September 19, 2010

Hospital Stay

So, Sunday night Adam had a fever of 100.2 degrees. He had kind of a rough night, but wasn't doing too bad. Monday he was very unhappy and still very warm. I decided to take him in to see if maybe he had gotten an ear infection while we were in Portland.
When we arrived in the Emergency room the nurse was very concerned with his 102 degree temperature and sent us directly to the doctor. They quickly told me that at this age (he was only 17 days old) babies do not get fevers unless there is something very wrong. Oh no!
For the next 4 hours they proceeded to give him every test possible to find out what was causing him to have such a high fever. They did everything from blood tests, urine tests and (to my horror) a spinal tap to check his spinal fluid for infection. After all the tests were finally done, and many tears, mine and Adams, we were admitted to the pediatric department. And told we would be there for at least 48 hours until they could grow cultures with all his tests and find out what is wrong.
Meanwhile, they started him on antibiotics and Tylenol to bring down his fever. I stayed with Adam in the hospital while my wonderful family all helped with taking care of my kids and cleaning my house. Thank you so much! I don't know what I would do without all your help!
By Wednesday they found that he had a Bladder infection, but still didn't have results for his blood tests. Thursday, still no more results, and they thought we would have to stay until Monday, because there were no nurses available to give him home care.
Friday morning they said his blood tests were clean as well as his spinal fluid. And to my great relief an opening came up with the home care nurses and they told us by that afternoon we would be able to GO HOME!
After 5 days of living at hospital, having my sweet baby poked and prodded and connected to machines, and not seeing Isaac and Jacob for more than a few minutes each day (and watching them cry each time I had to say goodbye)... I was ecstatic to be going home. Not to mention Joe's parents were now in town for the weekend so we could do Adam's baby blessing at church.
This was probably the most emotionally exhausting week of my entire life. I am so grateful this week is behind me and my baby is happy and healthy again.

4 comments:

[Stacia] said...

That had to be so hard! I'm SO glad he's better and that it wasn't anything worse! Love you guys!

Keren said...

Autumn that sounds so tiring. I am glad that it is over for you. It was wonderful to have you here for the wedding.

Amanda said...

Oh, what a nightmare! I'm so glad it was only a UTI. Hospital stays are always so draining. Thank goodness you have so much family in town.

Mom said...

Autumn, you are sooooo brave. I could hardly tell you that you were stressed, you are more than a trooper. You are an awesome Mommy!