Misbehaving

Bridger seems to have developed a knack for misbehaving when Rock and I step out for meals. While we were at dinner, he pulled out his IJ- the central line that was in the jugular vein in his neck. It was obviously bugging him and despite the fact that it was sutured it quite securely, he yanked it right out. It's great that he has the strength to do that but not so great to pull out the access through which he was receiving multiple meds. Unfortunately, he has very difficult veins to access. Yesterday it took 3 anesthesiologists and multiple unsuccessful attempts at peripheral and central access before they were able to place the IJ and femoral line.
Luckily, the nurse was able to place an IV in his scalp pretty quickly but he needs additional access for all the drips he is getting. The cardiac intensivist was planning to place another femoral line but then decided that she didn't want to compromise access for future cardiac catheterizations and also it would require them to give him some sedation, which they are trying to avoid. Soooo, she is now attempting to place an external jugular line- a peripheral IV placed in the jugular vein in the neck. Success! Looks like little Bridger will be sporting some wrist restraints from now on!

It was a pretty rough day for Bridger. His work of breathing increased to the point where he was really retracting and he had an episode while I was feeding him where he became very sweaty and purple-looking. They were worried that he may be developing some pulmonary edema, but his chest xray didn't look too bad. It is likely that his heart is just recovering and trying to adjust. He is getting some higher flow oxygen now and is looking better than he did earlier. I guess his condition this morning was a bit too good to be true. We have been prepared for setbacks and I am sure he will get through this soon enough. Thank you for all of your continued support and prayers. We hope that Bridger has a calm, restful night.