I've written several times about Shirley's discomfort with eating. And to this point, we've had no explanation of this--only possible causes being ruled out. Yesterday afternoon, her belly began really hurting and last night and this morning she was very nauseous and vomited several times (something they really don't like lung transplant patients to do).
More doctors have joined the party as the thoracic surgeons brought in general surgeons for consultation. A decision was made today to do a CT scan of her gut. The scan revealed what one doctor said was the most enlarged gall blander he had ever seen. Now we have a probable cause of her discomfort. Now, what to do about it?
No one wants to subject Shirley to more surgery right now, so that plan is to call in Interventional Radiology to insert a small tube into the gall bladder to permit it to drain and release the pressure. Oh boy, another tube--but it's better than cutting her open and doing something more invasive. The issue is urgent enough that they will be doing the procedure tonight (it's 10 pm Saturday).
Hopefully, this will resolve the issues Shirley has had with eating discomfort and permit her to start getting the nutrition needed to getting the heeling process kicked in to high gear.
The other news from today is that Shirley has been moved back into ICU. She was needed more individualized care than was able to be provided on a general medical floor where she shared an RN with three other patients. She now has one-on-one care again.
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