Wednesday, March 1st
Will is doing ok.
Yesterday a cardiac surgical fellow took out Will's remaining chest tube and put in another one because his tube was leaky around the site and it didn't efficiently remove the excess fluid in his chest cavity. Unfortunately, when he did this procedure, he made a contusion on one of Will's lungs causing him to have a lot of bloody secretions come out of his trach. This should heal in time.
Unfortunately, Will's new chest tube kinked up, and it too was only removing a small portion of the fluid in his chest. Since the fluid had no place to go, it came out of the top part of Will's chest incision. In just 5 minutes after doing a dressing change, it was completely saturated. Fluid was leaking out and soaking his trach ties and bedding. Poor little guy!
So, early this afternoon another surgical fellow fixed the chest tube and put in another chest tube on his other side to help with removing the fluid. So far, it looks like the new tubes are working like they should.
They also decided this afternoon to address his IV access issue. Yesterday, the docs ordered a vascular ultrasound of his inferior vena cava and femoral veins to see if the clots discovered at Vandy were still there. If the docs were to insert a line in his groin with the clots still there, it could be catastrophic. But thankfully, they didn't see the clots at the location of where a line would be put in (but it is possible that the clots are higher up), so this afternoon they are putting in a femoral line.
Since Will had all of this excess fluid in his chest, it has been very difficult for his lungs to ventilate properly. His lungs are wet and he has quite a bit of effusion (fluid around the outside of the lungs). So, his ventilator rate is still at 30, and his oxygen had to be turned up to 60%. Hopefully, this will be turned down shortly once the new chest tubes are able to remove the fluid so he can breathe better.
Yesterday a cardiac surgical fellow took out Will's remaining chest tube and put in another one because his tube was leaky around the site and it didn't efficiently remove the excess fluid in his chest cavity. Unfortunately, when he did this procedure, he made a contusion on one of Will's lungs causing him to have a lot of bloody secretions come out of his trach. This should heal in time.
Unfortunately, Will's new chest tube kinked up, and it too was only removing a small portion of the fluid in his chest. Since the fluid had no place to go, it came out of the top part of Will's chest incision. In just 5 minutes after doing a dressing change, it was completely saturated. Fluid was leaking out and soaking his trach ties and bedding. Poor little guy!
So, early this afternoon another surgical fellow fixed the chest tube and put in another chest tube on his other side to help with removing the fluid. So far, it looks like the new tubes are working like they should.
They also decided this afternoon to address his IV access issue. Yesterday, the docs ordered a vascular ultrasound of his inferior vena cava and femoral veins to see if the clots discovered at Vandy were still there. If the docs were to insert a line in his groin with the clots still there, it could be catastrophic. But thankfully, they didn't see the clots at the location of where a line would be put in (but it is possible that the clots are higher up), so this afternoon they are putting in a femoral line.
Since Will had all of this excess fluid in his chest, it has been very difficult for his lungs to ventilate properly. His lungs are wet and he has quite a bit of effusion (fluid around the outside of the lungs). So, his ventilator rate is still at 30, and his oxygen had to be turned up to 60%. Hopefully, this will be turned down shortly once the new chest tubes are able to remove the fluid so he can breathe better.
posted by Stephanie Burns @ 1:52 PM
4 Comments:
At 2:41 PM,
Anonymous said…
It seems that Will is having to overcome a lot. If something can have a problem, then it does. Everything will be okay Stephanie, just keep your chin up and keep your spirits high. It will be worth it in the end. We love you and will continue to pray for a speedy healing process so that you and Will can come home! Love,
Daddy and Granny Pat
At 3:26 PM,
Jay said…
What a day and half you guys have had! I must say, I am amazed at what a fantastic medical team is taking care of Will -- and your understanding of all they're doing, Stephanie. This is all happening for a reason. Like your dad said, it will be worth it in the end. God's love and grace are manifesting themselves around you. Never lose heart. We love you all so much.
Uncle Jay
At 5:32 PM,
Anonymous said…
More prayers were offered at Church this afternoon by so many of our friends who have, and are holding, Will's problems up to God on a constant vigil..all around the Memphis!!!
GGD and GGM Perdue
At 7:38 PM,
Anonymous said…
It was good to hear from Josh this afternoon and to come home and see this latest update on how everything is going. Stella is doing fine- didn't even stay with me the whole time I was there like before! Your apartment manager was very nice and expressed that lots of people around there are praying for Will, too.
Teresa's church has been praying for you all along, but she told me yesterday that she had them put your blogsite in their church bulletin, so everyone can know more than just a name. This blog is such a wonderful way of helping other people visualize who they are praying for!
Keep up the great work and keep hugging each other and kissing our sweet Will!
I love you!
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