Days 4 and 5 at PICU

In the afternoon we were told that she would have to stay intubated a bit longer as they found strep and straph bacteria in the lab tests. As usual, no explanation of what that means, just that she will get antibiotics as soon as they check if she would be resistant to it, or not.

In common human language, this is what I found about the new "tenants":
Staph (Staphylococcus ) Can cause a multitude of diseases as a result of infection of various tissues of the body. It can cause a range of illnesses from minor skin infections, such as pimples, impetigo (may also be caused by Streptococcus pyogenes), boils, cellulitis folliculitis, furuncles, carbuncles, scalded skin syndrome and abscesses, to life-threatening diseases such as pneumonia, meningitis, osteomyelitis endocarditis, Toxic shock syndrome (TSS), and septicemia. It often spreads through skin-to-skin contact.

Strep (Streptococcus ) Common cause of sore throat and leads to infections in the upper respiratory tract. Can cause pharyngitis and pneumonia. If untreated it spreads organisms by airborne salivary droplet and nasal discharge.

Fortunately, they have not developed symptoms yet, which puzzled the doctors. Today, Deedee got her antibiotics started in the morning and so far she’s been doing well. Xrays look much better, the right lung atelestasia is gone and now is a matter of secretion handling which has not been so bad. Also, it’s been three days of using Pulmozyme and so far it had no side effects but lung improvement and secretions getting clearer (finally SOMETHING works well with her! She cant use Albuterol or Xopenex as she has allergic reactions to them, plus she gets all the side effects of Robinol).

Yesterday Deedee had a happy disposition and was showing a good grip and pushing with her feet. She looked stronger and not so bothered. Of course, she was watching The Little Mermaid, so that was of help… She got her feeds, her respiratory treatments and good suctions, all of which had made a difference.

Daddy reported that no bad events happened at night or during the morning. The only changes where the addition of antibiotics, and the upper two front teeth that are starting to surface too... Gosh! Everything always comes at the same time!

I’ll take the night shift today, so wish me luck! Yesterday there was a snow storm forecast. At least it was not so bad here in Newark. Hope it stays that way at least for a while! Now, to figure out how to get to the hospital...

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