Grounded

I've officially grounded the kids for a minimum of a month, to be served at age 16. It has been an eventful couple of days.

Yesterday, we learned that Susannah is growing a second type of bacteria in her urinary tract. The bad news is that this bacteria is resistant to the antibiotic normally used to treat the babies (VRE, for the medical professionals out there). The good news is that there is another antibiotic reserved for treating it, and that's what she's getting. However, since it is a resistant bug, she was placed in contact isolation. This means that the curtains around her are pulled most of the way at all times, and a plastic gown and gloves must be worn when you are in the area. That said, she does seem to be responding to the new meds, and the incidences of apnea are decreasing in frequency and severity.

Last night, Will started presenting some of the same symptoms, including pale coloring, periodic drops in heart rate, and episodes of apnea. They started treating him as well, and gave him blood and started the basic antibiotic. The apnea got worse as time went on, and he was put back on a ventilator to help him breathe more regularly. As of right now, we don't know whether he has VRE as well, but we should know tomorrow. Either way, they added him to the isolated area of the NICU. The good news here is that the babies are together again, and his blood gas counts are improving and they are slowly weaning him off the vent.

We are still praying that the infections don't spread to other areas of their little bodies. We are also giving thanks that this is something treatable! Thanks to all of you for your care, concern, and prayers. More soon...