The Biggining of our Life in Hospital, continued

Cecilia had already been one week in Bay one when her SATS started to drop below her low limit of 88 (SATS can only be as high as 100) but because they would pick up immediately they were not too concerned. The nurses said that it was quite normal for premature babies, so they would keep an eye on her

On the morning of the 11th August 2008, when I walked in the Bay Cecilia was not there. The first thing that I said was “Where is my baby?” As I started to panic and cry the nurse that was looking after Cecilia that morning walks in to tell me that Cecilia had to be moved back to Bay 8 (NICU) because her SATS were below 88 and she had a high temperature (for babies the range is 36.5º - 37.2º). She told me that it would be better for me to wait for all the blood tests and Lumber Puncture (also called spinal tap) were done before I could came in (usually there is eight isolates in NICU so the space is very limited and tight). Those were one of the longest 20 minutes I had ever had to wait. Also I had no idea of what a Lumber Puncture was so in those 20 minutes I asked my mother what it was and I started to cry again.

For those that do not know and hopefully do not have to experience this procedure, a needle is inserted in to the lower spine to collect a sample of Cerebrospinal fluid. This sample is obtained to detect or rule out suspected diseases or conditions. CSF testing looks for signs of possible infection by analysing the white blood cell count, glucose levels, protein, and bacteria or abnormal cells that can help identify specific diseases in the central nervous system. Most lumbar punctures are done to test for meningitis, but they also can determine if there is bleeding in the brain, detect certain conditions affecting the nervous system.

The patient will be positioned with the back curved out so the spaces between the vertebrae are as wide as possible. This allows the doctor to easily find the spaces between the lower lumbar bones (where the needle will be inserted). Older children may be asked to either sit on an exam table while leaning over with their head on a pillow or lie on their side. Infants and younger children are usually positioned on their sides with their knees under their chin. Cecilia was positioned on her side.

When I was finally able to enter the doctors explained to me that in a couple of hours they would be able to know if there was any indication of infection. If there were they would start with the antibiotics while they waited for the complete bacterial culture which takes 48 hours. They also told me not to worry that this was just part of their procedure to check for all possible diseases or infections, which is quite common for premature babies to catch a few infections while being in hospital.

Two hours later it was confirmed that Cecilia had an infection but they didn’t know where so they started with the antibiotics which should last for five days.

I felt devastated, so guilty. I just felt that this was my entire fault. She has only been experiencing pain since I gave birth to her. Why did this have to happen?

Cecilia was also back on CPAP, the drip and feeds had been stopped again.

I know had to call Manuel and I just didn’t know where to start. Also I didn’t want him to get upset at work but he had the right to know what was going on with her daughter.

I did call him and of course he was upset, especially because we could not be together to support each other.

Around lunch time I went back home to rest and come back during the afternoon with Manuel.

When we went in later that afternoon, Cecilia had been stable and her breathing had improved.

Two days later everything came clear for meningitis and for any brain infections. Infections levels were still high but they could not find out where the infection was. I wasn’t happy with this answer, I wanted to know where the infection was but once again they told me that this was very common.

After five days of antibiotics Cecilia was clear of infections. Now she just needed to get of the CPAP and recover some of the weight she had lost. Two days later Ceci’s SATS started to drop again. Another infection. Tests and antibiotics all over again for another five days.

On the 3rd of September 2008 Cecilia was finally moved out of Bay 8 to Bay 5.

On the 11th of September I was able to give Cecilia a proper bath. It was very exciting and emotional. On the 13th Manuel was able to bath her for the first time and also weighed her. Cecilia was now weighing 1.656kg so hopefully in a week she would be weighing 1.8kgs and they can try to bring her out of the isolate in to an open cot.