Monday, August 11, 2008

Isolation

After a very frustrating weekend we have come to an amicable relationship with the staff in the Isolation Unit. The regular staff are doctors with whom we have worked before and we are now able to have out questions answered.

Jhonny has two serious infections -- chicken pox and a severe urinary infection. The chicken pox is running its course and they are treating the urinary infection. Aside from that he is suffering from seizures related to the operations. These seizures are happening every five minutes and cause severe body contortions that also affect his breathing. When the seizure subsides Jhonny needs to be lifted back into a laying position. Because his mom is short she has difficulty doing this.

We talked to the specialist today and he is hoping that within a week or two Jhonny will be able to be transferred to the hospital in Yapacani and then to our house. He will need at least three months to rebuild his energy before they will consider radiation.

The lack of knowledge about brain surgery is quite evident. Only the specialist really knows what is going on and the rest of the doctors are on the same learning curve as we are. Thanks to the internet I have been able to research what is happening. Although it seems like ages to us it has only been six weeks -- not an unreasonable amount of time for brain surgery.

1 comment:

Johanna said...

WOW-you are in our thoughts and prayers, as are Jhonny and Erselia and the rest of the family as well as the medical team. It is amazing to hear about the medical system there. I am getting to know more about ours and its limitations daily as well, but nothing like what you are dealing with. These quality of life decisions are faith challenging for all involved. Marg, make sure you take time to walk in the parks and take care of you so you can be a support to the family. Fly, run, walk and do not grow weary. Love and prayers, Johanna