Friday, February 1, 2008

Another road trip :(

Dr. Hillary (works with Dr. Osguthorpe) came in to explain that they would like to do the MRI today at 5:00. She explained a little more about the gram stain sample that was taken from the spinal tap that diagnosed his meningitis. She even showed us a picture of a typical bacteria meningitis gram stain. The strep pneumococal bacteria is "gram positive" so it reacts to the staining material by turning purple. It also clusters in pairs. Earlier we mentioned that they would be testing his blood for appropriate antibody formation. Charlie was immunized for meningitis at 2, 4, and 6 months so they were curious if he made the right amount of antibodies in response the that exposure. He did! That is good news that there isn't an underlying immune problem. The next question is... Did his body recognize the organism when it came? We won't get this answer until later.

Dr. Filloux (previously we hae referred to him Dr. Fieu, sorry), the neurologist checked him out and said he is glad to see he is a little more alert. His legs aren't as tense and will pull away. His arms are very tense and clenched. He would like to have seen less posturing and equal eyes but this is still one good sign. He also agreed with Dr. Osguthrope that an MRI would be a good idea. Since they are doing an MRI of the brain they might as well check his spinal cord for any chance of abcess (pocket of infection) in or by the spinal cord. If there is they might drain it just like if there is an abcess in the brain.

He was looking around and aggitated for quite some time this morning. He even crinkled his little face in an effort to cry. It broke my heart.

posted by Angel

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

Ah Ang, my heart is just aching...helping with your home sure doesn't seem like enough to help you guys out. Please know my parents are there, I KNOW IT, helping in ways that you guys can't right now. And remember those little brains, brains in general, are incredible. Have hopeful faith ok!! I love you guys!

erin said...

I love you Angel and Rob!! You amaze me!! I don't like this roller coaster ride.... I can't begin to imagine how it is for you two. Hopefully it will end soon!

Shani said...

I love you Charlie!

Dawn said...

Angel-I've worked with Dr. Fillioux when I've done EEG's on babies at LDS. He is so awesome. Softspoken, compassionate, and best of all brilliant. I know Charlie is being cared for by the best of the best! Keep hanging in there. You are his "Mommy Angel."

Anonymous said...

i am praying my freakin heart out for this little man

Anonymous said...

Rob and Angel I'm so sorry you have to go through this Roller Coast Ride, I hope it you get it go up a Positive Hill soon!!! Love You Guys and Know we are praying for Little Cooper!!! Love "T"

Anonymous said...

Two steps forward and hopefully only one step back and you guys will pull through this!

Anonymous said...

Well boo to that. I am so sorry that there are once again setbacks, but this is what we expect in the PICU or any ICU. I am praying for you all and thinking of you constantly. You are so full of life, love, faith, hope and dreams and I know that regardless of the outcome, Charlie is an incredibly special little person with the ability to unite hundreds of people to remember what is truly important in our daily lives. I love you all and wish I could do something to help make it all better...

Peterson Fam said...

Really, you guys are truly the greatest examples of strength. I, like Wuggs, know mom and dad Chilton are there with you and caring for lil Charlie.
Those hospitals are most definitely their second home. We are constantly checking the updates and praying for you non-stop. I love you all.
Kat

Johna S. said...

We can't even begin to imagine what you are feeling, but know that little wrinkling of his face as to cry is a sign that he is feeling stuff- and that is good! You don't want him to be in pain, but it is good to know that the pain receptors in his brain & brain stem are working and the message is being sent! Please know that all of our love and prayers are for you all right now. You are all in our hearts and thoughts and we've got our Texan fingers crossed for you! Love, your (sorta) cousins- Johna & Kelly

Anonymous said...

Hey Army,
I finally figured out this computer to leave you a message. I wrote 3 messages and lost them. My wife and I have cryed just about as much as we have prayed for you and angel. I told my kids about what was going on and how serious it was and we needed to pray for charlie. So we have and when our children pray they have a different wave length with our heavely father. They are simple but the spirt is so strong. So our special need girl gives the prayer and useing the words she knows it goes like this "bless sick baby be o.k." And when she comes home from school she asked how is baby. I say he opened his eyes. She smiles with a grin from ear to ear. holding two thumbs up. Hang in there