leah update: seizures?
Leonard just callled me to let me know that Leah had some seizures last night, and so they are doing a whole array of tests. Oh no!
That’s so scary to me, because I don’t know much of anything about seizures or how to deal with them. L says that now that they’ve done a bunch of tests (EEG, Ultrasound, spinal tap, and multiple blood tests), they haven’t found anything that didn’t come back being normal. They have her on anti-seizure meds now, and they will keep her all hooked up to machines for 48-72 hours because they want to get the cultures of the blood tests back. That means that she has to stay even though Sarah’s going home - they will let her come in every 3 hours to nurse, but there’s just no place for her to stay (and no medical reason to have her in a room).
So L is scared but aparently feeling more upbeat now that they knew she’s not gonna hurt herself by having more seizures (with the anti-seizure meds). But its stilll so scary, and sad that she has to stay there alone some of the time for a few days.
They did find a breast pump for Sarah and if the insurance won’t pay for it, there’s a group of people who provide grants for this, so that’s good. And even though S has only been nursing for a few days, so her milk flow isn’t strong, at last resort, her sister is still nursing, and they could posibily use that instead of formula.
So send some prayers/good thoughts this direction. Leah is such a beautiful perfect baby, and I can’t stand to think that she’s having problems like this. 
Thanks.
Comments
How awful! I’ll be sending good thoughts!
Posted by: Kymberlie R. McGuire | June 14, 2003 03:39 PM
My thoughts are with your family at this time of incredible stress. This is supposed to be the most joyous of occasions and to have to worry about seizures is the most horrible thing. I pray that they did not cause any harm. I am so sorry this happened. Please tell Sarah that if she needs to talk there are a few of us out here that are equipped to listen. Too bad I don’t live closer, I could run right over with my breast pump. Mine was included in the hospital bill (kind of snuck in) and they paid for it. Maybe they can do the same for her? I did not get mine until the nurse came to the house for the checkups, and that was part of the hospital bill, so maybe that’s why. Anyway, I am thinking of little Leah. I can’t wait to see pictures! Did you ever get a chance to go and visit?
Posted by: Nancy | June 14, 2003 07:46 PM
I am so terribly sorry- I wish there were something that I could do. My daughter had unexplained seizures when she was 7 days old. We went through a barrage of tests only to have everything come back either normal or negative. It was the scariest time of my life. I don’t want to overwhelm you with my story but if you or Sarah want to talk or have any questions about anything, please feel free to e-mail me. I included it in the info. Nancy knows the story as well. As for a breastpump, the hospital gave me one to use while I was in the PICU with Koty- I was able to stay with her the entire time so I was able to use it as often as I wanted to. Some hospitals will also rent them out- Sarah might want to inquire about that. I have a ton of breastpumping tips if she is interested as well.
My heart goes out to everyone, this is a very scary time. Dakota had seizures that one night at 7 days old- never had one again. Please don’t hesitate to email if you or Sarah would like to. (((((HUGS)))))
Posted by: Michelle | June 14, 2003 08:28 PM
Keeing your family in my heart! *hugs*
Posted by: Lisa, Gal of Unix | June 14, 2003 09:03 PM
Both of my boys were born three months early, so I know how you feel about little Leah being all alone in the hospital.
After going through it twice though, (once at St. Vincents in Portland!), it’s tough, but the doctors and nurses are special and talented beyond compare. You and your family will be in my heart and prayers!
Posted by: denise | June 15, 2003 11:36 PM
oh wow k. how very stressful. i hope that things pick up over the next few days. that must be so frustrating that they can’t stay with her. i was a cleft palate baby and spent some serious weeks in ICU and my parents couldn’t be with me either and it was awful for them. i turned out a-OK though and am definitely a fighter since i struggled at first. i’ll be thinking about you guys as things get better over the next few days.
Posted by: jane | June 17, 2003 07:42 PM