I really miss CHOP, today especially. Ruby has a stuffy nose. She hasn't taken anything from the bottle since Sunday night. She's been spitting up a bit more than normal. Since Monday we have doubled her dose of Prilosec and stopped the Diaril and KCl. Theoretically she should not be vomiting anymore. She's also breathing a bit harder than normal. She has also gained 8 ounces since Monday. I'm guessing this is fluid due to stopping the Diaril.
I took her to the pediatrician this afternoon and he checked her over. He said her lungs sound clear and she might have a bit of a cold. He also suggested that if her breathing gets any more labored I should call the pulmonologist back. On the way home from the pediatrician I decided I didn't want to mess around. She's breathing just barely harder than normal and has gained 8 ounces in three days. We've seen her go from kinda struggling to needing a chest tube in lest than 14 hours. I called the on call pulmonolgist, who was not her doctor. He suggested restarting the diaril and then calling the office in the morning. So, that's what we've done.
I'm finding it's a fine line between advocating for my child and being one of "those parents". Really though the fact she gained so much in such a short period of time and is breathing hard can only mean she's retaining fluid, in my mind at least. I have not called Dr. H we'll see how things go tomorrow. We want her off the diuretic and KCl as much as the docotor. I however do not want her to end up in the ER.
As usual Ruby is telling us what she needs. It's our job to make sure the doctors listen.
Holly, Just remember that
Holly,
Just remember that although you may not be a "Dr" you have had an extended crash course of late AND you know your baby. You follow your instincts and keep in mind that when you look back on something in the years to come that you will only be thought of as the mother who was vigilent and in tune with her babe.
Misty
I have a pretty healthy 9
I have a pretty healthy 9 year old, and I'm still "one of those parents". You've earned the right! I hope she is better tomorrow. Do you have a scale at home?
8 oz over three days seems
8 oz over three days seems like a lot to me, especially if she's not eating as much. I think your intuition was spot on here, Holly.
It's a fine line, but she's still an infant! :) Don't feel bad at all!!!
Can you use the Little Noses
Can you use the Little Noses saline drops and suction thingy to help clear her nose any?
Sorry to hear she's gained so much in 3 days, esp when she's not eating from the bottle. I think they say 1 oz per day gain from feeding is pretty normal at this age...but since she way exceeded that and is having a harder time breathing it does sound as though she's retaining fluid. One step at a time, isn't it?
You get a free pass to be "one of those parents". :) You've earned it.