Collapsed Lung & Severe infection causing repiratory problem

[sauruchi]

Hi,

My mother aged 50 underwent the open heart suergery for a TR valve replacement on 21st Dec'07 at Indraprastha apollo hospital New Delhi India, performed by Dr B N Das. After the surgery she was on ventilator till 9 days i.e. till 29th Dec, doctors removed the ventilator on 29th but she was not stable. on 1st January'08 doctors told us that her right lung has been collapsed & also she has severe bacerial infection & she was again taken to ventilator. from that time she is continouing on ventilator, bronchioscopy is also done twice for her. In between doctors tried to remove ventilator but only after 2-3 days she was taken back to ventilator. Her lung is filled with liquid for which sunction is done 2-3 times a day. On 21st January (after a month) we observed the swelling growing on her face & hands, & when we asked doctors they said it is due to infection & they are also not sure about what to be done. As per them her immunity is very low due to her health (she is weighing around 38-40 kgs now), & they are facing the problem that the antibiotic they give to treat one bacteria, in the meantime other bacteria grows for whicht tht antibiotic is ineffective.

She is fully consicous, but having these problems, doctors are doing blood cultures on regular basis to find the bacteria causing infections.

We are very confused about her state & correct treatment since the doctors of India's largest Hospital are also not very decisive about the type of treatment for her.

Hope you can help.

For information

Hospital: Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals New Delhi India
Doctors treating Her:

Dr B N Das: Chief Surgeon CTVS
Dr Rajesh Chawla: Critical Care, respiratory & sleep medicine  

[sumu]

If her diaphragm muscles loose strength then it would be difficult weaning her out of the ventilator.SHE MUST BRETHE WITH HER OWN EFFORT Similar ws the case with my mother her infection could not get controlled (she also hd copd). she passed away last sunday.