Haven’s blood cultures came back positive yesterday.  This means that she does have an infection, so she is getting lots of antibiotics to aid in fighting it.  As you know, Haven has had an elevated white blood cell count several times in the past, but the cultures always came back negative indicating that there was no infection or bacterial growth.  While we were glad when the previous cultures came back negative, it was very frustrating for us and doctors because that meant there was no apparent explanation for her very elevated white blood cell count.  So, ironically enough, we were actually somewhat glad to hear that yesterday’s cultures showed us an infection.  We’re not thrilled that she is even more sick than usual, but at least we know why she is feeling bad and what to do about it.  The current theory is that one of her lines is infected.  She will be going to the operating room to have that line replaced this afternoon (this will be her third line of that kind).

We haven’t had any blood pressure issues since we started her back up on some blood pressure medication.  They’ll probably be able to wean her off that once she starts to feeling better.  We are also very happy to report that over the past 36 hours, Haven’s chest drainage has been very minimal.  In fact, we had to make a new graph because the numbers were so small, they couldn’t be easily read on our original graph!  This is wonderful news!  However, though we are excited, we are not getting our hopes up until all the tubes are gone.  For, there is still one very big variable that hasn’t re-entered the picture in a while:  FOOD. 

In the past, every time Haven has been fed, the drainage increases.  So, for now, the plan is to wait until the chest tubes stop draining (we are VERY close…one side didn’t drain at all last night and hasn’t had anything out this morning either), then we will restart some feedings while the drainage tubes are still in place.  This way, if the fluid starts back up, we will be able to tell easily.  Hopefully, that will not be the case, but this is the safest route.  If Haven is able to tolerate feeds and there is still no drainage, then the tubes will be pulled and we can move forward!  We’re hoping some of this will be able to happen this week, yet.  We’ll keep you all posted.