The last few weeks have been tough but interesting. I have recovered from the pneumonia and sinus infection but a blood culture found the steph is still there. They have been giving me high doses of Vancomycin but it has not taken it out. The decision was made to continue the Vancomycin but also go forward with replacing the catheter even though there is a high risk because of my lack of platelets. It has the bacteria in it and it does not seem to be getting better until the source is removed. The steph is coagulation negative strain.

Dr. Shorie wanted me to have an Echocardiogram to check for vegetation….yes vegetation. Sounds a little strange so it can also be called bacteria. If found, it indicates the presence of endocarditis. They were backed up for a month but after they found there was an immediate need for the information, they worked me in within 24 hours. As I always say, I have a wonderful medical community that takes care of me. Dr. Mott will review the results quickly and get the info to Dr. Shorie. Dr. Mott came in when the echo was being finished and he said it did not look good and the time had come to replace the old catheter.

I am to see an infection control specialist, Dr. Barbaro, to make sure everything is being done correctly. Because of my situation and many problems, Dr. Shorie wants to make sure there are no mistakes along the way. I will go back to Dr. Hudgens, surgeon, to set a time for the replacement. I saw him over a year ago but because of my platelet count, he did not want to do the replacement until it was absolutely necessary. Well, that time seems to have come. I will find out those appointment times Friday at dialysis. Dr. Shorie will be there and Pat, floor nurse, has been making the appointments for me.

The procedure is usually a day surgery but because of my many problems and being a high risk patient, I will be in the hospital for several days. I will go in and they will give me mega doses of platelets, then do the procedure, then I will stay for a couple of days for them to observe me. I dread what is ahead but we have waited about as long as we can.