UPDATE - He's home! - my youngest son is in the ICU

[g-mama]

I am so happy to say that we brought Marco home from the hospital last night. They tested him without the oxygen and then without the IV fluids and he did great. They said we could take him home and I was so surprised. Once he turned the corner, he just took off! He's doing well and is happy to be home. It will still be a while before his health is good and we have to keep him as far away from other kids who may be sick for a bit because if he gets so much as a cold, he will end up back in the hospital again.

Thank you so very much for all the support. It will be a very merry Christmas here!



My youngest ds (Marco - just turned 4 last week) was sick for a few days but quickly went from bad to worse. I took him to the pediatrician early Wednesday morning. She could tell right away he had pneumonia and was getting dangerously low levels of oxygen. The hospital is in the same complex as the ped's office but she called an ambulance to transport him. I didn't understand why and she looked me in the eye and said, "he could have respiratory failure any moment" and hooked him up to oxygen. Once we were at the hospital, they wanted him at the larger hospital and called a helicopter to airlift him. He has been there in the Pediatric ICU for 5 days now. My dh and I are trading off sleeping there. For the first three days he was listless and unresponsive - no talking, no reacting to anything. It was the scariest thing I have ever been through. He is beginning to turn the corner very slowly and they are hoping he can come home by Christmas, but it's not certain. It's in both lungs and is bacterial pneumonia. He's responding slowly to the treatments and is now talking and interacting, but the weaning off of the oxygen is taking a long time.

Please pray for us or keep us in your thoughts. I had this big list of things that I needed to get done before Christmas (don't we all?) and now all I care about is that my little boy is home with his family and that we can all be together that day. The doctors have all but said that we could really have lost him. Really puts things in perspective.

[sunshine873]

i think you just put things into perspective for a lot of us! Thank God your DS got treatment when he did. I'm sure you're exhausted and terrified, but glad to hear he seems to have turned the corner. P&PT that he'll continue to heal and it would be a great bonus if he could be home by Christmas!

[Melaine]

Oh Kristen!!! I'm going to be praying for you guys tonight. I'm so glad that it sounds like the worst is over but what a terrifying experience! I hope you can get some rest and that things improve even more quickly than hoped for your DS and that your family will be healthy and at home for Christmas!:grouphug:

[JMS]

Kristen,
You and your DS and your family are all in my prayers. I hope that your DS makes a full and speedy recovery and beats Santa to your house. I know it would be the best Christmas gift you could ever want. Hugs :)

[Melaine]

i think you just put things into perspective for a lot of us!

:yeahthat:

[mamicka]

Oh my! Praying for you all!
:grouphug::grouphug::grouphug:

[mytwosons]

How scary! Your family is in my prayers!

[misshollygolightly]

Oh my goodness! Thank God you took him in when you did--and that the pediatrician assessed the situation so quickly. I will be praying for his continued, speedy recovery, rest and peace for you and the rest of your family, and for a peaceful Christmas at home. :hug:

[carolinamama]

How terrifying. Hope your little guy is on the mend and recovers quickly. Lots of prayers coming your way.

[elektra]

P & pt for you guys! Glad to hear things are starting to look better. How frightening.

[schums]

Prayers and PT for Marco, you and your entire family. Hopefully, he'll keep improving and you'll have him home for Christmas. Although I'm betting that whatever day he comes home will feel like Christmas!

[KrisM]

i think you just put things into perspective for a lot of us! Thank God your DS got treatment when he did. I'm sure you're exhausted and terrified, but glad to hear he seems to have turned the corner. P&PT that he'll continue to heal and it would be a great bonus if he could be home by Christmas!

This.

I hope you are all together at home very soon.

[egoldber]

Oh no!!!!!!

We are literally moments from the hospital I think you're at, so please let me know if we can help in any way!

[Kymberley]

Prayers on the way!

[SnuggleBuggles]

I am so sorry! PT headed your way!!

