A Simple Procedure

It took the surgeon about 5 minutes to place the G tube in Cathy's stomach. A little over 50 hours later, Cathy has still not recovered. The nausea is preventing her from taking any food by mouth. This morning she 'returned' the feeding she was given through the G tube. The pain has subsided a little bit, but is still preventing Cathy from giving a good cough. If Cathy cannot cough strong enough, she develops mucous blocks in her trachea. The nurses and respiratory therapist have been asked not to suction Cathy unless it is absolutely necessary. They want the trauma at the back of Cathy's trachea, that was caused by aggressive suctioning, to heal. Cathy's care during the last day and a half has been a delicate balancing act between pain, nausea, nutritional and breathing management.

On an up-note: Several doctors from the transplant team and medical team have all commented that any time a patient has a procedure, it is expected that they will have a set-back on their recovery. Additionally, Dr Saggar (no, not the brother, Cathy's transplant physician) said that he feels Cathy is ready for a transplant and she should be relisted after this Thursday's committee meeting. Additionally, he feels it is best if Cathy stays in the hospital here until she receives her transplant. (We had been hearing rumblings again about moving Cathy to a long term care facility. Cathy is much more comfortable knowing that she will remain here until she receives a transplant).

Up-note number two: The initial results from the cultures taken after Cathy's fever Saturday night show no signs of infection. The antibiotics she began receiving that night will be discontinued after today.

Up-note number three: Day fourteen out of the ICU. It is a sunny southern California day. Even with this set-back from the simple G tube procedure, Cathy is progressing so much better that she was in the ICU. (I know it is a little weak but I felt I needed a third up-note).