12/15/2009

Not much by way of update. Malachi had a fever this morning of 100.9. They started him on a "just in case" antibiotic while they sent blood and urine cultures off to the lab. In a couple days if no bacteria has grown they will take him off the antibiotic, but if something has grown on the culture then they will switch him to a more specific antibiotic to take care of the problem. Please be in continued prayer that he does not have some sort of an infection. Because he does not have a thymus, it is pretty safe to assume that he has a very weak immune system and little tolerance for viral or bacterial infection.

Progress: He was completely weaned from his Vapotherm today and is on straight nasal cannula. WOO HOO! Hopefully they will be able to complete a sleep study in the next couple of days to evaluate for airway obstruction and get a more accurate picture as to where our little guy stands. Worst case scenario, he will go home with a trach which would bypass his entire upper airway in order to aide in the whole breathing process.

Consultations: Sometime this week (probably tomorrow) occupational therapy, physical therapy, and developmental pediatrics will be stopping by for their initial evaluation for Malachi. Of course, departments just tend to stop in when it's convenient for them, so I don't know if I will even be able to actually meet with them.

Social Life: Now that winter is coming on strong and all of the sickness and illnesses that come along with it, our little Sharbaugh family is going to need to be MUCH more careful about who we hang around with. It is imperative for Malachi that we all stay healthy. Unfortunately, this may mean that we need to be somewhat withdrawn from society until we know the severity of Malachi's immune system situation and for John and I to be able to visit our baby. So if you do not see us out and about for a while, this is why. Crowds and lots of people are to be avoided at this point. We will obviously still need people to help us watch Emerson and that sort of thing, BUT please only offer if you are physically well and do NOT feel bad about canceling on us. There are many people who are willing to help us out ;).

Obviously, feel free to correspond with us!! E-mail and facebook are good. Also, cards and that sort of thing can be sent to us as well to keep us going through the winter. Really, any feedback at this point is much appreciated. Even if it's just a quick note to say you're praying. I'm really not begging, I promise ;) Below is a PO Box we have been allowed to use. For friends and family whom we actually know, you can email me at marissasharbaugh@gmail.com for our home address.

John and Marissa Sharbaugh
PO Box 215
Brownsburg, IN 46112