Home from the hospital

[marydell]

So, they were going to admit Charlie for observation, but they were short of beds in the peds ward so we waited around for a long time, during which interval the steriods, motrin, and albuterol did the job, mostly, and got him breathing normally again. And cleared up his fever. So they decided to send him home after "just one or two more things." Those things were - a second blood draw, a urine sample (using a catheter), and some IV antibiotics. They're still not sure what the deal is--they're reasonably certain it's either viral or bacterial. Hm. Leaning toward bacterial, so they gave him the antibiotic without waiting for culture results. Real life really *is* like an episode of "House!" Except 10 hours longer.

Anyway, by the time all that finished he was breathing like a beached fish again, but calmed down reasonably quickly so we were able to take him home. Now he's alternating between fast breathing/agitated and sleeping peacefully. We're doing nebulized albuterol every 4 hours, plus motrin, plus there will be more steriods in the morning, plus a visit to his regular doc in the afternoon. The care at the hospital and from his regular doc has been outstanding through all of this, but of course now it's down to him and his immune system--hopefully with all of this support, plus good rest, it (his immune system that is) will kick this thing's ass.

I'm holding up ok at this point, although totally wired. Mike was tireless and calm all day, and is now a puddle of worries. Charlie, the little trouper, was smiling by the end of the day, and thinks it's very funny when I coo "up your nose with a rubber hose!" at him, although he sure hated it when they were doing it.

Thanks, everyone, for the kind words and thoughts.

Comments

[kalmn.livejournal.com]

go little immune system! go!