10/8: Got an Infection in the Hospital!
If the decadron, thrush, rashes, not eating, jaw problems, etc., weren't enough, Leo got an infection at Lutheran General Hospital. If the infection part sounds familiar, it should. This is the same infection he got on July 7, just before we were meant to go Houston. So now, in addition to diflucan and nystatin for thrush, decadron, protonix, the occasional pain killer, and eletrolytes, Leo is getting 2 antibiotics. They're on the strong and broad side, but he should go to 1 antibiotic by the time he goes home. But wait, there's more.
Leo's sodium and albumin (protein) are too low and he seems to be retaining water. They think this is in part caused by the infection; that's probably true, but there's that other little drug that is probably involved. Anyway, protonix just finished and Leo is now getting his first (and hopefully only) dose of albumin. Their theory is that the albumin will create conditions in the blood that, by osmosis, will cause water to enter from the tissue, reducing the swelling and water retention. Then immediately after the albumin, they will give him lasix, a diuretic, to make him pee out all the water in his blood.
So this tragedy of problems has caused me to rant and rave at every medical person that walks into Leo's room. No one is immune, not even the nurses' aides that take Leo's blood pressure. Supposedly the charge nurse left a voicemail for an associate director of something or other to stop by tonight, after she gets in at 11pm. Tomorrow, though, is Columbus Day and I have the day off. I will be spending all day looking for Bruce Campbell, President of Lutheran General Hospital. First, I need the 3 C's in each of the doctors that sees and/or treats Leo: competent, caring, and compassionate. Second, I need an endocrinologist that understands Leo's condition in light of decadron and is willing to follow him. Third, it would be nice if one of the oncologists, even Dr. Goodell (the famous author), would consult with us -- we don't want his treatments or opinions, just his knowledge and experience. Fourth, for a child in Leo's condition to get an infection in the hospital is completely unacceptable.
It's been a long, frustrating, blood-boiling day. G-d willing tomorrow will be just a little bit better.
Leo's sodium and albumin (protein) are too low and he seems to be retaining water. They think this is in part caused by the infection; that's probably true, but there's that other little drug that is probably involved. Anyway, protonix just finished and Leo is now getting his first (and hopefully only) dose of albumin. Their theory is that the albumin will create conditions in the blood that, by osmosis, will cause water to enter from the tissue, reducing the swelling and water retention. Then immediately after the albumin, they will give him lasix, a diuretic, to make him pee out all the water in his blood.
So this tragedy of problems has caused me to rant and rave at every medical person that walks into Leo's room. No one is immune, not even the nurses' aides that take Leo's blood pressure. Supposedly the charge nurse left a voicemail for an associate director of something or other to stop by tonight, after she gets in at 11pm. Tomorrow, though, is Columbus Day and I have the day off. I will be spending all day looking for Bruce Campbell, President of Lutheran General Hospital. First, I need the 3 C's in each of the doctors that sees and/or treats Leo: competent, caring, and compassionate. Second, I need an endocrinologist that understands Leo's condition in light of decadron and is willing to follow him. Third, it would be nice if one of the oncologists, even Dr. Goodell (the famous author), would consult with us -- we don't want his treatments or opinions, just his knowledge and experience. Fourth, for a child in Leo's condition to get an infection in the hospital is completely unacceptable.
It's been a long, frustrating, blood-boiling day. G-d willing tomorrow will be just a little bit better.
posted by Yury at 9:24 PM
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