Our fight with CMV...

My sweet Enya Moon arrived on 02/27/18 at 38 weeks 2 days. She is CMV (+).

Sorry if long winded 😬

During my 20 week anatomy scan they could see my daughters bowels were echogenic. Ran all the blood work. No Downs, Edwards syndrome, etc. It showed at some point I came in contact with cytomegalovirus. Amniocentesis was ordered, they found the virus present in the amniotic fluid. “Luckily” I picked it up in my second trimester. My doctor order a RX of Acyclovir 4000mg daily until she was born. I also had to rounds of Cytogam infusions...that was an experience as I sat in the Cancer Center among patients receiving their chemo treatments. It was a long 18 weeks...

My water broke at 3:30am on 02/27 and I went to my normal L&D; knowing full well they’ll transport me up north to a women’s hospital with a high level NICU. My OB, my specialist, a neonatologist and a infectious disease doctor with the CDC had all been monitoring my care in preparation of her arrival. I researched all the possibilities. I knew she was gonna be small, her head measurements were always in the lowest percentile. I prepared myself for the worst but out came this perfect tiny little girl. 5lbs 13oz, 19 inches...12 inch head circumference, but shaped normally and no purple spots as I’ve read in other cases. She looked perfect.

It took two days to get the blood work back. Her head ultrasound showed there to be a problem so they sent her for an MRI. Her brain is underdeveloped. Developed brains should be wrinkled, hers is smooth. The virus had got to her brain. Blood work showed she was positive for CMV. She failed her hearing test. I’m happy to say it did not infect her internal organs, which could be devastating. She’s healthy, but most likely with be neurologically delayed. It shows when she eats, but still a strong eater even with being tongue tied. May be deaf or have hearing loss. Today was day 5 of 7 on IV antibiotics then she’ll be one them orally for the next 6 months with weekly blood draws. Today a social worker helped me set up her medicaid, physical therapy, appointment with a pediatrician, appointment with a infectious disease doctor and for SSI. She’ll be discharged this Saturday from the NICU and get to join her sisters at home. It’s all very overwhelming, especially since we really won’t know what issues she may or may not have. But she’s her and she’s thriving and i couldn’t ask for more.

I suggest everyone ask to be tested!!! Currently pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant. Especially those who work in childcare. My sister has been advised not to handle ANY of the babies bodily fluids should she decide to have a baby in the next two years. You or the carrier (which would be a young child) you picked the virus up from may not even show signs of being sick!

Again, sooo sorry it’s long!!!