Beth

[almostamom]

Oh how frightening! I'm so sorry! We will pray that he is better and safe in his own little bed by Christmas as I'm sure that's gift your family wants most of all!

Hugs,
Linda

[wellyes]

Oh my goodness! Thank God you took him in when you did--and that the pediatrician assessed the situation so quickly. I will be praying for his continued, speedy recovery, rest and peace for you and the rest of your family, and for a peaceful Christmas at home. :hug:

Yes, exactly. I'm so glad he's in good hands. Good luck for a fast recovery.

[bluestar2]

What a frightening experience. I am sending lots of P&PT for your DS' recovery as soon as possible.

[willow33]

Praying for a quick recovery!

[sidmand]

P&PT for Marco and your entire family.

[wendibird22]

P&PT coming your way. I hope you are all home together soon.

[shoxie]

Lots and lots of PT coming your way - I truly hope that your little guy recovers quickly and is able to come home soon so that you're all together and healthy and comfortable. :hug:

[hillview]

BBB Mojo coming your way. WOW what a shock. HUGS!
/hillary

[TwinFoxes]

Please no that I am praying for your DS and your entire family. I am glad it seems he has turned the corner. Please know we are all pulling for you.

[bubbaray]

P&PT coming your way. Many hugs for your whole family.

[Twoboos]

P&PT coming your way for a speedy recovery and Christmas at home!!

[jgenie]

I'm so sorry! Will be praying that Marco gets better quickly and you are all able to celebrate Christmas at home together. :hug:

[WatchingThemGrow]

Wow. Hope he's able to come home soon. Lots of prayer for Marco tonight!

[ZeeBaby]

Praying that he comes home soon.

[JBaxter]

Sending prayers your way

[o_mom]

Many prayers for your whole family!

[wendmatt]

How terrifying. Praying for a speedy recovery for him.

[shawnandangel]

Oh my gosh, Kristen. I am praying very hard for you and your family. I hope your DS continues to recover, and you can all be home on Christmas.

[arivecchi]

What a terrifying experience! I hope Marco recovers quickly and comes home soon. Please keep us posted. P&PT headed your way.

[sste]

Lots of positive thoughts and healing wishes!

[Kungjo]

We've had a stint in the ICU with my older DD. I know how terrifying it is and how helpless you feel. My heart goes out to you and your family.

P & PT coming your way.

[marie]

PT's headed your way.

[gobadgers]

Oh my goodness. Wishing Marco a speedy recovery.

[Melbel]

Sending prayers and positive thoughts for a speedy recovery and a special, cherished Christmas together. When DD1 was 1, she was discharged from the hospital on Christmas Eve. Although so many things did not get done that year, it was just wonderful to have her home with us.

[billysmommy]

How scary!! I'm glad he is on the mend and I hope he continues to recover and can come home soon. We'll be thinking of you all.

[amandabea]

Oh my goodness I'm so sorry. Your DS is in my thoughts and prayers as is the rest of your family. Praying for his recovery and that he will be home for Christmas.

[elliput]

:hug::hug::hug::hug::hug:

I am sending lots of get well vibes to Marco and hope that he is able to be home in the next few days. Many hugs and healthy wishes for the you and the rest of your family. Take care.

[catpagmo]

What a terrifying ordeal for you and your family. I am so sorry. You are all in my thoughts, and I hope Marco gets well soon. :hug:

[ChunkyNicksChunkyMom]

Kristen, your family is on my prayers!

[mom2binsd]

Hoping little Marco is feeling better very soon...how scary for all of you, am glad he's on the mend.

[LarsMal]

Lots of P&PT heading your way. I hope he continues to recover- having him home would be the best Christmas present of all! :hug:

[mommyp]

Lots of P&PT for your whole family!

[Corie]

Oh my gosh, Kristen!!

Thank goodness that you took him to the pediatrician on Wednesday!

