That word pretty much describes our Christmas around here. As many of you know, Hayden was diagnosed last Friday with RSV and broncholitis. He went to the doctor again on Saturday, but there was nothing they could do. We just had to wait it out and let the coughing pass. He was coughing so much he was choking and gagging Sunday night, so I took him to the doctor again Monday morning. Dr. Hipp decided at that point to admit him to the hospital. This decision was made for several reasons: he was working hard to breath, we needed a chest xray to make sure he didn't have pnemounia, and we wanted to rule out the whooping cough and flu. These things would have taken days because of the holidays, so we went on to Greenville's Children's Hospital.
Not exactly the way we wanted to spend Christmas, but Hayden had good doctor's care and made it through the worst part of RSV while in the hospital. All his test were negative, except RSV. There are no treatments for this in kids so small, so we just have to wait it out and continue to do breathing treatments.
We went back to the doc yesterday for our follow up and Dr. Moll put him on steroids to help give him that extra boost. He was surprised that Hayden's oxygen levels were so high and really pleased with the progress he is making. Unfortunately, Hayden will cough for another month or so until the virus is completely gone, but the worst is definitely behind us.
We have certainly had a rough week. I started having those feelings of helplessness again that I had when Mom was sick. It is hard to watch your three month old constantly cough until he throws up or gags. Hayden has been a champ though. He is such a good natured baby. I can't imagine having to comfort an already moody baby that has RSV, luckily Hayden is pretty laid back and handled things wonderfully.
There is still a small chance that he could develop pnemounia. The doctor said that his lungs right now are a breeding ground. It's rare, but could happen. We are just keeping a close eye on him the next week or so and any small change needs to be examined. With that being said, he seems to get a little stronger everyday. He is still pretty pale, but has had a hollow leg (as Papa used to say.) He can't get enough to eat!
As always I have learned a few things from this experience. The first being how lucky we are to have Parkside Pediatrics. They were so supportive though the entire week, even calling to check on Hayden in the hospital on Christmas. I don't know how to thank them for seeing Hayden so many times and making sure he had the best care possible.
Also, my church. We hadn't been at the hospital twenty minutes before they called. The preacher even came out on Christmas Eve, after the two services, to check on Hayden.
And of course my wonderful group of friends. The constant phone calls, texts, visits, and fb messages were comforting. A special thanks to Sarah Smoke, who was so kind by taking time Christmas Eve to bring dinner all the way to the hospital. I really am blessed to have such wonderful friends!
Pics of our Christmas are coming soon!
