[OT] Prayer Time

[Stealth01]

I don't pray much. I figure God (whoever/whatever he/she/it is) has better things to worry about than me and my problems. But I've done a lot of it the last 4 days.

Kaycee, my 2-year-old daughter, came down with an ear infection Thursday. She couldn't stomach the Amoxicilin, so the doc took her off it in hopes she'd just get better.

She didn't.

Turned into a cold, which triggered an accute asthma attack. My wife took her to the ER Friday night. Her heartbeat was 193, temp 103.8, and oxygen saturation just 75%.

Kaycee was hospitalized that night and put on oxygen, Albuterol breathing treatments, and Prednisilone (steroids) daily. Her oxygen content wavered between 95% and 85%. When it stabilized, they released her with a prescription for the Prednisilone, albuterol, and tylenol.

The Prednisilone caused radical personality changes. She'd sit in a corner for an hour or two, not talking, not letting anyone touch her, and so on. Her breathing was still labored, so we took her to a follow-up this afternoon. The doc determined that all her problems had turned to pneumonia.

So now she's at home with an oxygen tube in her nose. She had a big shot of antibiotic in each leg, is on oral antibiotics twice a day, is on the prednisilone LONGER, and still needs breathing treatment.

She's been a little trooper, but the nasal O2 tubes frighten her terribly, and she doesn't understand what's happening to her. Her tears should have dried up long ago, but they just keep flowing, like there's some never-ending well of the things.

I've prayed more in the last four days than I have in a long time, and I ask all of you to do the same. Or just think of her. Whatever you can do to wish she gets better. Little pooka doesn't need this, doesn't deserve it, doesn't understand it. All she knows is that mom and dad can't help, and she's scared.

GOD, I hope this ends soon. I'd take it all on myself if it would make her better.

:(

[emouldman80]

I'm very sorry to hear that. I don't have any kids yet, so I can't imagine how terrifying it must be. I hope you know that her and your family will in my prayers tonight.

[FrankieA]

Your families thoughts are with me Stealth. I am not a father, I can only imagine what you are going through. Keep the faith, things will get better.

[BogusTrumper]

Of course. Sounds like you're doing everything that you can for her. It's so hard when you can't explain to them what's going on and when you've done all that you can but they're still not well. Makes you feel pretty helpless. We'll pray for all of you.

[shiva2999]

That's terrible Chris. The worst thing in the world is seeing your child suffer without being able to do anything for them.

I truly hope everything works out ok.

[Rebecky]

Stealth,

Am I correct in remembering that Kaycee got through a trappy medical problem a year or so ago, had trouble breathing or something like that?

Our youngest son is a brittle diabetic -- we've spent a few nights in the pediatric intensive care waiting room. Our hearts and prayers are with you. It's the most helpless feeling in the world, watching them suffer, especially when they're too young to understand what's happening.

Re: fear of nasal tubes -- maybe stick some drinking straws up your own nose and play a "walrus" game with her? Worth a try.

Always trust your parental instincts -- you know her better than anyone. You know when she's stable and when she's getting worse or not getting any better. Don't ever be afraid of seeming like an overconcerned idiot if you feel you need to call the doctor!

Keep us posted.

Rebecky

[billsfanone]

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your daughter bud!

[bv]

God Bless your daughter and your family

[gilchristfan]

I agree with Rebecky and Shiva, there is nothing worse for a parent to watch their child suffer, knowing you are helpless to do anything. My 5 year old had pneumonia at that age, and to an extent, you are doing everything a parent can do. I know that's little comfort at this time, but its the best I, or anyone can do. Hang in there and keep the prayers going.

[StKittsDave]

God Bless. I'll include her in our prayers tonight.

[Stealth01]

Thanks to everyone. She's adjusting to the tubes. I took one of the nasal things, connected a spare tube, and wore it around (I still am) in MY nose. Helped her a little to not be afraid.

Thanks to all, and keep the prayers and thoughts coming.

[gilchristfan]

If it helps Stealth, I borrowed my wife's sign in name and created a "paryer circle" for her at Beliefnet.com. It is under the name "Kaycee S" (sorry, I could only go by "Stealth" as a last name). Hang in there man, the worst may already be over. We'll keep praying.

[BogusTrumper]

I'll add her to the Book of Intentions at my church tomorrow so the whole parish will be praying for her.

[Meridius]

My thoughts are w/ you. I wish a speedy recovery for your daughter.

[gilchristfan]

before going to bed and signing off tonight, I thought I would do a quick post on this thread to bring it back to the top, for those of you who have your threads come up by "last post on top". Its a thread too important not to read.

A little girl and her parents could use your moral support right now. Keep them in your prayers.

[TITUS]

Kaycee will be in my thoughts and prayers, Stealth. Stay strong.

[captain]

May God be with you and your family.

[reeves84]

A fathers worst nightmare. I will be thinking of you all.

[Stealth01]

Wow. Thanks again, folks. The support is touching and means a great deal. BT and Gilchristfan -- every thought, every prayer, every time someone reads her name helps. I honestly believe that, so thanks for spreading the word.

She seemed to have a pretty decent night, and slept with her canula (the nasal thingy) all night. She wore it while she played for a few minues before bed, and didn't cry. She tripped on the hose once, but it does seem to be helping.

She has an appointment at lunch today, so we'll see how she's doing. I'm at work right now, but I'll be leaving in time to get to her appointment. Hopefully, the word will be that the pneumonia has hit a brick wall known as antibiotics, and that she's on her way to being herself again.

