As you know, Mom was discharged from the hospital on Monday, April 28th. The past week at home has been overwhelming, with around-the-clock CNAs, private nursing for help with meds, IV antibiotics, TPN, tracking down medicine and her inability to sleep. She’s also been extremely confused and was making statements that didn’t make sense. The medical team attributed this to delirium from her hospitalization and anesthesia. 

 

At about 2am Sat night, mom’s CNA called to say mom hadn’t slept at all even with us doubling her medicine we were trying for sleep and anxiety and she pulled out wound vac. Amy and I immediately went to mom’s house and decided to take her to the ER, and we’ve been here since about 3am. 

 

Mom was so agitated and disoriented that she had to be given Ativan and was restrained for her own safety – she kept trying to get out of bed, even with Amy and I trying to hold her hands and relax her. Her abdominal CT scan was normal and we met with the surgeons we know from the last surgery and they are happy with her progress, but the ER found her sodium level is dangerously high (179). This is believed to be causing her to have a rapid heart rate and delirium. She is now receiving fluids to help with sodium levels. The TPN mixture, which was supposed to provide her with enough fluids, was apparently incorrect and is being adjusted. 

 

A brain CT has been done; we are waiting for the results. Mom is now sleeping and expected to remain somewhat sedated for several days. If her breathing becomes too shallow, she may need to be intubated. The main concern right now is her brain function which they say is reversible but they are cautious about everything. 

 

She is being admitted to the ICU primarily because of her altered mental status, not her heart or previous surgeries. 

 

The priority is safely lowering her sodium because it MUST be done slowly and they’ll closely monitoring her brain and breathing. The situation is serious, but there is a clear plan for ongoing care and evaluation. 

 

Needless to say, Amy and I are upset that the TPN wasn’t properly managed, which contributed to this situation, and we are EXHAUSTED so not really taking calls at all right now. 

 

Thankfully, she is now under close supervision. We’ll keep you updated as we learn more.