Mom medical

notes

3/2/20

• Dr Lopez starting antibiotics for esophagus wound
• So the trauma sustained that is keeping her from eating is both a partial paralysis and a tear of her esophagus. She has a PICC line (not in her chest but in her upper arm) and an NG tube. The NG tube is being used for medications. She is having a barium type swallow esophogiagram now with some water based substance to determine where the tear is located.
• result long tear left external, high up but not sure how deep. The radiologist suggested that it might need to be repaired surgically, hope not.

• working on getting a primary care physician on board to coordinate and have the big picture

3/1/20

• The ENT doc was just here, he says that her vocal cord is still paralyzed but that he has to wait to hear from her doc about where the tear is located. If it is along the shared wall with the wind pipe it is harder to take care of the shot (which usually is an instant cure for vocal paralysis, but if it is on the exterior wall of esophagus, much less complicated. He will consult with the doc looking at her esophagus after he knows the deal and work with him.
• The nurse Min said that all of the nutrients are being provided through an I.V. The 'feeding tube' is exclusively for medication.
• GI guy was here this morning and left note saying that an ENT person will come tomorrow to take a look at the current state of mom's esophagus tear.

2/29/20 Sat

• Feeding tube can't be used for 24 -36 hrs. Today a PIC line will be put in so she can get iv nourishment with protein carbs and fat. However her INR number is high so there is a hold on that.
• mom still not getting food
• The injection for the vocal cord was not done, the feeding tube was placed last night. The tube is a nasogastric (NG) tube and as of 10am there was no order to start feedings

2/28/20 Fri

• ENT doctor/- Dr Saul Wodlin examined mom's throat with a small scope and told me that the left side of her vocal cord is paralyzed. Stated this is the reason she cannot swallow or talk. The solution is to give mom an injection and this will very quickly repair the problem. The main issue is timing. This was just diagnosed , the OR is booked up. He is pushing very hard with everyone at the hospital to do this ASAP. If this can be done and if successful ( the doc is very confident) the feeding tube will be unnecessary.

2/26/20 Wed

• the main issue remains the throat trauma. Not able to ingest any liquids or food. The steroid that started 2/25@ 11:00am has been given regularly and the hope is that this can greatly aid in the throat healing. By later this afternoon doctor will evaluate the potential insertion of a feeding tube. They hope to avoid this for the potential strain on the throat could outweigh the nutritional advantage.

2/25/20 Tues

• Much less pain and discomfort today. Last night her doctor said one lung was not functioning - he used an endoscope to diagnose the problem. Detected a large amount of mucus around the lung and was able to suction it out. Started a new medication to help with breathing.
• Dr. Chung checked in, and is concerned about mom's throat, and the fact that she has not been able to drink or eat anything. Says she will remain in the ICU until her problem is resolved.

people

• Danielle - ENT nurse -
• Alis - nurse -
• Min - nurse -
• Dr. Chung - heart surgeon - installed the mitral valve clip
• Dr Saul Wodlin - ENT doctor - 2/28 the reason she cannot swallow or talk:the left side of her vocal cord is paralyzed
• Dr Celifarco - GI doctor
• Dr tavak - primary care