Two Weeks Post-Infection

Two weeks ago today I was driving from dr. to dr. to try to figure out what was going on with our precious little boy...today he's on the road to recovery. It's been a long two weeks, but also a time filled with blessing. If you google "mediastinitis" you'll see what I mean. Almost every reference to this condition mentions "fatal." And that's the official diagnosis for Brandt's infection. So today I am thankful, again, for the great care here at MUSC, but also nervous. I just love Cathy, one of Dr. Bradley's staff, and she spent a long while with me today discussing some of the causes of infection from surgery. Incidentally, blood transfusions also carry this risk, and Brandt did have one of those right after surgery. The infection percentages here are very low, and they constantly work to eliminate them, but again, it just does happen sometimes. She assured me that they rarely to never see a recurrence of the infection after this cleansing, wound vac, and antibiotic treatment. That being said, the plan is for Brandt to be discharged tomorrow. And I am really ready to go home...but.


Today he had a really fussy day again. He seems to have one good day, then one rough day. Hopefully this is all part of the recovery process. I know that all the antibiotics he's on must bother his stomach. He's not eating well, or sleeping well, and it just feels like he's not quite right yet. He developed a rash on his chest and belly last night, and continues to run a low-grade fever between 99 and 100. But his incision looks great, the antibiotics should be taking care of any residual bacteria, and the doctors feel strongly he's back on track. I am probably just being paranoid...


They have increased his BP meds to the maximum dose because during his time here his BP has continued to run high. Apparently this does happen for single ventricle kids, especially after the bi-directional Glenn surgery. But I also think this medicine bothers his stomach. Tomorrow before he goes home they will do blood work to check his kidney toleration for the high dose of meds and his white blood count one more time. He also has to get his sutures out, have a chest x-ray to double check the fluid that showed up earlier this week, and get his RSV shot. So barring any other developments, we will make it home in time for the New Year!!