Let's start with the bad news. Karsie most likely has developed an infection. This is common with NICU babies because of all the tubes and everything being inside for long periods of time, plus she has Patch to worry about with that being sewn to her skin. They have all but ruled out pneumonia because they did a chest x-ray and everything came back normal. However, other than that they don't really know where it's coming from. They sent some labs down this morning and they will be ready in a couple days or so, but in the mean time they are pumping her with antibiotics, so it should clear up (hopefully) in a week or so. The other thing they are concerned about is that it could be meningitis so they are doing a spinal tap to check that, but she is not showing many signs toward it being a real bad infection anyway, so keep that in your prayers.Good news: As you can see, Karsie is off the ventilators completely. She has had an oxygen tube put in her nose (like athletes) and she seems to be doing fine. She was given a pacifier and it took her a while, but she has started the sucking reflex on that. They might start giving her food soon, but the infection possibility has slowed that down a bit. Maybe tomorrow. Best news yet is that we will most likely get to hold her tonight. She is needing to take a long rest/nap this afternoon as there was a lot of stuff done to her, so she has had a busy, tiring morning, but after shift change tonight we will probably get to hold our baby for the first time.
We will pray for the infection to clear up quickly.
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to read your blog after you hold her for the first time. The first time I got to hold Jon was incredible. I couldn't even put it into words. Enjoy that moment.
Antibiotics are a wonderful thing! The infection will be dealt with.
ReplyDeleteI am so happy she came off the vent and you can see her beautiful face with less tape in the way.
I am so happy you will be able to hold her, after all this time.
Love to you all, Jen.
Oh that sweet, sweet face! How long we have waited to see you! Love that she has a paci to practice with! Enjoy your first hold! I am sure she will immensely....bet she dreams about it all night long! :) Love you guys!
ReplyDeleteI was gone all afternoon, so I just saw this latest blog entry... I am SO excited about the good news (no ventilator! yay!), and I hope that means real feeding is soon to follow! But we are very sorry to hear the bad news. :( We'll be praying that the infection is quickly and easily dealt with by the antibiotics. Also, YAY for probably getting to hold your daughter tonight!! That's a good 2nd week birthday present for Karsie!
ReplyDeleteso happy you will FINALLY get to hold that precious baby in your arms!!!! We will be praying for the infection and for you guys.:)
ReplyDelete_The Brinars