I hope Marco feels better soon!

[MamaKath]

Prayers for Marco, your other kiddos and you and dh!!! How scary, glad he is turning the corner and improving!

[wencit]

Lots of prayers coming your way for a quick and speedy recovery for Marco!

[sarahsthreads]

Oh, my goodness!

Prayers coming your way! I hope he's feeling much better very soon!

Sarah

[JenaW]

sending prayers for a speedy recovery.

[BabyMine]

I am so sorry. It sounds like they are taking good care of him. I am sending tons of prayers for your whole family.

[jenfromnj]

Many P&PT coming your way! Hope Marco is feeling much better soon.

[deborah_r]

Thinking of you and your little guy, Kristen. I hope he is home soon - how scary for all of you!

[wimama]

Praying for your family! Hope you get your Christmas wish and every one is healthy and home together for Christmas.

[firsttimemama]

thinking of you & Marco! Sending good thoughts your way.

[Mamma2004]

Huge hugs and sincere prayers foryou and your son tonight. Thank goodness for quick medical intervention.

Blessings to you all!

[Happy 2B mommy]

I will keep your son in my thoughts and hope he will be home for Christmas.

[DrSally]

OMG! I'm so sorry. That is so scary. I'm so glad he's recovering. I'm hoping that you'll all be together for Xmas.

[firstbaby]

Kristen:

Prayers and positive thoughts your way! I just sent you a PM - let me know if there's anything we can do to help!

[crl]

Prayers for a speedy recovery.

Catherine

[vludmilla]

Oh, PT for all of you. I hope he continues to recover quickly.

[LexyLou]

Oh how scary. My thoughts are with you.

[infomama]

Oh my goodness...praying for you all.

[Melarina]

I am so sorry your family is going through this ordeal.

I am praying for you and your little boy.

[MontrealMum]

So scary! :grouphug: Sending you lots of P&PT.

[WitMom]

Hugs, hugs and more hugs coming your way. And lots of prayers, too.

[Wife_and_mommy]

Wow. Hope he's able to come home soon. Lots of prayer for Marco tonight!


:yeahthat: Please do keep us updated. :grouphug:

[happymom]

I'm so sorry to hear this news! :hug: and many P&PT.

[Jo..]

Hugs and prayers for you and your family.

[kwc]

Scary! Glad he is on the mend and sending P&PT to you and your family!

[kijip]

I am so sorry for this situation. I am glad he is on the mend and pray that he comes home safe and sound soon.

[HannaAddict]

All my thoughts and prayers are with your little one and family. I hope he is doing better. Take care.

[elephantmeg]

oh my goodness, P+PT from one PICU to another. I hope he continues to mend well!

[Tondi G]

Oh No Kristen ... I am so sorry! So glad you took him in to the pediatricians office when you did and that they got him where he needed to be FAST! Marco is in my thoughts and prayers. I hope you are all together at home for Christmas. HUGS

~Tondi

[KpbS]

:hug: Lots of P+PT :hug:

[strollerqueen]

How terrifying. Prayers that he recovers quickly, and you all have a Merry Christmas together.

[dcmom2b3]

P&PT coming your way.

[Kitten007]

Thank god you are all okay. Prayers being sent that you all have a wonderful family Christmas at home.

[klwa]

praying for you all.

[maestramommy]

Oh, I'm so sorry! You must be besides yourselves. I will be praying for your little boy. :hug::hug::hug:

[kdeunc]

I am so sorry. I hope that Marco is continuing to improve and will be home for Christmas. You will be in my prayers.

[g-mama]

oh my goodness, P+PT from one PICU to another. I hope he continues to mend well!


I read your post and felt so badly that another BBB mama was spending her week in the PICU, too. Your dd and your family are in our prayers. Wishing for the best for her and that you will all be together at Christmas.

