins and it looks like she might be getting a PICC line. The good thing is that she can come home with a PICC line, and then our nurses can give her the IV meds and she'll be at home and much happier.

As far as when that will be, we have no idea. I know that they want the cultures to come back so they know they are giving her the right meds to fight that particular bacteria. And cultures take time to grow. So, I'm guessing it will be a couple of days.

The good news is that she is resting "comfortably" in the PICU, with nurses that know her from her previous stay. She is one amazing little girl. Even after a day like today, and a Fentanyl drip (meaning she is sleeping with her eyes closed), she is still swatting at anyone who gets too close. You just gotta love that fighting spirit! And luckily everyone here recognizes that and appreciates it.

Well, I really need to get some sleep now. Wednesday night I couldn't go to sleep so I ended up only getting about 3 hours. And today was a very long, exhausting day. I do have more to tell you, but stay tuned, and I promise I'll give you all the details as I can.

Thank you so much for all your thoughts and prayers.
~Christy