Central Line Surgery Done

The general surgeon just came out to talk to us and said that his portion of the surgery (of placing the central line) is done.  He placed a jugular line in her neck, but then burrowed the line under her skin so the port exits her body on her chest instead of her neck.  She has just one lumen since the line won't be used too heavily and fewer lumens lower the chance of infection developing in the line.

The surgeon knew our concerns about making sure this line can last a whole year, for her IV antibiotics as well as for Annie's weekly blood draws, so he placed a bit larger line than normal (8 french) to help keep the line functioning well as long as possible.  And very appropriately, it is purple!! :)  Annie will be so happy!

The nurses will train us on proper care and use of her central line for when she goes home so we can be the ones administering all her drugs.  A nurse will come to our home weekly to get blood draws over the next year.  The surgeon mentioned that these lines tend to get infected more when the patient is in the hospital, as opposed to being at home.  That didn't surprise me, and I know Justin and I will be diligent about keeping it sterile and clean.

Dr. Hasley (ortho) came out to talk to us before his portion of the surgery and he's feeling good about things.  He will remove one cross-bar at the bottom of her back that connects the two rods.  He said it's not necessary and is only serving as a breeding ground for bacteria.  So we have one procedure down, one more to go!