Today was uneventful except for the good news that the team was able to get a PICC (peripherally inserted central catheter) in Brett's arm. As I said yesterday, this is preferable to a Broviac because there is a smaller risk of infection, and it can removed at home by a nurse when his treatment is completed instead of having to get it removed surgically. This is a big deal because it was thought he might be too small to get one. It's Brett's first PICC - he's had 3 Broviacs before this.
This also means that we didn't have to wait until Monday to get this line in, meaning our stay will likely be a good bit shorter. Now that he has been on his IV antibiotics (Tobramycin and Cefepime, in case you're wondering), they will have to draw blood at certain hours after infusion to "check the levels" - that the dosage of medicine is in fact the correct dosage for his bodyweight. Too little and it won't be effective, too much and it could result in hearing loss. Since he's been on these antibiotics 2 or 3 other times, they have a good idea already of where to start. If the levels are perfect the first time, we may be able to get him home early next week. If they are not, it usually means waiting another 36 hours to try again....
Praying we'll be able to bring him home sooner rather than later!
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Thinking of you guys and praying for Brettman to get better. Hugs.
ReplyDeletePTL about the PICC line (thanks for explaining what that is)! Praying you get to come home early next week. What a sweetie your little guy is!
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