Emerson was admitted yesterday with a high white count (which would indicate she’s fighting an infection). Her fever continues today. At the moment it looks like a UTI, but several tests are still pending. She’s on her second peripheral IV already & is getting broad-spectrum IV antibiotics while we wait for further identification of exactly what we’re treating. IV placement continues to be a big struggle & I’m really hoping this one will last!
As you may know, UTIs can cross into the blood stream causing sepsis. Therefore, quick identification and treatment is necessary – especially in immune compromised patients like Eme. It was impossible to cath her 4 times a day while we were at the park last week. I suspect that’s why this happened. It’s difficult to think I may have caused this & definitely reinforces the fact that I need more permanent and on-going help with her – I just can’t do this myself. The team suspects we’re battling the same organism Eme grows over and over again. That’s a scary thought, as this bug is nearly completely antibiotic resistant.
They increased her dose of cortisol to hopefully ward off another adrenal crisis. Her eyes are dark, she’s lethargic, & she’s clearly not feeling well. I’ll update again when I know more…