« The waiting | Main | Watching through the moon roof »
July 03, 2008
Can you say 'pseudomembranous colitis' five times fast?
We have a diagnosis and have brought Gus home!
Gus has been on a crazy journey. First he had strep throat last week, and was on antibiotics. Little did we know that the antibiotics were causing the perfect storm in his intestines for some bad bacteria to grow. The bad bacteria caused inflammation and irritation, causing extreme intestinal pain and bloody stool. The worst part was that he had blood in his stool for several days and we didn't realize. We thought the color change was due to the medicine and never imagined he was bleeding. Everything came to a head on Tuesday, when after picking him up from school for the second day in a row a fever came on and spiked to 102.7, despite the Motrin he was on. It had gone even higher by the time I took him to the ER.
While at the ER, we confirmed that he was bleeding, but then we needed to figure out what was causing it. Had we travelled lately? (only to Schaumburg, I said) Have we had bad food? Any other kids sick? Eaten any tomatoes? Since cultures would need time to grow in order to confirm what was going on, we had to get him started on a broad treatment plan right away, and the doctors were not comfortable letting him go home until we knew for certain. I was glad to stay, as the pain Gus was experiencing was excruciating and something needed to be done.
You should see the Gus of today, though. Disconnecting his IV boosted his spirit by ten. He's eating now, even asking for food. He is making jokes and running around. I kind of want him to rest, but then I remember the past three days and realize that if he needs to rest, his body makes him. He is so happy to be out. When I realized he could leave, I just hugged him and welled up. I'm so grateful that we could go in and figure out what was wrong and do something about it. He system is still not working normally, but at least he can be home healing.
Now I have the luxury of reflection:
--Don't try to self-diagnose.
--Always listen to your intuition. Your intuitive self will take you to the ER, your rational self will try to convince your intuitive self that it is overreacting.
--Remind doctors to explain who they are and what their 'job' is. When you're at a teaching hospital, you see a cast of doctors.
--Your child's poop is a window into their health. Seriously! Who knew it would be important to describe so many bowel movements. Sheesh.
--Pretty nurses with pink shoes make the medicine go down faster than for Mama or Papa.
--Ask, ask, ask... So many things are being discussed outside of your room, that when a decision comes back to you, you have no back story. They have the data, make them share it with you.
Posted by janna at July 3, 2008 12:36 PM
Comments
I hope that everyone who reads your not on the "luxury of reflection" will actually take it to heart and remember what you said when they are in the same position. If everyone would do what you are reflecting on, Health Care satisfaction would inclease ten-fold. This comes from someone who has worked in the field for 30 years. Ask, Ask, Ask! Also try to remember someone special who was kind to you and tell their supervisor. :) So very happy that Gus Gus is okay now.
Posted by: Aunt Deb at July 7, 2008 06:24 AM