They brought the x ray machine and the ultrasound back to her bed this morning to check on the levels of fluid on her heart and lungs. Both had increased, the left lung by twice as much. The decision was made to do a chest drain, but we were warned that with the elevation in her heart rate and her laboured breathing, it was likely she would have to be put on a ventilator. Her haemoglobin levels were down, so a blood transfusion was also probable.
Because of all these factors it was decided that it would be unwise to put her under a general anaesthetic and we were asked to leave while they carried out the procedure using light sedation. They tell me she was incredibly brave.
Well, she surprised them all. She endured and kept going, kept breathing all on her own! The second piece of good news was that her breathing eased and her heart rate dropped. Another ultrasound confirmed that the lung fluid was reducing. Her haemoglobin levels stabilised.
However, the cardio consultant was quick to point out that we are not out of the woods yet. More chest x rays and ultrasound this afternoon showed that the fluid on her heart is slowly increasing and tomorrow they will decide whether she is strong enough for them to drain that too. And we still don't know what the hell we are fighting. There is talk of the possibility of an autoimmune disease. The incessant tests continue - they are now having to use her feet to take bloods.
She was considered stable enough to move out of Intensive Care into the High Dependency Unit late this afternoon. If I were an American, I'd be whooping, "Go Girl!"
They have moved me into some proper accommodation in the hospital now, with kitchen facilities and a shower that works. It is called the Ronald Macdonald House and The Husband has joined me, but if he cracks the same joke again about whether we get free hamburgers with it, he'll be going home.
Oh, and I've found real coffee. Alleluia.
We are both absolutely overwhelmed by all your messages of love and support. It is enormously comforting to know that our little girl has so many friends and family willing her on. Thank you.
Tonight she is sleeping soundly and her heart rate is steady. I feel a whoop coming on.
Thinking of you and be strong you guys.
ReplyDeleteScary Clive and Mrs B.
That is wonderful news. I hope she continues her improvement. Thinking of you still.
ReplyDeleteWe stayed in the Ronald Macdonald House when our boys were in intensive care, and cracked the same weak jokes. Praying hard for you all xxx
ReplyDeletethinking of you hope she continues to improve all my love to u xxx
ReplyDeleteAfter 41.5 years of atheism I was baptized two days ago. I just read your last few posts and now I am going to go and pray for your daughter. Do I think that my prayers will make a difference? Well, it doesn't seem right to me that a loving, all-knowing God would pick and choose according to who receives the most prayers, does it? But it is the only thing that I can do and I really, really, really want your daughter to be okay. I am thinking of you and I will pray my little heart out for you and especially for your little cookie. God bless her and send the very best medical care her way.
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