Today started with a call at 4AM to inform us that Caili's lungs had collapsed and she was really struggling. At the point of the call, they had already been working with her for hours trying to get her stable, and they still weren't there. In the background, I could hear the alarms sounding that we have come to hate. I knew they were for Caili. We were beside ourselves.
We arrived at the NICU hours before we were allowed this morning to see little Caili still struggling. She was once again surrounded by a team of doctors and nurses at her bedside. Something we thought we were past. And to make matters worse, the doctors and nurses looked very sad.
The question we have all been asking (doctors included) since this weekend when Caili started to struggle is what happened. As you saw in our post this weekend, she had been doing great. Amazing us with her progress. One theory is that she has some sort of virus or cold that just isn't showing up on any of the cultures. Another theory is that little by little Caili's reflux (common for preemies) has been causing her to aspirate milk into her lungs. And that in turn caused an inflammatory reaction or worse yet an infection.
It seems either theory is treated in a similar way right now...support her with what she needs to breathe while she is having such terrible difficulty and hope that antibiotics (Zosyn...for my Wyeth friends) and some anti-inflammatory drugs work. Then, take it from there.
I'm happy to report that as the day progressed, they seemed to have stabilized Caili.. She's no where near where she was just a few days ago. She's still intubated, on the ventilator, getting lots of sedatives and medications and getting nutrition through an IV rather than breast milk. But, at least the doctors don't currently feel we are at risk of losing her.
Obviously, this is an incredible set back. We went from wondering if she would be home by Christmas or early January to wondering if she would make it. And unfortunately, we are still far from out of the woods. One doctor told us on Monday that it might get worse before it gets better. We can only hope that we have hit the peak and Caili can see some relief from here.
Honestly, these last few days have been the hardest yet. As you can imagine, we have really fallen in love with our little Caili. We are emotionally and physically exhausted but continue to be optimistic that she can fight her way through this. And we will continue to update you as we know more.
As they say, "One day at a time".
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4 comments:
Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family!! This will only make little Caili stronger!! I know this must be a difficult time for you! Please let us know if we can do anything....
Thinking of you always,
Beth and Tim
I will be keeping your in my prayers and asking others to do so as well. I do know how you guys are feeling and how hopeless you can feel at times. Remember to love your little one and ask for God's help at all times.
Dear Lauren,
I am praying for your family. Please know that you are always in my thoughts.
Tracy Morrow
We are praying for you both and Cailin. Please draw strength from us as you continue to go through these very difficult times. With all our love and support keep fighting!
You are in our every thought and prayer.
All our love,
Doug and Stephanie
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