Wednesday, October 05, 2005

MORE TESTS

The past two days have been...well, quite honestly, I cannot think of an appropriate word. Perhaps terrifying, nervewracking, numbing...those are a few that come to mind.

Max finally became calm after more sedation yesterday around noon. It had been over 15 hours of horrible agitation. Since then he has been EXTREMELY calm...sleeping for the past 24 hours, which has additionally worried the doctors. He has had multiple blood draws, which show no infection as of yet. But they are definitely worried about this and have more draws scheduled throughout today. According to his chest xrays and other indicators, he definitely does have pneumonia and they say we can expect him to get worse before he gets better. As far as his heart, which has also been an issue this week, he had several EKGs yesterday because his heart rate was very low for him (70s - 90s all day) and his bradychardia was certainly worrisome.

They are going to run some more tests today, including a CT scan and an LP (spinal tap). The scan is worrisome but I am trying to remain optimistic, I really don't think we will find anything wrong there. But what they are questioning is, is there a blood issue in the brain, is there a chance of a stroke...all which are very serious of course, but my gut tells me that is not what it is. They are considering these options because of the sporadic temperature changes (he went from very high to now quite low) and the abnormal heart rate and his overall presence.

I'll be honest, he just doesn't look very good...at all. As we discussed in rounds this morning, it's quite simple...he doesn't look like himself. This is not the usual Maxwell. And that is the biggest indicator that something is wrong.

We have a care conference scheduled for this afternoon. I'll keep you posted...and your assignment is to keeping sending prayers and warm thoughts his way.

1 comment:

rebecca said...

I will get on my assignment right now and send you guys tons and tons of prayers and good thoughts. Thanks you for taking the time to keep us up to date. Wish I could give these to you in person, here are a bunch of hugs and kisses!!!!!!!!!!

Rebecca