NOTE TO FRIENDS AND FAMILY - MARIA IS IN THE HOSPITAL IN ICU AND HAS TEMPORARILY MOVED OUT OF MARLBOROUGH HEALTH AND REHABILITATION CENTER.
Maria's bowel resection procedure on 8/9 went well. In the week immediately after the surgery the doctors worked hard to keep Maria comfortable. She was given several units of blood and blood products to help her clot. They were successful.
At the same time they installed a venus filter in her inferior vena cava to prevent the clots in her legs from traveling to her heart and lungs. This was done on 8/13 and was successful. Maria was bleeding internally and that first week the doctors were concerned about internal bleeding. Using a catheter, they blocked the epigastric artery. This artery supplies blood to the muscles in the abdomen. This was the suspected cause of her internal bleeding. This procedure was successful and in fact stopped the internal bleeding.
On 8/14 Maria was having trouble breathing because of all the internal bleeding so we put Maria on the respirator. This was a temporary intubation to ensure she was receiving the correct levels of oxygen. On 8/22 we removed the intubation tube in her throat and installed a trache tube in her throat. This is much more comfortable for Maria and will help prevent irritation to her throat and vocal chords, and will eliminate the risk of pneumonia. The trache tube is a temporary measure.
Maria is resting well in ICU. She can have visitors. We are limited to 3 at a time. I am usually there most days and nights, so if you are interested in coming to visit call or text me at 703-324-7052. Thank you for your continued support, your prayers and positive energy.
