Complications

We've been told a few times that the longer somebody is in the ICU, the more complications that can come up. Unfortunately, Carson is proving that theory right. He has gotten a few blood clots from where IV lines have been placed and now is limited to where they can go. He had to have a pic line placed in his Superior Vena Cava through his neck/chest area (I forgot what the actual name for the pic line is). They think he may have a factor deficiency with his liver that is causing the clotting issues.

He also contracted a bowel infection. They were pretty concerned for a couple of days that he may need surgery for it, but fortunately, it is getting better. He is on antibiotics and bowel rest, which means they had to stop his feeds. They were just about to increase his feeds to help bulk him up some more, but then noticed some blood in his stools which led to the diagnosis of the infection. Although, I did find out that he has gained about one pound since he has been there.

And then there is the breathing problem. They still don't really know what is causing the problem. He still has the breathing tube and the plan is to extubate him in the O.R. with ENT. He is scheduled for that on Monday. In the mean time, they will just let him rest and give him some spontaneous breathing tests. We're hoping that it will go well.