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| PATIENT STORY: MICHAEL TRUJILLO |
The close relationship between 18-year old Michael Trujillo and Edward Hospital's pediatric ER staff was crucial on May 3, 2008. Michael experienced bleeding on the brain that day, one of the serious complications associated with afibrinogenemia, a rare, inherited blood disorder in which the blood does not clot normally.
The Trujillos, who live in Bolingbrook, asked the ambulance crew to take Michael to Edward because doctors and nurses there were familiar with his condition.
"We called to tell them Michael was on his way in an ambulance," says Linda Trujillo, Michael's mother. "That triggered them that this was not his usual treatment. They had everything ready in case it was what they expected. They just took care of him. If we would've had to spend time answering questions, he wouldn't be here."
Edward's pediatric ER team knew what to expect because they've treated Michael the last ten years. Michael's condition puts him at risk for excessive internal bleeding, which can be severe, even fatal. When those situations occur, he requires an infusion of a blood product called cryoprecipitate.
The pediatric ER staff has administered the "cryo" treatments to Michael about two times a month and were so familiar with Michael's condition that his mother could call ahead while they were driving to Edward so the staff could order the "cryo" to ensure it was available when Michael arrived.
Six months after the life-threatening brain bleed, Michael is going through rehabilitation. His mother says they're hoping for a full recovery and that Michael will be back seeing his friends at Edward.
"The pediatric ER is exceptional," says Linda. "They take excellent care of everyone."
Read about the experiences of other Edward patients in Patient Stories.
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