Quick Turns

I have often heard the expression about things turning on a dime, today I saw an example of this up close and personal. Yesterday evening at this time Cathy's primary worries were about getting used to her new location. Tonight we are worrying about infections and blood gas levels again. Since there is now a concern for an infection, if a lung were to come available for Cathy, she could not take it. They will not perform a transplant if there is any hint of an infection. There is also a concern for Cathy being on the ventilator. Every moment she is on it, her body becomes more dependant upon it. Cathy will have to be weened off the ventilator all over again (the thought makes my stomach turn). Being ventilator dependant also effects the surgeon's willingness to perform the transplant.

A few moments ago the nurse informed us that the pulmonologist here at St Johns has OK'd Cathy to be transferred back to UCLA. Earlier today he felt that she was not stable enough for the move back. I am holding on to this as the "up" for the day. Her return trip will be by helicopter. I think the doctors here are trying to blame the possible infection and even the mucous block on the care given during the ambulance ride up to Oxnard from UCLA. Also, since Cathy is now an acute care patient again, there is a greater sense of urgency to minimize the transit time.

Tonight Cathy is in good spirits considering the events of the past 24 hours. She is still running a low grade fever, fighting her headaches and a little of the nausea.

Ya think during the next 24 hours we can turn back on that dime?