September Duke Trip Report

The drive to Durham was uneventful and Joy tolerated the trip reasonably well. She had a day to rest up prior to clinic appointments and procedures and planned to go shopping but was in to much pain so she rested until dinner. Despite my encouragement to cancel dinner plans, she forged ahead with a birthday meal with family and friends. We had a good time albeit brief and she really paid for it in pain and discomfort.

Although lab analysis results from the bronc are not back, the doctor did not find anything of concern. Other tests and procedures were within acceptable limits.

The nausea and pain concerned the Transplant Team physician and she admitted Joy to the hospital immediately. Nausea / pain was at its worst and Joy was very, very sick. Throughout the day today (Friday) she has had six different IVs, several x-rays, stomach CT Scan and Team plans an endoscopy and MRI on her back and whatever else tests they deem necessary. Nausea and pain finally managed by mid day today. Team doctor heard crackling noise in her lungs and immediately ordered three different antibiotic IVs. Fever of 102 coupled with the crackling indicated some type of infection.

So the plan is to address the stomach issues, the back pain, treat and monitor the infection and complete necessary tests over the next few days. Team doctor indicated as a last resort if all tests were inconclusive, they would "loosen" the Nissen which would allow her food to empty into the stomach on a more timely basis however, it would increase the risk of aspirating acid reflux, which of course is why the Nissen was done.

We are praying for a resolution to these issues otherwise, it will be difficult to be optimistic toward seeing her quality of life improve. Most of the things she enjoys has otherwise been stripped from her to this point.