Monday, September 13, 2010

Platelet Transfusion

Today was Averi’s platelet transfusion.  I’m glad I packed a lunch because we were there for 5 hours.  Apparently it’s not a quick thing. :)

When we first arrived they stuck her finger to do another blood draw and test her platelets to make sure they were still low and in need of a transfusion.  After waiting 45 minutes for the results (her platelets are at 23,000 and normal is anything between 140,000 and 400,000) we headed back to the transfusion room.

As you may have learned from all of the blood draw horror stories I’ve told, Averi is a really hard stick.  I decided I was done playing “my daughter is a pin cushion” and asked that the IV team just be brought in from the beginning.

Well we waited and waited and they never showed up so I agreed to have their ‘best nurse’ take a look at her.  She numbered both hands and one foot, which I was very grateful for, and finally found a good vein in her right foot.  Needless to say, she got the IV in on the first try!
Then we waited for the platelets to show up and finally started the transfusion 2 ½ hours after we arrived.  The actual transfusion took an hour, during which they took her blood pressure and temperature every 15 minutes.  Averi did awesome!  She didn't cry at all, stole the hearts of all the nurses, and kept trying to pull out her IV.  When it was done, we were told we could go home.

A few minutes later the nurse was chasing me down in the hallway telling me that we needed to retest her platelet count to make sure that it was over 50,000 for the surgery tomorrow.  So we did another finger prick and waited another 45 minutes for the results.  She was up to 84,000 and we were officially free to go.

I’m curious to see how tomorrow goes since no one has told me where the biopsy will be taken from or if she will be admitted for observation over night.  I’m sure that everything will go well and I’m just anxious to get the results so I can start preparing for whatever life has in store for us next.

9 comments:

Jen A. said...

My daughter-in-law has the best spirit. Glad to hear she is cheerful. How is mom doing though? I so almost drove to your house just to give you a hug.

Geometer-Mom said...

We are thinking of you and praying for you and your family, and especially for Averi. Love you!

Glenn and Melanie said...

So glad yesterday went well. Many prayers heading your direction! Just remember - you and your family are in His arms.

Lauren in GA said...

I finally did that, too. I told them I wanted the IV team last time.

She is such a sweetheart. No wonder she stole the hearts of the nurses! Darling picture of her.

Anonymous said...

We are thinking of you all and sending prayers your way.

The McCartys
-Kevin, Lisa, & Mack

Stephanie said...

Loving you all and keeping you in our prayers. Hugs. :)

Garn said...

Good luck!!!

Anonymous said...

Hang in there! We are praying for Averi! The best thing they ever did for Brady was give him a central line. No more sticking him for blood draws and he had access for anything else they wanted to throw at him;). If you want someone to walk around the hospital with you while you wait just let me know. I am happy to push a stroller with you.

Susie Magyar
Casey, Aiden, Brady and Dylan's mom

Tina said...

I really hate when people aren't prepared for you. I know things happen but doesn't seem like they should be a little more prepared. I'm glad that we are so amazing. I'm throwing myself into that statement 1. so that you'll giggle and 2. so that I don't feel like I'm trying to suck up to you or something. I need to get over that and just tell you how incredible you are...but maybe another time. ;)