[g-mama]

To wake up this morning and feel all the kindness and heartfelt well wishes warmed my heart. Thank you all. It was good to be home after being snowed in at the hospital for 3 days with my little guy because I missed my bigger boys so much. I'll be heading back after spending the morning with them. Thank goodness my MIL was able to come down and stay here as long as we need her.

I'll be back with an update as soon as there is something to report. :grouphug:

[cuca_]

I will keep Marco and the rest of your family in my prayers.

[SkyrMommy]

:grouphug:

My thoughts and prayers are with you & your family... what a scary thing to be going through.

[kransden]

I hope he gets better soon! :hug:

[JTsMom]

:grouphug: Lots of P&PT for your family Kristen. You all are in our thoughts.

[caleymama]

How terribly scary! Big HUGS to you Kristen and P&PT for Marco and the rest of your family.

[MamaMolly]

Huge big hugs, Mama. It is so scary how quickly these things can go from bad to worse. On a Friday in Feb. DD had a fever and that evening we noticed her finger tips were blue. We called the ped and knew something was up when they asked us to come in on Saturday morning. Then the ped called HIMSELF at 7:30 in the am on Sat. to find out where we were and when we were coming. She had pneumonia, too. She was ill for about a week, and now is fine.

Huge, huge P & PT for you guys.

[ThreeofUs]

Oh, Kristen - how horrifying! Glad to hear Marco is on the mend, but sending P&PT for him and all of you.

[trales]

We will keep praying for you and that he comes home for Christmas.

[lmintzer]

Kristen,
How scary for you guys! Those first days in the PICU must have been just terrifying. I'm glad that Marco is doing better. It sounds like he has gotten great medical care. The good part is that he probably won't remember a lot of the PICU time, given that he was that sick and out-of-it. Maybe a blessing in disguise. Hope that he makes a complete and quick recovery. How are your other boys holding up?

[alexsmommy]

Prayers back at you!
We've done the PICU pneumonia thing a few years back. It's scary when they are so listless. Thank God for modern medicine. Hoping your little one is back home soon - I know from personal experience how little rest you and your DH are getting doing the hosptial sleep schedule shuffle. We do the same thing, me here during the day, DH overnight.

[Moneypenny]

Sending lots of good thoughts that he continues to improve and is home soon!

[Jen841]

Praying for you all! Be strong. Remember to take care of Mom and Dad too. I have ended up very ill from not eatting, drinking, sleeping with my sick kids. No more illness is needed.

[mousemom]

Your family is in my prayers! I'm so glad he's starting to recover.

[boolady]

Keeping your little one in my thoughts. I hope he continues to improve.

[mama2g03]

Oh my goodness! What a rough time for our BBB mamas and little ones. Sending hugs and P & PT for your family. Hope you are home for Christmas.

[alien_host]

Thinking of you...pneumonia is so scary as things can go downhill fast. I'm glad he is getting better.

[bnme]

Sending p&pt. Hoping for him to be home soon.
:hug:

[lchang25000]

I hope he gets better soon.

[Dcclerk]

You obviously have a lot of prayers coming your way, Kristin. And you can add me to the mix. I hope that your DS#3 gets to 100% very soon and that you have a wonderful Christmas!

[Momof3Labs]

Oh, wow, Kristen, I'm glad that he's in good hands. Hope that he continues to improve and comes home soon!

[Globetrotter]

Thank goodness you took him in. How scary for you.. I hope he improves soon :hug5:

[dotgirl]

How scary - I can't even imagine.

Lots of P&PT for you and your little one - so glad this has a happy ending.

[dcmom2b3]

Words fail me so here's a :hug: Sending P&PT.

[american_mama]

I am so sorry for you and happy that he is recovering. I am remembering what a bad bout of flu your family had and thinking how vulnerable that makes you feel. A month ago, I was at the pediatrician for a well child check and saw a child transported away on a gurney and ambulance; I had never seen that before. I hope your simple Christmas wish comes true and he;'s home before the 25th.

