Update from Bobbi re: Chris via CaringBridge - THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2009 05:47 PM, CDT

[Guest guest]

We had another LONG day! Chris's blood pressure is still low so they had us go to the outpatient part of the transplant unit so he could get some IV fluids. His veins are so shot it took about an hour to get one going. They even called in the line care team and it took them 3 tries! They ended up giving him 2 liters and now he thinks it's too much. Ugh! They also increased the Mitodrine from 5 mg three times a day to 10 mg three times a day. Hopefully it'll help.

Dr. Fridell pulled off the gauze that was over the spot on his incision that had been draining. The good news is the fluid from the ascites seems to be gone. That 'bad' news is the stuff that was on the gauze was NASTY! It was brownish and sort of creamy. Dr. Fridell said it looked a little infected. He removed about 3 staples and inserted this Iodoform packing strip into his belly. He doesn't want the skin to close up while there's still stuff in there trying to come out and he said it will act like a wick and pull it out. The really bad news is, I have to pack him twice a day. Glad I don't really have a weak stomach! I'm not very excited about this though. I'm just not crazy about the idea of shoving some cloth inside my husband's incision! Oh the things we do for love! LOL

Over all he's doing pretty well though. I noticed this morning that he actually has a few freckles on his forehead. I never knew he had freckles! But then again I don't think I've ever seen him the color he is now. His eyes are completely white, not a hint of yellow anywhere!

Hopefully if we can get this blood pressure issue resolved he'll get up and around a little more. Thanks for all of the thoughts and prayers!

 

 To send a message to  Bobbi and family goto; http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/chriscantrell

 password: christopher