Saturday, September 5, 2009

Update on Levi

I am going to try to keep this brief as I am heading back up to the hospital, but wanted to give everyone an update.

First of all, we have been so overwhelmed by the amount of support and prayers we have received and we appreciate them so much!! Thank you, THANK YOU!!!

Tuesday was a very hard day for all of us as we realized that the antibiotics being given to Levi were not working. We were not seeing signs of improvement and he was getting worse. The doctors decided that we were in fact not dealing with an infection and needed to explore other areas.

Along with other tests, an MRI was ordered and a neurologist was brought in. There were 3 small spots found on his brain that we believe were caused by a lack of oxygen at some point during pregnancy, labor, or delivery. This has caused many symptoms in Levi including low muscle tone (especially in the neck and shoulder area), inability to control body temp, low oxygen levels, lethargy, and some seizure activity, plus more. All of these things look very scary as I type them, but the GREAT news is that he is improving by leaps and bounds.

He is actually now maintaining his body temp well, is much more alert and responsive, he is eating well (still needs some improvement), and is slowly being weaned off of the oxygen. He is taking anti-seizure medication and will evaluated again in 4 weeks to see if he still needs that. We are very hopeful that we will bringing him home some time next week.

Long term, we will be monitoring Levi closely for developmental delays and such. But it has been stressed to us over and over that Levi has a very mild case of brain injury and that babies are especially resilient to this. Everyone is extremely hopeful that there will be minimal to no long term effects at all.

I have to say, that we have have felt the presence of God moving especially through the body of Christ during this trial. So many are praying, visiting, watching our children, sending meals, cleaning our home, mowing our lawn... All of our needs are being met. Please continue to pray as we need this most.

Will update when I can.

"And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus." -Philippians 4:19 Pin It Now!

12 comments:

  1. Thanks Shanna for the update, our family is praying for your family and for Levi especially.

    Blessings,
    Kimberly

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  2. Thanks for the update, Shanna! I have shared about Levi and there are many praying around the world! I am continuing to pray for your precious boy. I'm praying that the Lord would give you and your husband rest as well as comfort for your children.

    Candace (from TOS crew)

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  3. Thank you for taking the time to update. We're continuing to pray for you, Levi, and your family.

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  4. Thanks Shanna for updating us. I will be praying for a full recovery.. God is a wonderful healer!! Many blessings out to your family at this time! <><

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  5. Praise God for some answers...He truly is gracious in enveloping you with peace! We'll keep praying.
    Little Levi still has much to do on this earth- Thank you God for YOUR plans (Jeremiah 29:11)

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  6. Praising the Lord for the baby steps in coming home. Keeping you, baby Levi and your whole family in prayer. Miracles and complete healing are what we expect :-)

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  7. you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers!!!

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  8. Praising the Lord for your encouraging news!

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  9. Praise the Lord for all the improvements and hopes for a great future! May your family still continue to feel peace and may your friends and family continue to support you as needed. I'm still praying!

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  10. Oh what a relief! Thank you so much for taking the time to update. We will continue to pray for Levi that God will continue to work in his life and body (and yours!) and that there will be no long-term effects. Praising Him that your little one is with you and improving steadily!! : )

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  11. I'm praying that Levi continues to heal quickly and so thankful for the improvements he's already made!!

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  12. Appreciate the update during this busy and stressful time. Know that we are praying often for all of you. So thrilled with the good news!

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