[missym]

How scary! Lots of :grouphug: and prayers for a quick recovery for your sweet little guy.

[jse107]

Best wishes for a speedy and safe recovery.

[AJP]

Prayers for Marco and your family. Hope he is healthy and home for Christmas!

[daisyd]

P&PT for little Marco and your family! Hugs.

[hez]

Sending my prayers your way.

[octmom]

P&PT heading your way.

[jk3]

I'm so sorry. How scary. I hope he feels better quickly.

[cindys]

Prayers and wishes for a speedy recovery for your little guy!!

[MMMommy]

Big hugs to you, Kristen. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Hoping for a speedy recovery for Marco.

[shawnandangel]

I'm so happy to hear that your son is home and that you got your Christmas wish!

[ThreeofUs]

I am so happy to say that we brought Marco home from the hospital last night. ...*snip*

Thank you so very much for all the support. It will be a very merry Christmas here!


Congratulations! You must be so very happy!

[lmintzer]

I'm so glad to see your good news! Have a wonderful holiday with your family! : )

[elliput]

:yay: I am so happy to hear Marco is home! :hug::hug::hug:

[egoldber]

Wonderful news!!!!!!!! :cheerleader1:

[mamicka]

Yay! Great news!

[daisymommy]

:yay: Yeah! So happy for your family! And so glad he is starting to feel better. Merry Christmas!

[SnuggleBuggles]

That is absolutely wonderful news!!

Beth

[jenfromnj]

Good news! Hope that you're all able to enjoy your Christmas!

[TwinFoxes]

That is great news! :D

[carolinamama]

So glad to hear that you will all be together for Christmas with a recovering DS. Your story and the others who have kids in the hospital have really helped put some things in perspective for me. I know you guys must be so relieved and happy to have him home.

[elephantmeg]

congrats! I'm so glad you're home for the holidays. Blessings to you!

[elephantmeg]

I read your post and felt so badly that another BBB mama was spending her week in the PICU, too. Your dd and your family are in our prayers. Wishing for the best for her and that you will all be together at Christmas.


thanks, we're still here but hoping to at least move out to the regular peds today. Doesn't look like we'll be home for Christmas and with the weather it doesn't look like we'll even be together but at least we're all still here!

[crl]

Hooray for coming home! And in time for Christmas!

Catherine

[bubbaray]

Yeah! Great news!

[brittone2]

So, so happy for your family!!!! What great news!

[catpagmo]

Wonderful news! Merry Christmas!

[g-mama]

thanks, we're still here but hoping to at least move out to the regular peds today. Doesn't look like we'll be home for Christmas and with the weather it doesn't look like we'll even be together but at least we're all still here!

Meg - you are in my thoughts. I hope I'll never again take for granted the small things. I've never really felt "thank God we're all still here" until this week and I understand completely how you feel. I look at my ds and hear stories about how many children die of pneumonia and know how lucky we are. Hugs to you and I will keep looking for updates from you.

[Tondi G]

Kristen I am thrilled for you that he is home! Hope everyone manages to stay well so there are no more hospital visits in your future! Merry Christmas!!!!

[maestramommy]

Oh how wonderful! A very Merry Christmas to you and your family!:yay:

[JustMe]

I am thrilled to hear your wonderful news!

[elektra]

Great news! SO glad to hear that.

[jgenie]

Such wonderful news!!!

[Kitten007]

WOOHOO!!!!!!!! Merry Christmas!

[elephantmeg]

Meg - you are in my thoughts. I hope I'll never again take for granted the small things. I've never really felt "thank God we're all still here" until this week and I understand completely how you feel. I look at my ds and hear stories about how many children die of pneumonia and know how lucky we are. Hugs to you and I will keep looking for updates from you.

thanks, you're in mine too. I'm sure you feel as I do, just so blessed that our kids are still with us and mostly OK.