Results

The doctors came in today to talk to us about the results of the spinal tap yesterday. They said they were able to culture the fluid and could tell that the infection had gotten a little bit worse than before but that his white blood count was still low which means the body is still trying to fight the meningitis. They have switched the antibiotic and hope that it will do the job. The doctor said that when the spinal fluid gets infected like this it is sometimes hard to treat because this type of infection is resistant to many of the antibiotics that they normally use to treat infections. The brain surgeon and infection doctor both seem to think that the fluid on his brain that showed in the last scan is coming from the infection. We are all hoping that is the case. If that is not the case and the fluid is being caused by something else, they will have to put in another drain which we DO NOT want. Having that drain in his head made it so much harder for him. He couldn't get up and walk or couldn't adjust when we wanted to. It was very uncomfortable for him. We are praying that once they get the infection cleared up then the fluid will go away.

So what's the plan from here...
Do another spinal tap to check the infection and another scan to check for swelling and fluid. They said they will do in in 48 hours. Not sure if that means 48 from the first test or 48 from today.

Nate seemed much better today. He seemed in good spirits most of the day but did seem a little down tonight when the kids called him. It made him sad that Gus kept asking him if he could come home. I know he wants to be home so much and it makes him sad when Gus asks him to come home.

Mindy, the speech therapist, came in today and had Nate do some exercises to get his brain thinking. He did a good job and she said that he has come a long way since the first time she worked with him. There are still things that need improvement but they seem pretty confident that Nate will heal completely and his mind won't be affected. His short term memory is probably the most noticeable change. He just can't remember much about what goes on from day to day. Sometimes I say something about someone coming to visit and he has no idea that they came. So, if you have come to visit him and he doesn't remember, don't take it personal. :)

I think it is ok if people stop by to see him now. I think he would like to see his friends. He is room 370. He is still in isolation, which means that you must wear a gown and gloves when you are in his room. There is a set of drawers outside his room that has the yellow gowns and gloves. Please put them while you are visiting him and no children are allowed. Please keep your visits short and if he is sleeping then please come back later. I know he would love to see his work buddies and it would probably make him feel good to see all of you.

Thank you all again for your love and support. Your actions have not gone unnoticed. We are so thankful for all of you and wish that someday we could let you all know how much it means to us. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

I brought the isolation stuff home so the kids could see what we have to wear when we visit Dad. They loved putting it on and playing doctor.