Claire's Hospital Stay: Part 1

I'm reposting an email I sent out on Wednesday. I decided today to start moving the updates here instead of continuing to send them via email so I thought some background would be appropriate. - Mark

----

Summary:
We are going to be here at Children's Medical at Legacy until at least Friday, probably until Sunday.

Background:
On Monday our pediatrician sent us to the ER, where we discovered Claire had a urinary tract infection. (UTI) We were discharged and sent home. Early Tuesday morning we were called back into the ER due to a test result that showed that bacteria was not only in the urinary tract, but also in Claire's blood. This result is still fairly common with UTI's but it's a little more serious so they admitted us on Tuesday.

Update Details:
Last night wasn't a great night. Claire woke up screaming about an hour after we laid her down. After a few hours, doctor/nurse consults and some abdominal x-rays there wasn't any apparent cause and Claire fell asleep. Unfortunately, her temperature during her sleep was much lower than ideal. She was cold and clammy and ranged anywhere from the mid 96s down to 95.7. After more doctor's and nurse's visits, they decided to start her on an additional antibiotic.

This morning Claire started out about the same, but her temperature has come back up to normal since being awake. After meeting with the doctor this morning, we're planning on watching her closely today. Later today we should know exactly what kind of bacteria is in her blood and either continue or choose a new antibiotic to treat it. Based on her last night and the need to ensure her antibiotics are working correctly, the doctor wants to keep us until at least Friday and possibly as late as Sunday.

Shevawn and I traded off holding Claire most of the night so we're not the most well rested campers right now but we're making it.

Visiting:
If you want to come visit, you are more than welcome to. A few details and requests. The hospital only allows 4 people in our room at a time. (Shevawn and I DO count in that number, so really only 2 extra visitors at a time.) Children under 5 aren't allowed up to the room and anyone that's been recently sick is encouraged not to come. If you are going to come, it's probably best to call first. We may not pick up right away but we can usually call back within 30 minutes.

Food:
The hospital has pretty good food and Shevawn eats for free, so we're covered on that front. (I'm not saying we won't get tired of this food, and if you want to bring something, you're more than welcome, but we are covered and nourished.)

PS.

I hit send before finishing out with the standard "prayers...God...Jesus...etc"...but seriously we are very grateful for all the prayers offered on Claire's behalf. We truly believe that God is here and he not only knows what's best for us but that he gives us everything we need to experience that.