We are pleased to report that we are making some progress. This morning Abigail was extubated (breathing tube removed) and is tolerating it fairly well. She is still on a small amount of oxygen, but they are taking things slow because they don't want her to be under any more stress. The doctors are being very cautious because her heart is still recovering from the repair. While on the ventilator Abigail was on a sedative that helped her relax and keep her calm. With that came a very low heart rate. Her heart rate is still pretty slow right now, but we are hopeful that it will pick back up once she is more alert and there are no more heavy drugs in her system.
Another concern that has been lingering is the fear of infection. Shortly after she was re-intubated (Thursday night) a blood culture was drawn. It would tell us if she had some sort of bacterial infection in her bloodstream. That could be very dangerous because of the recent repair to her heart. The first culture that was done on Friday morning came back positive. Abigail was then put on several anitbiotics to fight whatever infection it could be. We have been waiting the past few days to see what kind of bacteria it was. In the meantime, they have been drawing a culture every day to see if those grow anything. They study the cultures for a few days and the last two (from Saturday and Sunday) are currently showing negative for bacteria. Today we found out that the bacteria that was growing on the first culture (Friday) was most likely a contaminant. That just means that it could be bacteria that is on the skin normally, but got into the specimen. We are relieved because that means she can be on less antibiotics and will not need to be on them for the 10 or more days they could require. It also means she does not need a new IV line at this time. That's good because it has been very difficult for them to get IV access on her lately due to the swelling. Also, her poor body has been stuck so many times they are running out of good veins to use.
All of that said, she has had a really difficult time the past few days fighting pain and stress. We hope they will start small feeds of pedialyte soon and wean her off of the small amount of oxygen she is requiring. We are praying for steady improvement and no setbacks. Thanks for checking in on our sweet girl.
3 comments:
So good to see her improving. Each time something comes off or out she looks a bit more like my little Abby. Jody, you and Steph have been amazing!! And I am sure now past the point of exhaustion. Abby is such a lovely creature, if I do say so myself. I cannot wait for her to get well enough to come home. The last comment is soaked in understatement. We are so proud of you both! And for how you have handled all of the set backs and drama with grace and poise. Much love, Mom and Dad
I ditto what Joe said. He couldn't have said it any better! We have been so proud at how well ya'll have handled the ups and downs. Your faith in God has really shown thru. Abigail, Steph and Jody have all taught us something thoughout this journey. We love ya'll very much!
We have prayed for little Abigail consistently and breathe a sigh of relief with every victory. We are still praying for her recovery so you all can get that pretty baby home. It will come! Ya'll have been amazing parents to Abigail. Hang in there and know we are praying for you all. Aunt Debbie and Uncle Tim
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