It's been a very strange and long day...after 12 long hours in the ER, Alyssa was admitted tonight to Rochester General Hospital. We aren't exactly sure what the source of this setback is, which explains why we are staying here tonight. So how did we get to this point?
Like many Rochester families, the Deffs have all been battling cold and flu symptoms. Alyssa was the last to finally fall. She has had both a cough and low grade fever since last Friday. Today during dialysis, she took a turn for the worse. Her fever went to 102+, her cough took on a decidedly new tone, and, of course, her blood pressure took off again - 190/120. A fever in excess of 100 degrees is a very big concern for patients with catheters as they often are indicative of an infection in the line. Blood pressure readings in the range of today's were what caused Alyssa's seizures in January.
Taking a proactive stance, her doctor put her on vancomycin, a very strong antibiotic. Well, with Alyssa being Alyssa, she of course had an infusion reaction to the drug called red man syndrome. Her neck, face and back became, well, red and she starting itching all over.
High BP & fever & an infusion reaction...the next thing we know, we are in an ambulance on the way to RGH. It was, as Yogi Berra said, "deja vu all over again" as we retraced our steps of January 29th. Thankfully there were no seizures this time. We are also thankful that Alyssa qualified to be taken into the pediatric emergency room where she went right into a treatment room. The wait for the regular ER was at least four hours. We are also very thankful that the doctor that originally treated her in January was on duty today and immediately began treating Alyssa. She received another antibiotic, gentamycin and initially responded favorably. But within an hour her temperature again went past 102 degrees and her oxygen level dropped below 90 so it was decided that she should be admitted until they figure out what is causing all of this. If it is the catheter, the current one will be pulled out and a new one inserted. If it's a viral infection, we'll just have to wait it out.
Of course this means that her peritoneal surgery, scheduled for Wednesday, was postponed until next Wednesday at the earliest.
We hope that this is just a small setback in Alyssa's struggle to regain some normalcy in her life.
Alyssa had been concerned that her blog was losing some readers, as the updates haven't had much zing lately. I guess this shows that she will do anything to bring her readers back on board :=)
dd
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Hey there Alyssa-- you dont have to go back into the hospital for us to check the blog. LOL. I figure no news is good news. I still check everyday. I hope that this is just a little bleep in your recovery and you can go home again soon. We are all thinking of you.
ReplyDeleteYvonne
Alyssa, Alyssa, Alyssa...there are better ways to get our attention, young lady!! LOL Please know that you have always been in my thoughts, and those of my boyfriend Joe and my stepmom and Dad (Gene & Pat) as they always ask me how you are doing. We are sorry to hear of your latest trip to RGH. Stay strong...you can, and will, beat whatever this illness is!! ~Debbie Garbutt
ReplyDeleteAlyssa and Family, Sorry to hear about your setback. We still check the Blog every day and appreciate the updates. Hopefully, if it is the Catheter, they get the infection taken care of quickly or if it is the Flu, you feel better soon. Love Debbie, Scott, Sara and Lisa
ReplyDeleteHey there Alyss- get better soon! Im surprised to read the red man syndrome (something you learn in school) but Ive only seen once! You def are an exception!! Hope RGH will be a quick stay! We are thinking of you!!
ReplyDeleteHi Alyssa, sorry to hear your back in rgh. I read the blogs every time dad posts. I hope you liked your little gift. Take care sweetie hope you feel better soon, Jackie (Brittanys mom)
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