We asked how he could've gotten it and were told that it's a result of the staph infection he already had. The easiest way to explain it is that the stress of him coming home and being in a new environment weakened his immune system and made it easier for the staph infection to grow and migrate into his lungs. It also didn't hurt that he was on oxygen and the nasal cannula was a breeding ground for bacteria. Unfortunately we weren't told this when he was discharged or that his cannula should be changed twice a week.
Justin was started on a 10 day dose of broad body antibiotics when he was admitted on Wednesday. Now that they know what type of infection he has they've tailored the medication but they're still waiting to find out what strain of staph he has. But his blood gases have been good so they've been able to wean the settings on the ventilator. He'll have an x-ray Monday morning and if his lungs have improved they'll take him off the ventilator and put him on c-pap or nasal cannula.
He's still a little out of it because of the medication but he was much more alert today than in previous days. It was nice to see him acting more like himself and looking around. I can't wait to get him home but I'm not pushing it. He needs to get nice and strong so that this is hopefully the last stay in the NICU.
I can't believe the hospital didn't tell you about changing his cannula; that's just crazy. Your motherly instict you are worried about is better than you think and is nothing to worry about. You noticed when he wasn't acting like himself and then monitored him. When it continued you contacted the doctor. There is nothing more that you could've done. I'm sure he will be back home before you know it; he is a fighter.
ReplyDeletePoor pooh. Give Justin a kiss from me and Zoey.
ReplyDeleteHas the hospital suggested that Justin remain there for a length of time, until his defenses are very strong? Then when he comes home, he'll be home to stay. This in and out of the hospital must be very hard on everybody.
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