Worst Days EVER

     The last eleven days have been a bit of a blur.  Isaac was admitted to the children's hospital on January 21st with RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) and pneumonia in bottom of both his lungs.  It hit us hard and fast.  Isaac literally was singing in the car and 20minutes later was slumped over in the grocery cart nearly blue. The pediatric RN in me stayed calm through the 103 fevers and persistent coughing, but when he hadn't had a wet diaper in 12 hours I knew we were in trouble...indeed we were.

     How & why Isaac got so sick so fast is kind of a perfect storm of events. First, the Down syndrome puts him at higher risk for most respiratory infections. All the tubes in his body are narrower & shorter, so any goop (official medical term) or snot that lines those tubes takes up more space & faster than in typical kiddos. Pair that with his lower muscle tone and the poor ability to cough that goop out and a kid with the sniffles becomes a kid in the emergency room on oxygen. Second, it has been just 4 weeks since Isaac's heart surgery. His body is still recovering giving him an even lower immune system. Third, Isaac is a snotty two year old that goes to Kollege with other snotty two year olds. You know the saying...when two or more toddlers gather together...somebody is going to get sick. While RSV can be pretty dangerous for babies, it normally causes just a bad cold in healthy older kids. Given Isaac's lower immune system and this being his probable first exposure to RSV, it hit him pretty hard. Fourth, put everything above together and the possibility of aspiration (swallowing/choking liquids into the lungs) as Isaac has been learning to eat & swallow, and you get a nasty pneumonia on top of an already nasty virus. Blammo...eleven day hospitalization!

     We were admitted on Monday afternoon and by Wednesday Isaac had 'crumped' (taken a turn for the worst).  For the next four days our medical team cautiously watched his oxygen levels while Isaac struggled to breathe, balanced different antibiotics with steroids, and spoke frankly to me about transfering my little boy to the Pediatric ICU. I am SO VERY THANKFUL for the prayers of so very many who covered us during those yucky days!  My mother tagged me out every third night so I could pass out at home, but in the mean time I was up for 60+ hours at a time and I didn't have the physical or emotional strength to forge any spiritual battles.  God Bless Facebook (who'd thought that would ever be said??!!) and those who took to their knees to fight for my sweet boy's life and comfort.

     Isaac turned the corner for the better on Sunday, day 7 of our stay and continued to improve until our discharge today. In fact, his flirtations with the nursing staff this morning caused quite the comotion!  :)  Who doesn't melt at a two year old in isolation blowing kisses from his hospital room window??

     

     I've added the series of facebook updates below for those who weren't receiving daily updates, and a few photos a long the way.  He was a pretty sad sack for several days.  And while he is still recovering at home, I am THRILLED to have my sweet smiling boy back!  And truly, truly hope that this will be the last of our Worst Days Ever.

 

Monday January 21st, 7:54pm

My sweet boy was admitted to the hospital today with RSV pneumonia. Super sad :-( Praying for a quick recovery.

 

 

Tuesday January 22nd, 3:14pm

Still pretty punky but feeling well enough for a sponge bath from a pretty good looking nurse (if I may say so myself).

 

 

Tuesday January 22nd, 6:15pm

Another nite in the hospital with my sweet boy. Hoping tonight goes better than last. So thankful for the power of the Great Physician & for those who are lifting us up!

 

 

Wednesday January 23rd, 12:15pm

My sweet boy is not doing so well. The pneumonia has spread & he his having a hard time breathing :-( Praying the medicines kick in soon.

 

Thursday January 24th, 9:05am

Another rough night, but my boy is finally breathing easier with lots of respiratory therapy, antibiotics, & extra oxygen. His kidneys ate having a hard time now, but I'm hopeful that will resolve soon. Thankful for the Lord's healing hand and so many standing in the gap for us!

 

 

Thursday January 24th, 3:15pm

After less than 6 hours sleep over the last four days, he finally is getting some rest. He is dehydrated again, but his kidneys are working well. Extra IV fluids will help. He still needs a lot of extra oxygen, but is working a lot less to breathe. We'll be here for another couple of days, but I think we are headed in the right direction.

 

 

Friday January 25th, 12:16pm

Day 5 in the hospital. Isaac slept for 27hours! He is so tuckered out from all the extra work of breathing. His xray shows the pneumonia is no longer getting worse, so hopefully that means we've turned the corner to getting better. We are in isolation & he is scared of every person with a mask that comes in the room, but he feels safe when in my arms or lap. Praying that my sweet boy feels the Lord's healing arms around him too!

 

Saturday January 26th, 9:46am

Day 6 in the hospital. Isaac didn't have a good afternoon yesterday & was started on additional antibiotics and iv steroids. So far they seem to be working. He had a peaceful night and drank several ounces this morning. He is still on oxygen & is starting iv nutrition tonight because he has gone so long without food, but I'm hopeful that the light at the end of the tunnel will be seen soon.

 

 

Sunday January 27th, 9:38am

Day 7in the hospital: the frustrating news is that Isaac needs more oxygen & the steroids for his lungs made his blood sugars sky rocket. Good news is that the fevers & rash seem to be resolved and he is taking some fluids & applesauce through a syringe. Please pray for his little heart...he is so very traumatized by this all. He doesn't understand what us happening & can't tell us what he needs. But I know the Holy Spirit can comfort beyond human words.

 

Monday January 28th, 9:17am

Day 8 in the hospital: Isaac has turned the corner!! He had three one-hour periods yesterday where he was up & playing...he drank an entire can of pediasure & two cups of applesauce! He is breathing better & only needs a whiff of oxygen. Isn't it wonderful?? THANK YOU to all who have been praying...I could feel waves of hope yesterday and knew our Healer was at work. We still have several more days here, but we are officially headed toward health!

 

 

Tuesday January 29th, 11:11am

Day 9 in the hospital: Isaac continues to improve! He was awake most of the day yesterday & took normal naps. He even played with a bucket of toys for awhile while cooing & practicing his signing. His lungs are still junky but we hope to wean off the last of the oxygen today. Thankful for the Lord's covering hand over us!

Finally taking some solids

 

Getting respiratory therapy on Momma's lap.
Chewing on his string!!

 

Wednesday January 30th, 11:15am

Day 10 in the hospital: Isaac is officially off oxygen. Yeah! He was so happy to get those tubes out of his nose. Tonight should be the last night of iv nutrition, so we are working hard to push orals again. He ate several peices if his precious Pirates Booty today so I am encouraged. :-) Because he's had such a rough ride, we are approaching discharge slowly, but hoping to be in our own beds by weekend.

A visit from a 'music therapist'

He was dancing in his highchair!

Healthy enough to 'jump' off the bed to Momma

Ahhh...hugs

 

 

Thursday January 31st, 10:06am

Day 11...HOME!!!

 

Thursday January 31st, 2:15pm

My sweet boy is sitting on our couch watching Praise Baby and munching on his favorite chinese crackers. It's the way it's supposed to be again. Happy.