Sunday, August 13, 2006

QUESTIONS WITHOUT ANSWERS

I just don't like having answers. Period. And every day with Max comes another day of questions without answers...and boy is that frustrating. Not only is that my personality, but it also is out of absolute adoration and crazy protective love for my son.

I don't want to be too overzealous with his treatments, but I also don't want to let something slide that needs medical attention.

We are experiencing one of those times right now...a major QUESTION with no answers. For the past few days, Maxwell has been experiencing a slew of random symptoms (respiratory difficulties, frothing spit, increased mucuous, major diarrhea, etc.) and the only diagnosis that we (my nurses) can come up with is congestive heart failure related issues.

His cardiologist changed around some of his meds about a week ago and we are questioning whether that is causing these symptoms, or is Maxwell simply sick...AGAIN? I think it is a combination of both.

His symptoms seemed to worsen last night. And what is frustrating is that I was with some girlfriends scrapbooking (so fun - thanks everyone!) and the nurse didn't call me. I even checked in several times and no mention of those issues. Then I come home and the night nurse updated me and I was freaked out. Major oxygen issues, vomiting, diarrhea...the works. I was pretty frustrated that I had not been notified, I would have come home immediately.

So anyway, some of the problems subsided overnight but some didn't. And today is Sunday and I would rather not bother his cardiologist on the weekend (I might give in and do it anyway...sorry Dr. Johnston!). It's not an emergency but at the same time, I don't like waiting for answers. I know patience is a virtue and all...but it has never been a strength of mine. :)

The problem with him "just" being sick again is that he is still on prednisone (steroid for lung issues last week) and so he should really be at the top of his game in the respiratory department...but he's not. He is chugging away like a super speed freight train and his lungs sound crappy to boot.

I am going to take him in to the local emergency ped's office today and check on at least the more immediate problem... MAJOR diarrhea. He went through an absolute terrible case of it last week and quite frankly, his cute lil' behind was so raw I thought it might just fall off! He was in soooo much pain...so sad! :(

It seemed to be getting better, but yesterday it went from bad to worse. In a twelve hour period, he had EIGHT poopy diapers. Crazy! I am going to go and get some Pedialyte and bottled water...just to make sure his electrolytes are ok and also to make sure nothing in the tap water is bothering his system. We'll see.

Another day...another day of questions without answers! But he is smiling his way through all of this...you gotta love that! No matter what, Max is a charming lil' fighter and he'll fight his way through this too.

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hang in there Max and Amy,
Answers will be coming soon. I'm sure of it. I'm sending prayers up for you.
ang

Dylan and Family said...

I'm so sorry to hear that Max is having a hard time. Let me know if you need anything.

Hang in there and I'm sending prayers too.

Kristy

Lori said...

We're praying for some "answers" for the both of you-- and, more specifically, for some good, solid POOP-- for Max, of course! :~)
love to you both--
the Mellos

Aimee said...

De-lurking here to offer a suggestion. Maybe you can try something our pediatrician told us to do when my daughter had horrible diarrhea due to antibiotics. Use an antacid (like Maylox, but I use the generic brand) on his bottom. After you clean his bottom, apply it on the affected areas. The antacid will help balance the Ph problems caused by countless poopy diapers. It's always helped my little one.

Although I don't post, I do check in on Max's progress. Many prayers for the two of you coming from South Charleston!

Pearl said...

Max, I sure hope you're feeling better today and that your Mommy is close to getting some answers. Hang in there, both of you. Sending love and prayers from TN.