total mystery

Annika's still in the PICU, and still on the ventilator. So far, there's no explanation for what happened to her, although I guess some theories are beginning to form.

The EEG showed some abnormality, but that's not exactly surprising given that she was clearly unaware of her surroundings. "Delirious" is I guess how I would describe it: her eyes never quite focused on anything, and she was clearly unaware of me or Joerg. She couldn't stand anyone touching her, even with the lightest touch.

The lumbar puncture showed evidence of bacteria on the first read, but then the second read was clear. Since the levels of white blood cells, protein, and glucose are fine, they are thinking the first read was lab error. They've started her on antibiotics just to be safe, though.

The lumbar puncture also showed increased pressure in her CSF, which would mean swelling of the brain, but the MRI of her brain showed no gross abnormalities.

So, yeah, there's no clear explanation for any of this. They are going to put in a PICC line today so that they can have easier access for blood draws, and to have a bigger line to put meds and blood products and stuff through. They are going to try to remove the sedation, wake her up, and get her off the ventilator today so that they can access her mental status. She seems to be breathing OK, so we are just hoping that she wakes up OK, too.

Comments

[Kyla]

I've been obsessively checking in for updates. I'm sorry Moreena. This must be the worst kind of not knowing. I'm thinking of you all and praying for you guys, I hope she wakes up and you've got your glorious girl back to herself again.

[Lisa V]

Moreena I'm sorry. Prayers. Lots of prayers.

[Alice]

Moreena, we are hoping so hard for you all over there. Big hugs to you and Joerg and Frankie too, and fervent wishes to Anni that however she wakes up can help them work out what is going wrong with her....

[christine]

Crossing my fingers.

[Jane]

Praying, praying, praying!

[Elizabeth]

Oh, Moreena. We're praying hard for you here.

[kathy a.]

moreena, i'm so sorry. how awful. i hope that the procedures go well and annika starts bouncing back. xoxo

[Phantom Scribbler]

Thinking of you all constantly, and hoping for the best.

[Marlen]

Praying for you and your family and for Anni, especially! ((Hugs))

[Aimee]

Praying that she's back to herself and with you again...and that there are some answers to be found.

[Awesome Mom]

I hope that everything goes well and that she is back to herself soon!

[Mary O.]

So sorry. We're praying here.

[Norah]

Hoping and praying for the best, Moreena. I know we've never met, but I live a stone's throw from Children's and would be happy to help in any way I can if you need anything. Just send an email.

[Liz]

I am so sorry. Thinking of you and wishing for the best.

[lost indie]

I am keeping Frankie in my prayers right now. I know this must be so hard for her.

Thanks for keeping us up to date. We all care so much...

[mb]

Am thinking of all of you and hoping so much that things get better soon.

[Ppolarbear]

the girl--and her mom and dad and sister and dog--clearly deserves a BREAK. Let's hope it happens, soon!

[Andrea]

I'm so sorry, Moreena. I'll be thinking of all of you.

[Val]

Oh, Moreena. Your and your family are in my prayers.

[Amy]

Ditto to all the above.

[Vicky]

Hoping, hoping that things get better for you soon. Best wishes for Annika and the whole family.

[Candace]

We're thinking about you, too.

[MKH]

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, I hope everything goes well!

[HennHouse (Karin)]

You and Annika are certainly in my thoughts and prayers.