Continued from Mom Blogger Reveals Newborn Son's Struggle

October 2, 2008

As many of you know, I contracted Parvovirus 19 (Fifth Disease) when I was between 14 and 18 weeks pregnant and, in turn, passed the virus onto my unborn baby. Usually the virus' effects on fetuses are very mild; unfortunately, in our case, the virus attacked the baby's bone marrow, thus making him anemic. How anemic, however, no one really could tell while he was still inside.

Shortly after Cameron was delivered on Tuesday, it became apparent that his anemia was far more severe than anyone thought. Tests revealed that his hemoglobin and platelet counts were extremely low. In addition, he had a significantly enlarged liver and heart. His enlarged organs, in turn, pressed on his lungs, making it nearly impossible for him to breathe.

The first 24 hours were pure hell (I feel bad even saying this, knowing that there are a lot of moms of triplets and quads reading this who have had 3+ months of NICU hell with their babies). In addition to receiving two blood tranfusions and a platelet transfusion, Cameron was put on a ventilator and given a paralyzing drug. Doctors also did numerous things to reduce the amount of extra fluid in his abdominal cavity and decrease the strain on his lungs and heart.

In the past 24 hours, Cameron's condition has significantly improved. The chief neonatologist told me this morning that Cameron is very lucky to be alive. The transfusions were successful and his bone marrow is starting to reproduce new blood cells, albeit at a very slow rate. Tim and I feel blessed on so many levels and for so many things. Sometime later, I'll write about it all. All I can say now is the obvious: God answers prayers.

At the moment, Cameron is in the NICU and will stay there for at least a few more weeks. Although he isn't out of the woods yet, we're hopeful that he'll make a full recovery.

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