Little Bella has captured the hearts of our family and everyone that meets her. We want to share her story with all.

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

The Blessings of a Fever

Bella is a mystery.  The doctors admit that at this point they are guessing.  Bella needs more oxygen during her awake times than when she is sleeping.   She continues to stump everyone with her symptoms.

Her doctor has been watching her for days expecting her to be febrile.  Nope.  Today she finally spiked – 102.6.  And magically, her oxygen requirements have gone down. 

For days they have been threatening to send us to PICU.  If her O2 requirement continues to be at 70%, we’ll send her down.  If her O2 requirement continues to be at 75%, we’ll send her down.  If we have to keep her at 90%, we’ll send her down.  If we have to sedate her any more, we’ll send her down.  …..  And yet we are still here.

So, this fever is actually welcome.  There might actually be a reason that she has been so oxygen needy.  Since spiking, the O2 on her vent has been turned down to 80% (from 90%).

Sammi is my companion today.  Juli (Child Life) and she have created some models of Bella’s hands and feet.  I’ll post pictures when they dry.june 3 001

june 3 002

Oh – and her ECHO and Ultrasound results are in.  Her heart is doing well.  She still has severe pulmonary hypertension (shocking!).  Her abscess is getting smaller – wonderful!

4 comments:

Lacey said...

Glad her heart looks good. Definitly "shocking" about the pulmonary hypertension.

Cammie Heflin said...

Oh little Miss Bella, you like giving everyone a run for their money huh??? Hope things improve soon!

Unknown said...

What a beautiful little fighter. She certainly likes keeping everyone on their toes...sweet girl...give her kisses from all the people that love her!

Heather said...

Who would have thought a fever,in this case,was a good thing.I for one,am glad for it and hope it marks the beginning of a turn around for your little butterfly.She continues to keep things interesting and is the cutest medical anomaly,I have ever seen.Prayers for better days ahead for Miss Bella.They are there,just being a bit elusive.Slow and steady ...