what would you do?

Caleb'sMom · #1 12-16-2011, 01:17 PM

Caleb had a pulmonary appointment on Wednesday where they regularly take trach aspirates regardless if the kid is symptomatic of anything or not.

They didn't get enough cells in the aspirate to use it (grr). The pulmo has left it up to us to get another aspirate or not.

He isn't having any symptoms of illness...would you get one?

Getting a trach aspirate locally is like pulling teeth (he sees a pediatrician at a naval hospital) especially around the holidays.

The catch is that he has a huge surgery coming up in January- that was the pulmos only reason for trying to get another one. But like I said- if we hadn't had that appointment on Wednesday we never would have gotten one.

Sweet Harrison's mommy · #2 12-16-2011, 01:33 PM

If he isn't showing symptoms, I wouldn't worry about it!! Taking him out and about and attempting to get another sample could very well expose him to additional germs, so I would lay low and hold off unless he starts showing symptoms.

davidsmom · #3 12-16-2011, 02:19 PM

I agree with Susan. Taking Caleb out to get this done could cause more issues. If he isn't showing symptoms I wouldn't do it.

Christamae · #4 12-16-2011, 02:49 PM

can you send someone to get the suction trap & do it yourself? I did this once. if he has a colonized bacteria they probably want to knock it down before surgery.

Caleb'sMom · #5 12-16-2011, 05:30 PM

good point about taking him out. I would actually do it myself at home and then take the sample in like Christamae suggested.

I think I've decided not to get another one though. He has been on 4 different antibiotics in the 2 months for pneumonia and an infected surgical incision...so if he is doing ok I don't really want to give him more antibiotics.

It's like once I type it out I clear my head and can make a decision!!

JessicaLalonde · #6 12-16-2011, 10:51 PM

If he is colonized with stuff he is going to grow it anyways right? Why treat if he isnt showing any symptoms. I guess if they really want one and you are confident he is well you would probably do a trach change and then do the aspirate shortly after as anything should be at their least amount then.

lauryns mum · #7 12-16-2011, 11:34 PM

I agree to not treat something if there are no obvious symptoms, but I am conflicted about the upcoming surgery. What if there is something that isn't symptomatic yet, but is in a week or 2 which could compromise the surgery date...? We had a routine culture taken and it came back with staph...I was surprised since i didn't think there were any symptoms, though in retrospect, perhaps there were and we didn't know what to look for since it was the first infection of that kind. So it might boil down to YOUR experience with infections and YOUR child's symptoms or lack there of. (We did have surgery to repair a cleft palate after 7 full days of antibiotic. Everyone seemed pleased that it was either gone or would not cause any delay or further infections).

Anyway, I hope it is just health care professionals doing due diligence and nothing more!

JWorthington · #8 12-17-2011, 03:14 AM

Our pulm usually does one as routine too but as the decision has been left up to you then it sounds like they arent that concerned about getting one, so I would just leave it. We always had the kits at home and did our own then dropped it at the hospital if we needed too. best of luck with the surgery x

emily · #9 12-18-2011, 03:45 PM

Our pulm does not like to do them unless absolutely needed because they always have something growing. They are pretty cool about not treating when not necessary.

glowingpurpleaura · #10 12-22-2011, 04:52 AM

short answer - nope!