^{Support Registry Update}

Endocarditis

In support of
The Steinhaus Family

Last night I brought Andrew to the ER, and we were admitted to our home-away-from-home onc floor around 5am. Andrew had been extremely fatigued all day. I went with him to his outpatient appointment in the morning where they gave him two units of platelets and a unit of whole blood because in addition to low platelets, his hemoglobin was at 7. He also had a nosebleed that wouldn’t stop—it would end up bleeding for about 14 hours.

I’d felt like something was off while we were in clinic, but nothing was wrong enough to keep him or send him to the hospital. His fatigue was attributed to low platelets and low white blood cells, etc. His temperature hit 99 once or twice (you have to check vitals repeatedly while giving blood products) but mostly stayed in the 97-98 range.

Around 6pm I started thinking he was getting a fever. By the time we left home for the hospital at 8:30pm, it was over 101. To me, the entire day mirrored the series of events that led to the sepsis diagnosis in June.

They were able to stop his nosebleed in the ER, and the fever came down. His troponin—a lab often associated with heart attack when elevated but can suggest other issues stressing the heart—was high and trending higher. An echo this morning showed a new vegetation on his heart that is highly suspicious for endocarditis. He’s on broad spectrum antibiotics until we learn more.

He also tested positive for rhinovirus, which is typically just a cold, but it could be affecting him more due to compromised immune system. So there are a number of factors that could have contributed to the fever last night. Getting a whole blood infusion for the first time could have done it too. In all likelihood, the endocarditis is responsible for all of it except the nosebleeds.

Andrew is very fatigued and mostly sleeping. Thanks to those of you who have already messaged him. He isn’t looking at his phone but will when he feels more alert.

Elyse Steinhaus
4 months ago

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Comments

Deb Long

Sending huge hugs, prayers, and love to all of you.

4 months ago

Monica Mocarski

Big hugs and even bigger prayers.

4 months ago

Teri Garner

Always praying. Remember you have a huge team praying for you. God is on the job and Jesus is holding you. I love y’all always

4 months ago

Francesco Deluca

Miss you people

4 months ago

Chris Reynolds

Andrew, as I am praying for you I am getting a visual of you across the lap of Jesus with your head resting at His shoulder and His arms around you. He's holding you comforting you with all his healing mercy, love and grace with eyes of total compassion and delight in you. You are a warrior and a trooper for your God and for your family. Glory to God the battle is the Lord's! May you rest in his arms of strength, comfort and peace as He brings you through this of many numerous trials. God bless you and keep you. I'll continue in prayer for you, my precious brother, and all your beautiful family. Love in the One who loves us so much! Chris

4 months ago

Chris Reynolds

4 months ago

Mary McGill

I apologize if you get this twice. I pray everyday for you and your family. I am so sorry for all you are going through. I will continue to pray. Sending this with hope and wishes for God's blessings.

4 months ago

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