Erin's Update

Tuesday night Erin's breathing seemed to get worse so we called the on-call doctor at our clinic.  She asked us a few questions and then asked us to put the phone up close to Erin so she could hear her breathe.  We then had to count how many breaths she took within one minute.  Anything above 40 breaths per minute is a concern.  Erin was at 72 breaths per minute.  The on-call doctor advised us to take her to the ER right away. 

I gathered a few things and then took Erin to North Memorial at 2:00 am.  They checked her oxygen levels and then took an x-ray.  After three hours the doctor came back and confirmed she had pneumonia and then gave her a steroid along with a neb treatment and some tylenol and ibuprofin.  She said Erin seemed fine since she was in good spirits, so she sent us on our way.  (frustrating).

I made it home at about 5:30 am and decided to stay up instead of going back to bed for an hour before getting ready for work.  Ouch.
By the time I got to work and sat down at my desk, my eyes could barely stay open.  It got better as I got up and walked around. 

We decided it was best that we keep Erin's follow up appointment with her Pediatrician at 9:00 am Wednesday.  Brad brought her to the appointment and they tested her oxygen levels right away.  Her levels came back really low so the doctor gave her a different breathing treatment and then tested her oxygen levels again.  Her levels were still pretty low so the Pediatrician put a call into Children's hospital to do a direct admit. 

I met Brad and the girls at home - packed a quick bag - diapers, wipes, formula, clothes, etc. and we quickly headed to Children's Hospital.  We got her admitted and then they showed us to our room. 
Throughout the day Erin's oxygen levels went from the mid 80s to 90s and then they dipped down to 79.  Obviously 100 is perfect...so the doctors like to see anything above 90.  When the levels dipped that low, they hooked an oxygen tube up into her nose. 
She has a lot of crud that is stuck in her nose/throat.  The nurses come in periodically to suck the crud out by sticking a small but powerful suction tube down her nose.   Erin hates it, but it makes her feel so much better after it is done. 

Yesterday was a rough day.  She was pretty sick and just layed in her hospital crib.  She didn't have much strength or energy to do anything and could barely cry.  Every time the nurses would suction her or fuss with her, she would poop her pants.  Poor thing got so upset! 
It's so hard to watch this poor innocent baby, who is usually so bubbly and such a mover, be so sick. 

She's currently on antibiotics through her IV and they are giving her Tylenol every so often. 
Today, she seems much better.  This morning the nurse removed her oxygen tube so she's been breathing on her own and maintaining good oxygen levels.  Her pink eye is pretty much cleared up. 
She's been up and smiling throughout the day and even played in an exersaucer for a while.  If her oxygen levels stay above 92 for 24 hours, there's a possibility that we could be discharged tomorrow. 

The hospital is absolutely amazing for children.  They even spoiled Emmy a bit the first day we were here.  It was like Christmas came a bit early for Emmy.  They kept coming with brand new gifts.  She was quite entertained.  They have such great entertainment going on at all times of the day - bingo, animals, clowns, magicians, musicians and even carollers. The staff has been great and providing us with diapers, wipes, formula and food for Erin.   
Emmy was only able to be here for a little while yesterday.  They don't allow children under the age of 5 to visit because of the cold/flu season so she is spending time with Grandma Debbie & Grandpa Jerry. 

We are looking forward to bringing our peanut home for Christmas (crossing our fingers). She can't wait to see her sister!

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas!