Update on Ellie’s Medical status
I figured that posting this would be a quick way to keep
friends and family in the loop on changes with Ellie. After being hospitalized
for several days this past October, we learned that Ellie is a full-blown
asthmatic. Basically, this means she has several inhalers and will be monitored
by a pulmonologist every three months. Unfortunately, between the asthma and
reflux (which aggravates her lungs and esophagus) a respiratory infection can
make it hard for her to breathe, creating the need for supplemental oxygen and
monitoring in the hospital. As she
gets older, her lungs will get larger and making it easier to breathe when she
gets sick. Until then, we need to keep her away from children and crowded
indoor areas during flu season. We have pulled her out of preschool and avoid
taking her to stores whenever possible. Unfortunately, there is only so much we
can do to prevent viruses since soap doesn’t kill them.
The good news is that this won’t last forever and we have
knowledge and medical professionals on our side. I am grateful that all her
doctors take a conservative approach toward her treatment and look her over
with a very careful eye. It is comforting to know that so many people are
involved in giving her the very best care.
As an asthmatic, we will need to avoid places with high
altitudes and anything else that could trigger an asthma attack. I hope our
friends and family can be patient with us during visits, as we will have some
restrictions.
