Tuesday, July 31, 2007

Update on Andrew and his infection






Thank you all for your prayers...God definitely has His hand at work in this situation.

In short, he has Group B Strep in his blood stream. (read the whole sentence before stopping)... "This is the most common cause of life-threating infections in newborns," BUT Andrew is fine.

I tested negative on my Group B Strep culture 4 weeks ago, but the MD says that the test isn't perfect and that this collinization can "come and go." Unfortunately I was not treated with Antibiotics prior to birth like they would have done if they were aware that I was positive.

We are very fortunate that Andrew was in the nursery the first night after birth because by 2am he had bad coloring and a high respiration rate, yet the staff picked up on these signs and by the time they woke Ryan and I up a chest x-ray was done, labs were drawn and he was started on 2 antibiotics. EARLY DETECTION IS WHY HE IS "DOING SO WELL" (and by the Grace of God).

He is monitored in the "Special Care Unit" (a nursery a step below the NICU) for the last 3 1/2 days. The good news is that today he gets to be in OUR room with us; off his monitors because he is doing so much better (yeah, private breastfeeding at last!).

The sad news is that he has to be in the hospital to receive his antibiotics until AUG. 8TH and I am discharged today. It is complicated because I am breastfeeding, and am not allowed to drive (d/t c-section and on a narcotic for pain). The best scenario is that the hospital gives me a Hospitality Room (We stay in a regular hosptial room, yet do not receive meals or nursing care). This will be determined on a day to day decision depending if there is an open room. So, hopefully we will be "living at the hospital" until next Wednesday so I can continue to breastfeed and we can bond with Andrew. Visitors welcome, just call Ryan's cell phone to make sure that we are here.

Andrew is the love of our life. He is adorable and we love to cuddle (all 3 of us). For all the support, prayers and love...we say thank you. We love you all!!

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

We pray in thanksgiving for God hearing our prayers and giving little Andrew the strength to fight
his infection.
Please take care of yourself too little Mommy after that awful c-section -- and... don't forget to drink your milk(ha! ha!)
We can't wait to hold little Andrew in our arms again.

Unknown said...

Thanks be to God who has sustained Andrew during this difficult time!

We give thanks for his progress thus far, and pray for continued healing.

We wish we could be there to see him and hold him!

Peace,
J.P. and Aimee

Anonymous said...

Kristy and Ryan,

He's just beautiful! What a sweetie. Saying prayers that he will be well soon. I'm glad the doctors are on top of things.

Love, Julie Z. and family

Anonymous said...

Congratulations on your beautiful son! He is gorgeous. We will continue to pray for his speedy recovery from the infection. Kristy, we hope you recover quickly and feel well.

Love,
Barb & Jim Wohlitz

Anonymous said...

Kristy & Ryan: You both and little Andrew are beautiful. I am so thankful that little Andrew is doing well.
I hope to get to see you (and possiblly little Andrew) tomorrow afternoon as Nancy is scheduled first thing in the morning to have our little Avery.
Loads of love and prayers to the three of you.

Anonymous said...

How handsome is he??? We are so happy for your new addition to your family! He is truely blessed to have such wonderful parents! You all are in our thoughts and prayers :)

Anonymous said...

Congratulations! What a beautiful little boy. We're so glad to hear that Andrew is getting stronger and that it sounds like you'll be able to stay at the hospital until he's released. Kristy, I hope that you're recovering well, too.

We've been praying for you all and can't wait for you all to come home so we can meet that sweet little baby boy.

Love,
Your neighbors...Lisa & Scott

Anonymous said...

I am so glad to hear Andrew is doing much better! You all remain in my thoughts and prayers! He really is a good lookin' li'l guy!

Love you all!

Anonymous said...

Congrats guys - he's a beautiful baby and we're so glad that he's doing better! What's his middle name by the way? We'll continue to pray that he recover completely and you guys receive God's peace!
Love and God bless,
Jim and Brandy McCoid

Anonymous said...

Congratulations you two! I pray Andrew makes a speedy recovery! He is so cute! You are all in my prayers!

Jessica P.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations! What a beautiful baby boy! We are so happy to hear that Andrew is doing better. We keep you in our prayers! We hope to see the three of you soon!
Love your neighbors,
Joe and Mandy

Anonymous said...

Ryan & Kristy,
CONGRATULATIONS on your adorable little angel. Andrew Timothy Peterson is just so precious. Have fun raising and spoiling him.
Peter Giljohann & Staff
Prime Financial Services

Anonymous said...

kristy and ryan, congrats on andrew!!! sorry to hear about the infection. i hope things have been turning around now. your fam will be in my thoughts and prayers...jeanine