If you haven't heard, our daughter Lydia is in the hospital. Please feel free to forward this information as you feel is appropriate.
Lydia has a viral lung infection (adenovirus). The oxygen levels in her blood were too low even with an oxygen mask, and she developed a fever and low blood pressure, so she was transferred to the intensive care unit and she is now breathing through a tube. That means she's sedated so she doesn't cough it out or pull it out. She is on antibiotics in case there's a bacterial infection too.
For all of that, she is doing OK at the moment. She hasn't had Tylenol or a fever in the past day, and her blood is staying oxygenated on 35% inhaled oxygen. The docs are still worried about why her blood pressure is on the low side, but it is not dropping, and they're watching all the right things. They'll see how she does with some liquid food today.
Mom and Dad are coping. It is difficult for both of us to be more or less useless and unable to fix anything. And, believe it or not, after over 100 child-years of experience, this is the first time one of our children has been hospitalized, so it is new and scary for us. Plus, it's the usual doctor thing, I know too many things I can worry about and too few things that are actually useful.
Charissa has been a huge help. Will, Rose and Jon have been very supportive too, and several friends have offered to help. We are very grateful for all the offers, and at present we're managing fine. The doctors and staff are competent and kind. Lydia has had a priesthood blessing and we are praying for her.
Lydia will be here at least a few days more. If there are big changes, I'll let you know.
Thank you,
Kevin Black
Kevin J. Black
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