Amy and I have got back from visiting Evan. He’s doing OK. He’s on a machine now which monitors the oxygen levels in his bloodstream. Every time it goes beyond a certain point (90, if that number means anything to you) the machine starts bleeping in a rather alarming fashion.
Initially his levels were dipping below 90 every ten minutes or so, but they quickly came up again before any nurses could actually respond to the alarm. Now they have placed a mask on his bed blowing oxygen onto his face. It’s just beside him rather than actually being attached, but it must be doing some good as the machine hasn’t bleeped since it was put there.
He’s feeding less than he usually does, but not infrequently enough to cause any concern. Basically he’s taking the course that the doctors predicted he would do.
As for us, we’re ok too. You can’t help getting a lump in your throat when you see him lying there gasping for breath. No one likes to see their child in a hospital bed with all the accompanying wires, pipes, and bleeping. But the truth is that we know things are going to be alright and we’re not worrying; so neither should you. I know it must be hard not knowing what is going on, particularly for Kerry’s parents who are on the other side of the world right now. I’ll do my best to put updates up here as often as I can.
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So sorry to hear about your problems. I’m sure everything will be fine but it sounds awful. Just as you mention, seeing a child full of cables is tough. They are just so small and innocent. Problems with breathing scares me too. Our son got something stuck in his throat during the summer and twice woke up coughing, blue in his face. ER found nothing but it was scary as hell.
Funny you should mention the trend of health-care professionals being overly cautious (read fucking crazy:-))) about their kids. That’s my experience as well. The sky is always falling. Perhaps it’s because they’ve/you’ve seen so much and know what can happen. But shouldn’t doctors instead realize it’s very rare that something serious happens? To me it’s like the pilot who’s afraid of flying, doesn’t make any sense.
Best of luck with the little one and keep us updated
AD
Dan and Kerry-
I’m so sorry to hear about Evan. I hope he’s doing better today. Hang in there, you two!
Deb