In late March, Mom was admitted to Mercy Medical Center in Dubuque with RSV(respiratory infection), Rhinovirus, Pneumonia, and Influenza. This newest onslaught of diagnosis, attacked an already fragile immune system and continued to besiege her body. On 3/29, Mom was discharged, but in less than 48 hours was readmitted. After five days on April 5th, Mercy Dubuque discharged Mom again, however this time we knew home was no longer an option for her. Mom's needs were far greater than what home could provide and the decision was made to move her into West Wing (a long term care facility) in DeWitt. We settled her into her room and enjoyed getting to know the amazing staff at West Wing. Late Tuesday night (April 16th) Mom spiked a 104° fever. The nurses immediately rushed her over to DeWitt ER and a chest x-ray confirmed that her pneumonia was back and was once again transferred back to Mercy Medical Center in Dubuque. Mom was admitted to the ER around 3:45am on Wednesday, April 17th. They quickly determined that her body was in septic shock. The extreme seriousness of her condition warranted the need for a more stable IV access, and the determination for a central line was needed. Due to her critical vitals, she was immediately started on blood pressure medication that assisted in maintaining a stable pressure. Due to the severity of her lung infection she was also placed on a BiPap machine (which assist with oxygen levels). The medical staff cautioned that the next couple of hours were critical in determining her condition. Mom’s spirit and inner strength gave her the ability to fight during those critical moments that lay ahead. By late Wednesday night, she was able to maintain her blood pressure as they slowly weaned the medication. Initial testing also determined mom had suffered a type 2 mild heart attack, (due to the stress on the heart from septic shock). Although RSV and Pneumonia continued to create problems, the doctors confirmed aspiration ultimately lead to her critical condition. After careful observation, Mom was slowly weaned off the BiPap on Sunday, April 21st. On Monday, April 22nd she was still in ICU, but with discussions of moving her to a general floor within the next day or two. Mom continually amazes us with her daily improvements. We are hoping that Mom's lungs continue to heal, but due to possible reoccurring aspiration, she is a candidate for a permanent feeding tube (a future surgical process).
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