We Love Zofran!

Over the past 24 hours, Annie has worked up to tolerating full-strength formula at her normal rate, which is fantastic, except for the fact that she's been on Zofran around the clock.  But with feeds at a normal rate, she has been able to come off the IV fluids. The goal today is to start her regular at-home feeding schedule, without zofran.  I'm a little nervous, but they did say they will give her more Zofran if the retching and vomiting return.  So we'll see how the day goes, with fingers crossed!

Annie's electrolytes are continuing to stay within normal ranges: sodium 139, potassium 4.7, and creatinine 0.27.  The resident on rounds today cheered at that creatinine level and said, "Yay! We fixed her kidneys!... After WE damaged them!"  I chuckled to myself, but was a little pleased to have someone admit that they were the ones who had damaged them in the first place!

Dr. Hasley (ortho) said Annie's back looks good since her latest surgery, but then he was quick to admit that her back looked good all along, even though there were huge pockets of pus deep under the skin we didn't know about!  But he has given us the green light to go home from his orthopedic standpoint.  We just need to get Annie's GI tract working normally again, and then go through our training for at-home IV antibiotic administration and central line care.

Despite some really scary moments this past week, I think we're beginning to head in the right direction now.  This next year is going to be very difficult as Annie continues on IV antibiotics and as we deal with all their associated complications.  She is not out of the woods yet, and probably won't be for a couple years (infections related to such large implants are prone to recur), but we're trying to just take one day at a time.

We continue to be overwhelmed by the amount of love and prayers for Annie.  I have received messages even from friends of friends, people I've never met, letting us know they are praying for Annie and asking their church groups to pray for her as well.  We are so touched by the outpouring of love for her. The texts, Facebook messages, emails, gifts, and meals all mean so much to us.  Thank you to all our dear friends who continually check in on us and ask how Annie is doing. We really appreciate all your love and support!