November 14, 2008

Stupid Diaphragm

The docs now think that Dad's pleural effusion is secondary to a spasming or partially-paralyzed thoracic diaphragm. So they still may punch a needle in there and drain fluid, but maybe not bother, as if the diaphragm doesn't stop acting up, fluid will come right back. And when the diaphragm starts working again, the fluid should get drained on it's own. Still, a thoracentesis might make him more comfortable.

This information came about after Dad had more "chest, an "echocardiogram, a CT scan, and a bunch of people listening to his chest while wacking him upon the back. Good times, good times!

So anyway, tonight he's resting "comfortably" as they say. In fact, he is showing some improvement on his own, although the supplemental oxygen is probably part of that. Tomorrow he'll have a ultrasound of his lungs so they can decide where to stick the drain needle, if they decide to do the thoracentesis after all. The spot is going to get marked with an "X". How medieval.

He's been told that while he might go home Saturday, Sunday is more likely.

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