Sunday, March 21, 2010

Icky-sicky

It's great that winter is moving into spring, but with the weather fluctuations we've had in recent weeks, we've got three sick family members under one roof.

Max and Kyle are dealing with colds. I can not believe how much can come out of Max's nose at one time. Ew!

Cate just can't seem to get rid of her pneumonia. We were in Urgent Care a couple of Thursdays ago; got a scrip for a five-day dose of antibiotics which didn't do the trick. We were back at Urgent Care this past Thursday where we spent three hours. Her condition had worsened and she added a double ear infection to her woes. I can not believe the amount of drugs they put in her little body in the time we were there.

Our at-home treatment is pretty crazy. She has one daily dose of steroids, one tablet, two daily doses of antibiotics, one double dose of a morning nebulizer treatment, followed by single dose nebulizer treatments three times throughout the day.

She also gets a chocolate kiss for taking her liquid steroid medicine because it tastes so gross.

Being so sick so many times is beginning to take a toll on her school attendance. I think her absence count is up to 20 days. I think I will jump for joy when the year comes that she is awarded with a perfect attendance certificate. Thankfully, she is a smart girl and thankfully her teacher is thoughtful to deliver Cate's homework to us. I just wish she was focused enough to bust through her work instead of breaking down and whining.

Per my friend's suggestion, I think it's time I start looking for a pulminologist to see if there are other treatment options or a more accurate diagnosis for Cate.

Knock on wood, I will remain healthy because I've been out of the office so much for the kids' illnesses, I really can't afford to be out of the office because of my own illness.

Here's hoping you are enjoying good health!

2 comments:

Maryc said...

Jen~ I feel so bad for your family, esp. little Cate. Consider the following ideas: check her level of Vitamin D, get some probiotics, check how tight your house is~ I just read in the Mpls Tribune re: newer homes and increase in respiratory illnesses due to this and using household cleaners with high VOC~ of course our moms swear by vinegar, etc! Just some thoughts for you.

Also, when I was a nanny in Las Vegas (1979-1982), one of the twins ( a boy) had lots of respiratory issues, always looked tired and with circles under his eyes, was on anbx frequently, etc. He ended up getting dbl pneumonia and in the hospital in an oxygen tent. I stayed with him most of the time while they suctioned his lungs and gave him percussion treatments on his chest/for his lungs to free the mucous/infection. I think it cleared up when we moved out of the house/area we were in because he seemed to have allergies in Las Vegas. Consider not only a pulmonologist but also an allergist.

Good luck and love you...Mary

Jensens6021 said...

Thanks Mary for the information--I am thinking of going to an allergist next. I just found out this morning my clinic network has Pulmonology, but provides care/treatment for adults only.