Quick update on Tyler (ok, not too quick...)

ABC-123 · December 2008

Ty is still in the hospital. I am home for the night to try and get some sleep (haven't slept more than a couple of hours in days...).

He is doing much better now, but still is in the hospital and will be until Sat or Sun at the earliest. We won't get the final results from the culture back until Sun, so we are waiting until then.

Right now he is being treated for bacterial meningitis, which is the worst case scenario for our little guy. The docs believe that IF it is meningitis, it is viral, but they won't know for a few days and didn't want to wait to administer the antibiotics. He is so much more himself today; actually smiling, nursing and playing a little. I am starting to feel better now that he isn't crying and wimpering all day. It just broke my heart.

Back Story --

Ty got a fever on Sat and was treated with Tylenol as recommended by pedi on call. Sunday he was worse; still had a fever and wasn't normal. He wasn't eating well and was very lathargic. On call pedi saw him in his office and said it was a cold. Monday Ty woke up screaming and his tummy was full of gas. He proceeded to scream for at least 12 hours, with some small breaks. Worked with the pedi and nothing helped so we went to the ER.

ER diagnosis comes back as milk protein allergy and a virus. None of this was final, just suggested due to the symptoms and the labs that had come back. We were able to go home and followed up with the pedi on Tues. While we at the pedi, one of the cultures came back with bacteria in the blood. We were immediately sent back to the ER.

Ty was given a spinal tap due to a bulging soft spot. The fluid was clear, but was suspicious upon early results. However, the sugars were normal, but the protein was slightly high. This was good news because IF it is meningitis, it points to viral. We will get more preliminary results tomorrow, but have to wait the full 5 days for the culture.

This has been the worst few days of my life. I can't believe how much it has broken my heart to see & hear my little Tyler in pain. It is awful... On the bright side, he seems to be improving and is getting his personality back.

Well, I am off to bed now, but please say a little prayer for him if you can. I really, really hope it just ends up being some virus and a milk protein allergy.

Thanks!

ela81 · December 2008

I'm so glad to hear he is doing better today! I will keep him in my prayers.

iluvtom · December 2008

I really hope he gets better very soon!

TheSkimmy · December 2008

My prayers are with you guys!!!!!! I hope that he's home soon! Get some sleep momma!!!!

JillRock96 · December 2008

How scary! I am so glad that he is acting more like himself, and I am praying that it is a virus and milk protein allergy.

I just wanted to add some info about an illness that my little brother had when he was a few months old -- just in case any of the symptoms are similar to Tyler's. It is very rare and not well known, but it is easily treatable once diagnosed. My brother had what is called Kawasaki Disease. It is an infection that can be treated with a dose of gamma globulin (antibodies). The symptoms are persistent fever, redness around the eys and mouth, swelling of the hands and feet, among other things. If treated early, there are NO lasting effects. If untreated for a long time, there can be serious complications. I just wanted to mention it because I remember my mom had my brother in and out of the doctor several times in one week, and it took about a week for him to be properly diagnosed -- they also suspected meningitis at first. He was treated and has absolutely no lasting effects from it (he is 13 now).

Here is a link with more info: https://kidshealth.org/parent/medical/heart/kawasaki.html

Happycouple · December 2008

Wow, I was not aware this was going on--I am so sorry. I will pray for Tyler!!!

julandjo · December 2008

I've been praying for you guys all day. My son, who is 2 now, had bacterial (pneumococcal) meningitis at 3 months old. He was so very, very sick - we were told he likely wouldn't survive that first night. But he pulled through and came home from the ICU 10 days later (on Christmas eve!). Besides being developmentally delayed by just a few months (and that could just as well be from prematurity; we'll never know the difference), he has had no lasting effects... it's a true miracle. The fact that your Tyler is doing so well and getting his personality back already bodes very, very well for him. I'll keep praying for him, and please keep us updated!!

Julie

elliek05 · December 2008

Oh how scary! I'm glad they're treating him aggressively, though, and that it seems like he's getting back to himself a little. Hope you get some rest and that the good progress continues.

pamela-matt · December 2008

I am so glad he seems to be feeling better. Sounds like a very long week for mommy and daddy too. I feel so bad for Tyler....I had viral meningitis as a kid and I was old enough to remember it...it is miserable. Prayers being sent you way. Take care of you too

gymrat · December 2008

I'm glad to hear he's doing OK and so far things point to it being viral. I totally understand how you feel. My daughter was readmitted to the hospital after finally getting out of the NICU and she had group strep b - thankfully we caught it before it became meningitis. Her being in the hospital that time was way worse than the 3 mo NICU stay.

Hang in there - he'll be home soon. ((HUGS))

talentedgirl · December 2008

Thanks for taking the time to update, I was thinking about your family last night. Sending all our get better vibes Tyler's way, and hope you got some sleep. Take care.