On Wednesday, a CT scan revealed that Dustin has a condition called pleural empyema in the right lung where he had the initial surgery. An empyema is an accumulation of pus in the pleural cavity. Most empyemas arise from an infection in the lung, such as pneumonia. The only treatment for an empyema is to remove the drainage from the infected site. This infection is a secondary infection and is not the same as the one that caused Dustin to enter into septic shock. There remains no known source of the first infection and we will likely not ever be able to determine its origination. Today, the ID physician indicated that it is very unusual for a child to obtain a secondary infection, similar to Dustin's scenario.
And, so, it was determined that Dustin would undergo a second surgery to remove the pus accumulation. This surgery (fortunately) was able to be performed laparascopically. Another hole was made in the side of Dustin's chest and the pus was removed. Another chest tube was inserted, which will continue to drain fluids from Dustin's lung. Some inflamation does remain in Dustin's body, for which the chest tube will help. Dustin's inflamation markers (white blood cell count and CRP) increased again this morning, simply indicating that Dustin continues to fight infection. The physicians are very pleased with Dustin's progress and believe that he is on the right dose/type of antibiotics to heal the infection.
Following this surgery, Dustin looks so much better. Dustin's lungs also sound more clear than they have in a very long time. As the fluid continues to drain from the site, the physicians and nurses have noted that he is sounding more and more clear. The photograph here is of Dustin with his breathing mask. He wore this through the night and was weaned from the oxygen by early morning.
At this point, Dustin will remain on the chest tube until he shows that he is ready for it to be removed (through monitoring output and testing by turning to water seal). He continues to receive methedone and ativan for his pain. The withdrawal taper will likely not begin until the chest tube has been removed. He will also remain on antibiotics for a few days.
It appears that we might finally be on the home stretch!
We continue to pray that we do not experience any set backs and that Dustin fully recovers from his sickness.
We have been in Vanderbilt Children's Hospital for 18 days now. Quite a long time. However, we are so blessed and grateful that our little boy has made it this far. When I was pregnant with Dustin and after Tim and I had chosen his name, I found a book that included all of the meanings behind names. Dustin's name means "brave warrier". Little did I know just how Dustin would prove, at such an early age, what a very brave warrier he truly is.
It has been quite a roller coaster ride the past 18 days. Life in the PCCU is so uncertain. We have learned that no two days are alike and that each day may hold exciting progresses or heartsinking disappointment. We do know that there are many families who are encountering very challenging circumstances. One couple's baby has been in the hospital for 16 of her 22 months of life, enduring a total of 35 surgeries during that time frame. I cannot imagine such a life.
And so, onward we press, enjoying every moment of our little man's life and counting ourselves very blessed indeed.
I just read the following quote on Beth Moore's blog that I believe is quite appropriate for the circumstances--and I certainly intend to try to live out this very good instruction:
"Quit living as if the purpose of life is to arrive safely at death. Grab life by the mane. Set God-sized goals. Pursue God-ordained passions. Go after a dream that is destined to fail without divine intervention. Keep asking questions. Keep making mistakes. Keep seeking God. Stop pointing out problems and become part of the solution. Stop repeating the past and start creating the future. Stop playing it safe and start taking risks. Expand your horizons. Accumulate experiences. Consider the lilies. Enjoy the journey. Find every excuse you can to celebrate everything you can. Live like today is the first day and last day of your life. Don't let what's wrong with you keep you from worshipping what's right with God. Burn sinful bridges. Blaze a new trail. Criticize by creating. Worry less about what people think and more about what God thinks. Don't try to be who you're not. Be yourself. Laugh at yourself. Quit holding out. Quit holding back. Quit running away. Chase the lion."
- Mark Batterson
And, so, it was determined that Dustin would undergo a second surgery to remove the pus accumulation. This surgery (fortunately) was able to be performed laparascopically. Another hole was made in the side of Dustin's chest and the pus was removed. Another chest tube was inserted, which will continue to drain fluids from Dustin's lung. Some inflamation does remain in Dustin's body, for which the chest tube will help. Dustin's inflamation markers (white blood cell count and CRP) increased again this morning, simply indicating that Dustin continues to fight infection. The physicians are very pleased with Dustin's progress and believe that he is on the right dose/type of antibiotics to heal the infection.
Following this surgery, Dustin looks so much better. Dustin's lungs also sound more clear than they have in a very long time. As the fluid continues to drain from the site, the physicians and nurses have noted that he is sounding more and more clear. The photograph here is of Dustin with his breathing mask. He wore this through the night and was weaned from the oxygen by early morning.
At this point, Dustin will remain on the chest tube until he shows that he is ready for it to be removed (through monitoring output and testing by turning to water seal). He continues to receive methedone and ativan for his pain. The withdrawal taper will likely not begin until the chest tube has been removed. He will also remain on antibiotics for a few days.
It appears that we might finally be on the home stretch!
We continue to pray that we do not experience any set backs and that Dustin fully recovers from his sickness.
We have been in Vanderbilt Children's Hospital for 18 days now. Quite a long time. However, we are so blessed and grateful that our little boy has made it this far. When I was pregnant with Dustin and after Tim and I had chosen his name, I found a book that included all of the meanings behind names. Dustin's name means "brave warrier". Little did I know just how Dustin would prove, at such an early age, what a very brave warrier he truly is.
It has been quite a roller coaster ride the past 18 days. Life in the PCCU is so uncertain. We have learned that no two days are alike and that each day may hold exciting progresses or heartsinking disappointment. We do know that there are many families who are encountering very challenging circumstances. One couple's baby has been in the hospital for 16 of her 22 months of life, enduring a total of 35 surgeries during that time frame. I cannot imagine such a life.
And so, onward we press, enjoying every moment of our little man's life and counting ourselves very blessed indeed.
I just read the following quote on Beth Moore's blog that I believe is quite appropriate for the circumstances--and I certainly intend to try to live out this very good instruction:
"Quit living as if the purpose of life is to arrive safely at death. Grab life by the mane. Set God-sized goals. Pursue God-ordained passions. Go after a dream that is destined to fail without divine intervention. Keep asking questions. Keep making mistakes. Keep seeking God. Stop pointing out problems and become part of the solution. Stop repeating the past and start creating the future. Stop playing it safe and start taking risks. Expand your horizons. Accumulate experiences. Consider the lilies. Enjoy the journey. Find every excuse you can to celebrate everything you can. Live like today is the first day and last day of your life. Don't let what's wrong with you keep you from worshipping what's right with God. Burn sinful bridges. Blaze a new trail. Criticize by creating. Worry less about what people think and more about what God thinks. Don't try to be who you're not. Be yourself. Laugh at yourself. Quit holding out. Quit holding back. Quit running away. Chase the lion."
- Mark Batterson
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