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Friday, September 10, 2010

Sepsis Shempsis

Charlotte's lab work showed gram positive cocci bacteria in her blood today. This bacteria confirms the diagnosis of sepsis {Charlotte's high fevers, high heart rate, and practically none existent blood pressure all pointed towards sepsis long before they had an actual bacterial growth in the blood culture}. Luckily for Charlotte, her doctors had been treating her for sepsis for about 36 hours prior to this, even though two prior cultures had shown no growth. Thank goodness for doctors paying attention to symptoms and not just test results.

We're still not certain the exact strain of cocci but we do have the type of bacteria that we need to fight off. They started her on vancomycin, cefepime, and unasyn (all antibiotics) and she's doing much better.

She's been moved back to the Integrated Care Service floor and is waiting to be bacteria free before they will schedule her surgery.

Take that sepsis. Take that.

PS-- Echo and cardiac labs were all normal, indicating that the infection had not reached the heart. Woohoo!!

9 comments:

  1. three freakin cheers and some serious answered prayers. sepsis can kick my trash. :) still sending all my energy vibes your way.

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  2. YAY about the Echo and Cardiac workup-- I can't imagine the relief. Thank God for our current medical system and it's ability to treat Sepsis and recognize the symptoms. I'm glad that she is out of the PICU. Tons of prayers coming your way. Is she looking better?

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  3. I'm so glad you have answers!! Love you! Many, many prayers sent your way!

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  4. Yay for good doctors! Poor little Charlotte. I'm so glad she's doing better.

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  5. SO good to identify the enemy! Way to go with all the forward progress! Love you all!

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  6. Thank goodness! We were nervous. Way to fight little girl.

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  7. Fight the good fight Charlotte, fight the good fight!

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  8. Hey there, just recently found out about Charlotte's blog and your postings! Hoping all is still going well at CHOP. Will be there tomorrow in the morning and will try to stop by.
    Dr. Laura

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  9. BTW Amanda, you are a wonderful writer :) Very witty and poignant. I'm privileged to know you
    Dr. L

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