Ron was seen by Dr. H (infectious disease) first thing this morning, and we now have a better idea of what to expect over the next few days.
He had an MRI of his lumbar (lower back) this afternoon since he has been experiencing tremendous pain in this region the last few days as well.
Orders have been placed for a needle guided biopsy of the C6-C7 on Monday (waiting until Monday to allow Lovenox -blood thinner- to get out of his system). If they are unable to get an adequate sample to grow cultures this way, then he will have to have a neuro surgeon go in to obtain samples by taking a small piece of the bone.
Infections like this travel through the bloodstream and can also end up in the heart causing endocarditis (inflammation of the inside lining of the heart chambers and heart valves); they will do a specialized ECHO of the heart called a TEE (trans-esophageal echo cardiogram) where they go down through the esophagus to get an "inside view". Again, waiting til Monday, allowing Lovenox to get out of system.
A Gallium scan (specific type of nuclear scan) is also on the agenda. For this test, they inject him with isotopes, which focuses in on any areas of inflammation in the body. He will undergo this scan once a day for 3 days. They may possibly start this procedure today.
So, what causes an infection like this to get into the spine you ask?
Well, three of the ways to get an infection into your bloodstream is if you have a PICC line, have had an endoscopy or dental work. Check, check and check! He's had all three of these things in the last 4-6 weeks!
Ron asked the Infectious disease doc how affirmative the MRI was in showing the infection, that they weren't just seeing some little thing and assuming it was infection. His reply was that Ron's MRI was "pretty impressive - very definitive in showing infection.
He also says Ron will be on big gun IV antibiotics for 6-12 weeks and they will repeat scans in 3-6 months and again in a year to make sure everything has cleared up.
Whew....what a day! It all sounds pretty scary but everyone seems to feel confident that things are headed in the right direction. I must say, I'm especially glad to finally have some results and direction.
I know you are faithfully lifting him to the Father; know that we are so very grateful for your petitions on his behalf!
Love, Christie
"...this happened that the work of God might be displayed..." John 9:3 NIV
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