Back to the Future: PICC Lines Once More

Back in June, Jenn started developing problems tolerating her tube feeding. In an effort to stem the tide of, well, loose bowels, she started easing back her feeding rate. When the rate got ridiculously low, and we began to be worried about Jenn getting dehydrated, Jenn's gut doctor ordered a stool test—and we found out that Jenn had contracted c. difficil, a notoriously problematic bacteriological infection that coats the bowels with a mucous membrane, which prevents the colon from absorbing liquids and nutrients.

Naturally, this was pretty bad news. So on July 13, we checked in to Virgina Mason once more, and Jenn was again fitted out with a PICC line for IV nutrition—just ten days prior to heading for the Grand Canyon! Then on Wednesday, we were back in the ER worried about low-grade temperatures and minor chills. They ran some tests and sent us home.

Her latest blood cultures show that she's free of blood infections, and she's still taking antibiotics for the c. dif. But the infectious diseases doc has ordered another round of blood cultures this afternoon. There's still a chance that a positive result could come back before we board the raft..

The adventure continues.