The C Word – A New Battle Day 6.5 - Setbacks

This disease has so many opportunities for unexpected setbacks.  After major surgeries the risk is higher for sure.  Like the last time, we experienced another setback last night. 

Because of all the fluid loss going on, the night was pretty busy with infusions of potassium (not sure, at least 2) and antibiotics (again, at least 2) as well as a fast IV fluid push.  The gauze that was across his belly was changed a couple of times were so saturated that they would fall off if he stood because they were so heavy.

The doctor came in this morning.  He said that the CT scan did not show any leakages but he is pretty sure that is what is happening.  It would be a fistula (an area where they stitched together pieces his colon).  He says that typically these heal on their own. 

CT scan showed a small pocket of fluid in right cavity.  Also showed some air which tells him there is a leak. 

He is recommending the following “protocol”. 

First, labs showed low numbers so he did a cross match blood sample today in order to get a plasma infusion to bring those numbers up.  Also some Vitamin K to help with clotting.  Up to this point he has been receiving injections to prevent clotting, but prothrombin time (time it takes for blood to clot) is very high so they have to bring that down.  He will re-start TPN for nutrition as his nutrition levels were very low – but he has the gastric tube in place which will keep his belly drained and keep his bowels free from irritation and other drainage. 

He plans on keeping just dressings on the sutures today so that they can keep an eye on drainage.  He will talk to radiologist to see if they observed enough fluid to warrant putting in a drain which would certainly be easier to deal with than a bandage that covers the entire right side of his abdomen.

Basically, the first order of business I to get him stabilized and get his nutrition and body chemistry in better shape.  If a drain is needed, I think that is a small surgery to place it and his levels are too low to handle that. 

Later today or tomorrow morning he is planning on another scan or x-ray to see how things are going. 

While this will most certainly push out our discharge date, we want to be assured that he is in better shape in order to get the most benefit in being home.  I am finding that I am not as flustered about having discharge date moved as I was the last time.  I am not as frustrated. 

I am just feeling so bad for George.  He has just been so miserable the last few months and there is nothing I can do to help him.  This latest turn was so discouraging and scary for both of us.  I sat by his bed in the middle of the night and just wept.  Right now it looks like this journey is taking a heavy toll on him.  I pray that things turn around soon. 

My children have been so wonderfully supportive.  Sending messages and loving notes back and forth. Their support means the world to me.  I know this is hard on them, too.  I am sure it means the world to George too but he is not able to express that right now because it is taking all of his energy just to survive these days.