As far as the results of her lumbar puncture, the CSF fluid contains no more bacteria or organisms so that is good news. The glucose level in her CSF fluid is also back to baseline. However, her protein and WBC count are still not back at the normal level. He said that this increase in protein causes her CSF fluid to be more viscous, which is why we need to wait to put in the VP shunt. If we did it now, the increased protein level could cause the shunt to clot and not work properly.
SOOOOO...the neurosurgeon is saying that we will wait on the WBC count to level out as well as the protein. Once those two lab values are in place we will consider putting in the VP shunt...maybe in another two weeks or so. And hoping that her weight is closer to 2 kg (4.4 lbs) by then.
If an opportunity to return to the States would arise before the surgery we would jump on it. Otherwise we will plan on being here for the surgery and recovery.
Last night I tried breast-feeding Olive with the help of the nurses and she was starting to get the hang of it. However, this morning when the neonatologist found out he wasn't too impressed. He says that it is very important for us to know her intake and output at this point, and he would like to wait on that. So...today there was no more of that.
Today I was looking at photos of Olive in her first days of life and couldn't believe how much she has changed in two months. She has been through so much in her short little life, especially to think that my due date isn't even until December 15th. We are so grateful for each day we've had with her and for the days ahead.
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9 comments:
She is soooo cute, i love her dark eyes. Praying for you!
Good news! Each day is a gift and we pray that she will improve, and grow, and be free of all these tests and procedures one day soon, in His time. God bless you as you watch and wait.
So precious, I just want to hug her!! Love you guys!!!
Olive is so precious. Continuing to pray for you all.
So glad she is active again. She is just adorable. We've been praying for you. Wondering if they would let you weigh Olive before and after she nurses to see how much she's getting. That is what my lactation consultant does.
When my son was in the NICU, they also had to carefully measure his milk intake. One of the nurses suggested pumping, then immediately putting the milk in a syringe and running it through a tiny tube alongside the nipple. It was supposed to help him get the hang of sucking and to get him familiar with the breast and my scent. My stubborn little guy never did get the hang of breastfeeding, so I can't tell you if it would work for Olive!
We offer daily prayers for you, Rusty and Baby Olive. God is good and He has been faithful in answering them, and He will continue to give you all strength during the process. Thanks for all the updates since you are on our hearts often. Love, the Evers family
Hi Lynnette and Rusty! I check your blog each day for new updates and Jenna prays nightly for Baby Olive. She says "Baby Olive mohm tuun tuun ha geh heh jo seh yo" which means "make Baby Olive's body strong." Today we saw your picture up at church and Jenna remembered you and "Rutty." We love you guys and are praying for you...
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