CSF leak

Lucy has been doing great since our discharge on 8/30.  Back to school and helping running our house.

Yesterday she seemed to have a cold, as our other kids had recently.  Lucy has had a really strong immune system, so often doesn't even catch what the other kids do.  She had a runny nose and slightly achey muscles.

The more we watched, the more I became concerned this wasn't a cold, but a possible complication from her recent surgery.  A leak of cerebrospinal fluid from her nose.

I talked with her doctor this morning and he had us come into Egleston ER.  Her nose had mostly stopped dripping by the time she got there and I was feeling a bit dumb.

She leaned over forward and clear fluid leaked out of her nose.  Much more than usual for a cold.  Our surgeon agreed it was probably cerebrospinal fluid.

The plan is to replace the lumbar-drain in the operating room today at 5pm or so.  It is a very quick procedure, but the source of much of her pain after surgery.

Lucy is looking forward to ordering food from the hospital cafeteria tonight after the procedure.  

I am amazed at her bravery.  She actually enjoys being here.