Still hanging on

Long days here in the hospital.  Sometimes long minutes. 
So much has happened in a few days.  Each minute feels different and confusing.  Abby is very stable as far as vital signs go.  She has no respiratory symptoms of the flu.  She hasn't needed any oxygen, so for that I am thankful. 

She just doesn't feel good this morning.  She's cranky and achy.  She's still taking Toradol for pain.  She has an endoscopy scheduled for today to see if we can figure out why she feels so bad.  She tested positive for a virus that causes stomach flu in addition to influenza A.  Her biggest problem is the absolute refusal to eat or drink.  We can't wean down her IV fluids until she can drink a little.  She hasn't been able to keep food down for more than a week now.  They are also pretty sure she has developed a rather large and painful hernia.  We aren't sure how all of these issues fit together with her nausea and pain or if they do at all. 

We're hoping for an answer and some course of action today.  I think we are leaning towards and NG tube and starting some slow feeds to get her tummy going and then pulling it as she's able to take food by mouth. 

Emily woke up sick yesterday and had a 103.4 fever.  There are no words to described how overwhelmed and afraid I felt.  She went to the doctor and tested negative for Flu and Strep.  I went home last night for several hours and was relieved to see she was able to keep some fluids down and her temp came down with Motrin.  I think she has the tummy bug that Abby had, but THANK GOD, not so bad so far.  She is very fragile and we will be watching her closely.  But so far with Motrin and Zofran (nausea med) she's hanging in there. 

Jeff heads back to NC today and we are on our own with two sick kids in two different places.  Thankfully, my wonderful church is stepping in with meals and help with the girls.  I really don't have a clue about what the Lord is trying to teach me in this crazy mess, but I still trust Him.