begining July 25, 2004
Chad began the week in the ICU at Kaiser Santa Teresa following an emergency that saw him go from the Kaiser-contracted skilled care facility (Vasona Creek Healthcare Center) to the Good Samaritan Hospital ER via 911 transport. For several weeks prior to this emergency the family had demanded tests to determine the source of infection that had plagued Chad for four weeks at Vasona Creek. Instead, we were told by the resident Kaiser doctor that "Chad was going to die anyway, so you might as well let him go if he has one." It seems medical ethics are not what they were in Hippocrates' day. Chad fought on and after a few days, when he was more stable, was transferred back to Kaiser Santa Teresa ICU where he began this week. He has continued to strengthen and by week's end is out of ICU and under care in the step down unit. We started using the median nerve stimulator again on Friday as soon as we felt he was well enough to continue.
8/1-8/7
Chad is in the midst of a great week. His infections seem much improved. They will test him for the next three days to see if the C.Difficile is gone, but he still has diarrhea. Chad began the week (Sunday) so unbelievably alert, responsive, laughing and smiling...it was incredible. Dr. Lou, who was taking care of Chad for one week witnessed all of it. He said prior to this he already sensed that Chad was interacting with us. He was very positive and really thinks Chad is ready to go into rehab. Monday & Tuesday he was pretty quiet continuing to use the MNS for 12 hours a day. On Thursday Chad had a rough day and is starting another fever again. It looks like another infection. The staff has taken blood and urine to determine the source and has added broad-spectrum antiobiotics and an IV. Chad's 'foot drop', a form of contractures, is getting worse. Since contractures are a preventable and treatable medical condition, we are not sure why the Kaiser staff does not order and perform daily range-of-motion to help prevent the condition. Our July 19 plea for help letter to Kaiser remains unanswered...go figure.
8/8-8/14
Chad has had a real mixed week. There were times when he was alert and his vital signs showed stability and comfort and there were times where he was dominated by fever and persistent sweating. On Thursday Dr. Lou informed us that Chad has a small pneumonia and that the hospital team would treat it and watch for improvement. Dr. Lou has re-introduced cranberry juice into Chad's daily regime to assist with the chronic bladder infections. The neighborhood garage sale fundraiser was a tremendous success. Neighbors and friends from near and afar showed up in support of Chad, buying up much of the donated goods and making contributions to the 'Bringing Chad Home' Fund. All of us send out a special thanks to Jen Enault for making this happen!
8/15-8/21
There was nothing good about this week. Chad spent virtually every day in a state characterized by chronic diarrhea, high blood pressure, high temperatures and dehydration. He had several episodes this week where he appeared to be rigid from head to toe while arching his back. The doctors again have taken more blood and urine cultures, chest x-rays and CT scans to determine the cause. As ordered, the staff has additionally hooked up an oximeter to measure blood oxygen saturation during sleep and another IV to combat the dehydration. Chad had visits from nuerologists, occupational therapists and physiologists this week for evaluations. However because the doctors had ordered high levels of pain medication (dilaudid), the evaluations were meaningless. On an appreciative note, the Chevy's-sponsored fundraiser Thursday evening was not only an overwhelming success, but a real testimonial to Chad, as more than 350 of his friends, new and old, and family gathered in support of his recovery. Special thanks to Chevy's manager Brian Johmann and his entire supportive staff for helping 'Bring Chad Home'.
8/22-8/29
Monday morning got off to a good start with Chad looking alert and relaxed. It looked like this week had potential to be better than the past few, but how things change quickly. Late Monday night, his breathing became rapid and shallow with profuse sweating, high fever (104+), high B/P, total body rigidity. He was administered 1mg Ativan and later given another 1/2 mg but nothing was working. Chest x-rays were done stat, blood gasses and blood draws. The decision was made at 2:30am to move him to the ICU as his heart rate was now exceeded 200 bpm. Once in the ICU they were able to administer higher doses of medications to calm him down. He stayed in the ICU until Tuesday evening and was moved back to the 3rd floor, room 321. He had three more of these episodes throughout Tuesday night / Wednesday morning and at least one more on Wednesday night. The attending doctors and staff can not determine the specific cause. He had a CT scan of his abdominal region which was negative. Ultrasound of his legs revealed DVT in his right leg. He still has an IV and is being given fluids around the clock. On a positive note, he is no longer being fed continuously. He is being given 250cc of ProBalance every three hours. And then again on Saturday morning (8/28) at approximately 4am the episodes of rapid, shallow breathing, body rigidity, high fevers and profuse sweating, became more severe and Chad was returned to the ICU. He continues to be monitored closely and is being given additional pain medication as doctor's still are unable to determine a cause of these episodes.