Thursday, February 14, 2008

Where is "Dr. O"?

Don't get me wrong the staff here is fantastic I just felt like we were better informed when Dr. Osguthorpe was in the picture. I know we should be out of the Infections Disease portion of this hospitalization and on to the next step (rehab) but I like every little detail especially when it comes to Charlie's prognosis. I have just been told (by the night shift nurse) that Charlie is scheduled to receive Vancomyacin again due to positive results of his spinal fluid sample taken on Tues. As a review, Charlie was started on Vancomyacin originally with the Roceflin to make sure to eradicate the bug no matter what strain it was. When the original CSF was cultured it was found to be highly responsive to the Roceflin so we stopped the Vanco because it is such a strong antibiotic. The second CSF that was done before we left the PICU was cultured and found to be completely clean. Now the third CSF was taken while the drain was being inserted on Tues. We were told on Wed that it was negative so far but they continue to culture it for 48 hours. From what the nurse has just told me the fluid grew a very specific gram positive organism. The strep pneumo is gram positive so does that mean that it is still in his brain after 2 1/2 weeks of antibiotics? Or is it new infection that just happened to cross the blood brain barrier too? Has this been doing damage this whole time and could have been prevented with staying on the Vanco the first time. I have so many questions...

(Angel)

9 comments:

Suz said...

Health care is such a MESS! There is someone on-call 24/7 for ID and it sounds like it is time to be paging them to get some answers! This poor kid is really going to give those MD's a run for their money! Hang in there!

Anonymous said...

Hey, you have every right to ask any and all questions. A teacher I worked with at Davis: Bitner always said..."It is your kid, if you don't protect him who will?" Charlie has every right to be represented by his parents. Especially when they are knowledgable as and you and Rob. Ask away, and don't leave them alone until you get all the answers you want.

JIll B PS I think I spelled a word wrong.. sorry.

Meghan said...

quit typing and find a dr. for explanation! the squeaky wheel, you know. the ID person should be able to answer all of those questions - isn't dr. o back on his 7 on? Can't you request to talk to him or have him look at what is going on? could this be a new infection from his drain? oh ang, i am sorry... do you want me to come hang with you tonight while you try to get it figured out?

Anonymous said...

Charlie's story has touched me from day one and I have been checking for updates very frequently. I am praying so hard for the speediest recovery. I agree with the other posts. I am a nurse and in today's healthcare the patient and if they cannot the family drives the "car" in today's healthcare. It is unfortunate that it has to be this way but I have seen if first hand. I have also experienced it with my own loved ones. You know Charlie best and are his voice. You should have been told the minute that culture came back positive and with a full explanation. Hang in there and know my family and I are praying for little Charlie and your entire family.

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry you are frustrated. We are praying for your strength as well as Charlie's. I hope you are getting some rest tonight. Like the previous poster, your story has touched me from the beginning and we keep hoping for the best.

Anonymous said...

You hang in there till you get the answers you want and need. This is your baby & with everything you all have through they should be giving answers before you even ask the questions. God bless Charlie and his family. Love & Prayers in Missouri

Roxey said...

I'm so sorry ang. Keep hanging in there, and get the answers you need and deserve.

Anonymous said...

Angel,
I just keep praying for all you. Just keep asking questions, you have to be very assertive when it comes to your child. To them, (healthcare) he is a number, to you, he is Charlie Cooper. Remind them of that. As hard as it is, try to get some rest and know that all of us out here are praying for Charlie and for strength for you and Rob. Keep the Faith.
Kim

Anonymous said...

Angel: Keep fighting for Charlie! Those sound like great questions and you all deserve the best answers Praying for you in Montana. Shyla