It appears likely that Eddie will need yet another Berlin pump since the fibrin deposits have grown larger and they appear to be darkening. We've sent photos to the Berlin Heart folks to get their assessment, but there is little doubt we'll need to move forward with a pump change.
Similar to last time, Eddie will be intubated and anesthetized during the entire procedure. Unlike his previous episode, however, the doctors are comfortable doing the change at bedside rather than taking him to the OR.
For those that weren't following the blog back in late March, you can read about Eddie's first pump change here and here. We hope everything goes as smoothly this time as well.
If everything goes as planned, we'll start the procedure around 11am PDT. Will send any updates prior and will definitely post a follow-up status after we're done.
Adding image of the developing clot so you can visualize what we're talking about.
Yesterday was a good day on many fronts. Eddie went to the Fluoroscopy lab early in the morning and passed his liquid swallow test with flying colors. He also managed to down a couple Doritos with a delicious barium dip concoction . . . apparently they've taken my menu advice to heart :-)
The picture below is Eddie sitting in the fluoroscope waiting for his test to begin. Pretty amazing piece of equipment and surprisingly delivers relatively low doses of radiation. Unfortunately I don't have the video images right now, but the hospital has been kind enough to burn a DVD so we can snuggle up on the couch with a bowl of popcorn and presto . . . movie night!
The net result of his fluoroscopy is that he can drink anything without restriction and he is also clear to eat purees (apple sauce, yogurt, pudding). We'll wait until next week to start solids as the Speech team will work more directly with Eddie at the bedside. All in all, great news! And not surprisingly, in addition to several ounces of apple juice, Eddie went straight for the cherry popsicle.
Eddie also managed to go on a field trip around the ICU in his new personal trolley. Other than heading to the OR or cath lab (not happy memories), this was his first trip outside his hospital room in over five weeks. It was great to see the nurses and doctors cheering for him as he made his journey. We hope to get out again today . . . maybe in a wheelchair this time.
Overall, Eddie has had a couple good days in a row. We are still playing around with his Heparin a lot due to changing lab results and chest output. As of now, his chest tube is putting out mainly serous fluid, but it definitely has been turning pink over the past 24 hours. This follows exactly the same pattern as previously when we had to send him back to the OR, but we are being more interventionist with our Heparin doses. We're crossing our fingers that we can keep his bleeding under control while avoiding any clots in his pump. The small speck of fibrin buildup from Thursday disappeared yesterday morning with no ill effect.
And as proof that Eddie does watch something other than Polar Express, here he is watching (surprise of surprises) . . . Percy's Chocolate Crunch. Sense a theme?
