Joe's Update

We went to the ER this afternoon for Joseph to receive another dose of antibiotics. We thought they were going to put him on the stronger antibiotic vancomycin, but the doctor was worried about him developing Clostridium difficile (aka c.difficile, cdff), which is basically severe diarrhea because all of the good gut bacteria have been wiped out by the antibiotics. He's been on extremely strong stuff, so they decided to wait to see how his body responds to all of this.

They decided to draw more blood to get a white blood count check. His while blood cells were high yesterday and in the normal range today, so that is good news.

They are still treating him with the bactrim orally for MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus). I think it's because he works in a healthcare center and this type of bacteria is often found in those types of environments. Maybe just to rule it out? I don't know? I can't remember if a blood test can reveal that type of info. While we were in the ER they gave him another IV drip, this time of the antibiotic Rocephin. This is the first antibiotic he started on when he initially went in yesterday. Tomorrow he will go back to the ER to get a combo treatment of Rocephin and Invanz. He'll be in bed for the next few days, going in for IV's every 24 hours. The doctor said once he finishes the IV's he should be able to stand and walk around and will be able to go back to work. I've had a hard time pinning him down the last couple of days, even though he's been sick. He's been going to watch the races for The Tour of Utah bike race, but he doesn't feel good at all now. The doctor made it clear that he needed to be in bed. At this point, I don't think he's going to fight it. He has major flu-like symptoms, achiness, pain, no appetite. As awful as he feels, it's kind of a blessing that he doesn't feel good because atleast it's keeping him down. I hate being the bad guy, so I haven't nagged him about staying down, but the doctor made it clear, so I encourage it. He of course he remains in good spirits. The treatment is aggressive, so hopefully it will be knocked out soon and life will be back to normal for him.