Whew – what a long weekend! Thank you all for your positive thoughts and good vibes after Jax’s Emergency Room visit on Thursday night/morning.
He has bronchiolitis and a double ear infection and either pneumonia or a small part of collapsed lung. Say what?!? Apparently, pneumonia and a small portion collapsed of lung (called atelectasis) look the same on an X-ray. We are treating the ear infection and pneumonia with antibiotics (Cefdinir) and the bronchiolitis and atelectasis with nebulizer treatments (Prednisone (steroid) and Albuterol).
So…the little buddy is really sick! But, he doesn’t seem to mind…
Even though Jax is (mostly) his smiley self, we are worried. This sickness turned almost immediately into a lung illness, which is what we’ve been worried about since his initial diagnosis of Chronic Lung Disease in the NICU. Bronchiolitis, or the inflammation of the small airways in the lungs, is very serious. We were on lock-down all winter to prevent Jax from contracting this illness. Our pediatrician said “You should know that RSV and bronchiolitis are essentially the same thing. I’m telling you this so you know how serious this sickness really is.” (RSV is the leading cause of bronchiolitis, but Jax did not test positive for RSV.) We will discuss possible maintenance / treatment strategies at our next pulmonolgy appointment.
In the meantime, I will try to focus on the progress that Jax is making. Today, Jax has been able to go 4 hours between nebulizer treatments without wheezing. (The reason I brought him to the ER was because he wasn’t able to go 2 hours between treatments without wheezing.) It’s a fine line to walk: too much Albuterol can cause heart issues and an elevated heart rate. Too little medicine too soon and his airways could close. Our goal is to wean him off the nebulizer treatments by Saturday. So, the longer we can go between treatments without wheezing, the better!
I’m ok. I’m really tired, so I think maybe it’s coming across that I’m over-the-top worried. I’m not. I trust Jax. He’s proven to me sooooo many times before that he is stronger than I can imagine! It’s just my job to do all I can to help him get better so he doesn’t have to work so hard!
If you have a little extra positive energy, we wouldn’t mind if you sent it our way this week!
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An Early Start 
Oh my GOD, that video! From calm little dude to crazed with laughter in half a second. He is a chubby, gorgeous little guy.
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I know, right?!? Love that contagious laugh. 🙂
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Contagious is right. When I was watching it yesterday, one of my 17 month olds walked up and started laughing while he watched it!
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That is so cute! Jax says “ah-gooo!” Which might be his way of saying Thank You! 🙂
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Sending lots of healing thoughts. Big hugs to all of you during such a stressful time.
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Thank you!
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Wishing you a very speedy recovery. Mr Boo got RSV and bronchitis at Christmas (from a hospital stay!!) and every cold he catches goes to his chest now and he wheezes a lot. They think he is developing post-bronchial asthma. Not that it seems to bother him much. He smiles through it all. They are so determined, these premmies. Sending warm wishes and virtual hugs!
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Thank you! Jax is feeling much better, but his ears are really bugging him. 😦 These preemies are tough guys – they fight so hard, and they take it in stride with a smile. Amazing. Is Mr. Boo on a daily inhaler?
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No inhaler, they said it probably wouldn’t be effective for him as he’s under 2. Not sure about that as he responded to an inhaler when he was in the hospital.
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So glad to hear Jax is getting better….and Mom is recovering too 🙂 Extra thoughts and prayers are being sent for all of you!
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Thanks, Dawn! I appreciate the extra prayers!
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he’s adorable!!
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Awww…thanks, Bere!
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Sending happiness and positive healing thoughts to you!!!!!
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The reggae and Grateful Dead worked! 😉 Thanks my friend. Miss you!
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What a stressful week. I know part of being tired is stress, and the other is worry. Jaxson has been such a fighter from day one this might feel like a setback, but it really is more of a small bump in the road. He will continue to heal and get healthy with the help of some medicine and Mom and Dads love and care. Your doing a wonderful job and don’t question your worry. Listen to your “motherly” instinct. Hoping the little guy keeps getting better and better this week. I’m so glad he’s still mostly happy. Those giggles are precious and contagious. Sending lots of positive, healing thoughts your way this week!!
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Thanks, my friend! The irises are starting to grow already! 🙂
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Glad he’s feeling better!
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Thanks! He’s a tough dude…
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