Well after way too many days waiting, my transfer finally went through and I found my way home to MUSC in Charleston. The ride was less than comfortable, as storms broke out as we crossed most of the bridges and my bottom was absorbing most of the impact of being on a stretcher. Nonetheless, we found our way to the cardio-thorastic unit. I was quickly welcomed by a team of a resident, two nurses, and a tech. My room wasn’t flashy like the last one, but it made sense and allows for a job to be done. After a quick trip to the bathroom, we hit the ground running with questions, answers, med reconciliations, wires and more wires, and of course a quick time out to order dinner. I was super excited that they not only had a dedicated gluten free menu, but that it was 2 pages long and full of new food choices!
By 7:30pm, which is the official shift change, I was exhausted and looking forward to a short break between nursing changes as well as some dinner. By the time dinner came, I had met with 3 different doctors on the unit, multiple nurses, a PA, and new x-rays were taken of my chest and head/shunt. Before any decisions would be made about possible shunt complications, a new ct of my head, neck, and abdomen were ordered. It was so nice to have my nurse and tech accompany me to the CT. By the time we were returning from CT, I had a horrible building chest pain, nausea, and overall feeling sucky. I gave it some time and then finally called “uncle.” within a few minutes a couple of providers came in and ordered some more x-rays, lab work, and an EKG. They were most concerned with the building fluid in my lungs. Apparently the fluid continued buildup so the decision was made to start me on IV lasix, which of course means more trips to the bathroom than anything else.
The shunt series came out ok, and neurosurgery already signed off that no interactions are necessary at this time, which is a mega- bonus. My heart enzymes continue to climb and are being monitored, the lasix is doing its job and I am beginning to not rattle as much in my lungs. I figured I would take this early, but quiet moment to type up an update as I have a sneaky suspicion that today is going to get a little crazy with more tests, procedures, and questions/answers. I know they want to repeat the TEE and see if the vegetation has continued to grow or if the antibiotics are starting to help knock it down some. Other than that, I still need to meet the attending and the rest of his team, touch base with my immunology team, as well as endocrinology and everyone else who wants “in” on my complicated case. I am hoping to have a plan with some tentative dates by the end of today, but that might be a little too hopeful.
For now, I wait to see what comes next. I am confident that it’s going to be a whirlwind of a day, as will the next couple. I am enjoying the high level of knowledge, care, and concern. Hopefully my meals will continue to be yummy, pain meds come when I need them, and I am able to work with my team to come up with a successful treatment plan.
