| |||||||
|
Thursday, November 20th, 2008
Clarifications
Hey folks,
Just wanted to clarify something I wrote yesterday: I misunderstood the nurse yesterday morning -- although they were reducing Mom's sedation, they were not expecting her to wake up or anything like that.
Uncle Cabell and I are waiting to see if we can talk with any of the doctor groups that round in the mornings before visiting hours begin.
I also wanted to provide more information on Mom's situation: she is experiencing sepsis. The summary below is a starting point for understanding sepsis, which I do not claim to understand in depth.
From emedicinehealth.com:
"Sepsis is a condition in which the body is fighting a severe infection that has spread via the bloodstream. If a patient becomes "septic," they will likely be in a state of low blood pressure termed "shock." This condition can develop either as a result of the body's own defense system or from toxic substances made by the infecting agent (such as a bacteria, virus, or fungus)."
So the bacterial pneumonia which Mom experienced first was the precursor to the septic state she is in. Another term for sepsis is SIRS, or systemic inflammatory response syndrome. Treatment for sepsis involves antibiotics to fight the underlying bacterial cause/s as well as supportive therapy, including IV fluids, respiratory support (being on the ventilator), blood pressure support (like the norepinephrine Mom had been on), and other interventions as needed for the kidneys and other organs.
I hope this information can be a starting point for you to look up info online.
Clarifications
Hey folks,
Just wanted to clarify something I wrote yesterday: I misunderstood the nurse yesterday morning -- although they were reducing Mom's sedation, they were not expecting her to wake up or anything like that.
Uncle Cabell and I are waiting to see if we can talk with any of the doctor groups that round in the mornings before visiting hours begin.
I also wanted to provide more information on Mom's situation: she is experiencing sepsis. The summary below is a starting point for understanding sepsis, which I do not claim to understand in depth.
From emedicinehealth.com:
"Sepsis is a condition in which the body is fighting a severe infection that has spread via the bloodstream. If a patient becomes "septic," they will likely be in a state of low blood pressure termed "shock." This condition can develop either as a result of the body's own defense system or from toxic substances made by the infecting agent (such as a bacteria, virus, or fungus)."
So the bacterial pneumonia which Mom experienced first was the precursor to the septic state she is in. Another term for sepsis is SIRS, or systemic inflammatory response syndrome. Treatment for sepsis involves antibiotics to fight the underlying bacterial cause/s as well as supportive therapy, including IV fluids, respiratory support (being on the ventilator), blood pressure support (like the norepinephrine Mom had been on), and other interventions as needed for the kidneys and other organs.
I hope this information can be a starting point for you to look up info online.
6 Comments
1) That's normal-they don't want her to get anxious and "buck" the ventilator (fight it)A suggestion for you-when you think of questions, right them down in a notebook. Sometimes the Doctors come in and out so quickly you forget to ask what you had on your mind.I hope this is a good day for Sandy and she gets stronger. We continue to think of your family and hope she continues to makes steps in conquering this illness.
dannie Thursday, November 20, 2008
dannie Thursday, November 20, 20082) Thanks for the update Emily Michelle Thursday, November 20, 2008
Michelle Thursday, November 20, 20083) Thanks for the updates, Emily. We hope your mom's condition continues to improve. We continue to keep your mom close in thought and prayer. Our love to you and your family. Take care of each other, and hang in there... Eileen Thursday, November 20, 2008
Eileen Thursday, November 20, 20084) Thanks for the clarification, Emily. Sandy is having to fight such a hard battle. I so hope that soon all the meds and support will kick in full force and get the upper hand on all the infection. Much love to you, Merritt, Roger and of course my husband, Cabell. Terry Thursday, November 20, 2008
Terry Thursday, November 20, 20085) Please God, bring Aunt Sandy through this! Brian Thursday, November 20, 2008
Brian Thursday, November 20, 20086) Amen, brother Brian! pegi Thursday, November 20, 2008
pegi Thursday, November 20, 2008Leave a Comment
