Ava-Marie's breathing continues to slowly get better. However in the midst of all that, Ava's white blood cell count has been rising. Initally 32k with a normal differential, it's now up to 43k with 55% bands. Essentially, signs are pointing to a bacterial infection. She's continued to be without fevers and everything else is looking better. However, in this setting in such a young infant, the doctor is obligated to do a lumbar puncture to check for meningitis.
Ava's already bought herself a good 7-10 days of antibiotics, signs of meningitis would push this up to 2-3 weeks. They did the procedure earlier today, and the nurse told us the fluid did not look cloudy or bloody. A good sign, though we're still waiting to hear back about the labs they sent. They also sent a culture but that will take a few days to come back.
All that being said, the doctor continued to say she looked good and he isn't worried about her progress. She handled to OG feeds yesterday very well, 10cc every 3 hours. Today they are advancing that to 15cc per feed for 3 times then up to 20cc if that goes well. She also got to take the formula via a bottle for the second 15cc feeding. And as a bonus, Krystal got to hold her for about an hour. Definitely some much needed love and affection passed between mom and baby.
Several times I've told my patients that have prolonged hospitalizations that not every day can be guaranteed to be a good day. That's certainly proving true for us.
Thanks for the continued prayers, we're ready for her to be home, but of course not until she's healthy and ready.
Todd, you sound like a wonderful doctor with a great bedside manner. I have faith that Ava will be fine - she's a fighter. We love you and pray for all of you. Love, Aunt Steph
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