Negative Cultures

Cathy was able to spend a few hours on a trach collar today. This evening she is back on the ventilator in a pressure support mode.

An infectious disease doctor stopped by this evening and spoke with us for a few moments. So far, the cultures taken since Cathy has been here in St Johns are negative. However, he said that they do not normally test for the exotic things like they test for at UCLA. Unfortunately, the para influenza virus, aspargillis fungus, and some of the bacteria that Cathy has tested positive for in the past are included in what this doctor classifies as exotic. So, for now all we can say is that Cathy is negative for all the common ailments.

The doctors here have been communicating with the transplant team at UCLA. Although the cultures have been negative, there is still a high level of concern because Cathy's white cell count is down. Unfortunately, a few of the medications recommended by the transplant are not immediately available here at St Johns. The doctors have to make special requests through their system. I sense that they are stalling on doing this in anticipation that Cathy will be leaving at any moment.

Still no bed available at UCLA. Although it is possible, it is unlikely that a bed will open up over the weekend.