Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Fever Mystery Continues

The chest CT confirmed that Ernie's lungs are clear, once again ruling out aspiration pneumonia as the cause of the fever.  The two remaining theories are a drug induced fever from drugs that effect the central nervous system (Oxycontin and others), or a sinus infection.  The Oncologist went over his medications today and eliminated 3 antibiotics.  She also reduced the dosage of another drug that can depress the central nervous system.  Finally, they are testing him for a sinus infection.  In the meantime, I am to be on alert at 6 PM to administer Tylenol if his temp hits 103. 

The oxycodone alone is not enough to control the pain.  Even a small sip of water puts Ernie at a 10 on the pain scale.  So, the doctor is adding back a low dose of Oxycontin.  If the Oxycontin turns out to be the source of the fever, he may have to be transferred to in-patient status for pain management for the last week.  I think the pain will have to hit 20 on a 10 point scale before Ernie will consent to that.

No comments:

Post a Comment