Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Done, Done... Or Not?

Finally, the day we were waiting for came. Well, actually 2 days we were waiting for. Yesterday afternoon Mae's PICC line was removed and today is her last day of school. What a relief it is to not have to pump her full of thick yellow fluid that makes her pee smell funny and the chore of cleaning everything with alcohol wipes and feeding her lots of pro biotic yogurt. Finally Mae can make that playdate with her friend to jump on the trampoline and have a wheel barrow race in the green grass. Her little arm is all red and raw from being under a bandage for 4 weeks, but no more tubes, only a tiny band aid covers the hole that was for 4 weeks the antibiotic super highway that made my child well again.

I am ever thankful to our wonderful no nonsense pediatrician and Mae's great attitude and bravery through all of this. Don't get me wrong, there were days that were not fun for anyone, but we all made it through. Mae will go back to see her doc in 2 weeks to have her blood levels checked to make sure that the infection doesn't come back, but we are hopeful. Later this summer we will make an appointment with the pediatric immunologist down at Children's hospital for some more extensive testing to see if these infections are stemming from a bigger problem. For now we are looking forward to a fun healthy summer, starting this afternoon. I couldn't think of a better way to kick off summer vacation!

One more thing. It can't all be sunshine and roses right? The explanation of Benefits from Mae's hospital stay, ambulance, Children's hospital, home nurse, etc. started rolling in. For the 4 days she spent at Children's hospital, not including any of the doctors or special tests, just the room and board was $17,484.42. Thankfully we have insurance. I don't know what we'd do without it.

UPDATE: I wrote this post this morning while Mae was at school (last day!) and was waiting to hit publish until she got home and I could take a photo of her minus the PICC line and ace wrap. Before the noon release from school, Mae's teacher called and said Mae is running a 102 degree fever. What the fuck!!!! Pardon my foul mouth but seriously I thought I was going to collapse to the floor when I heard this. Binny and I got in the car and drove to school to pick her up. Her teachers sat with her in the office until I got there and looked as sad and heartbroken as I was over this turn of events. I brought her home, gave her some Motrin and called the doc. Now I'm just waiting for a call back. Not over yet...

6 comments:

Tami said...

I hope she feels better soon. What a bummer!!!

Unknown said...

Oh no.

{{{{happy thoughts}}}}

Funnyrunner said...

wahoo no more PICC line... hope she feels better!!!

Riot Kitty said...

I'm sorry this has been such a long-running illness. Sending you good thoughts!

Anonymous said...

Oh! What a horrible last day of school! She should've been able to enjoy it.

:o(

LL Cool Joe said...

Poor kid, she really is going through it all at the moment..and you too!

Still thinking of you all.