Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Finally some good news to report!

Praise God!!!!

It's long and detailed so I'll try to give the condensed version. The cultures continue to NOT grow anything; other than a nonspecific random growth that was never able to be replicated. This bacteria was in the mycobacterial family but again, has never replicated. Therefore, the consensus of the doctors is that it was a contaminant obtained when they presented the tissue for sample, rather than a true germ from his body, that caused the one time mycobacterial growth.

There is a very slim chance that he could actually have this mycobacterial, however, at this point they don't think so. He does not have/ nor has he ever shown any other presenting symptoms of this bacteria.

The mycobacteria family is found in our everyday environment; on the skin, in water, in air, etc. It can be obtained through an open wound (including a PICC) or even inhaled. Two of the most heard of diseases in this family are TB and leprosy. He has been tested multiple times and in many ways and there is NO evidence that he has either of these diseases.

Seeing that his PICC, his blood and the removed disc all had staph in them; they believe the entire infection was/is "just" staph! YIIIPPPPEEE!

So, what happens now? He will continue on the IV Vancomycin for 6-8 weeks. They will vigilantly monitor weekly labs; specifically watching for his inflammatory markers to continue to trend down, as well as hemoglobin, white blood cells & kidney function to remain stable. An MRI will also be repeated at 3 months to look at infected areas.

Up to this point, his bloodwork over the last few weeks has looked great! There is also a specific test that measures the Vancomycin level which tells them if he is getting too little, too much or just enough and his is staying right on target. The one downside is the Vancomycin decreases his appetite.

And to catch up:

Last week was his post-op appointment with the neurosurgeon. Everything looked very good; staples were removed and use of collar was discontinued. What a relief!

One kicker is...the continued back pain from the lumbar issues. Unfortunately, infection trumps back pain. Aggressive treatment is not an option, until they are sure infection is cleared up. He has been able to do a little physical therapy--passive stretches (meaning no firing of muscles, so, he is to keep his muscles relaxed while muscle is stretched for him)--to try to relieve some of the pain.

Not so short, but it's definitely the condensed version!

Thank you for not only holding us up when times are rough, but celebrating & praising with us when times are good!

Please continue to pray for complete healing, as well as, relief of pain. Poor guy can't even sit in his recliner. Due to the amount of back pain, he must sit in a straight back chair, ugh!

Love you guys!
Christie

"Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you..." Exodus 14:13 NIV

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