ICU Again

Well, we're back in the ICU again.  Actually, not technically the NICU, but the Level 2 Nursery.  The neurosurgeons drained the fluid from Paton's swelling on his back, tested it, and found out he has some kind of bacterial infection.  They are going to monitor him here for a day or 2 (or ... ?) and try to determine whether the swelling was indeed caused only by the infection, or whether it may be a build-up of cerebro-spinal fluid.  If it is, he may still need a shunt.  But at least, they're being careful.  His head continues to be free from hydrocephalus, which is wonderful.  We're going home tonight, and then coming back very early in the morning to try to catch the neuro.  We were home for a week and a day.  Hopefully next time it'll be longer! :)  I took a picture of the really little guy in a really big ER bed, which I'll try to post sometime.

To the ER

We just found out our pediatrician & TX Children's are affiliated.  Think of that -- doctors in sync.  We've never experienced that!  We take it as a blessing, though.  The Pedi has already contacted our neurosurgeon down at TX Children's, & he's going to be waiting for us down at the ER.  Paton's got some sort of infection.  We really don't know any more.

To the Doc

Little Pate's not been well yesterday or today.  It started about 3 in the morning the night before last -- extreme fussiness.  Also, it seemed that the swelling around his wound grew and became more sensitive.  We already had an appointment with the neuro scheduled, so we told him.  He did not seem concerned.  "Unless fluid starts leaking from it," he said.  Well, when we got home, Paton began running a fever.  Called the doc.  Almost went to the ER.  Then called neuro.  "Wait," again.  Then today the fever's been up & down.  Jen's on the way to the pediatrician, but just noticed leakage from the wound site.  Going to call the neuro.  Please pray for God's direction & wisdom.  Thanks.