After yet another week on Bliss 8, on Monday 10/20 Maria experienced another low-O2 event. On Monday afternoon after her lunch, Maria's oxygen levels dropped into the low 80's for no apparent reason. While Maria was doing during this event, the protocols at the hospital dictate that she move to a higher level of care. As such on Monday 10/20, Maria moved from Bliss 8 to Bliss 11E Stepdown. Stepdown is one level below intensive care.
Maria had a good week while on Bliss 11. She has had two tests, to examine a potential problem with blood flow in the heart. A Trans Esophageal Echocardiogram (TEE) and a lung ventilation/perfusion scan, or VQ scan, is a test that measures air and blood flow in your lungs.
Like many people, Maria has a hole in her heart. This is called a Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) which is a hole between the left and right atria (upper chambers) of the heart. This hole exists in everyone before birth, but usually closes shortly after being born. PFO is what the hole is called when it fails to close naturally after a baby is born.
The theory is that de-oxygenated blood is passing from the right atria to the left atria without passing through the lungs first. Mixed blood is then pumped throughout the body and hence her sporadica low O2 (hypoic) episodes.
Currently there is no conclusion on this weeks testing. We are of course anxious to find the real cause of her low O2 episodes. Until such time as we find the answer we will remain in the hospital.
Maria can have visitors. Visitation is no different than on a standard care floor. If you want to visit Maria feel free to call or text Pat at 703-342-7052 to check to see how she is doing on any given day.
Thanks to you all for your continued thoughts and prayers and positive energy.
