Things are improving for Caden after a rough few days. Sunday was a very rough day. Caden got to the point where he could not tolerate food at all. He would reflux at every feeding and when moving food in and out using a syringe to flush medicines. He was also running a low-grade fever. We called the doctor to get guidance on what to do even though we had a pretty good idea. We put Caden on clear liquids, kept and eye on his temperature, and watched for a change in breathing. The clear liquids did the trick. He went for almost 18 hours without reflux.
We took him in to see the pediatrician first thing Monday morning. The doctor heard a little wheezing and ordered some breathing treatments. The first treatment was administered in the office and did help the wheezing. The doctor also prescribed some antibiotics. This was due to what the doctor believes is a bacterial infection in Caden’s sinuses due to all the congestion. We took Caden back to the doctor on Tuesday. The doctor wanted to make sure the wheezing was getting better. The wheezing was better, but it was still hanging around. The doctor wants him back in one more time this week to make sure the it goes away. The doctor seems very cautious about the wheezing since that is where the last trip to the ICU started.
That was the good news. Now for the great news. Caden is now back on his normal feeding regiment. He has actually gone through this deal without losing any weight to this point. He actually gained three ounces over the past week and is now up to 12 pounds 3 ounces.
I have been home for over an hour this evening and have not had to suction Caden yet. His secretions seem to be getting better and I just gave him a full feeding with no reflux.
Sherry and I both have been a little under the weather over the past week. Sherry was off to bed by 8:30 tonight. I went to bed early last night. Riley has shown signs of being affected by things too. He has been whinny and has not been sleeping well. We know he is seeing and feeling our pain and frustration. The amount of quality time we spend with each other and with Riley has suffered due to Caden’s needs. Riley knows it too. He said to me the other morning, “Caden’s sick Daddy.”
Even though things are rough some days, I know that it could be worse. I continue to get encouraging emails and have encouraging talks with folks who read about Caden on this web site. Many of you know that encouraging words are what make me tick. Last week Sherry and I were getting very frustrated and depressed over many different issues. I called a friend who came over that night to talk to us. He helped us realize where our true strength is actually at if we will just reach out to it. The true strength is in God. You are never alone. You always have someone to talk to. You always have someone you should talk to. For it says in 1st Thessalonians 5: 16 – 18, “Always be joyful. Always keep on praying. No matter what happens, always be thankful, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.”(TLB) How can you argue with the word of God? … You can’t!
God Bless,
Hank O