11/27/08 Medical Update

Sue was very medicated today. She was still able to respond to commands - squeeze hands, wiggle toes, and close eyes - but slept most of day. Here is what is new:

- The preliminary results of the 2nd MRI are different than the 1st MRI. We should probably discuss this in more detail so that I know what to ask ...
- The preliminary results are similar to other MRI's that were diagnosed as HSV.
- So the doctors will continue with the Acyclovir treatment.
- Sue is being loaded with Phenobarbital. Whereas this med made her giddy the first evening, it seems larger dose combined with Versad are knocking her out. This might be normal during the early stages of loading her system with this med.
- Although Sue was snowed with meds, she was still responsive when I asked her to acknowledge me. So I let her rest and kept interactions to a minimum.
- I saw fewer focal seizures today but did see at least 3 in the five hours I was with her.
- ID doc has recommended that we re-start Ampicillin. This antibiotic was discontinued earlier in the week. I think this decision is prompted by the results of the 2nd MRI. This is a precautionary action. There is low toxicity with this antibiotic and it can be discontinued again as warranted.
- The ventolator settings were turned down so Sue would use her lungs. This seemed to be ok but at one point Sue woke up and was startled and got very anxious. Her heart rate went up to 120-130 and her breathing was labored and shallow. The ventolator made those quacking sounds and it displayed 'high frequency' warning. They made some adjustments and Sue's breathing pattern and heart rate returned to normal.
- Nurse put on velcro shoe-like things on Sue's feet. This is a preventative action to protect her feet.
- Fever is down. Temperature is @98.5. The cooling blanket is no longer being used.
- I suppose there will be another MRI in a few days for comparison sake?
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