With the fever under control, the wonderful staff at TG was able to complete the PEG insertion yesterday. All went well, and now all meds, nutrition & fluids are currently being given through the PEG tube.
Today, running only a slight fever, Dad's heading back to Orchard Park for a day and a half or so. Yes, it seems odd to us as well; but that's the way the system works. He should be there midday today or thereabouts. Then settle in for Wednesday, and Thursday morning head back to TG for the next procedure.
What's next? Turns out Dad has developed Hydrocephalus; an accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the brain; which they think is causing increased pressure inside his skull. To relieve that, they are inserting a Cerebral Shunt. The short version definition from wikipedia.com is a one-way valve used to drain excess cerebrospinal fluid from the brain and carry it to other parts of the body.
The thought is that relieving the increased pressure could help with some ongoing issues that've been hampering any recovery. Not sure how long that'll keep him back at TG, but would imagine an extra day or two. We'll keep you updated as more is known.
Johnny:)
