     |
|
Glossary of terms I have used
Home The following are not true definitions but are my understanding of what they mean. As Fred's 'blog progresses I will probably refer them to more often and it easier for me to abbreviate them each time. If you are "in the know" and find them inaccurate then please let me know. It is intended just to give you some vague idea as to what I am on about. If you type in the word into Google you should be able to get a more detailed explanation as to what they mean.
BLOODS - Blood samples taken for testing regularly. BP - Blood pressure BOLUS - a single dose of a drug or fluid given in a short space time. BONE MARROW ASPIRATE - A needle is inserted into the hip bone and a sample of bone marrow taken. It is then checked for leukaemia. BMT or BONE MARROW TRANSPLANT - Bone marrow is taken from either a related or unrelated donor. It is processed to suit the recipient and may be a light pink to dark blood red colour depending on composition. It is infused intravenously, in Freds case 83mls over three hours. A reaction may occur within the first 15 minutes but after that regular obs are carried out. The marrow is contained within a bag and is given in a similar way to a blood transfusion. BMT WARD - On level 7 of the BRCH it comprises 20 beds, 16 in cubicles. 10 beds are in the non-isolation ward and the other 10 are in the isolation ward. The latter is a carefully controlled environment with limited visitors and a higher than normal level of hygiene. The rooms have a postive air pressure in that air is pumped into the room at a rate that air does does not come back in from the gaps around the door. Ensures bugs do not float in. Only four named visitors are allowed per patient during the stay including parents. Parents wear scrub suits and must change each time they leave the ward. Items brought into the room are restricted, and those that come in are wiped down with an antibacterial wipe. BRCH - Bristol Royal Childrens Hospital. Where Fred is currently being treated. CAVILON - A barrier cream, spray or liquid used on Fred. CLIC - CANCER AND LEUKAEMIA IN CHILDREN - A charity. They kindly have provided us with accomodation when we need it, and provide information and support. CSF or CEREBROSPINAL FLUID - This surrounds the brain and spinal cord and acts as a sort of shock absorber. Leukaemic cells like this sort of environment and it is regularly checked for such. Since his relapse on the 14 April 2007 the leukaemic cells have crossed into this fluid. CT SCAN or COMPUTERISED TOMOGRAPHY - In Fred's case his head was scanned in a number of "slices" to produce a succession of images. EEG or ELECTROENCEPHALOGRAM - In Fred's case various sensors were placed on his head and his brain activity recorded on to a laptop. ENGRAFTMENT - Following a transplant the establishment and growth of the donors cells in the body. GCSF or GRANULYTE-COLONY STIMULATION FACTOR - A drug given to Fred to stimulate the growth of his "new" white blood cells in his bone marrow once he had become NEUTROPENIC. GRAFT REJECTION - Following a transplant the new marrow fails to start producing new blood cells. Drugs can be given to counter this, such as Cyclosporin. GvHD or GRAFT VERSUS HOST DISEASE - Where the incoming donors marrow sees the recipients (host) as foreign and attack them. The skin, liver and stomach may be adversely affected and can be treated with immuno-suppressant drugs. GvL or GRAFT VERSUS LEUKAEMIA - The new marrow attacks the leukaemic cells in the recipient and in a contolled situation can "mop up" the remaining cancer cells. HAEMOFILTER - A device that removes blood from the vein and passes it through a filter. This removes the unwanted matter from the blood, and the cleaned blood is returned to the body. It is similar to dialysis when the kidneys may not be working efficiently.. HAEMOTOLOGY - The study of blood.HICKMAN LINE - A "permanent" port which is inserted (under general anaesthetic) through a point near the neck looping down toward the heart and emerging on the right hand side of the chest. It has a few connections on it externally in which various tubes can be attached and drugs administered over time. It is also used to take blood samples. It removes the need for needles and Fred seems to be totally comfortable with it. It is intended to stay in for long periods of time. INTRASITE DRESSING - A gel covered gauze that is kept in the 'fridge and applied like a wet dressing. Fred used it extensively when he had nappy rash. IT or INTRATHECAL - Given via the spinal cord. LP or LUMBAR PUNCTURE - A hollow needle is inserted between spinal bones into the spinal canal and a sample of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) taken. In Fred's case it is checked for leukaemia. He has it done regularly, currently every two weeks. MRI SCAN or MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING - Similar in a way to the CT SCAN but in more detail. MRA SCAN or MAGNETIC RESONANCE ANGIOGRAM - Done at the same time as his MRI, it measures how well the blood vessels in the brain are working. NASO-GASTRIC or NG TUBE - A small-bore tube inserted into his stomach via his nostril. It is used to administer medicine or feeds. Prior to use, a sample of stomach fluid is usually drawn back and tested, to check it is still in the stomach and not the lungs. NASO-JEJUNAL or NJ TUBE - A small-bore tube inserted into his jejunum via his nostril. Similar to the NJ but goes deeper into the small intestine. Drugs and feed can be inserted here, which should mean it is not in the stomach and therefore cannot be vomitted back out. NPA or Naso Phyrangeal Aspirate - A small bore catheter is inserted up the nose and suction removes the mucus for analysis. NBM or NIL BY MOUTH - Denied food for a certain time before a general anaesthetic. NEUTROPHILS - These are white blood cells that are produced in the bone marrow and are critical to immunity. They go from the blood to deal with infections and "eat" the germs. NEUTROPENIC - Having a zero count of neutrophils, and therefore at risk of infection. OBS - Regular checking of his blood pressure, temperature and efficiency of his breathing, and includes other checks as well. ONCOLOGY - The study and treatment of cancer PCA or PATIENT CONTROLLED ANALGAESIA - A way of administering a pain relief drug by the patient but in a controlled way. In Fred's case morphine is contained within a "secure" syringe driver that allows the patient/carer/nurse to deliver and extra bolus of pain relief when required. It is set so that it can be safely given when required (without hospital staffs permission) to relieve pain when needed. To avoid excessive use, once pressed and the drug is given, a set poeriod of time has to pass before the next bolus can be given. This can range from 2 minutes to 180 minutes I think depending on the dose. It records all of the doses given plus the attempts made to give it. PLASMA - A part of the blood which deals with clotting. Fred has had a number of transfusions of this. PICU or PAEDIATRIC INTENSIVE CARE UNIT - Where Fred came here on his admission to BRCH before being transferred to Ward 34. RED BOOK - Fred's basic medical record created as soon as he was born, and updated as he gets older ROYAL DEVON AND EXETER HOSPITAL - Where Fred was admitted on the 24 APRIL 2007 following his initial ten month treatment at BRHC, Bristol. He is currently on Bramble Ward, and being cared for by the Green Team. His consultant is Dr Andrew McNinch. TPN or TOTAL PARENTERAL NUTRITION - A fluid given to Fred via his HICKMAN LINE as a substitute for food. It is mixed to each persons requirements. A bit like MiracleGro. WARD 34 - The Oncology ward at BRCH. YANKEUR SUCKER - A suction tube connected to a tub that can be used to suck out gunge from the mouth, with variable pressure. Invented by a Sidney Yankeur who was an American doctor (1872 - 1932).
If you are the owner of this site: |