Mark has been at Milwaukie Providence since Monday. He’s not an ICU patient, but he’s in the ICU because they have available rooms. It doesn’t look like he’ll be transported to Providence Main anytime soon because of their lack of beds. The good news is that ICU nurses are quite responsive!
Mark has multiple infections—C-Diff and Sepsis, and he’s on two different antibiotics to fight them. They pulled out an unknown bacteria from his bloodstream that the resident doctor had never seen before. And apparently, it’s not a bacteria often found in humans….. (so many questions but not many answers)! That said, it does have ties to the biliary tree, which is where Mark has a stent.
They believe the stent in the bile duct is causing the source of the infection—the blood work suggests a partial blockage. Tomorrow early-afternoon, Mark will be transferred to Portland Providence, for an ERCP procedure to replace the stent, and then he’ll return to Milwaukie Providence for monitoring and recovery. Typically these stents last three months before they need replacing, but apparently, Mark has an exceptional ability to clog his stents within 1-2 months—always over-achieving.
Mark is generally feeling okay with some nausea and a mild fever that comes and goes. He enjoyed a Chick-fil-A burrito this morning and continues to rely on his trusty Tang to stay hydrated. Mom hasn’t felt great this week, so Rachel has been with her, while Michael, Eric, and I have had the opportunity to be with Dad during the day. He’s allowed one visitor per day. He says he has “really enjoyed the time with his children.” And while he has to say that because he’s dictating to me, I get the sense, he means it. :) We love you too, pops!
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