Anaphylaxis

31 Jul

This morning started out quite eventful for Jody.  He was given his first dose of antibiotics (one new to him, and one old) and went into anaphylactic shock.  This is a severe allergic reaction which can be life-threatening.  Jody’s tongue and throat swelled, so much so that it blocked his airway, and he briefly lost consciousness.  A code team was called and they were ready to intubate him (put a tube down his throat so he could breathe), when he finally started responding to the medication given to reverse the reaction.  Praise the Lord for his protection over him!

We naturally assumed this reaction was related to the new antibiotic, however, the physicians feel it could also be from the old one (one Jody’s had many times).  An allergist came to see Jody today and explained that sometimes, and for no apparent reason, the body can develop a reaction to medications taken without harm in the past.

Jody’s team of doctors feel it is important for him to receive both of these antibiotics in order to fight the infection in his lungs.  It was decided that he will be moved to the ICU (as soon as a bed opens up), where he can be closely monitored as they attempt to reintroduce these meds.  The challenge will be to figure out what dose to give and how fast to infuse them so that Jody doesn’t experience this reaction again.  If everything goes well, his stay in the ICU should be for a minimum of 24 hours.  Please pray the doctors hit the nail on the head the first time around so that Jody doesn’t have any repeat episodes.  Also pray for peace for Jody when the antibiotics are restarted.  Thanks for reading, and thanks for your prayers and words of encouragement.

8 Responses to “Anaphylaxis”

  1. Sheryl July 31, 2013 at 5:44 pm #

    Oh my……sending our love to you, Jody and the girls!

  2. Ruthie July 31, 2013 at 6:16 pm #

    My heart aches ….No words seem to fit…..so praying instead. . I love you all!

  3. pllohr July 31, 2013 at 7:39 pm #

    Let Jody know I’m specifically praying for medical wisdom of the Drs & nurses administering the antibiotics and for no more reactions. I’m also praying God’s peace be over both if you during this time. Love to you both.

    Pat Lohr

    • jen July 31, 2013 at 8:28 pm #

      Oh, how scary! When Patrick became covered in hives after an ABX that he had for 3 years Dr Krak said the same thing- that sometimes it happens out of the blue. I hope they can safely re- introduce those same medications for Jody to make well again!

  4. Jonathan and Kendra July 31, 2013 at 9:59 pm #

    I can’t even imagine how scary that must have been for both of you! Praying that Jody responds well to the treatment plan and that he can safely leave the ICU soon! The Gaschos are thinking of you often, and we’re praying for peace and healing.

  5. MELLINGER Robert (CNH) August 1, 2013 at 7:17 am #

    Morning Tiffany And Jody , I just got your letter about Jody Thanks for the update . I am praying that the Doctors would be able to give these antibiotics in a way that Jody body would be able and ready to accept them and have the infection leave his body believing this will be done . Tiffany please let us know how to help ! Love Dad

    ________________________________

  6. Lynn & Sandi August 1, 2013 at 9:26 am #

    Thank you for the updates on Jody. We were so glad that God blessed you with the opportunity to go to the Holy Land together. Please let him know that the Crills family is praying for him and your family. He will always have a special place in our hearts. Blessings to you all.

Trackbacks/Pingbacks

  1. Germs, Infection & Antibiotics | CF Wife - April 10, 2014

    […] his throat began to feel scratchy, and he was having a hard time staying awake.  Jody has a fairly recent history of an anaphylactic reaction to an antibiotic, and while this wasn’t that, we knew this was not something to mess around […]

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