I'm afraid Elizabeth's back in the RVI again. It's 99% certain she's got bronchiolitis (a good definition can be found here). I say 99% certain because it'll only be after we get the results of some tests through that we'll know for sure. But the respiration specialist is as certain as he can be.
As generally happens with bronchiolitis, Elizabeth had a cold for a couple of days and then started having real difficulty breathing early this morning. J took her to our GP who advised her to take Elizabeth straight to the RVI. So in we went.
Bronchiolitis is viral rather than bacterial in origin, therefore can't be treated with antibiotics. So it's a case of making her as comfortable as possible and letting her body fight it. That means she's got an oxygen mask or sometimes a 'head box' (basically a transparent box that surrounds her head and into which warmed humidified oxygen is pumped), and a saline/glucose drip so she doesn't have to expend effort eating or drinking. She's having to fight to breathe as her lung capacity is severely reduced.
It's a bit like the calm before the storm; we've been told that Elizabeth will probably get worse for 5 days, plateau and then hopefully start to improve. 'Getting worse' might even mean that she needs to go on a ventilator - ie back to intensive care. Fingers crossed we don't have to face that. It's a real shock how quickly this has all happened.
Elizabeth's on a ward where all the respiratory paediatric cases stay, so she's in good hands. She has a 'cubicle' on the ward which is really a room; and it has a bed so J is able to stay with her. As it's the Easter holidays now, we're looking to send Chloe to her Gran & Grandpa's for a while. Luckily, my mum and dad are staying with us so they have really helped out, looking after Chloe while we've whizzed to and fro today; also being looked after by my mum has made me feel a whole lot better!
I'll keep the blog updated as I can!
Ax
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3 comments:
Dear Frenchies
So sorry that Anna is poorly; thinking of you all and keeping fingers crossed that Anna recovers quickly. Please just shout if I can do anything - quite happy to come up North if you need an extra pair of hands at any time
loads of love
Katie xxx
Very sorry to hear the latest news. Dear little Anna seemed so happy and well when I saw her last weekend. We are both thinking about you all and wishing Anna a great and speedy recovery. Talk to you soon. Lots of love Big Sis and Tall Paul xxxxxx
We're thinking of you all and wishing Anna a very quick recovery. Harry says try not to worry - Ehrinn was hospitalized for the same thing when he was about 8 months old (and still very small as ha'd been born two months premature weighing under 4lbs) but the ventilator and oxygen sorted it in a few days and left no lasting effect. Meanwhile, enjoy Mum's tlc and try to get some SLEEP! Lots of love from the other Big Sis and all the gang in Norfolk xxx
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