A Minor Setback
After the intense day Aaron had yesterday (5 hours off the vent), which, by the way, was totally amazing, he woke up this morning with a fever of 102 degrees. Blood work was done, as was a test of his sputum (“spit” for those of us who are laymen) and a review of his last chest x-ray (done late last week). A decision was made to send Aaron for a bronchoscopy tomorrow at Hahnemann hospital. This is to be done as an outpatient procedure, but it requires Aaron getting loaded up into an ambulance to go right across the street to Hahnamnn. This is Aaron’s third brochoscopy since his accident. He is not overly fond of these procedures, but knows it’s in his best interest to have one tomorrow. The doctor told him today, because of the fever, they want to rule out pneumonia. They’ll go through Aaron’s trach to his lungs with a camera and look around first. Then depending on what they see they’ll determine what to do next. It is a possibility there is a mucous plug, which they can remove right then. If it’s pneumonia, they’ll do a test to be sure they are using the right antibiotic to treat it. I am sure there are more things they do during the procedure that I am not aware of.
Because of his fever and not knowing what caused it, Aaron was not able to go without the vent today. His spirits were very good, though, and he said he felt good. The last time he had his temperature taken was around 3:00 or so, and his fever was down to 99 degrees. Aaron did have physical therapy today which went well. Again, because he wasn’t exactly up to par, the therapist went easy on him. He drove his power wheelchair and did passive range of motion exercises on his legs. (Because he’s not feeling well, I won’t comment on his driving skills or lack thereof.) Then we attended a session about what to look for when begin looking for a caregiver when for his return home. This was to be followed by a video about an organization called “Helping Hands” that trains monkeys to assist people in wheelchairs. Aaron and I decided it might be easier for us to get a monkey than find the right human caregiver, so that’s the plan!!! And they are so cute, too! (The monekys, not the humans.) They go to “school” for 3 to 4 years of training before they can be “assistants”. Cute and educated monkeys! Does it get any better than that? Anyway, the DVD player didn’t work, so we are going to watch the video at a later time. We did get to look at a brochure with pictures, though. Hope they watch the DVD on a day when I’m visiting Aaron, hate to miss that!!
Please continue to pray for Aaron and his recovery! He’s a tough one, but he can’t do this all alone! Thanks!