Bump in the road

Hey, guys!  

Again, this will need to be short because I've only got 15 minutes before shift change to see sweet Becca.  (We aren't allowed to  visit during shift change so that the nurses can give report, etc.)  Becca's had a rough day or so.  She started looking really puny last night, and some of her indicators of infection were looking suspicious (including one that they are looking at as a part of a study - one of the advantages of being in a cutting-edge research hospital), so they started her on some antibiotics.  The kicker in making the decision whether or not to give her the meds (because they carry some risks) really seemed to be the fact that she just wasn't acting like Becca - no flailing, no stretching, so funny faces...I swear last night she just laid there and looked at me as if to say, "I don't feel good, Mama."  It was so pitiful.  So it looks like we're dealing with our first complication.  The good news, though, is that she is already looking better, and they were able to avoid putting her back on the ventilator (which they often have to do when they get sick just because it takes so much effort to breathe, and who wants to work like that when they are sick?).  Also good news (in a way) is that they don't think this infection is NEC, which stands for something long and technical, but refers to a dangerous infection related to the feedings.  NEC is really bad news and can lead to a perforation in the bowels, which means immediate surgery.  So we're really glad that if she is going to have an infection, it's not NEC.  It may be something with her PICC line, which would be unfortunate b/c they'd likely have to remove it and replace it after a few days (which is difficult and a bit dangerous), but it may just be something in her blood.  Anyway you slice it, it's a bit scary, but she does seem to be bouncing back already.  They have stopped her feeds indefinitely, again because it's just another activity that takes up energy that she just doesn't have right now.  She needs all that energy for getting better - and for flailing around like the little champ she is!  She'll continue to get her nourishment through her IV's, and once the infection clears up, they'll start her back on tiny amounts of milk again.  Let's just hope that it happens soon!