Exactly a year ago we were here…
And then last weekend we were back.
It’s all kind of a blur…and not exactly how we planned to spend our three-day weekend.
On Friday Serity had a mild fever and was a bit fussy throughout the day. Tylenol took care of it and I thought she was just cutting a tooth. But Friday night was rough–she woke up with a fever and didn’t sleep well the rest of the night. Then Saturday morning when she woke she was burning up, breathing heavily, and threw up. Then her whole body started shaking and she was unresponsive. I recognized it as a seizure and we rushed her to the emergency room where they admitted her with a fever of 105.3F.
After ruling out ear infection, flu, RSV, etc. the ER doctor ordered some blood and urine tests and determined she had a urinary tract infection (UTI)–reportedly common in little girls. They got her fever under control, gave her an IV of antibiotics, and then sent us home with instructions to return Sunday and Monday for more doses of the antibiotics.
We’d been home for not more than five minutes when Serity was suddenly feverishly hot again and her body started seizing again–more violently than before. Her hands and feet turned blue and she was unresponsive so we shoved the kids back to the van and sped back to the ER. I got really nervous and started to realize something serious was going on when the doctor and several nurses and paramedics were working to slow her heartbeat down (over 200 BPM), bring her raging fever down (104F), and stop the still-going seizure. That’s also when I got really emotional and had to struggle to keep it together while I called around trying to find someone to come get our other kids.
Once Seri was stable again the doctor felt she either had a very severe UTI or a kidney infection and it was decided that she needed to be transferred to the children’s hospital about two hours away. Seri was taken to the intensive care unit (ICU) in an ambulance while Jared and I went home, packed bags, got the kids to a friend’s house, and then made the drive to Louisville.
Thankfully she only had to spend one night in the ICU where they continued to manage her fever and pump her with infection-fighting medication. Once she was stable she moved to “the floor” where we stayed until Monday afternoon.
She’s doing well–still fighting mild fevers, still needing to take medicines, still fussy and a bit lethargic–but home. Our voicemail is full of thoughful messages–thank you. Jared is back to work today and I am working to get caught up so I thought it would be a bit easier to give an update here.
We love you baby girl and are so grateful to have you healthy and back home again!
(Feeling better and ready to bust out of this place!)
*wiping the last of my worried/thankful tears*
we are so glad she’s better. dad called us over the weekend and told us about it and as i was telling Nick, i started bawling. we called and texted, but obviously you were so busy with her and getting Ryan and Emmy squared away. we prayed all weekend and continue to do so for Serity and you guys. i’m not mom, but if you really needed extra family help, i would be there. love you guys.
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Oh my goodness. So scary. Hope she is feeling better soon!
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Pam, so sorry to hear about Seri. That’s so scary and horrible! Glad she’s improving and hope for a quick recovery. Thinking of you guys!
janeil
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Oh, that’s so scary – glad to see she’s on the mend though. Best wishes xx
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Oh, my goodness! How scary! I’m so glad she is doing better.
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Pam I am so sorry! I know it’s so hard to have a sick baby especially when you feel helpless. You are in my prayers
Christine
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ACK! So scary! So glad to hear she is doing better!
Thinking of you and your family!
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OH Pam, I’m so sorry that she’s been sick. Waiting at the hospital is no fun and it’s hard to keep positive thoughts. I’m so glad she’s home and doing better. I’ll keep you guys in my prayers. Thank goodness for modern medicine these days – especially for our little ones who can’t tell us what’s wrong.
HUGS,
Kayla
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Your poor little sweet heart. Did they ever dx what it was?
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pameladonnis Reply:
September 21st, 2010 at 3:10 pm
It was a kidney infection/UTI. I guess they are common in little girls, she just reacted really badly.
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((((((HUGS))))))) How scary for everyone. I’m SO glad she is okay! Sending lots of T&P’s to you all!
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How scary! I am so glad that she is going to be okay. {HUG}
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Oh my goodness, Pam! What a frightening ordeal! I’m so glad she’s doing better! ((((hugs))))
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So scary! I’m so glad that things are better now. You’re in my prayers.
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(wiping tears)
so scary!! the seizures would’ve totally freaked me out! you are one strong momma.
i’m just glad she’s doing better and is okay!!!
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