Aug. 19, 2006 - Yesterday...
So, yesterday was our 8th Anniversary. And, let me tell you, it was a day never to be forgotten!
It all started about 9:30 in the morning...
We tried to give baby some goat's milk. Explanation - he's exclusively breastfed, but I'm having lots of trouble nursing him at 10 mos, lots of probs with plugged ducts, so I am wanting to move on to something else. He's highly allergic, so we went with goats milk, as that is generally recommended for kids like him. WELL he had a severe allergic reaction to the MAYBE two tablespoons that he swallowed. He broke out in a blistery rash where the milk dribbled onto his cheeks and under his chin and neck, began getting REALLY itchy (more than normal, which is pretty itchy normally), and then I could hear his throat closing up. *Panic* sets in.
We went to the nearest ER, and a remedy of breathing treatment, shot of epi, IV steriods and oral benadryl solved the breathing problem, but he was still extremely red, rashy and itchy compared to his normal. After about 4 hours in the ER, the ER Doc explained he thought that baby's reaction had been severe enough to warrant admitting him to pediatrics for observation overnight, just to make sure as the meds wore off we didn't have more breathing trouble. We agreed, so we moved to a room in peds.
Around 2 pm the pediatrician came in to examine baby. She then explained that she was concerned, because he's so severely sensitive *normally*, that he might further react to something in the hospital, chemicals in the bedding, for example. And that, if by 6 pm he hadn't had more breathing episodes, and I was comfortable with going home, she thought that might be a wise thing to do. I was very impressed to be hearing that from a hospital pediatrician. I agreed, as I know that he IS very sensitive to things in the environment. She also recommended taking him to an allergist and explained that there was a blood test called a RAST test that they could do to further determine what may be sensitivities to avoid as we start introducing solid foods as he gets older. This was news to me, I only thought allergists did skin/scratch tests, which we knew was not an option for our little one with such sensitive, reactive skin.
SOOO after another few hours in the peds room, we were discharged around 7:30, and mom and baby slept exceptionally well after a long, trying day.
OH, I almost forgot, just before we left, the nurses had their shift change and our new nurse was AMAZING. She had a son that had eczema to the same severity as our little one! I have NEVER met anyone that has said that. Most people don't even know that eczema can be this bad, even our family (with a few exceptions) don't get the severity of his situation. She was SO *encouraging*, she told us how she was put through the ringer by medical people, family and friends, too, who wanted her to 'just use the steroids'. But she wouldn't do it, she *knew better*. She encouraged us to keep doing what we were doing with him, that things would get better eventually. Her son was THREE before he finally started growing out of it, but he did, and now at 8 he is a happy, healthy kid with occasional patches of eczema, and a severe allergy to peanuts. DH almost started crying, he was so encouraged by her sharing her story with us and applauding us for not taking the easy road, but persevering to find an answer without detrimental long-term consequences.
It is amazing to me how itchy baby remains, even after all the drugs in his system. He was prescribed oral steroids for another week, which we were debating giving him, but this afternoon as the hospital dose was wearing off, the welts on his neck began to re-appear, so it was apparent the allergic reaction was still going strong. These steroids will further supress his already weakened immune system, and, like topical steriods, they run the risk of a rebound effect once he comes off them, so that is a major prayer request.
So, no romantic anniversary dinner for us, but we're happy to have our family still intact (and hubby had already given me flowers the night before)! It will definitely be an anniversary to remember!!
Lindsay
Comments
Aug. 19, 2006 - I blessing in disguise....
Posted by home4mariah
I'm sorry that little Nolan had to go through all that. I know from experience how scarey things can get with little ones. Been there, done that. I am so glad he is o.k. and what an angel God sent your way. He knew your weariness and discouragement and He blessed you with that nurse, who has been down the very same path that you are traveling. That is so AWESOME. God just knows how much we can handle and he knew that you and your dh needed some encouragement to stay on the path. As always you and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
I'm sorry that your wedding anniversary wasn't what you would have planned, but I think God gave you exactly what you both needed.
Take care and God Bless.
Tracie
Aug. 19, 2006 - from your sister
Posted by Anonymous
Thank you for this update! Nolan is blessed to have a mommy (and daddy) as wonderful as you both.
As always, he is in my prayers.
See you soon!
Aug. 19, 2006 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Robinsnest
I am so glad that you were able to get him help quickly, and that the hospital was so nice to you. What a scary thing to happen!
I am really glad you got to talk to that nurse. How encouraging. I am glad you got encouragement to do what is best for him, even though it is so hard. I will continue to pray for him and the rest of the family.
Aug. 20, 2006 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Titus2woman
PLEASE try some LANAcare breast pads for your plugged ducts! I know they are expensive, but they have CHANGED MY LIFE! Here's one source for them (I LOVE this woman and her company!): www.danishwool.com . If you need any help, call and ask all the Q's ya want! (((((HUGS))))) and soo sorry for all the eczema trials~OH my heart just breaks my heart and so wish I could make them go away! ~sandi
Aug. 21, 2006 - Untitled Comment
Posted by stillgrowing
Whew, I'm exhausted just reading your post! Is baby doing better today??? I sure hope so!
I will pray that God will give you the resevoirs of strength that you need to keep being vigilant with your baby's health and allergies...it can be so tiring at times, even though you would do absolutely anything for your babies, that doesn't negate the fact that you have to refuel every now and again, and I pray that God would give you those times of oasis with Him!
Be encouraged, my friend! Leanne
Aug. 27, 2006 - baby Nolan
Posted by Anonymous
Hi I am the nurse from the hospital that discharged Nolan. I just wanted to let you know that you are all in my prayers. You and your dh are doing a great job! Just remember that IT WILL GET BETTER!
Jennifer
