just waiting

After Anni went to Interventional Radiology to have a power PICC placed (like a longer-term, more sturdy I.V.), they stopped all her sedation. We've spent all afternoon just waiting for her to wake up. We were hoping that they would be able to get her off the ventilator tonight, but it doesn't look like that's likely to happen.

However, she is able to wake up for very brief periods of time and respond to questions. So that's an encouraging sign. She is awfully sleepy still, but maybe it's just taking her body a longer than usual time to clear the drugs.

They decided to add in an anti-viral drug today, although we're still waiting on the results of all the viral tests. Of course at the same time that they're adding in antibiotics and antivirals, they've upped her immunosuppression to treat the rejection found on the liver biopsy.

We still don't have a final reading on the brain MRI, and no one is willing to venture a guess at an explanation. But if this was a case of acute hepatic encephalopathy brought on by the GI bleed, then crap. Because we were finally beginning to take them in stride. I don't think I'm going to be able to keep calm if now a bleed means a chance of coma within a few hours. But I'm getting ahead of myself, so back to waiting.

Comments

[Lynne]

Man, this all sucks BIG TIME! I am keeping all of you in my prayers, thoughts, and sending lots of postive vibes your way. One day at a time...

[Melissa Wiley]

Moreena, I seldom get a chance to comment but I wanted to let you know that I am a faithful reader and think of you and your family often. I appreciate your keeping us updated on Annika's progress. She is in my prayers daily.

with love,
Melissa from the Bonny Glen/Lilting House

[Alice]

more hugs. we're waiting with you, although really we wish we could make things easier for you, and for Anni...

[Academic]

Praying for you. I will certainly light a candle for you and your family tomorrow at Liturgy.

[Shelley]

Praying, hoping, wishing there was something I could do... you're in my thoughts constantly. Hope she rests well tonight and that tomorrow brings some answers and good news.

[Naomi]

continuing prayers and well wishes for everyone...

[Harriet]

Sending heartfelt prayers from avid Annika fans in Texas!

[ppb]

Holding you in the light.

[Susan]

Good thoughts coming from my part of the world, too.

[Rev Dr Mom]

Holding you in the light here, too.

[Deb]

Moreena, there are so many of us that you don't know who are holding our collective breath, all over the country, and, I'm sure, all over the world. For several years, I have read every one of your posts. I am thinking of you and Annika and hoping for the best. I wish there was something I could do other than send warm, supportive vibes from Rochester, NY.

[bj]

All of you are in my thoughts. A family taking a break from the local Children's hospital watched me fly my kite today. I hope the scene gave them a little bit of joy.

[Mike Haubrich, FCD]

I don't pray, and I don't have extra money to give. But know that I support you, and your stories remind me that as an "O -" I really need to get back and donate some blood for any other child who is as courageous as your daughter.

Keep your spirits up!

[Sonja]

I'm biting my nails on your behalf. I hope your doctors get all this figured out swiftly!

[kathy a.]

thinking of you all. xoxoxo

sounds like things are complicated, with all those meds and all the whatever things going on. hoping that she is better in the morning.

[Cate]

I hope the morning brings better news to you all, and you will be in my thoughts. My best friend (very much a grownup) fought a battle with hepatic disease, and so I know what you're looking at. This is so horrible and scary, and I hate that a little girl like Anni has to deal with it, let alone a mom like you.

[Amy]

Another Annika fan in Texas who has been reading for years... thinking about you all tonight and hoping that Anni is on the mend quickly.

[Kyla]

Oh Moreena. I hope she wakes fully soon and I hope there are answers for you. Good and soothing answers.

[uccellina]

Thinking of you, and hoping for good news soon.

[Christine]

Is Annika taking steroids? In BMT, we will occasionally see steroid induced psychosis. Have they been throwing that possibility around?

[Sheila]

I hope better news comes today.

[Liz]

Sending love and prayers and hugs and more love.

[moreena]

Christine--nope, she's not on steroids. I do think they ran down about 68 different possibilities, but none of them fit very well. Not even the explanation I think they're going with...