As much as I tried to keep Philip from getting sick, it was inevitable and Wednesday he ended up with a fever. So off to the ER we went. The ER this time of year is hell on earth for me. People hacking up a lung, holding vomit basins, vomit bags strewn on the waiting room couches. (Cringe) Luckily we got fast tracked and waited less than two minutes in the waiting room where I learned that I can hold my breath pretty long. I won't divulge all the details of the last two days but it goes something like fever, chills, rash, diarreah, bed pan, vomit, 5 outfits in the garbage, fever, chills, diarreah, commode, fever, diarreah, fever, rash, chills. It's been a really challenging couple of days to say the least. I had to resort to putting Philip back in diapers because he's just too little to understand the need to quickly make it to the bathroom. He continuously says ow but won't specify exactly what hurts. It's a different part every time. He moans in his sleep and barely eats or drinks. The original blood cultures from the ER came back negative for bacteria so that is good. They repeated them today so we will wait to see if those are negative too. They are pretty sure it's a nasty virus. Me or you would be able to fight it off but Philip is having a harder time because his immune system isn't 100%. Please pray for Philip to fight this thing quicker and for me to have patience. It's so hard to see him not feeling so good and missing out on all the holiday happenings.
Friday, December 16, 2016
Sunday, December 4, 2016
Neutropenia
Neutropenia (noo-troe-PEE-nee-uh) is an abnormally low level of neutrophils. Neutrophils are a common type of white blood cell important to fighting off infections — particularly those caused by bacteria.
Some people have lower-than-average neutrophil counts, but not an increased risk of infection. In these situations their neutropenia isn't a concern. Neutrophil counts less than 1,000 neutrophils per microliter — and especially counts of less than 500 neutrophils per microliter — are always considered to be neutropenia, where even the normal bacteria from your mouth and digestive tract can cause serious infections.
© 1998-2016 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. All rights reserved.
I received a call from Philips doctor this week that his liver numbers were good but his white blood cell count was extremely low. This means he can catch something very easily. They asked if he was feeling ok or any fevers but Philip was fine. They said any fevers or anything g else out of the ordinary and we should go to the ER. They had hematology look at the blood and he had a little protections from another component of white blood cells but they were pretty concerned. He had a ear infection about a week earlier and they seems to think it may be that it was viral and it caused his numbers to tank. They were only 120. So we've been repeating bloodwork every other day to see if it is recovering and to check for some specific viruses that can be pretty harmful for transplant patients. Those are still pending but his numbers went up from 120 to180 then jumped to 480. Which is good but still not normal. So we have to be extra cautious with him in general and around people and no crowds. Which is difficult this time of year because there is so much to do. We had to miss a Christmas party this weekend and He can't even go to school for now. I hate that he still has to miss out on things but it could be much worse. We are so thankful his liver is doing good for now. We repeat blood on Tuesday and hopefully it still recovers and he can resume activities as usual next week!
Some people have lower-than-average neutrophil counts, but not an increased risk of infection. In these situations their neutropenia isn't a concern. Neutrophil counts less than 1,000 neutrophils per microliter — and especially counts of less than 500 neutrophils per microliter — are always considered to be neutropenia, where even the normal bacteria from your mouth and digestive tract can cause serious infections.
© 1998-2016 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. All rights reserved.
I received a call from Philips doctor this week that his liver numbers were good but his white blood cell count was extremely low. This means he can catch something very easily. They asked if he was feeling ok or any fevers but Philip was fine. They said any fevers or anything g else out of the ordinary and we should go to the ER. They had hematology look at the blood and he had a little protections from another component of white blood cells but they were pretty concerned. He had a ear infection about a week earlier and they seems to think it may be that it was viral and it caused his numbers to tank. They were only 120. So we've been repeating bloodwork every other day to see if it is recovering and to check for some specific viruses that can be pretty harmful for transplant patients. Those are still pending but his numbers went up from 120 to180 then jumped to 480. Which is good but still not normal. So we have to be extra cautious with him in general and around people and no crowds. Which is difficult this time of year because there is so much to do. We had to miss a Christmas party this weekend and He can't even go to school for now. I hate that he still has to miss out on things but it could be much worse. We are so thankful his liver is doing good for now. We repeat blood on Tuesday and hopefully it still recovers and he can resume activities as usual next week!
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