Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Day 496 - Oct 7, 2009

Early post tonight...

Ok, there are so many variables that affect any decision I make about Kevin's treatment, but after days of thinking about it and a long discussion with the neurosurgeon today, I decided to keep a conservative approach for at least a few more weeks. Truthfully, it could bite me in the butt, but I still think it's the best choice right now.

Because Kevin can't secrete this fluid back into his system (which is actually a good thing as it's (hopefully) keeping the MRSA localized), we are checking back into the hospital in a couple of hours and tomorrow an external drain will be put into his head. This will enable the infected fluid to drain out of his head and into a bag, hopefully ridding us of the infection within a few weeks. Realistically - it may not work at all, it may work for a few weeks or months and finally - it may miraculously take care of it completely (slim odds on this one). After a day or two we will be going back to a hotel (but not this one as it is just too dirty for me to allow an open drain in) and I will maintain the external drain and bag.

The doctor is hoping it will clear the fluid buildup within two weeks, I am not so sure. Although this has nothing to do with his shunt as it is still working fine for the fluid inside of his skull & plate, we know Kevin's 'glands' (or whatever they are called) in his head were severely burned and that's why they aren't working now outside of his skull. I guess I just don't understand how it's going to clear up if it's really a gland problem and not the infection problem? Oh well, I just hope he's right and I'm wrong.

So if it doesn't work - the plate will become infected and then it's a definite removal. I guess I am just prolonging what is a probable outcome in the hopes that the antibiotics work. Time is seriously going to tell on this one.

I don't know if I will have internet or not over at the hospital this time, but hopefully I will. If not, just know I will catch y'all up as soon as I can.

10 comments:

i. said...

fingers crossed!

Lorraine said...

Thanks for the up date thoughts and prayers are with Kevin. Take care. Love ya, Rick & Lorraine

Anonymous said...

Leslie,

You know at this point you will always second guess yourself with the difficult decisions. It's great news that the neurosurgeon believes this is localized and this drain could rid him of MRSA! We'll all be praying (just like always) for Kevin's and yours strength to get through another bump in the road but you guys can and will do it!

Alison said...

Praying that the infection clears up and that the surgery to put the drain in goes well tomorrow. Keeping fingers crossed that this is the answer that will solve the problem.

Please, let this work...keeping the faith. :)

Long-time RN said...

Thanks for updating. We'll be praying for the drain and meds do the trick and get rid of MRSA. Hope you guys get a clean hotel as well. Cripes. Stay strong, Leslie.

Miss Em said...

Hi Leslie,

You have all the info. You have listened to the expert. You'll do your best in the dicissions on procedures as each on comes up.

You have been in the biggest learning process in your life and so far each and every dicission has be right. When one begins to second guess themselves that's usually when the trouble begins.

Listen to all of the info from the expert. Take time to digest it [if you have it] and go with what YOU believe is right.

Kevin has the best advocate in his corner....YOU.
AND we all know it.

Stay Strong....Air Borne Strong.

Miss Em
Austell, Ga.

Anonymous said...

Prayers being sent...
A.

sherri said...

My thoughts and prayers are with you,Kevin, and Breezy as always.
Love you all.

Tracey from Pgh. said...

Prayers for the fluid to clear up and strength for you and the kids.

Jessica said...

I'm praying that Kevin will fight this infection and you won't have to make that decision! My thoughts are with you. God bless and take care.