NEC

The doctor caring for Kaela today stated that it was his opinion that we should treat Kaela for NEC. He said he thought her x-rays exhibited findings suggestive of NEC and that it would be far better to assume she may have it and treat her for it even if she doesn't than not treat her for it and keep going in circles or let it get worse. So...the two antibiotics that were d/c'd this morning were restarted by another doctor who said he wanted to give her the full 10 day course and not feed her during that time either to make sure her intestines were able to completely rest and heal. PTL we got the PICC line yesterday! We're especially thankful for that now since she'll need an IV for at least 2 more weeks. She continues to do well off her oxygen (3 days now)! Andy and I both had a good visit with her at different times today and were able to hold and love on her for quite awhile. She's so precious!

Due to the TPN Kaela is receiving, her liver is doing more work with her nutrition since her gut isn't doing anything right now. This has caused it to enlarge and her biliruben has gone up some...the treatment is to stop TPN feeding as soon as possible! =) ARGH! One thing leads to another...

I went back to work today - just a short 4 hour shift. I plan to pick up a shift a week or every other week until Kaela comes home so I can take my "maternity leave" then. Since I work PRN, I'm only required to work 2 shifts a month, and I hadn't not done that yet - so the past couple weeks "off" don't take away from my maternity leave if I start work now. I love my job - so flexible!

Please say an extra prayer for us today: Andy is pretty swamped and behind at work, which is stressing him out; I'm feeling a little emotionally drained - it's somewhat frustrating and scary to have so many different doctors, nurses and nurse practitioners taking care of Kaela because you don't always get the same explanations and suggested treatments. (We've had 4 doctors, at least 3 residents, med students, 5 nurse practitioners and about 30 nurses in 28 days. There is a staff of 70+ nurses - so I'm sure we're not done meeting them yet). So, then Andy and I are trying to piece together everything we've been told and "manage" her care since we're the only ones who've seen her every day of her life - when really we don't know much about it all. I'm sure they're sick of - or at least approaching sick of - all our questions/concerns. Also, I think Christopher is feeling the strain - he's had a couple rougher days and seems to be feeling a little more insecure and clingy which comes out in being loud and beating on things...at least today. And of course, Kaela needs your prayers too.

Thanks for your faithfulness in keeping up with us and praying for us. We appreciate and love you all.

Here's a link to the American Pediatric Surgical Association regarding NEC:

http://www.eapsa.org/parents/resources/NEC.cfm