We’ve officially hit “that point” in this admission – I’m tired, cranky, frustrated, and ready to go. We know what’s wrong with Eme – we know what we can treat and we know what we cannot. We also know how she gets sick and we know how she recovers. Yes, she throws curveballs, but given that most all her organ systems are involved & affected by something, they’re usually in the context of a preexisting diagnosis. Her little body can’t handle too many new ones anymore.
Emerson is having trouble with her kidneys. It’s not a new phenomenon, but rather an exasperation of her usual presentation when sick. There are new minds involved this time, though, and with them have come new theories. And with new theories have come new treatment ideas. It’s all very encouraging. When it comes to things we’ve seen and managed before, I suppose it takes a heightened crisis for everyone to re-group and think outside the box.
Of course nothing comes without a few hiccups, but all in all Eme’s kidneys are slowly starting to recover. She continues to require frequent labs and electrolyte replacements, but urine output is finally trending down and we’re heading in the right direction.
Emerson’s skin is bruised and swollen from her brush with DIC and she’s still tired and very weak. Her kidneys have not yet recovered and she still has a few drips to wean off. We’ve talked to everyone, though, and they’ve agreed to let her discharge from the PICU. As soon as she’s off BiPAP & PICU meds, we should be able to go. If I had to guess, I’d say maybe (hopefully) next week.
I’m trying hard to be polite and political, to advocate with purpose and respect. I’ve hit “that point” though… I’m tired of being patient. I want to jump to the treatment most likely to work; I don’t want to prove 3 things won’t work first. I completely and logically understand why it’s best done that way, but I’m exhausted. Physically and mentally drained. And now that the adrenaline of this admission is starting to subside, my thoughts turn to the to-do list at home.
I’m not sure how many more gram-negative sepsis events my sweet girl has in her, but it seems at least one more. Thank you so much for your support over the past few weeks. Your comments and prayers were read and heard… each one meant more than you’ll ever know.
I’ll continue to update, but can safely say Eme is now “out of the woods” on this one 🙂
Hope for Emerson 
Awesome! What fighters you both have been. Beyond inspirational.
That sweet face makes me smile…praying that you move out of the PICU soon! You are one amazing momma😃
I’m so happy to see a smile on her face. She’s so cute and a fighter!! ❤️
Such a beautiful, sweet girl she is! So very happy to see her smiling! Prayers that you get some well-deserved recuperation yourself with a restful summer awaiting you both at home.
Such a gorgeous girl. Hang in there, all of you!
Such a sweet picture! She is adorable!!
That is the best photo. I can’t love that enough. Continuing the thoughts and prayers from here
Thank you, Lord for the best update yet. Recovering is good to hear! I am continuing to pray for Emerson, you and the family too. ❤
Those precious and adorable eyes peaking out from on top of the BiPAP, say it all — I’m here and let’s get this show on the road!!! I can only imagine that any/all of the health care providers understand that Mom’s limits have been reached and that she’s only doing what she had done so amazingly well these many years – being Emerson’s strongest and best advocate. And yes, often Mother does know best! May the improvements continue and you both get your release from PICU! Hugs Shayne
Prayers for Emerson to have a full recovery.
So glad to hear this news! It is what we have been praying for! You two are amazing fighters! Try to get some rest so that you can recharge! Love you!
While I realize there is still a long road ahead, what wonderful news of encouragement for dear Emerson. Oh my, the photo with those beautiful eyes! Thank you for sending! To have improvement everyday, no matter how big or small, is a step forward. I am sure you are exhausted and frustrated, but it will get better! I hope you can get some sleep and rest a little easier. Just keep thinking of getting home:) Prayers, prayers, always…..
Such good news, Erika!! “Our” little Eme really wants to live….more power to her! Her little body has been through so much (as have you)! She will be so much happier and relaxed when she gets home……the prayers will continue daily. I have such a strong feeling that your little girl is meant to do important things in her life time. She is definitely meant to be here. Thanks for the update and the encouraging words!!!! (Hopefully, you can rest a little easier now, too!!!)
Yay and amen! 😉
Erika,
I’ve been out of town for the last week or so and am just catching up on your posts. So glad to hear Emerson is doing a little better and that you’re now able to look forward to her discharge and coming home. I hope and pray that happens for you soon. You sound as if you’re at the end of your rope there and I can only imagine how frustrated and exhausted you must be. You’re an incredible mom and Emerson is so lucky she has you in her corner always. Take care and I hope your next post is about coming home. Will see you soon.
Lindy