no news means no idea . . .

 I'm sorry I haven't updated for those of you that check faithfully and love us. A) I haven't had time. B) there's not a lot to report.

When Brent was admitted on Saturday, it was under the pretense that he had pneumonia. Brent has been admitted four times over the past 3-4 years with pneumonia and each time never showing symptoms of pneumonia other than unexplained fevers. When they do chest x-rays or chest CT's clouding is seen and thus the diagnosis of pneumonia.  And, nobody has ever questioned it. 

So, yesterday when the hospitalist pulmonologist came in, she was a bit baffled. None of the cultures taken in the ER have shown any growth (and for this we are VERY thankful, especially from the central line.) However, with nothing growing they have no idea what bacteria, if any, they are dealing with. Obviously he isn't responding well to the two heavy hitter IV antibiotics they've been giving him because he is still running fevers as soon as the tylenol wears off.  I told the pulmonologist that every time he's been admitted it's been the same scenario, no symptoms whatsoever except the fevers. She decided she wanted to do a bronchoscope which is a washing of the lungs, and take biopsies and samples. He's had this done before. It's not a pleasant procedure. 

Fast forward a few hours later, and she returned to his room even more baffled. She had gone back and looked at all of the pulmonology notes and CT's and x-rays from previous admits. She saw that each time the clouding/suspected pneumonia is in the exact same place. That is not indicative of classic pneumonia.  It doesn't just reappear a year later in the exact same spot. She scheduled an interventional pulmonologist to do the bronchoscope instead. The test took place this morning. Obviously there are no answers yet. 

There are a few theories floating around, but nothing concrete yet. She is concerned that perhaps it is from the Stelara that he takes for his Crohn's which has a side effect of pulmonary infections. She also said that sometimes heart valve problems (he's had two aortic valve replacements) can also cause pulmonary infections. They have now tested him for every possible bug/virus/bacteria under the sun. They also moved him to a negative pressure room and the nurses have to mask and gown because they have absolutely no idea what is causing his fevers or the dense clouding in his lung.  So, that is why I haven't updated. There's nothing to report. Brent is still running fevers and there are still no answers. 

We are thankful that someone is finally connecting the dots and trying to finish the picture. We are thankful that there is nothing growing from the cultures, especially in the central line. We are thankful for Dr's that actually think outside the box and realize that Brent is anything but a normal patient.  We are thankful for prayers said in his behalf. They are felt.