Gary's Boring Blog

A Little Progress?

UPDATE

Again, small signs of improvement. Rosie's lungs seem to be gradually getting stronger, judging from the x-rays. Her kidneys and liver are still not functioning properly, but the lungs are the main priority at the moment. Hopefully, she will be off the ECMO (artificial heart and lungs) quite soon...

Again, thanks for all your kind words and messages.

End Update

For the last couple of days, Rosie's condition has been getting slowly better. It's not time yet to start chilling the champagne, but she is improving ever so slightly.

Her lung infection (as I mentioned before, a scary thing called ARDS - detailed explanation will follow when she is safe!) seems to be on its way out. She is definitely breathing easier. She has also been bleeding a little for a few days, which is quite normal. The bleeding has eased considerably in the last day or two. She is jaundiced, so is a rather fetching golden yellow colour at the moment, but that is just temporary. It looks like it will be at least a few more days before the doctors consider removing the ECMO, the artificial heart and lung machine, but if her lungs keep improving, we will hopefully get to that step quite soon.

Rosie with white skin. She's a little more carrot-coloured at the moment.

Now, Megumi and I have both received LOTS of messages of support. Some from family, some from friends, some from people we have never met, but will now class as friends! Many people have asked us if there is anything they can do to help... there is.
Give Blood.
Please!
Rosie has been kept alive by the skill and dedication of the doctors and nurses, by her own strength, and by the faith shown in her by us, and by everyone else hoping and praying for her. God, in whatever form he or she takes, also seems to be playing a part.

Rosie has also relied greatly on the blood donated by kind, generous people. We will never have a chance to personally thank those people, but if everyone who reads this gives up a little of their time to donate a few millilitres of blood, other sick people can also be helped. I am a queasy wimp who hates the sight of blood, and who has walked past blood donor vans many, many times. If I can go and give a pint or two, hopefully a few others can too. And if you already donate, thank you. It may be your blood that is pumping around our brave little girl right now (more likely if you live in Japan, it has to be said!)

Posted by Gary at August 1, 2004 11:20 PM