Lydia hospital day 48—and out of the ICU!

Lydia is out of the intensive care unit!

The plan is for her to breathe on her own during the day and with a ventilator at night to help keep her lungs expanded. That means ordering a ventilator in case she needs it when she goes home, and it turns out that means a two-week wait. If she has recovered enough not to need it by then, fine, she can go home without it.

A shout out to nurse Aften from the ICU, who thought to add flavoring to Lydia's nasty-tasting medicines so she takes them without crying or spitting them out.

Also a very heartfelt thank you to the whole PICU staff, from the amazingly professional and kind woman who cleaned and mopped Lydia’s room to the head of the unit and everyone in between. You cared for us while you cared for Lydia, and you did it with skill and experience. You told us it was just your job, but you took extra time to make Lydia (and often us) comfortable, and you cried with joy when you saw her whole and happy again. Thank you.