The sputum (throat mucus) culture has grown out. Ryan grew a bacteria called “serratia marcescens”. This is an opportunistic bacteria that develops secondarily. Most everyone has this bacteria living in their respiratory tract. It seldom creates a problem unless “insulted”. What that means is it is colonized harmlessly in the throat but once disturbed, say by a breathing tube, it jumps at the chance to spread. It will be treated with an antibiotic called “ceftazidime”.
Electron Microscope Image of Serratia Marcesens bacteria. Serratia is an opportunistic bacteria that typically spreads only when provoked.
The treatment is to administer the ceftazidime antibiotic over a period of two weeks. It will be delivered through a Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC line, as commonly called). The line will be placed today, bedside.
The path of a PICC line. It is passed from the vein in the arm until the catheter tip terminates near the heart to obtain intravenous access.
Ryan will go likely home with this PICC line in place. It will be removed upon completion of the antibiotic.
We are told Ryan must stay in the ICU for at least another two to three days, since he must remain on the ventilator. He will be discharged to the medical floor for another two to three days of observation. So, best case scenario, he will be discharged no sooner than late on Tuesday 28th. More realistically Ryan is looking at sometime around the New Year.
Some positive news is the antibiotics he was previously on did a nice job a suppressing the infection. None has entered the blood stream and his white count is completely normal at 6.8K.
It is both tough for us to see our son like this and for our daughter, Kari, to spend another holiday bedside in a hospital. I wish her life didn’t need to be this way.
Merry Christmas, Divineys!
Wherever your family is, God is! How comforting to know that he will be with you always. Your support teams love and support you, also. Wherever you are, whatever your needs, we’ll be there in spirit and praying for you. Ryan’s will to live and your will to be a loving devoted family at his side send a wonderful message worldwide….trust in the Lord and let Him do the rest. Your faith is strong….keep believing. This is the season of miracles!
Merry Christmas and God bless you, dear Divineys. We love you!!!!!!!!!!!
Dear Diviney Family,
So sorry you to have to spend another Christmas in the hospital.
May you experience some kind of unexpected word or deed today that assures you that God’s presence is real and that He is with you.
Please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers today.
Jane and the Yes! Grace Rocks friends
Kari- your whole family amazes me, the poise you all keep in this situation is incredible. I often think what would I do in this situation, what if this was my big brother, and I am certain I couldn’t handle it as well as you have. How you juggle going to school and living your life like Ryan wanted you too and being there for your family at the same time is truly amazing. You really are an inspiration to other little sisters who love their big brothers.
Kari, sweetie, I am so sorry you are spending your Christmas like this — yet I know, your deep love for your family would not allow you to be anywhere else. You hang in there, beautiful young lady. Your lovely spirit brings joy into a very stressful situation. I am always here to help you in any way I can. God bless you, sweet Kari.
I’m so sorry your family has to spend another holiday away from home under these circumstances. Still here, praying, and thinking of you all in Morgantown.
We are always thinking of you all and praying for Ryan each and every day. May the new year bring good things for you all.
My hopes and prayers are with you at Christmas.
Hope that takes care of the bacterial infection, and he can go home as soon as he can breathe on his own. We are all praying that will happen soon. Although I know hospital staff does the best they can to make the patient and family comfortable, there’s no place like home. Love and prayers on this Christmas Eve away from home.