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El's Bells

After several uneventful days on her new elephant mask, Eleanor has continued having drops in her heart rate, which are now lasting longer and much more frequent and significant. She has also required slightly higher oxygen. This persuaded doctors yesterday to take a blood gas (check her CO2 levels), CVC (check her white count and hemoglobin), blood cultures (check for infection), and urine culture (further check for infection). 

They started her on an antibiotic just to be on the safe side. Her hemoglobin came back low and her white count was high (suggesting that she's fighting an infection). They gave her a blood transfusion and hooked her up with fluids after taking her off food for the day (NPO). Her cultures have since been negative and the white count in her urine was also acceptable. She even had a good blood gas. 

This brings us to today. She has had vastly more significant drops in her heart rate and prompted a code blue around 5pm. The medical team has since increased her pressure settings and her backup ventilator levels. They are still very perplexed as to why she continues to have such frequent and exuberant drops. She has still not had food and they will be repeating the blood gas this evening. 

Eleanor is very tired working hard to keep breathing. If she progresses down this slippery slope, she will have to be intubated once again and this would be a great leap backwards. 

We do request that she does not have any visitors at this time, but appreciate all of the love and prayers.

-Kim

Comments

  1. Prayers up for baby Elle. Give Kim n Alex ❤

    ReplyDelete
  2. Oh Kim, I am so sorry Eleanor is having such a hard time. I'm praying for her constantly. Praying God puts his healing hand upon her. Alex and Kim prayers for you both too. Love all 3 of you so much.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Normal blood oxygen levels in humans are considered 95–100 percent. If the level is below 90 percent, it is considered low resulting in hypoxemia. Blood oxygen levels below 80 percent may compromise organ function, such as the brain and heart, and should be promptly addressed. check your Pulse Oximeter

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