Friday, July 18, 2008

not much news....

All that we have heard back is that her blood showed an elevated white blood count. Something they would expect with a viral infection. They are most concerned about what the stool sample shows as that, I believe, would let them know if the infection is in her colon. they said that will take a few days to get back. They started antibiotics this morning as a precaution. She has had nothing to drink or eat all day...totally not interested. Thank God that she was able to just start IV fluids back up. the PICC line has been such a blessing. Not one poke today even with all the blood draws and restarting fluids.

I slept for a few solid hours at the RMH. Funny how you forget what good solid sleep is until you experience it again! I am hoping that will give my body the boost that it needed. Madison fell sound asleep about an hour ago. Hopefully she sleeps through the night and the fever does not come back. We will repeat x-ray in the morning and then determine if they will try her again on food to see how she does.

We have had constant soiling today which is a little of a disappointment. She has said that she has no idea that she is going 5 of the 6 times. I have always just "found it" on routine checks. Maybe it is just because of the laxative they gave yesterday. This would be a hard way to function the next month or so. Dr. Levitt did warn us about this possibility so we will just continue to take it day by day and see where we end up. Maybe now with the antibiotics, sickness, ect. we are not getting an accurate read.

Thanks for your continued prayers.... sorry to keep you on your knees so much! We are anxious to give you all a break! We will keep you updated as we get info.

So thankful that The Lord allowed all of this to happen while still here and in the best care possible.

Trusting that the Lord is taking care of our sweet baby even when we feel we are helpless is what is getting me through. I have been thankful for the overwhelming sense of peace that I have had through this whole stay. maybe all of the other trauma and hospital stays these last years were also to get me to a place that I could be here, hundreds of miles from home, without family and still somehow survive. This blog has been good therapy for me as it has allowed me to voice and share concerns that otherwise would all be welled up inside. Hope that I have not over shared and that you are all ok with all the info and detail that I am blogging.

I told my dad today when he asked how I was doing that I will probably fall apart when we get back home, be prepared.... hibernation may be in order!

I also wanted to add that I can sense the helplessness in the voices of our parents and close friends when we speak. I think if I know my dad like I think I do the thought crossed his mind today to get in the car and drive. Am I right dad? Please know that we ARE OK. We are holding it together. I am not sure how, but we are. We have been blessed by the comments and emials and the OVERWHELMING show of support that you all have offered.

I am most thankful for Jed. He has been so great and so supportive these last few weeks. He is a very compassionate dad and husband and he has been what has gotten me through. I am soooo thankful that his amazing boss, Steve Banas, has been so understanding and has made it possible for Jed to be here and present with me and Madison without guilt. I guarantee that this will make me a more supportive wife when he needs to put in the long and grueling hours in the months to come.

enough babbling... I must be tired.
nikki

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

It is good to read your latest entry tonight - I think you are right.. the blog is giving you an outlet for all your feelings and emotions. And also, you will already have your "journaling" all done for your album pages!! =)
Give Maddie a big hug and kiss from us. We love you. You are right, we would love to just hop in our car to come and see you!
Mom and Dad

Anonymous said...

I have sensed too that your blog is an outlet for you, a way of sharing with those who care even though they can't be with you, a way of processing things. When you know you're not alone, that people are praying and know exactly how to pray ..... well, I'm hoping it helps you to somehow get through all of this. Your updates are so good, it seems like we're right there with you.

Please give Maddie a hug from us too, and please give Jed a big ole wedgie from me.

You all are so much on our minds.

Linda (for Jon too)

Anonymous said...

We love you Smith family and you are all in our constant prayers. Thank you for letting us know how to pray. We wish we could hop in the car and see you!
Much Love,
Lori
(for the Maillefer family)

The Cruses said...

Oh Nikki! My heart just aches every time I read your blog! I am longing to see you all get back home and finally rest from all the stress and worry. You guys are an model of faith and courage. I am convinced that the Lord will use you to encourage other families in the future. Keep holding on. We are still praying. Wish we could be there with you.
Lots of love,

Karine