A Trip to Children's Hospital

Leah was hospitalized for three days last weekend at Children's hospital due to respiratory distress and the onset of pneumonia.  We were initially worried Leah would be diagnosed with asthma (similar to her sister), but it turns out Leah was struck with multiple respiratory viruses that she needed help to overcome.  Leah's cough had gotten worse and worse last week, she had a low fever for days, and her breathing had gotten more shallow and rapid.  We took Leah to urgent care one evening, only to be sent home acknowledging that she was under the weather.  The next evening, Leah's fever spiked to 104, and we knew something was not right.  Mark rushed her over to Children's, she was admitted immediately after her blood oxygen levels revealed she was not capable of getting enough air to oxygenate her bloodstream, she was also dehydrated and the fever and chest X-ray indicted the possible onset of pneumonia.  Leah was in the hospital for three nights and was discharged after she fully stabilized and was eating and drinking again.

With the recent deaths in our families and our own life maturity, it felt hard to remain optimistic that everything would be perfectly fine.  Was something else going on?  Would we receive some awful news?  Being informed that she was fighting RSV and coronavirus seemed mild in comparison to something like cancer, but it scared us nonetheless.  Over 100,000 children are hospitalized in our country annually for viral induced respiratory distress, and with any virus or illness it can really take it's toll on young children.  We were visited twice by the ICU Risk Team, providing additional eyes on "the sicker kids", which didn't ease our worries.  Mark and I took turns with Leah most of the time, because Ruthie was definitely sick with one or both of the same viruses and we didn't feel good about dropping her off anywhere.  Each time we left the hospital we felt drained and afraid.  For the first 24 hours after Leah was admitted, she needed an oxygen mask on at all time, which she constantly fought, so that was our job...  Hold the oxygen tube near her face, or slyly place it on her face when she was napping (which she did every few hours).  During her naps, we could rest assured she was monitored and then nap ourselves, update family, read, or stare out the window in a daze.  Seeing the helipad out the window and watching the rain fall, and then the sun shine, and then the arrival of the next day, will be etched in our minds just as strongly as seeing our baby in her little yellow gowns.

After a day or so, Leah finally perked up.  The doctors and nursing staff at Children's was phenomenal.  Leah's spirits increased, she loved seeing her sister via iPhone FaceTime.  She loved when Mom or Dad would show up again and bring new energy.  Feeding Leah was a battle.  Seeing her cry when IVs needed to be inserted made us cry.  Getting a Starbucks downstairs was a daily must.  Driving home alone brought us each prayers and tears.  Hearing Leah sing and chat again was so joyful.

Throughout it all, we know God was taking care of her.  Here's a random side story that reminded us of God's presence.  On day one of hospital time, we cleared our calendars for the next few days.  Mark cancelled a work trip.  We cancelled outings and babysitters.  But one thing that I (Mom) couldn't get out of my mind was that Ruthie was "person of the week" in her Sunday School class on Sunday morning.  I couldn't shake it.  Finally I voiced to Mark that we don't have contact information available to inform them Ruth wouldn't be attending.  He simply smiled.  Why did he smile?  He quietly said, "I just ran into her Sunday School teacher downstairs, she's a nurse here.  She recognized me and inquired why we were here".  Seriously?!  In a metro area of millions, and she's the only person we recognized in our time at Children's.  Prayer answered.  She said the class would pray for Leah's speedy recovery.

Our takeaway lessons from this experience... When you've got a sick kid, keep that at home, if they get another virus, the stacking of multiple viruses can be crippling. Wash hands more diligently. And let kids rest as much as they can while ill to allow the body to truly tackle the virus/infection.

We are so grateful for our support network.  Ruthie's class said special prayers for Leah, and so many of Ruthie's classmates' families e-mailed or sent texts of support.  And we are so grateful for Maslow, Jenna and Jen for helping us with Ruthie during our swap times, or when we both needed to be with Leah.  It was reassuring to know Ruth was home and happy.  Leah loved all her little get well presents and phone calls.  After a follow-up appointment with our primary care physician at the end of this week, Leah is almost back to normal, and we couldn't be more grateful.