We interrupt the Philly Trip posts for this important update.

We were having so much fun with the 'Philly' posts but something came up that is kinda making it hard to write about anything else. Alexi is a little sick.

Ok she might be more than a little sick. Alexi got her first significant cough about 11 days ago. We called the doctor last Monday, 1/23, and in our discussions they were informed of her cough and asked a few questions. We told them she had no fever, was acting normally, and eating fine, all were true. Her cough persisted and we called back this past Monday, 01/30. Again with no behavioral changes, they were not alarmed and told us to wait until today to bring her in (2/1.) She already had her 6 month shots and RSV treatment scheduled for today.

As usual they brought us right in when we arrived. The assistant was concerned right away with Alexi's cough, and did her normal routine of checking up on Alexi. She expressed her concern with what she heard in Alexi's lungs and had the doctor come in for a closer look. Alexi's doctor agreed, this was something more than a simple cold.

Alexi has Bronchiolitis. No that's not a different word for Bronchitis, it's a different illness reserved usually for kids 3-6 months old. She had neutropenia, she was born premature, she has down syndrome. All of these things crossed my mind immediately. When Alexi gets sick, we do pretty well handling it, but when we know it is substantial, we know things can escalate quicker in her so we get pretty nervous.

The good news is, her neutropenia doesn't seem to be a concern as the doctor doesn't think it's necessary to order blood work at this time. However, her having Down Syndrome certainly causes concern with this illness, as her low tone can cause her to tire much more quickly from labored breathing and excessive coughing. Prematurity has also taken a part in all of this, as premature babies are much more likely to contract RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) than other children.

If you've seen Alexi's car seat, you have probably noticed the little stop signs.

If you have been to our home, you probably notice there are not hand towels available near the sinks, just paper towels.
We have canceled countless play dates, visits, and even babysitting, due to others being sick.

RSV is one of the biggest things we have been trying to avoid with these (and other) precautions. It is common among babies 3-6 months and a good bit easier to contract for preemies. RSV is also one of the most common causes for Bronchiolitis. We are hopeful that Alexi doesn't have RSV but it is something we have to keep a close eye out for. It will generally run its course in infants and leave minimal damage. However premature infants and infants with immune system problems are much more vulnerable to the more severe RSV disease that can cause problems we don't need to discuss just yet. Alexi has both of these working against her but has her strength and determination working in her favor.

Treatment: Alexi is taking an antibiotic just to help prevent pneumonia from setting in, and taking albuterol through some fog machine thing ;) to help break up the mucus in her lungs. As well as making sure to get plenty of fluids and rest.

We're remaining optimistic, as Alexi is our little fighter. She has been in great spirits through everything and has overcome worse things than a lung infection already in her short time here. This is one sickness that medicine wont really treat, so as hard as it is, Dad's gonna have to just sit on the sidelines and coach. Go ahead world, throw something else her way, she can take it. Everything she overcomes, makes her stronger.








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