Massimo has RSV bronchiolitis. I think it is like bronchitis, but it is a virus and therefore cannot be cured by antibiotics. It is rife during winter and babies who are premature or have been ventilated are more prone to it than others. Often it causes so much difficulty in breathing that the babies end up on a ventilator for a while, but so far, Massimo has managed on just some oxygen.
He seems much better to us now, but it is possible that he will get worse before he gets better (unless being unwell before and during Xmas counts!). He is still due to go to Great Ormond Street on 5th January or thereabouts to have his hickman line reset or replaced under general anaesthetic and we just have to hope that he will be well enough for it.
Happy New Year to everyone!
Massimo did come home for Christmas day. The doctor examined him bright and early and then kindly called to give us the good news. When we went to pick up the wee man we popped in to say a quick Merry Christmas to Nonno Roberto and deliver some smoked salmon to accompany his lunch (we think this was more appreciated than the visit!). Unfortunately Massimo didn’t feel brilliant whilst he was here and after a stressful half an hour coughing 
and with a temperature he spent the rest of his visit sleeping. He did however see Father Christmas on the ward before he came home and he has been thoroughly spoilt by all and sundry! A few gifts are in evidence in the picture but there were many more. 
It has been an awfully long time since our last entry and unfortunately Massimo has not managed to make it home yet. He seemed to get better and then on Friday (12th) we found an infection around his gastrostomy and started a course of oral antibiotics and then on Sunday (14th) he spiked a temperature and started two courses of IV (intravenous) antibiotics. 
