Wednesday, March 18, 2009

3/18/09 - Still at RGH

Alyssa did make a trip to the operating room today; but not for her planned peritoneal surgery. Due to ongoing fears that her Permcath catheter had become infected, it was removed and a new one inserted. High fevers and intermittent bleeding around the entry point of the catheter, made it an easy decision to replace it. As Dr. Kouides put it, "catheters are the bane of the medical world." They are very necessary to facilitate such procedures as hemodialysis and plasmapheresis, but the fear of infection always hangs over the patients head. The use of the Permcath is usually a short term solution (makes you wonder why they named it "Perm"cath) with the use of a fistula or peritoneal access a safer long term option. Hopefully Alyssa will not need to use the Permcath within a month after her peritoneal surgery is performed, but she does still need one for the time being.

The surgery went well and she is recovering nicely at RGH. They want to keep her for at least one more night to continue monitoring her BP, fever and vomiting issues. There is definitely an infection in her body; but whether it's due to the catheter, a bronchial infection, stomach disorder or some unidentified cause has yet to be determined. She has a very nice private room and excellent care, so we are all comfortable with her staying as long as it takes to get her current issues under control.

Tuesday was a long day followed by a sleepless night, and another busy day today, so I'm going to retire early.
dd

4 comments:

  1. Hi Alyssa,

    I know for a fact that many people like myself who know your mom and/or dad, whom you've never met are reading your blog in silent admiration of your strength and determination to get well. Actually, I met you in Wegman's once with your mom a year or so ago, and you may have a little stuffed lamb somewhere that I gave your mom to pass on to you recently. I am Lori N's "sister-in-law" and I have a daughter Samantha who is 19.... so I read your blog all the time to see how you are, and to marvel at how well you are handling this very unfair turn of events in your life. You are a very strong young lady, and if there are days you don't feel so strong, you have a wonderful, loving family to be strong for you. I don't pray much but I've said more than a few for you honey. And I loved your video! Better days are coming for you, you just keep fighting.
    Debbie N.

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  2. Im so sorry to hear about this setback. I hope that you make a quick recovery! I check up on your blog every couple days and was shocked and saddened to see that you were back in the hospital. But you are by far the strongest person I have ever met so you will definitely get through this. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Thanks for keeping us updated.

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  3. Hello Alyssa! We are so sorry to hear about your infection and return to the hospital. I hope that things are going better today. I am in FL with Grandma, as Dave said about the hospital wifi, when the wind is just right and the stars are aligned, we are able to get a signal long enough to get to the blog. I played the video for her earlier today and she read all the MArch updates. Better than that, aunt Nettie has been keeping her apprised of the updates as soon as they are posted.

    Take care, we are so proud of you!!

    Donna, Kevin and Grandma D.

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  4. Lyssa I wish I could be there with you while you go through this. I don't even know what else to say except that I love you and try to keep your head up, I know it must be so hard but I have seen you at some pretty rough times and not once did you complain or feel sorry for yourself. That right there is the reason why I know you are in the process of kicking this stupid thing in the butt and soon you will be on the other side helping people with their sicknesses and telling them that they can get better because you did it too! I don't know if I am making any sense but I just want you to feel better, maybe its good that you are in the hospital because you have all of the doctors around you to help you get better faster! Plus you are like a celebrity there I'm sure everyone is raving about how strong that amazing alyssa girl is. I love you so much you are my little inspiration. I think we all wish we could be half as strong as you have been. Keep staying positiveeee and know that sooooooooooo many people love you and think about you every day<3<3<3<3<3<3<3

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