Hospital

Ellicia is in the hospital. She is currently stable, but still fighting. Here’s the story:



Our moving began on Thursday. That afternoon, Ellicia went from up and about and busy to crashing and curling up on the sofa, very quickly. She stayed down except for trips to the bathroom to vomit.



I checked on her throughout the evening, and she just seemed a bit ill. Nothing serious.



When I finally went to bed (unpacking all night what I could), I touched her forehead, and immediately hopped right back out of bed. She was burning up. Thermometer said 103.7. Started pushing fluids, and called for an ambulance. [LONG story skipped here, I’ll save it for later.]



She went to the local hospital, and was admitted. They began giving her IV fluids, and tried to contain the fever. They placed her in isolation due to the fact that her white blood cell count (Immune System Gauge) was EXTREMELY low. No one allowed in without masks, disinfection, etc. She was allowed no drink, no food, no movement… everything through IV.



The doctor made the decision that she should be transferred as she needed more care than the local hospital could provide. She has been transferred to the University Hospital in Erlangen (about an hour – hour and a half – from here). Initially, they took her to the Intensive Care Unit of the Neurology department to check for meningitis. She was given CT scans, X-rays, spinal taps, plus much more, and placed into an isolation room (even MORE sterile and strict than previously). She doesn’t have any of the major problems.



She was then transferred to the Women’s clinic which handles gynecology. Yes, I know… that’s not an issue for us right now. However, in Germany, the gynecologists handle more than just “down there”. They also care for the breasts, and when applicable, breast cancer. These are the docs for her.



She has her own private room, sterilized, masks, etc. Guarding against future infection. When I left her last night, her fever was still dangerously high. I’m on my way to see her again.



She has not lost consciousness. She is stable. She is coherent. She is very weak. The doctors are concerned, but mostly want to get the fever down. Language is not a barrier here as all the docs speak fluent English.



Why did I leave her? Had to. Our children are staying with others, cats are in the old apartment – need food / water, and in our new apartment, almost everything we own is in boxes. I had to come back to at least get enough going to support the children for another day or so (clothes, diapers, baby food, etc.)