I am almost afraid to say it, I think we are coming home !
If all goes well today we should be home by tonight .
This was a VERY crazy hospital adventure.
Lucy had been complaining her stomach hurt for over a week. She did not have a fever, but had continual stomach pain around her belly button. She could still play , go to school and eat so we thought it was just her being a little nervous . Then she started with a high fever and vomiting. So we thought it was a stomach virus. She felt better the next day but the pain in her stomach moved to her right side. The following day she started again with a high fever and a lot of pain on her side. So at this point we thought it could be her appendix. We called the pediatrician who agreed and we were off to the ER AGAIN!!!!!
She had Blood work ,X Ray , Ultra sound and CT . The CT report - ruptured appendicitis with inflammation .
So IV antibiotics were started as we waited for a special anesthesiologist to be called in for Lucy because of her difficult airway to anesthetize. As we were waiting for surgery the surgeon came in and reported that her CT was read by a second radiologist who disagreed with the first radiologists findings. The second radiologists report -inflammation around the cecal pole and ileocecal valve which can not be otherwise explained . Enteritis or other cause of mesenteric adenitis (inflamed lymph nodes) might be entertained. SOOO what does this mean ? Lucy came very close to having unnecessary surgery . I had no idea that adenitis mimics appendicitis . The plan was to observe her to make sure things improved .
This morning she is feeling a lot better. She still has the pain on her side but the Doctor feels this should continue to improve as the inflammation and swelling go down .
The plan is TO GO HOME !!! YEAH
Her Doctor did advise us to return immediately if she should start with a fever or more pain because the inflammation around her appendix could cause it to rupture.
Hoping when we get home that everything is OK with the other kids , I definitely need a break from this Hospital and ER. We have our own private room in the ER now. They see us coming and just wave , not a good thing .
It is ALWAYS a good idea to get a second opinion. We are so happy the second Radiologist caught this and we avoided surgery .
Grace's eye is still about the same . She went to Lacrosse practice on Sunday and her Doctor was not very happy with her yesterday . She said she should not be doing anything until her eye is completely healed . She still has bleeding in the back of her eye and the retina is still detached . She is suppose to limit her reading also. She equated this to mean , no school work , I don't think so .
She is still having her eye re checked every few days at Hopkins to monitor it . Hopefully it will improve so she can avoid surgery too.
Thank you everyone for your thoughts and prayers for the girls and a GREAT Big "Thank you " to Grandmom for helping Ed with the girls at home .
Wow, what an adventure. It's a good thing Lucy didn't have the surgery. You are becoming such a medical expert, Ann!
ReplyDeleteGlad you're home. Will pray it stays that way for quite a while!!
ReplyDeleteYou could all do with a lot less familiarity with doctors and ER staff. Our best to you all - The Carrs.
And so, we give thanks that you have access to great medical care at Hopkins. And I pray you get to have less actual access to it! Just when I was thinking you couldn't catch a break, turns out Lucy didn't have to have surgery after all! Yea! I'm still praying for Grace!
ReplyDeleteI'm continually praying for your precious family. God hears us all and is answering our prayers for you!
ReplyDeleteAt this point, they may give you your own wing of the hospital!
ReplyDeletePraying for a non-eventful, peaceful Christmas season, full of miracles for your family.
Great about dodging surgery and hope y'all are home by now!! As for the eye - yeah - absolutely NO IMPACT activities - sitting in school is OK - but running etc is out! You don't know how good you have it until you loose it!!
ReplyDeletehugs - aus and co.
So glad that Lucy is doing better! I will pray for things to settle down and that everyone has a healthy and blessed Christmas season.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
DeLora
Hi Ann,
ReplyDeleteI am glad she did not need surgery :):) I think you should set up a hospital ward at your house and just call the doctor for a home visit when necessary :) That way you don't have to pack and leave every few days. You know in another few months you may even be able to take your state medical exam with all of the knowledge you guys have acquired now.
Seriously, I am very happy she is OK. Hopefully her infection will heal quickly. You guys deserve some quiet time as a family at home :)
God Bless,
Lee Ann