On Saturday, doctors continued to treat the infection from Thursday and determined that the bacteria serratia was present. This is a bacteria that lives in tubes and damp places, i.e. PICC lines, breathing tubes, etc. Doctors explained that it's a bacteria our grown bodies wouldn't even notice, but since she's so small and her immune system so underdeveloped, it hits her hard. Her blood gases were actually great during her infection, so it's likely she didn't even know she had it.
They also did a spinal tap to rule out her having meningitis, in addition to the serratia. The liquid that was removed was clear, generally a good sign, but results won't be complete for two days. So far the spinal tap cultures haven't turned up anything. If she doesn't have meningitis, she can have fewer days of antibiotics, which means less of a likelihood that the antibiotics will kill all her good bacteria.
The infection cultures taken on Thursday were negative (other than the serratia), but they needed to wait 48 hours before running a PICC line to prevent the spread of harmful bacteria. So, this afternoon (Sunday), doctors placed a PICC line in Eleanor's left arm. This allows them to remove the IV in her head, which presents more susceptibility to infection than a PICC line. She stayed really good with her oxygen during the procedure and only got upset when they pulled back her swaddle and when they cleaned her arm, apparently. What a little squirt!
Keep fighting, Eleanor!
They also did a spinal tap to rule out her having meningitis, in addition to the serratia. The liquid that was removed was clear, generally a good sign, but results won't be complete for two days. So far the spinal tap cultures haven't turned up anything. If she doesn't have meningitis, she can have fewer days of antibiotics, which means less of a likelihood that the antibiotics will kill all her good bacteria.
The infection cultures taken on Thursday were negative (other than the serratia), but they needed to wait 48 hours before running a PICC line to prevent the spread of harmful bacteria. So, this afternoon (Sunday), doctors placed a PICC line in Eleanor's left arm. This allows them to remove the IV in her head, which presents more susceptibility to infection than a PICC line. She stayed really good with her oxygen during the procedure and only got upset when they pulled back her swaddle and when they cleaned her arm, apparently. What a little squirt!
Keep fighting, Eleanor!
What a relief to know it isn't meningitis. I've been praying so hard for her. Hope to see her Wednesday. Fight hard Eleanor. You are SUTARA STRONG. Love you baby girl. Love to Alex and Kim too. Thanks Pam for the updates.
ReplyDelete