Friday 10th June

Hi all,

Elizabeth's had a good day today - bright as a button this morning although resolutely asleep by the time her father got there, waking only for her bath and dressing just as I and Elizabeth's gran had to go. Her bump is definitely growing skin, and she looked positively peachy today.

She does have MRSA on her bump, but this is not the disaster that the media might lead us to believe. According to the specialist, Mr Jaffrey, they've never lost a baby to MRSA, and, even if she wasn't on antibiotics (which she is - and the right sort to combat MRSA at that), he is confident it would clear up by itself. That's exactly what happened with a baby down the corridor recently. MRSA is a big threat for elderly, very poorly people, which is why it's a big problem for hospitals. However, to put it in context, around 1 in 3 of us are carrying the bug right now.

The meeting yesterday went well; we met the Sister in charge of Anna's care and the person who heads up community paediatric care. The timing of the homecoming is very much in our hands, although nothing can really happen until her current course of antibiotics is finished and the results understood (7-10 days). After that we can assess when we're ready to do an exploratory 'day release' trip or two, then a stop-over, and finally home for good. There'll still be regular check-ups at the RVI, and community paediatric nurses helping out each day at home. The house would also be kitted out with oxygen in each room via lines running here and there ffrom a central compressor in the kitchen.

So, all being well, she should be home in a matter of weeks. Watch this space!

Once more, many many thanks and best wishes to all of you following Elizabeth's progress via the blog, whether or not you've sorted out how to leave comments! We continue to be deeply touched by the goodwill flowing in our direction.

Axxx