antibiotics – AlohaGentry

Bitter Sweet 16

Tuesday, 24 Mar 2015

The Lord listens to our prayer: let us approach the throne of grace.

Ella had a pretty good day today – she went to the KMC PAU with Mum and Nurse Irvin. She received a second dose of IV antibiotics and she met with Dr. Glaser for the second day in a row.

However, the real highlight was meeting Auntie Mo and service dog Jake. Auntie Mo and Jake are from the Service Dog Academy on Maui. They flew over from Maui today just to conduct Ella’s “in-home interview.” Soon, Ella may have her very own Service Dog…how cool is that?

Ella’s medical condition is our continuing concern.

The respiratory infection is still with her.

She continues to require supplemental oxygen 24/7.

She continues to have fevers – just above 101.5 at various times.

Most frightening of all, Ella’s ANC number is lower than low.

16 is suppose to be part of the NCAA basketball tournament.

16 is NOT suppose to be an ANC number – ever.

For all intents and purposes, her immune system is completely off-line.

Your prayers are needed more than ever.

Thank you for your prayers.

God bless you.

Monday, 27 Oct 2008

We arrived at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital on Monday morning, shortly before the 08:15 “show time” for Ella’s 09:45 surgery. The “pre-surgical routine was brightened by the many friendly faces we have come to know over the past 18 months. Beth, one of our favorite PACU (Post Anesthesia Care Unit) nurses stopped by and played with Ella for about 15 minutes.

Four hours into the procedure, Ella’s surgeon sent word that he was unable to perform the planned procedure. Infection had compromised tracheal cartilage repaired in last April’s resection.

Instead, he performed a second “tracheal resection.” Thankfully, Ella was stable and safe through it all. The surgery concluded several hours later then originally scheduled. After debriefing with the doctor, I spoke with Lisa from the PACU. However, I could only bring myself to tell her Ella was safe. I called early the following day and told her the unhappy details.
Ella will remain in the hospital for two week. During which time she will undergo an IV antibiotic treatment regime of Zosyn (piperacillin/tazobactam, 1500mg/8 hours) and Vancomycin (254mg/8 hours).

Thank you for your prayers

Friday, 26 Nov 2004 (9 pm):

Gabriella continues to do well since her discharge from the PICU on 16 Nov. Currently, she is scheduled to have another fully sedated surgical room procedure on 02 December.

The procedure will allow the doctors to visually inspect the site of Ella’s airway repair for narrowing caused by scar tissue. Not to be outdone by the “wee-est” one in the family, Mum and Lucy both came up with their own medical issues: an Ear Infection for Lucy; and for Mum, a dodgy molar so stubborn that it required an oral surgeon.

Both are on antibiotics and doing well. On a lighter note…we enjoyed a tasty Thanksgiving Day Meal with our lovely next door neighbors – The Stevens.

Finally, please know how very thankful we are for your many prayers.

Possibly Pneumonia

Monday, 26 Jul 2004

Gabriella’s lack of appetite and increasingly frequent cough prompted us to take her TAMC (Tripler Army Medical Center) this morning. Her weight 7.4 oz, was down from 7.7 oz on 23 July.

The doctor’s felt her lack of appetite was probably attributable to a cold/congestion. Since infants breathe through their nose when they feed, Gabriella made the prudent choice of oxygen over food. They directed us to use saline solution and a bulb extractor to keep her nose clear. Additionally, they bumped up her diuretic medication in order to reduce her fluid throughout.

Once we were back home the doctors called to inform us that today’s chest X-ray revealed possible indications of pneumonia, so she is now on a once-a-day antibiotic (Zithromax dose: 0.5 ml) medicine for the next five days. On the bright side! Lisa seems to have cracked the feeding code this afternoon. By positioning Gabriella on her side with her head slightly elevated and turned, she can breathe and eat! She has been eating very well since this afternoon – polishing of more than 6 oz of milk in what has been pretty much continuous feeding. Good interest, appetite, and sucking action all have Mom and Dad breathing a much needed sigh of relief.

Thank you for your prayers.