So JoAnne had another surgery today to continue cleaning the dangerous bacteria that has spread throughout her R buttock, pelvis and abdominal cavity. She survived the operation, which is great news!
The surgeon communicated that although things are slowly improving (or at the best, staying stable), there are still many risks in the short and long term. See below for the details:
BACTERIA- the surgeon didn't seem to find too much more bacteria (or tissue) to remove. They had been concerned that the bacteria may have spread overnight, but it seems to have been localized and removed from the above areas.
LEG / COLON- he inspected the nerves of her R leg and found them to be dry and cut off. He told us due to this and the fact that she has lost so much R buttock, she likely will not have the use of her right leg. More on that as the days progress, but he is discussing the osteo/plastic surgery plan to cover and rebuild her pelvis and R buttock that had been so damaged by the bacteria. She also underwent an iliostomy/colostomy, as her R colon and part of an intestine had also been destroyed by the bacteria
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SURVIVAL RATE- Her chance of survival has gone from 10% yesterday to 25% today!!!
RISKS- she is still very much at risk, and is really living hour to hour, with multiple surgeries down the road. She's on a ventilator to prevent infection and keep things stable, and is still requiring some medications to stabilize her blood pressure that is low. The surgeon said that the fact that she's relying on assistance for both her lungs and heart at this point is worrisome, but to be expected, and if we can see an improvement in her blood pressure and white blood count (the marker of her immune system's strength to fight the bacteria), then we can continue to hope. This is also assuming that more bacteria doesn't spread, which they will continue to check for.
RESPONSE TO STIMULI- she responded to a nurse in the ICU, either by blinking or squeezing a hand! The surgeon didn't know the specifics, but she is in what's called a Twilight State, where there may be times when she can hear what's going on around her. She likely won't remember this in the future, but we are much heartened by this news, as we've been wondering if our hand touches and encouragement has gotten through to her. They may have!
Thank you all for your prayers and good thoughts, and we'll continue to update you on her condition. Her next surgery is slated for sometime Saturday, should she continue to maintain her current status, and we'll let you know everything along the way.
Much, much love to you all,
Hannah, Jani, Price & Kelty
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