After a couple of weeks of fighting an upper respiratory illness, Rebekah was admitted to Greenville Memorial last night. We were met in the Children's ER yesterday afternoon by Rebekah's cardiologist, Dr. Lucas, who ordered an EKG, echocardiogram and chest x-rays. The good news is that Rebekah's heart looks good! We were concerned that some of the symptoms she was exhibiting were cardiac related, so we were very pleased to hear the good report on her heart.
However, Rebekah's lungs looked hazy, so at this point the doctors are saying that she has viral pneumonia. We are still waiting on the results of some labs and cultures to come back to know for sure.
When we first arrived in the ER yesterday Rebekah's O2 sats (oxygen saturation - the amount of oxygenated blood going to the body) were around 80-84%. A normal person's O2 sats are 100% and Rebekah's are usually around 90%. Rebekah has been on blow-by oxygen since we came in yesterday, and her sats are hanging out around 87-88% now. We did have one episode yesterday and again this morning when they dipped back into the upper 70's/low 80's for about an hour, but they are back up now.
Rebekah has also had a couple of times when her breathing has been more labored since we checked in yesterday. Specifically today her breathing has been harder when she is drinking a bottle. Nothing too major, but given Rebekah's fragile medical condition already, the doctors want to be sure they have all their bases covered.
Now for today's doctor update....Dr. Darby came by around 11:30 and checked Rebekah out. She is still pretty congested, so Dr. Darby wants to use a nasal steroid to try to dry up some of the mucus and also a broad spectrum antibiotic just in case there is a lingering sinus or respiratory infection going on. Because of Rebekah's lower O2 sats and her labored breathing during her bottle this morning, Dr. Darby wants to alternate bottle feedings with g-tube feedings to give Rebekah a bit of a break in working so hard to eat. There is such a balance between keeping her used to working for her food (bottle) and allowing her to have a bit of a rest (g-tube). No one wants Rebekah to get "lazy" and decide that it is easier to refuse the bottle and have all of her feeds tubed. So, basically that is the plan for today. Tomorrow we will have another chest x-ray to compare with the one from yesterday and see if Rebekah has made any progress (hopefully!!) and we will go from there. On the one hand, Rebekah really isn't sick enough to warrant a hospital stay, but with her medical conditions, she isn't really well enough to send home. If she was a "normal" child, medically speaking, we would never have been admitted, but Rebekah likes to do things her way. :)
I've been enjoying the view of rain from my window and watching a few snow flurries fall with it. Zachary's and Justin's schools had early dismissal today because of the weather, so they are home already, and I am sure they are hoping for snow! The latest forecast doesn't give much hope for any accumulations, but that doesn't stop the excitement!
We have had great nurses and a great experience here so far. We have also had some great friends pitch in and help out with the boys and meals. A special thanks to Darren and Sarah for watching the boys yesterday and today. That has been a huge help!! I was also grateful for Rebekah's pediatrician, Dr. DeMoss coming to the ER last night to see us. He is Rebekah's primary care physician, so technically, he is her admitting doctor, but he could easily have done his paperwork over the phone or fax. He hung out with us for about an hour before we moved up to the floor. I just can't say enough about all the wonderful doctors and medical providers we have!
That's all the current news for now. I'll update with any new information or changes that happen. Thank you all for praying for Rebekah Grace!
Nancy
