Unofficial Christ's Hospital Forum

I've come back again for a bath, and do washing etc, and have left Dean at hospital with Louise. I'll be going back shortly but I wanted to just say, once more, thank you so much for all your prayers, hugs and best wishes. They really do mean so much, and it helps to know that there are people thinking of us. And thanks Barnes Mum for keeping everyone up to date, very much appreciated.

Well, not such good news today unfortunately. Last night Louise had a CT scan to check the fluid on her lungs. I didn't see the doctor, but heard him talking to the Brompton on the phone, and what he said stopped me sleeping last night. She has fluid on both lungs, and Maidstone and the Brompton suspect it is infected, which is what is causing her temperature problems. I heard the doctor asking whether they thought another ultrasound was required, and it was obviously decided it was. So this morning she has had another ultrasound, which clearly shows fluid on the back of her lungs, and it will need draining off asap, probably within the next 24 hours. Louise is terrified by this, and it is hard to find words to reassure her because I'm terrified for her too. She wasn't a big child to begin with, but was strong and very fit, but now looks anorexic. She was only 45kg when she went into hospital and is now 40kg. Her clothes are literally hanging off her and she is getting more depressed by the day.

She saw the physio yesterday who told her that it will be some time, possibly months, before she will be able to get back into her swimming training, but at the moment she struggles to walk to the toilet and back without losing her balance and needing to rest after. The nursing staff are wonderful, I can't fault them at all, they are so caring towards her, and try to cheer her up, but all she wants to do is come home and she is getting upset more often now.

So, probably later today, or tomorrow, she will be having a chest drain inserted to remove the infected fluid. Her pneumonia is still clearing gradually, although the ultrasound shows there is still some way to go on that too. It is getting so hard to stay positive But thanks again for all your kind thoughts, prayers and messages

I don't know what else to say really. Just as things seemed to be beginning to head in the right direction at last. I really hope and pray that once the infected fluid has been removed Louise will feel a lot better. Thinking of her, as always.

Oh Lonelymom, try to hang in there for her - we are all behind you on this. Prayers are going up worldwide for Louise and the family. Very difficult to find the words to use, but we all hope that Louise will be back on her feet very soon.

What a horrible rollercoaster this is for you all Lonelymom. More prayers and positive thoughts coming from us and as Barnes Mum says, hopefully once this infected fluid is clear Louise will really pick up.

(((((Hugs))))) to you all xx

I don't know what to say, except that Louise and Michele remain in the prayers of not only me but of lots of other organisations/Churches with which I have contact. Special prayers tomorrow if that is when they will insert the drain, but let's hope that they can get rid of all the infected fluid and then maybe she will pick up a bit more. Metaphorical hugs to you both.

Thoughts and good vibes still heading your way, Im really sorry to hear this. I think that although it sounds really scary, the chest drain will help a lot with the infection and her breathing, even if it means things have to get worse before they get better.

Lots of love and happy thoughts

I'm so sorry, after what sounded like such good progress over the last couple of days. Let's hope the chest drain is not too uncomfortable and that she feels better without all that infected fluid. I know Barnes Mum will keep us up to date with her progress. Thinking of you all xx

Thinking of and praying for you x

Oh I do hope this does the trick with poor Louise. From my nursing days I rememebr the procedure as unpleasant and uncomfortable but the relief is almost immediate. At 13 my 1.7m (5'7") rugby playing son had a burst appendix ending up with peritonitis. He went into hopital weighing 57kg (9st.) and came out 10 days later weighing 50kg (7st 12lb). He went to stay with his grandparents so I could get some sleep ahving spent every night at the hopital and every day at work. He made very slow progress and his appetite was still very bad until the day before he came home when my Mum rang to say that she was taking out a second mortgage. When I asked why she said he had got up at 6am, finished the cornflakes and milk, emptied the breadbin and was starting on the biscuit tin.

Thinking of you all, Michele, and vibing like anything.
Ann xx

Had a text from Michelle to say they are probably going to put off the draining procedure and wait for a couple of days to see if the antibiotics can do a bit more work. I think she feels it may be putting off the enivitable but I know from bitter experience you just have to go along with what is suggested.It's all very frustrating , I am sure of that.

I've been catching up with the posts on here and it sounds like a difficult time. Prayers for all concerned.

Sending love and strength to you all x

I am still thinking of Louise & Michele.

We've had our own episode here though I have been ill since a week last Friday - not taken time off work (only work 4.30 four days a week anyway) but have given in & gone to bed on two afternoons. I felt progrssively worse each day (apart from Monday when I thought I was getting better ) BUT I can say that today I really feel like I AM getting better. Unfortunately my eldest has come down with "it" and so has my husband. Youngest seemed to only have 2 days of illness then perked up again. I don't know if this has been the piggy flu but whatever it is it hasn't been nice. I did check on line but to be honest you only have to have 3 or so of the symptoms & then you are diagnosed as having swine flu

I've just returned from a visit to Louise. I actually kidnapped her sister and took her with me as a surprise, which seemed to go down well! (With the appropriate permission of course ) Louise looked so much better than the last time I saw her although as Michele said her weight is worryingly low, I'm sure with Christmas coming up it won't take her long to build this up again. She still has a long way to go and they still don't know when or if the chest drain is to be inserted but is definately heading in the right direction.

Vonny, I hope all your family soon feel better.