Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Yesterday, I neglectfully sat next to Joey as he fell off the couch. He was not happy, cried for about 30 minutes during which time I talked to his pediatrician's office. They said that if he isn't vomiting or passing out, he is ok to have a nap, but wake him up after 2 hours. He was so tired (it coincided with naptime) so he took about a 2 hour nap. After nursing him, I put him down, he sat there for a few minutes and then tried to crawl and fell flat on his face. I tried to get him to crawl again but it was like his arms and legs couldn't or wouldn't do the right thing. So, we have now been at Primary Childrens Hospital for over 24 hours, they have run every test they can think of - cat scans, xrays, an mri - none of the images show any breaks, damage or swelling of any kind. That is the good news. He is also standing up on his own (he doesn't walk yet), which is good because 5 hours before he wouldn't stand, he would just bend his legs and sit. He has weak grip in both hands, his arms don't seem to be working like they should. This could be because there might be a sprain we can't see, he might have a break that we don't see, he might have some nerve damage that we aren't picking up. He can't really tell us if he is in pain or having some tingling, so everyone is stumped and Joey and I are really tired. They admitted us overnight. We are waiting for the neurologist and radiologist and trauma team to come and talk to us. He had a rough night and is quite tired and grumpy today. It is hard to say if it is because he is in pain, tired, annoyed with his neck brace or a big combination of sorts.

But, he is awake and active (despite the two picks below) or trying to be. Below is Caroline and Eli playing doctor to Joey, trying to put special healing water on him. Caroline wonders if Dr. Suess has been in to see him.



These pictures were after his MRI. It was at 7:15p when they went in and he was exhausted but somehow two doses of sedatives weren't enough and he woke up 5 times and was given a total of 5 doses of sedatives. Then, in order to transfer him from ER to RTU we had to wake him up (it is now 10:30pm) and make sure he is ok and then try and get him back to sleep. Fun stuff. But, the nurses here know their stuff and are exceptional.



This is Joe at 8:30a this morning. He is a bit wary of his surroundings but woke up happy for a bit. This is the only time you will most likely ever see him with chubby cheeks, the neck brace helps with that. He has tried to nap but you know hospitals, if they aren't checking his vitals then someone is emptying the trash bins, so he is having a rough time.
We are just trying to figure things out, but it is baffling. I am not too proud too ask for many prayers.

2:30pm update:
Love the Trauma doc, he looks, listens, ponders. We are going to xray his left side, the neck brace is off. We are going to go home most likely today even with no improvement so that maybe he can get the rest he needs at home. We may not see improvement for a couple of days, maybe a week. He is hapy with the brace off, just super tired. I'm a little frustrated. I know kids fall all the time, but I blame myself and am a little frustrated with the uncertainty. CRAP!!!

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

Definitely you will all be in my prayers today. I hope today will go better for you (with some answers) and that all will be figured out as soon as possible. Take care of yourself, too!

Melissa said...

Oh my word. I hope everything is okay. Poor little guy. At least you know that PCMC is such a great place. If there is ever a hospital you want your little guy at, it's there.

Hogans said...

Whit,
I am sorry to hear. I hope they can figure out whats going on soon! We'll definitely be praying for you all.

Allie said...

Whit, I'm so sorry! I hope everything is ok and that after Joey gets some sleep, he'll miraculously recover. Please let me know if we can do anything.

Amanda said...

I can't believe this! Everyone of my kids has fallen down the stairs, one's fallen off the counter, and I can't even list all the other random places babies have come crashing to the ground. I am so surprised he'd have such a reaction and I am so sorry for you; for the guilt I know you're feeling no matter how many people tell you not to, for the fear you and Dave are experiencing, and for the concern for that tender little perfect baby boy. I will think of you, pray for you, and I'm calling you in a minute to see if your kids can come play.

Paige said...

Whit, I have been praying since yesterday about an hour after it happened because Lindsey talked to your mom and my cute sweetheart of a sister began collecting prayers. Joey is so so sweet and I know you must be going through so many emotions. I wish there was something we could do to help. I'm glad Amanda can come get your kids for playtime. I wish I could. I think the holy water will work. I'm sure of it. Caroline is magical...

Lacey said...

What mother hasn't watched one of their kids fall off of something? Poor Joey! Kids are miraculous and mind boggling - I'm sure things will turn out fine! Keep us posted.

Mike and Tia Fam said...

Hey Whit, Joey and your family will be in our prayers - I can't believe this is happening, get some rest, we love you.

Meghan said...

what on earth? that is the weirdest story. jane fell two times last night while i was getting her in the tub - i felt like a great mom after the second fall. the worst is the unknown... that they can't figure out what the deal is - kids are so tricky... i am sure he will bounce right back..
i will send the prayers your way over the next few days. and i'll hang onto my little faller a little bit tighter.

Charlie Cooper said...

Whit- I guess my first comment didn't go through but I just read your post tonight and feel so bad. It's so hard when kids get hurt because they can't tell you what is wrong and they don't understand why it's happening. I totally know how you feel with the frustration, guilt, and desire to take it all away but know you can't. It's crappy. I hope by the time you read this everything is much improved. Let me know if I can do something-dinner,visit, talk... I would love to return the favor sometime. Love--Angel

Shorty said...

I keep checking for updates...hope no news is good news.

B

Lindsey said...

Those cheeks are pretty dang cute in the brace! I'm so sorry you are going through all the stress and worry - we will keep Joey in our prayers and I know he'll be alright. I need to see pics of his new crawl!