Evie Update - Day 2

Evie is still puffy today, and now I understand why. There is a protein called albumin which is responsible for keeping fluids in the bloodstream. Evie's albumin level is very low, and as a result, much of the IV fluids she has received have "leaked" out into the tissues of her body. That is why her arms and legs are so swollen yet she is still dehydrated.

She is receiving albumin now, and is getting one diuretic through her peripheral IV line. She will not need to have a central line inserted, as we thought yesterday. The attending cardiologist (who knows her well by now) is in favor of taking a "minimally invasive" route with her.

We spoke with the nephrologist again today, and he wants to come up with a combination of medications that will rid Evie's heart and lungs of excess fluid but will not result in a chemical imbalance like she has now. He also in not concerned with the trace amounts of blood in her urine - he said that right now, that is "the least of our problems."


Uncle David is with Evie as I type this. Just look at her face and you can see how glad she was to see him!




He offered her a choice of two of his favorite childhood stories:



She chose The Little Red Caboose and he read it to her:



After storytime, we watched one of Evie's DVD's called "Elmo Goes to the Doctor." Not only does Evie love it and can totally relate to it, but I explained to her that Gavin had to go to the doctor as well.

Overnight, Gavin's cold turned into a cough and fever. Whenever this progression of symptoms happens, I know there is an infection. So first thing this morning, we went to the pediatrician, and sure enough, Gavin has an ear infection. We picked up his antibiotic and got home right when Grandma and Grandpa arrived at our house. I gave Gavin his first dose and headed out the door to be with Evie. He is still asleep as I type this - it's going on 3 1/2 hours now, and boy did he need a decent nap!

The cardiac team has a weekly meeting on Wednesday nights, and Evie's cardiologist is planning to attend and discuss her case, so I hope to hear more of a concrete plan at the doctors' rounds tomorrow morning.