Seeking Solutions

I just got off the phone with our pediatrician who has been battling alongside us against Ashley's line infection.

Basically we are all stumped and are seeking solutions to clearing this bacteria out of her catheter.  Both lumens of her central line continue to return positive blood cultures.  We have drawn 9 sets of cultures in the last 6 weeks.  All 18 bottles of blood have grown the same bacteria.

We are all in agreement that  her blood line is clear.  Otherwise she would be very sick, symptomatic, and probably hospitalized.  Thankfully this is not the case.  The bacteria has attached itself to the plastic catheter that resides inside of her chest.  At this time her blood stream is sterile.

A late afternoon conference call has resulted in an email being sent to the head of infectious disease at one of the countries top children's hospitals.  He is an expert in infectious disease and very well respected for his opinions.  We are all hopeful that his response will result in a solution to this infection.  For the time being we will continue the course we have been on for the last 6 weeks because although it has not resulted in clearing her line it has kept her blood stream clear.

The problem with 6 weeks of daily antibiotic infusions is that her kidneys and liver are being forced to metabolize the drug causing those organs to struggle even more on top of the other damages they have sustained since explantation of her transplanted bowel.

Its all very confusing.  Very worrisome.  Very complicated.

But...

She remains unaware.  Smiles every waking moment.  Giggles contagiously.  Lives fully.  Blesses those of us daily who have the opportunity to love her.

In the face of a serious situation such as this...what more could a mom ask for?

We remain blessed.  Burdened but blessed.  Thank you so very much for your prayers for our gherkin.