Cultures back...

We knew yesterday that the bacteria was growing in her line and that was pulled. Her fevers were so much lower last night after arriving in Houston that all during the night I convinced myself that it wasn't growing in her blood. But when the team made rounds this morning it is in the blood and the bacteria was identified. So we also know the sensitivities, so we are hoping that with the lower fevers she is responding. We had some smiles yesterday and clapping but not today. I think she is just tired.
We knew last night her vein (iv) wasn't going to last but had not blown yet. The flight team came in to try, two big size men going in for the dive. None was to be found. But today another team came in and one was found. The other blew right before so we are thankful to have another. Early this morning they were talking about going into her neck, and while if it had to be, I am glad we have one in her wrist.
As soon as we get a clear culture from the peripheral blood culture we begin the count of 10 days for the antibiotics.
I have to say that a few times yesterday afternoon it hit me that Annabel was going to a place where no one knew her, they didn't know how she silently reacts to pain, silently with tears, a grimace, furrowed brow means pain and when she writhes in pain she isn't playing she is uncomfortable. I have to say that sometimes convincing others is tiring and frustrating. Also, dealing with the Trisomy 18 issue and how much her life is worth can be overwhelming when coming to a new place with new faces. Connie, Mallorie's mom, and 4 other sweet kiddos, my friend talked to me when I needed to vent yesterday about leaving our home hospital to come here, told me that maybe, just maybe Annabel was going to a different place because someone needed to know her story. Someone would learn of how precious and what a miracle she really is. People are so drawn to her happiness and joy and life in general. Since arriving, no one really care about her Trisomy 18 or wants to question anything. She is really a little 6 year old girl with health issues who has a nasty blood infection. They just want to treat her here and make her well. They listen and recognise that I know some things that work better than others. They recognize her silent ways of showing her discomfort.
Also, the facility is very nice, rooms comfortable for sleeping and sitting, staff is very kind. I am well rested as can be at this point. I am so thankful that I haven't had to encounter anything that I feared could happen.
The most frustrating thing about this infection is that it is the same bacteria that Annabel has been on IV's for at home for UTI's. It is a gram negative rods?? called Serratia that she has been treated 3 times since the end of January. It is showing sensitive to the antibiotics but doesn't seem to be getting rid of it. UGH!!!
The picture isn't smiley yet but I think within a day or two she will sporting a smile and sparkling eyes. Thank you, thank you for the prayers sent her way. So many of you continue to share her story with friends, prayer groups and your church. It is through prayers that she weathers these blood infections as well as she does.