August 24, 2007
Well Pelham had another thoracentesis today and they got 3300ml. fluid this time. They still are waiting on the results of one specific test , chylomicron, in the fluid to see if it is present. It has to be sent to Salt Lake City, so it will be Monday until it comes back. That will show if the fluid is coming from the liver. The pulmonologist that is his primary Dr. here is Dr. Sahn, a well know physician who is an expert in pleural effusions. He says that out of 80 to 90 years of medical studies, there were only about 5 different causes and not any of those pertain to pelhams case. They are still saying he will need another pleurodesis next week. Hope you all have a great weekend.
Claire
August 22, 2007
Hello everyone, we are still here at MUSC. Pelham had CT scans and ultrasounds today and another diagnostic thoracentesis. The Doctors here say the pleurodesis he had last week was a failure, the fluid is back in his lung and is still leaking into his abdomen and flank area. They have many ideas of what is causing it, but nothing factual yet until the results of the test are back. One theory is that because of the liver transplant itself, a track from the liver to the lung had developed and the fluid around his liver was leaking into his lung and when the pressure built up so much in the lung it began leaking into his abd. Another theory is there may be a clot in a vessel causing the fluid build up. No one know for sure just yet, but the goal is to find out what is causing the fluid to accumulate and fix that. He may need another chest tube, another surgery to repair the tract, but they give us hope the cause will be found. WE appreciate all of you, the doctors back home, Dr. Thompson, Dr. Buice, Dr. Kopp all of them have been wonderful. I’ll keep you updated. Thanks
Claire
Hey Folks,
Sorry I have not been on the blog with any updates, but my dear wife has. I did want to in short tell you what’s up and maybe when I get to feeling better I will tell you about this chest tube, bad stuff. I will take a liver transplant over a chest tube anyday.
However we are packing up and headed to Charleston and I will be admitted to MUSC when the next bed comes open. I am having a time with this fluid, not on my lung now but all on my left side.
God Bless You each one,
Love Claire, Abigail, Justin & Pel
Pelham’s blood test this am revealed improvement in his kidney function, so he was discharged home this afternoon. YAHOO! He is still very short of breath and having pain, but I think he is better, even he does not think so. We have to follow up at MUSC in Charleston in the next couple of weeks. Maybe in a few days he will feel like dropping a line or two on the blog. Thank you all again.
Claire
Pelham was moved to med surg floor today. He still has the chest tube in place and is having lots of pain. A nephrologist, Dr. Din was called in today because his kidney function is not very good. He thinks maybe it is caused by the antirejection medications he is taking and the massive fluid volume depletion from the numerous thoracentesis he has experienced the last few weeks. Hopefully the chest tube will be removed tomorrow and he can get up and get moving. He has pain and shortness of breath with the least bit of exertion at this point. Pelham’s strong faith in God and the support and friendship he has with all of you will comfort him and see him through. Keep those prayers coming and Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
Claire
