Day 50

Emma's 50th day in the NICU has not been one of her best. Early this morning, she began to have problems tolerating her feeds. This, combined with some other signs (including more frequent periods of apnea and bradycardia, evidence of blood in her stomach, and fluctuating body temperature) had the team worried. They ordered an abdominal xray this morning and while the docs haven't officially given a diagnosis, they feel the results are "highly suspicious" of NEC (nectrotizing enterocolitis). NEC is a serious gastrointestinal disease which causes infection and inflammation of the bowel and intestines.

For now, they have stopped Emma's feedings and have started her on IV fluids. She's also receiving additional antibiotics (we have to wait 48 hours for the blood cultures to come back to know for sure if she has a bacterial infection). She'll have another xray tomorrow, so we should know more then. If she does have NEC, Emma's feeds will likely be withheld and antibiotics continued for 7 to 10 days. If her bowel perforates or her condition worsens, she may need surgery. Let's hope and pray that won't be necessary and that tomorrow's update brings more positive news.....