Saturday 6-27-09 – Ally’s intubated and H1N1 update

Unfortunately Ally had a very difficult treatment Friday and is intubated (has a breathing tube).  We had to hit the code for assistance since she had a huge mucus plug and was not able to breathe at all and then her heart rate started to go down to the 60s.  They were able to ambu bag her up and intubate quickly. We are doing q2 treatments of IPV, coughing and suctioning and getting lots of thick plugs up.  We are also dealing with some fevers.  I am staying optimistic about clearing her lungs, getting rid of this bug and then being able to take the tube out and go back to our normal routine.  Prayers, prayers and more prayers for Ally and for things to go smoothly here at the hospital.  Also prayers to anyone else sick out there.

 

I would like to provide an update on concerns about exposure to H1N1 infection. The hospital has not 100% confirmed it as H1NI, but has confirmed influenza A, which is related to H1N1.  Based on the time of year and how sick Ally and I both got, this is most likely H1N1. After discussing with Dr. Schroth and physicians caring for Ally, it is unlikely that Ally was contagious at the Families of SMA conference as she got sick 2 days after we left the conference.  Also Melissa had a cold and most likely did not have H1N1 infection based on her symptoms.  I may have had the H1N1 infection and got sick on Saturday.  Based on what is known about H1N1 infection, I may have been contagious starting on Friday.  However, I felt well on Friday and had no idea I would be sick on Saturday.  When I started to feel sick on Saturday, I stayed in my hotel room away from the conference activities and we left the following day.  People who sat within 6 feet of me starting on Friday may have been exposed.  The recommendations per Dr. Schroth after consulting with the Center for Disease Control and the Ohio Dept of Health is that exposed individuals should look for symptoms of fever, sore throat, aches and pain, and not feeling well.  If these symptoms occur, please talk with your doctor ASAP to consider treatment.  The incubation period for H1N1 is 1 to 7 days.  Please see www.fsma.org for additional information.

 

Thanks again for everyone’s prayers and support.

Tina, Ally, Billy and Family