Another Day in the ICU

Feeling like a Princess

Dialysis number 4

Today is our fifth day in the ICU. We have tried to make it feel as close to home as we can for Peyton. The walls are slowly being decorated with drawings, signs and pictures from loved ones and most recently a large butterfly balloon which she loved. Her days are getting a little easier now that she has plenty of toys, books, and other gifts from friends and family to keep her busy. She doesn't yet have enough energy to play with everything but we are slowly getting there. She was in much better spirits this morning, laughing a little more and becoming more familiar with the medical staff. Her afternoon though brought us a scare. She had a major anxiety attack during some family visits that made all our hearts drop. her body became as stiff as a board, her skin turned reddish purple, and she started to hyperventilate. I had never in my life seen such an episode and the first thing that came to my mind was to hold her as tight as I could before I might loose her forever. I thought she was having as a stroke, a possible side effect of H.U.S. I immediately yelled for a nurse and then scooped Peyton up in my arms. She was immediately calmed and comforted but still a little shaky. She wouldn't let me let go of her for at least 20 minutes. I was so thankful she was OK for now. Today she received another round of dialysis lasting 3 hours and 20 minutes, another blood transfusion, and platelets. As of tonight her labs are looking OK. Her diarrhea has decreased significantly which is a great sign she may be turning the corner.

White blood cells are down from 22.6 to 20.1

(normal is 5.0-13.0)

Hemoglobin is up from 6.2 to 7.9

(normal is 11.5-13.5)

Platelets are down from 59K to 53K

(normal is 150K-420K)

BUN is up from 7 to 16

(normal is 6-20)

Creatinine is up from 0.79 to 1.36

(normal is 0.17-0.35)

Lactic Dehydrogenase is down from the 2200's to 1846

(normal is 130-360)

THIS IS THE MAIN #'s WE WATCH TO SEE IF SHE IS IMPROVING...WE HAVE A WAYS TO GO.

Right now as I look across the room I see my little girl sleeping comfortably in her bed. Curled up in her baby blanket and new quilt. She looks so peaceful and I am again reminded of the miracle of God's hands in my little girl's life. I love her so much and it just keeps growing.