Where do I begin? Today was a very busy day. Bella’s IVIG (immunoglobin
therapy) treatment, which began at 10 PM Saturday night, ended at about 2 AM.
Her blood pressure kept dropping so they administered the antibodies very
slowly. I tried to find a link to a good description of what IVIG is for those
who aren’t familiar with the term. I haven’t found a good description online
yet. Bella’s is receiving a daily dose of healthy antibodies from hundreds of donor
blood samples. The healthy antibodies are administered to block the unhealthy
antibodies in Bella’s body. The doctor explained that Bella’s blood pressure
dropping is her body reacting to the foreign blood that is being pushed in. I’m
not sure why this wasn’t an issue when she received IVIG back in April. Her BP
returned to normal after the treatment stopped and remained solid until they
started IVIG up again tonight. At the end of the treatment, Bella’s IV came out
of her vein. We were very concerned about how her body would react to the immunoglobins
in her body but she seemed perfectly fine. I think I was more concerned than
any of the doctors or nurses. Bella had another IV placed this afternoon. It’s
now in her right hand so she may not be able to do the school work she’s been
looking forward to catch up on.
Because they are having to administer the treatment slowly,
they started at about 6:30 tonight. Bella’s BP dropped again so they paused. They
finally finished about 10 PM. Tomorrow we’re hoping to start a little earlier
but will have to work about PT and OT sessions.
When she woke up this morning, for a few minutes Bella’s
vision was normal. The double vision came back but not as bad as it had been.
Thank God! Let’s hope that trend continues and eventually the double vision
stays away! Her physical strength remains as solid as ever. She even walked to
a play room on another floor and those hallways are LONG! Since we are able to
move the treatments to earlier in the day, there is a possibility Bella will be
discharged on Tuesday.
Bella had a stream of visitors today – the Rotzlers, the Dionne’s,
the Terrell’s, Kirsten, the Walkers, Grandma and Great Aunt Mary, and several
of her big “brothers” (pic to follow). Thanks to everyone for putting a big
smile on her face! She seemed less depressed today than yesterday. It was still
extremely hard to leave her this evening. It’s just not right to walk out of a
hospital and leave your child behind.
Thanks to JD, Grant, Bailey, Tim, CJ, Dae Dae, Juan and Steiger for putting a BIG smile on Bella's face!
Praying she feels even better tomorrow. Thank you all for
your support and continued prayers!
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