Updates on Lee - Wednesday, April 27 - 1900

1500 - All going fine. Lee was breathing on his own (CPAP mode) for four hours! as time passed, he was getting tired, so at the four hour mark, he asked to be switched back to assist mode. He has been quite alert today.  We need more "lerts" like him in this world. 😀.  Anyhow, he is resting and we are waiting for the two procedures to take place (Exchanging the catheter in groin where dialysis is administered and the TEE.

A transesophageal echo (TEE) test is a type of echo test in which the ultrasound transducer, positioned on an endoscope, is guided down the patient's throat into the esophagus (the "food pipe" leading from the mouth into the stomach). An endoscope is a long, thin, flexible instrument that is about ½ inch in diameter.

This just in:

We now have some concrete answers: I spoke to Dr. Eddin (cardiologist). (I know we already knew this, so do not think he is telling me something new.) Anyhow,  Lee had the strep B bacteria infection that entered into his blood from the open sore on his leg. (Derek had this as a days old baby.)
This traveled to his aortic valve and caused a growth/vegetation (endocarditis) on the valve. This was confirmed by the TEE.  He has, and continues to be on antibiotics for this, but sometimes it takes awhile to kill the bacteria.  Doc said is is probably the root of all of Lee's recent evils in addition to the kidney and lung issues. If the antibiotics do not kill this vegetation, surgery may be necessary (TBD). He also said he may have had a little stroke based on what showed in the MRI.

More later, as news becomes available.
 
Nanny
 
Eternal Vigilance
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