Left: IV access.Right: IV access Fail.
I spent the day yesterday with my baby in the ER.
She came home from the daycare with a fever on Friday, and a little bit of a cough. Paracetamol seemed to work for the fever. But she woke up Saturday morning with a fever of 101, runny nose, cough, and three poopy pamper changes in 3 hrs.
Worse, paracetamol was no longer reducing the fever.
We were told to monitor her, and if she became listless or her breathing became shallow, to take her to the hospital immediately. Within a few hours she went from being an energetic 1yr old who had just taken her first steps the night before, to a cranky dull-eyed baby constantly nodding off to sleep. With a fever that would not go away. And she had stopped eating.
We went directly to the pediatric hospital, where they had triage set up to deal with the influx of suspected swine flu/H1N1 cases. We were quickly screened and sent into a separate waiting area where 3 other infants were also waiting to have a chest xray done. With other families being screened and discharged outside, I realized we considered one of the critical cases.
One little boy was getting an IV access put in and was screaming his little head off. One girl had seizures at home because her fever spiked too high. Without exception, those children who would normally be bouncing off the walls, were all sitting with their mothers, sleeping restlessly. For hours. Children under the age of 2.
We had a delay when the doctors changed shifts and made rounds. Then we came to the part I like to call the torture session.
All these sick babies were the ones screened to be admitted. Along with the obvious symptoms, they also had tonsillitis (hence the unwillingness to eat) and xrays were being done to confirm lung infections. Urine and blood samples were needed.
Have you ever thought about how you get a urine sample from a baby? They have to use a catheter. There's something not right about holding down your baby while she stares up at all the masked faces over her, not comprehending what's happening to her. And while I was relieved that they eventually didn't have to use a catheter with her, that relief is eclipsed by the sombre realization that terror made her lose control of her bladder.
Blood samples aren't any easier. Especially when they miss the vein on the initial attempt. And have to insert an IV access for the meds. Which, by the way, need to be given intravenously every 24 hrs for the next few days.
But having to listen to 3 infants undergoing the same treatment at the same time, I think that qualifies as torture. I know, I'm soft. But I had tears in my eyes for that little 6 month old, and the little girl with the seizures, and the non-english-speaking little son of an expat worker.
But I was angry too. Because while they are the ones suffering like this, there are adults who decide that their lives are too busy for them to take the proper precautions to prevent the spread of this disease.
When you choose not to cover your coughs and sneezes and keep your hands clean - you are being selfish.
Cough in your sleeve, carry tissue and hand sanitizer.
When you know that you are sick and you choose to interact as normal with the public - you are being selfish.
Keep yourself isolated until your symptoms have disappeared for at least 24 hrs. If you can't isolate yourself, practice good hygiene. Cough in your sleeve, carry tissue and hand sanitizer. and use them.
MEN! Acknowledge when you are sick. You are not being macho by insisting you are not really sick, you are being an ass. Your actions can cost a weaker person dearly. Selfish.
Don't wait for your wife/gf to say "I told you so you big jerk". Look at it this way - society needs you! Do it for the children! (Yes I am trying to appeal to your male ego. Is it working? Good.)
So what can you do to reduce the risk of your family getting it?
- Wash your hands with soap or hand sanitizer regularly. As a rule, head straight to the sink as soon as you come home from being out in public. And obviously, after you cough or sneeze.
- Keep your hands away from your face. Reduce the risk of getting the flu germs into your mouth and nose.
- Boost your immunity with Vitamin C. Natural sources are most effective, but if you're going to take a Vitamin C tablet or supplement, make sure you take zinc to boost absorption as well.
- Gargle once a day with salt water. This creates an inhospitable environment for any germs trying to proliferate in your throat. If you stop them here, they can't get to your lungs. For babies, just swab the inside of their mouths with salt water on a washcloth.
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12 comments:
Poor baby girl! And poor mama...My oldest had to get blood drawn when she was 28 months and it went from a quick procedure to a 3 hour torture when they missed the vein...Hope she feels better real soon!
oh my gosh, that sounds like a nightmare! i'd be in tears too! luckily when my son was in the hospital a couple of weeks ago, my hubby had to deal with the iv and blood draw. i hope your little one is feeling much better!
I am so sorry you had to go through this! I hope everyone starts feeling better soon. Thank you for posting this, especially the part about doing your part to STOP spreading all these germs. It seems so easy, but a ton of people just won't do it.
I'm so sorry for your beautiful baby. I hope she feels better very soon. She'll be in my prayers.
Thank you for sharing this. While I try to be vigilant, it is always good to be reminded.
That sounds horrible. I hope that she feels better soon. Great information you posted!
Hi I just saw your post on the SIYC and wanted to stop by to tell you I hope your baby starts to improve. I can't believe they put her thru all that...I have to admit, I do avoid hospitals at all costs. I have yet to hear of one swine flu case in NY here, which almost sounds scary. Again, hope all will be well.
Thinking of you...there is nothing more terrifying than having your sick baby in the ER. I really hope she feels better soon.
Good tips!
OMG, I just want to reach through this computer and give you both a hug. I'm a crying mess, reading this. I can only imagine how you feel going through it. You are in my thoughts.
Poor little thing. I'm so sorry!!!
Poor babies, hope all will be well soon.
God Bless
BM
OMG that poor thing. I hope she's feeling better soon!! **healing vibes**
Was your gal diagnosed with the Swine? I don't understand those who show up for school, work, etc. when they're sick. They indeed are selfish, and are putting the rest of us in danger! Hope all is well in your household soon...
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