More prayers for Eli...
Please pray for Eli and a quick recovery. Early last week he came down with common cold symptoms (runny nose, coughing, slight fever). As the week went on it got gradually worse, but still all common to a simple cold. Last Saturday morning when I got Eli up and put him down to walk, he took a few steps and then fell down. He was very lethargic and just did not look right. I have seen him sick and seen him with a cold but this time he just looked different. His eyes only opened about half way and he was not able to walk. I realized there might be something more than just a common cold going on. After checking with Eli's neurologist I was told to take Eli in to the Emergency room ASAP.
Saturday was spent in the ER for most of the day. They did a ton of tests including a Spinal Tap which was all quite exhausting for both of us to go through. They knew he was very sick but were having trouble pinpointing the cause. They admitted Eli and he has been on the 'acute care' floor ever since. Yesterday consisted of more tests and blood work. Eli had an EEG done on his brain and a two-hour long MRI scan done on his brain, neck and spine. It was a long day. Eli did not move his limbs much at all yesterday, still was not walking and he spent most of the day snuggled in my lap resting.
Today was a day of waiting for results. By process of elimination the doctors all seem to agree that Eli probably has what is called Post Viral Cerebralitis (the neuro-surgeon also said it might be a post viral encephalitis). Because the other tests have continued to come back negative and all of his symptoms point to this, it seems that PVC is the most probable cause. The doctors are continuing to look further into it though to make sure they are not missing anything.
Post Viral Cerebralitis occurs when a virus (say a common cold) gets into the cerebellum in the brain. This can either mean that the virus itself is hindering the cerebellum from functioning properly or that the bodies own immune system that is fighting the virus is also attacking the cerebellum thus hindering its function. (I've had a few different explanations from the doctors and am still a bit unclear on the cause--will ask the doctor for clarity tomorrow.)
The doctors have said that one reason Eli might have gotten this is because when there is an injury on the brain the blood barrier that protects the brain is weakened causing the brain to be at a greater risk. Although the doctors are not certain if Eli's brain injuries are directly related to his present condition or not. There is really no way to tell.
The average recovery from PVC is about 2-4 weeks, but they were careful to say that every case is different and Eli is unique. They are going to continue to watch him closely. Since the cause of this is viral there is not much they can do to treat it. They will continue to monitor Eli closely and make sure he is getting everything he needs for his little body to heal. As he continues to improve and grows stronger and more stable on his legs they will let us go home. We are hoping this will be soon, in a couple more days.
In addition, during all of Eli's scans they found that the 4th ventricle in Eli's brain was slightly enlarged with fluid. At first this was a cause for great concern, but after the neuro-surgeon was able to see Eli's brain in more detail through the MRI he has since said that there is not cause for immediate concern or action. Eli will not need surgery but they will continue to watch him closely and make sure nothing else develops. At first the doctors were not sure if the pressure from the slightly enlarged ventrical was what was hindering Eli from walking, but the neuro-surgeon thinks the enlargement is not significant enough to cause these symptoms. (A huge 'praise God' in our day today!!!)
Today I saw much improvement in Eli. He began eating (although it wasn't much-but any food at all in his tummy is an improvement!) He still is not able to stand unassisted for long or walk. But he was at least much more alert today. He is slurring his words a bit but still trying very hard to talk. He was quite expressive to day. Even though his body still was not very active, it was quite clear that his mind was sharp. Eli's charm and sense of humor was evident to all today. He melted many hearts, including and probably most of all mine. I am so proud of him. He has been such a trooper through all of this. He is so strong! God is covering us both in such grace. To all of you who are already praying, thank you. To those of you who are just finding out about this for the first time, please pray.
This is yet again another way that God is making the sufficiency of His grace known and evident to Eli and me. Please pray for us to continue to be covered in His grace in every way we need. Pray for Eli's complete healing and recovery. Pray for wisdom for the medical team as they treat and care for Eli. Pray for me, I am feeling very tired. I need stamina and energy. Pray as you are led. Thank you so much. I will try to update again as I know more (and as I have the time and energy needed to do so).
posted by Kellie # 9:09 PM (5) comments
