Sunday, March 23, 2014

GOING ON DAY 3 OF SEPSIS

After our crazy Friday with Jacob coming down with sepsis, we have been going non-stop. The PICU is a busy place. Between nurses and doctors caring for Jacob, having family from Sweden in town, Sarah having a volleyball tournament, friends visiting Jacob, it has been a really busy weekend with little sleep or downtime.


Jacob is still septic. The attending says his whole body is fighting really hard, and that is why we still see low blood pressures, Jacob not being able to keep his own body temperature up, and him not fully absorbing his IV fluids. 


The good news is that Jacob has not had any seizures today (knock on wood). He was extremely lethargic yesterday. He wasn't up for anything but resting. He is still not his normal self, but he is looking a little bit better today. This afternoon, he was watching Curious George on his IPad, and was pretty content.


The PICU team has figured out what happened on Friday. With Jacob having colitis, his intestines are very fragile. We noticed already on Thursday that Jacob had trouble going, and he had tons of air in his tummy. On Friday, we introduced protein into his regular formula based on a recommendation from his regular nutritionist. He is growing, and needed more protein. What was overlooked is that the protein powder includes an ingredient Jacob is allergic to. He had just the tiniest bit in his morning feed, but the docs think it was enough for the bacteria in his gut to make it into the bloodstream. It is officially called bacterial translocation of the gut. You typically won't get septic from it, but our little buddy unfortunately did.


Today, we started Jacob on tiny, tiny bits of his feeds again. The docs have warned me that this might be really hard on Jacob's gut, since his intestines are so inflamed. They are warning us that his colitis might flare up.


We know Jacob's body will need time to heal, and I have moved in to hotel Children's. We will stay as long as Jacob needs. I can't just yet wrap my head around what possible damage might have happened to Jacob's brain with being in status epilepticus several times this weekend as well as him not getting enough oxygen on Friday.


One step at a time. One day at a time.


Thanks again for everyone cheering for our boy once again. We feel your love, support and help always. I know I am behind on getting back to many of you, but do know that I cherish each message even if I don't get back to you right away.


Love, Maria.

6 comments:

  1. And on it goes. I commend you and your beautiful family. I am thinking of you all and praying for all of you all the time. I hope you can get some sleep tonight.
    All my love,
    Jacquelynn

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    1. Jac, I miss you. I hope everything is going well with your beautiful family. Love, Maria.

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  2. Praying for Jacob!! Sending mom a big HUG!!

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    1. Linda, thank you so much! I love reading your messages.

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  3. I've been following your blog for a while and haven't commented, but please know that I am praying, praying, praying for you and your family.

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