Homeward Bound

Dustin was moved to the general pediatric floor on Tuesday night!

Yesterday, one antibiotic was dropped from his regimen and the other antibiotic was switched to an oral dose. At this point, the withdrawal medications continue to be administered and were actually tapered again. Dustin's IV and feeding tube were also removed yesterday! So, at this point, Dustin is completely unplugged!

We also saw a much more active Dustin yesterday. He actually crawled around a bit on the floor mat. He also sounded happier--we heard much less of the moaning sounds that he had been making (what a relief for mom and dad)! PT worked with him some more yesterday. However, he was a bit tired from all of the other activities earlier in the day and was fussy for the physical therapist. We will receive a referral for continued physical therapy, once we return to Lexington. I am hoping that this hospital stay will not set him back too much developmentally. Overall, he has made amazing progress physically during the past week. Since he has lost at least 3 pounds and most of his muscle mass during his time here, it will take a little while for Dustin to build up all of his physical strength.

The infectious disease physicians ordered blood work that will be tested to determine if Dustin has an immune system deficiency that may have contributed to his septic state. We will find out the results of these tests in three weeks to a month, when we return to Vanderbilt for a follow-up visit with the surgeons and the infectious disease physicians.

Today, we are preparing for a discharge order. All of Dustin's medications are being administered by us orally (even one at 1:00 a.m.--Aaarrrgghhh); he is eating better and slowly getting his strength back. We believe that we will be spending the weekend at the casa de Anderson in Lexington, Kentucky.

And so, there will likely be a lull in blog entries (at least for a few days (ha)). I'm looking forward to writing boring old entries such as those that includes recipe for the latest dishes enjoyed by my family. Most of all, I am forever grateful that this story has a most happy ending!