Angelika_23 Posted July 31, 2009 Report Share Posted July 31, 2009 I have been living at Children's Hospital since last Sunday, July 19. My oldest son, Christopher, who is 16, was admitted due to what they think is complications of swine flu.He got sick about June 16 when he was on a youth mission trip to Pensacola, FL. 3/4 of the kids that went came home sick, and several were tested and diagnosed positively with swine flu. I did not know at the time, and his dad took him on vacation for two weeks, so he did not get tested for swine flu. He was sick the whole time with his dad. Then he came back and I took him to the doctor to have him tested, and the test was negative. And I took him to our Pulmonary specialist. He seemed to be feeling better, his PFT was 124%. About 3 days later he left for another youth trip, and two days after that he called saying it was hard to breathe and his side hurt. Hospital said he had a very slight pneumonia, and put him on z-pack. Then I was in the hospital for my POTS, when I got out, the next day I was talking with Christopher and realized he had a high fever. I called the pulmonary spec, arranged to get him to Children's and he was admitted.They put in a chest tube to drain the fluid out of his pleura. He drained about 400 ml, then nothing. He was still having fevers, so I insisted on an ultrasound and they found more fluid in his pleura. We decided to go with surgery, which was this past Tuesday. They got lots of fluid again, plus a large abscess. Chest x ray that evening was improved. Then he started running fevers again on Wednesday, and the chest x ray this morning showed more fluid building. I have had to be a strong advocate for my son. I have had to fight with doctors. I have been at his side almost every night. I am tired and I am worried. He is currently "holding". Not getting better, but not getting noticeably worse, either. I just want him to turn the corner. Sunday will make two weeks in the hospital. No ETA yet on when he will come home. When he comes home, it will be with a picc line and 4 weeks of IV antibiotics. He has not been positively diagnosed with swine flu, but since several of the kids he was with were diagnosed, they are pretty sure that is what started all this. I just want him to get better and come home.I am doing the best I can with my uncooperative body. I am overtired and overstressed. We don't have a lot of support from family, but our church has been a godsend. Desperate Mom,Angela Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sophia3 Posted July 31, 2009 Report Share Posted July 31, 2009 Angela.. I am so sorry to read of what is going on still. I wish you coulda put this on the front page as few come to this board. Thoughts and prayers to you and the doctor team. Glad you are able to be there with him to kick some butt..and glad your church is supporting you at this trying time.xoxo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tinkerbella Posted July 31, 2009 Report Share Posted July 31, 2009 Dear Angela,I just got out of the hospital myself and read this. First, I prayed for your son, and for you. I personally know how hard this is maybe one day I'll tell you. Right now, just put your faith in your higher power and I just remember that when a Mom needs to be there something kicks in. I don't know how I've gotten though some difficult times dealt me with my children. Pack everything you needfor you to be with him,. if you are able. Eat, drink lots, and take your meds. take notes about everything, most likely you've been exposed so, we'll just pray you stay well. If you cant stay don't give yourself a guilt trip, but have the dad, or another family member stay who will an advocate for him. You need to have an extra set of eyes over your child while in the hospital. usually they set up a cot for a parent to stay. I pray this will all go well sweet Angela. Keep us posted when you get a chance.My heart goes out to you. HUGSBLESSINGS AND LOVE,BellaMia Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maggie Posted July 31, 2009 Report Share Posted July 31, 2009 Angela,I will be praying for your son, you, and your family. I'm glad you have a church family to help you through this difficult time. Keep us posted on your son's condition.God be with youMaggie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
janiedelite Posted July 31, 2009 Report Share Posted July 31, 2009 Angela,I'm praying for your son's quick healing and for stamina for you. Let us know how he does. Janie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MightyMouse Posted August 1, 2009 Report Share Posted August 1, 2009 I know you must be running on fumes--I've felt the same way when my dad's been in the hospital, sometimes for weeks at a time. I can only imagine how hard it must be to deal with that stress for your child. Hang on... you've got loads of people pulling for you and for him. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ana_22 Posted August 1, 2009 Report Share Posted August 1, 2009 Angela, i will pray for your son & you. x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
potsgirl Posted August 1, 2009 Report Share Posted August 1, 2009 Dear Angela,Isn't it amazing what we as mothers can do for our children? Christopher is truly blessed to have you as his mother. I just went through a loved one's battle with aggressive prostate cancer, and during the day of as surgery, I wouldn't leave the hospital until I knew he was ok and the surgery had gone well. Then is was home after his hospital stay, where I had worried so much that I wouldn't be able to care for him properly. It seems like somehow, we can summon the strength from within us to do what we have to do. He's still looking at radiation, so we're not done yet, but I know you'll find the strength to continue like I will.God bless you, and give you the resources needed to care for Christopher. I'll be praying for you. Please update us as he turns this corner and continues to improve.Hugs & peace,Jana Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EarthMother Posted August 1, 2009 Report Share Posted August 1, 2009 I am so sorry to hear the news. You and your son are in my prayers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kayjay Posted August 1, 2009 Report Share Posted August 1, 2009 I am sad that you are facing this horrible trouble. How scary! I think all of us as mothers wish we could take on our children's suffering for them. I am praying for you and your son. I am praying for healing, peace and comfort. May you and your family feel the love that God has for you. May you have the health and strength to take care of all you need to. May your son be home healing soon. With love in Christ Jesus- KayJay Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rachel Posted August 2, 2009 Report Share Posted August 2, 2009 I'm so sorry. You and your son will be in my thoughts and prayers.Rachel Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Angelika_23 Posted August 2, 2009 Author Report Share Posted August 2, 2009 Hello everyone,It seems we have turned a corner! Yesterday the chest tube was removed, and we will hopefully start talking about bringing him home soon!!!!!!! As long as things keep on as they are, no fevers, no lung collapse, then we should get him home this week. This has been a long and difficult ordeal. I had a "breakdown" of sorts Thursday night and cried for about three hours. Since I hadn't cried at all before, guess I needed it.I am glad to be on the other side. Thank you so much for all your thoughts and prayers. You are truly good friends.Angela Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tinkerbella Posted August 2, 2009 Report Share Posted August 2, 2009 thanks for letting us know, and my prayers are still *** all of you. I'm glad things are turning around.. remember, to keep yourself hydrated and you'll all be home soon.blessings and love,bellamia~ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
potsgirl Posted August 2, 2009 Report Share Posted August 2, 2009 Yay! It seems our prayers have been answered. What wonderful news. Take care of yourself, and your son.Cheers,Jana Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maggie Posted August 2, 2009 Report Share Posted August 2, 2009 I'm so glad to read that things are looking up for your son, I'll keep praying that his continues in this direction and for you as well.Maggie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sophia3 Posted August 2, 2009 Report Share Posted August 2, 2009 So glad for the update, Angelika!! i will continue to send thoughts and prayers your way.xoxo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skyblu Posted August 2, 2009 Report Share Posted August 2, 2009 I'm glad your son is doing better, Angela...... you must be so relieved. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rachel Posted August 2, 2009 Report Share Posted August 2, 2009 I'm glad to hear that your son is seeing some improvements. I hope you can bring him home soon.Rachel Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kayjay Posted August 3, 2009 Report Share Posted August 3, 2009 Thank you for sharing your news. I hope things just keep getting better and better! I am praying for a complete recovery!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Angelika_23 Posted August 5, 2009 Author Report Share Posted August 5, 2009 He's home!!! He came home yesterday. I learned how to take care of a PICC line today. He has to have IV antibiotics three times a day. He woke up screaming this morning, but has been better throughout the day. It is GOOD to have him home, although when he woke up screaming it would have been nice to have a nurse around... Now trying to walk the fine line of taking care of him, and not mother-henning him to much. So hard.We go on Monday for another chest x ray and to see his pulmonary specialist. Thanks so much for all your positive thoughts and prayers!Angela Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
potsgirl Posted August 5, 2009 Report Share Posted August 5, 2009 What wonderful news that your son is home with you at last. Hopefully he'll continue to improve and thrive daily. What a great day for you and your son!Cheers,jana Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sophia3 Posted August 5, 2009 Report Share Posted August 5, 2009 glad he is home. Sorry about the screaming. It will be a huge adjustment for him and YOU treating the PICC line! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Megan Posted August 5, 2009 Report Share Posted August 5, 2009 Glad your son is home! Prayers for your strength & energy and that he continues to get better!Meg Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sunfish Posted August 7, 2009 Report Share Posted August 7, 2009 so glad you're home. i thought i'd posted earlier - evidently not - but have definitely had you all in my prayers. i know first hand how exhausting the thrice daily IV antibiotic routine can be; whenever i'd get frustrated with an alarm going off for my next dose i would repeat to myself "it's better than the hospital, it's better than the hospital, it's better than the hospital...."you know where/ how to track me down if i can be of any help long-distance re: PICC line care/ management, antibiotic/ IVs, etc. as i've "been there, done that" too many times to keep count. were you (aka he) given a good "arm wrap" of sorts to help secure/ hold the PICC line...esp when it's not in use?? if not let me know & i'll do what i can to hook ya up (as i believe my supply closet still has some exras:-))hang in there....to ALL of you. i know you're busy being MOM but don't forget to take care of YOU as best as you can too!hugs & continued prayers, melissa Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tinkerbella Posted August 7, 2009 Report Share Posted August 7, 2009 There's no place like home!!!!! GLAD your back.xxxxxxx'sBelliaMia~ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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