We saw his pediatrician today (we were there for 2hours) and we got the pneumonia diagnosis. No rsv or influenza -- thank goodness -- but we are recommended to not take Samuel out so that he doesn't get exposed to either as the probability of him ending up back in the hospital with rsv or influenza is extremely high. Samuel also lost one point on his hemoglobin so he's now anemic. We are also making appointments to see a pediatric immunologist/infectious disease doctor. The plan is to really study his immune system since it's so weak -- he might need iv immunoglobins -- so the risk of him getting sick is much too high.
We really really need his body to begin to absorb those nutrients. He eats and eats and eats. Yet, he's losing weight. When he wakes up he points to his highchair -- he's hungry. We talked about having him receive nutrition via an iv -- which would need a port -- and right now because his immune system is so compromised the risk of infection from feeding him via iv is too great. However, if he doesn't begin to gain weight, then that will probably be the outcome.
Slightly overwhelming.
Yet, I am relieved that we have some movement.
It's good to have direction. Even if it's hard, it's good to have a path to move forward on.
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Thanks for reading this blog of mine, especially now that it's taken this momentary health crisis type bend. I am grateful for your kind comments, and want to tell you all that I am so appreciative reading your words. There are many nights where I'm awake at 3am with Samuel and I will pop on my phone and read an encouraging word or Bible verse from one of you. And so often, so so often, it is exactly the words I needed to read. When I have time, I will try to email you each and personally thank you. But for now, please accept this blanket thank you -- and know that I truly mean it.
Anyways, thanks for sticking with me. I'm grateful.
Rachel
