I quit my job last week, a rash, spur of the moment decision, so now I'm job hunting. Getting too old, maybe I should just retire.
Too cold to retire in Iowa. The temperature at noon today was 50 degrees. Now it's 12. It does seem we will miss any significant snow, just wind and cold.
Richard is getting a
venous access device (VAD) next Thursday. He's always had little tiny veins and the prolonged use of steroids makes his skin paper thin. The one he's getting is called an Infusaport. ( See picture) He had one five years ago, but it was removed before the last transplant.
A catheter is attached to a metal or plastic reservoir that has a silicone septum. The reservoir is surgically implanted under the skin of the upper chest. No part of the implanted port is exposed. An implanted port is recommended for patients requiring episodic treatment over a longer period of time, usually more than 6 months. Port access requires that a special needle be inserted through the patient's skin. Port access procedures are performed by nurses and physicians who have demonstrated competency in this skill. Assessment of device function, including the ability to flush without resistance and verify a positive blood return, must be done at least monthly.
Richard is not the best candidate for this procedure since he has had VADs before and may have scarring of the vessels from previous insertions. He had an ultrasound of the vessels which showed no blockage in blood flow, so that's hopful. The other main issue is infection risk.
I'm a little nervous but Richard isn't so we'll see what happens.
Too cold to retire in Iowa. The temperature at noon today was 50 degrees. Now it's 12. It does seem we will miss any significant snow, just wind and cold.
Richard is getting a venous access device (VAD) next Thursday. He's always had little tiny veins and the prolonged use of steroids makes his skin paper thin. The one he's getting is called an Infusaport. ( See picture) He had one five years ago, but it was removed before the last transplant.
A catheter is attached to a metal or plastic reservoir that has a silicone septum. The reservoir is surgically implanted under the skin of the upper chest. No part of the implanted port is exposed. An implanted port is recommended for patients requiring episodic treatment over a longer period of time, usually more than 6 months. Port access requires that a special needle be inserted through the patient's skin. Port access procedures are performed by nurses and physicians who have demonstrated competency in this skill. Assessment of device function, including the ability to flush without resistance and verify a positive blood return, must be done at least monthly.
Richard is not the best candidate for this procedure since he has had VADs before and may have scarring of the vessels from previous insertions. He had an ultrasound of the vessels which showed no blockage in blood flow, so that's hopful. The other main issue is infection risk.
I'm a little nervous but Richard isn't so we'll see what happens.