[Stealth01]

Oh, and yes, Rebecky, you're right. She had a similar problem last year, about this time. They gave us a nebulizer to do breathing treatments, but never once did ANYONE tell us she had asthma. I think they said "restricted airways"...maybe CONSTRICTED, but never asthma.

It looks like she has a kind of asthma activated either by a virus or by the goop and symptoms of a cold. We took our christmas tree out of the house, just in case it's pine that triggers it, but the docs think it's virus or bacteria that triggers attacks.

Now we just have to figure out why no one told us this before. Or put it in her medical records.

[reeves84]

Good luck. Its hell getting doctors to actually READ medical records sometimes.

[shawn]

I hope your daughter's condition improves. She will be in my prayers.

[Valerie]

I'm really sorry to hear of Kaycee's illness, Chris. I'm sure it's frustrating for you too, not being able to explain things to her. I'll keep Kaycee and your family in my prayers as well. We too have a book of intentions at my church and I'll be sure to add her name to the list. God bless all of you and please let us know how she's doing. Hopefully 2003 will bring her better health.

[TigerJ]

I'll say a prayer right now and keep Kaycee in my prayers, Stealth. BTW, by definition God can take care of all that other stuff and still listen to your prayers too (regarding your first post in this thread).

[Valerie]

God's the ultimate multi-tasker. :)

[BogusTrumper]

Stealth, keep us up-to-date.

[DaQUIXLET]

Stealth,

I am sorry to hear what is happening to your family and I hope the situation gets better. One thing to keep in mind though- please do not think God wants someone to pray just when he needs something. He wants you to pray every day and if you cant at least some a week.

Again- I hope she gets better.

[sahlensguy]

Stealth--You and your family will be in my prayers this New Year's Eve. God Bless.

[smayott]

A parents worst fear. I hope everything works out ok for her. Our prayers are with you.

[Stealth01]

Well, semi-good news!

The appointment went well. THe fluid in her lungs is down, so the pneumonia seems to be going away. Good News.

But her Oxygen saturation still dropped below 90% when they took her off the O2, so she's still on the nasal oxygen until she can keep it over 90.

She has adjusted marvelously to that nasal canula. She has some energy back and has been motoring around the living room, picking up her air hose every time she gets near something. It's like it's a part of her. I wore mine home from work today, so when I walked in the door, she saw daddy wearing one and thought that was pretty funny.

Thanks again to everyone. She's on the upslope and I hope to have her off the O2 THursday.

To answer some comments and questions:

Yes, by definition God can handle hearing a billion things at once, but I just don't figure he/she/it wants to. I can bench press 225 pounds while simultaneously listening to my troop gripe about work, but do I want to? No.

Yes, I talk to God at times other than when I need something. Particularly, when I am thankful for something I tend to give him/her/they a nod of thanks or something. Also when I'm angry I tend to talk to God, but I don't think he likes that one as much. :D

Kaycee's asleep now, so I think I'll take a moment to relax, say thanks, and maybe catch a nap. Thanks everyone!

[BILLSareBACK]

Im happy to see that things worked out for you,I have just recently began posting here and reading your post about your daughter was disheartening. I wish her well and pray for her health.

[gilchristfan]

That's great news Stealth, especially the part that she is getting energy back and motoring around. Reading your post last night was something I could have written a few years ago when my little boy had pneumonia. The same exact thoughts were going through my head.

And don't fret about only saving the "big things" to ask for God's help. I do the same thing. I like to think I more often thank him for what I have than ask his help. I hope I do anyways. Of course, thanking him for his help last night and today isn't a bad idea. I'm sure you have already.

Anyways, really glad to hear the little one is doing better!!


P.S. to everyone who responded to this thread. I'm a newbie here, not a moderator, insider or even someone whose opinion amounts to much, but it was very nice to see the encouraging comments on this thread for someone in need.

[reeves84]

gilchristfan

We might disagree violently about football, but we tend to try and support each other in Real Life!

[reeves84]

PS Everyone's opinion counts, except possibly mine and Shiva's:D :gbr:

[methuzelah]

This is my first post. I'm very happy to hear that your daughter is feeling better. I will pray for her continued well-being, and the best for you and your family. May you all have a happy 2003.

[maximus]

God Bless.The Lord is merciful.May he heal your little one in His blessed Son's name.Amen and thank you Jesus.

[Valerie]

Chris, I'm glad to hear Kaycee's doing better. :) I'll continue to pray for her.

Regarding your comments about God. I understand where you are coming from. I tend to talk to God a lot myself. I thank him for the good things I have and get angry with him for the things I don't or for problems that arise in my life or the lives of my friends and/or family. I try to view God as a friend in a way. While no one really likes listening to people bitch and complain, true friends are there for you, for the good and happy times and for the sad and hard times. So, bitch away, I'm sure God doesn't mind.

Again, good luck with Kaycee. I wish her good health in 2003! :)

[Stealth01]

Just a quick update, folks, then the mods can (and probably should) move this to the Asylum.

Kaycee went to the pediatrician yesterday and was able to maintain her oxygen saturation above 90% without the O2 being hooked up. So the doc took her off the oxygen! No more nose tubes!

She said the pneumonia appears to be clearing up well, and that she looks to be recovering nicely. Kaycee herself is up and playing again, and appears to be returning to her normal self. The Prednisone still causes radical mood changes (she'll stand in the corner with her head on the wall for an hour or two some days, and gets mean and physical almost each time she takes it), but we expect her to be off all meds by the middle of next week!

Thanks to everyone for their support. My little angel is a healthy angel again!

[billsfanone]

Glad to hear it!

[EricStratton]

Without sounding like I only copy BF1 I'll also say great news Stealth.

[reeves84]

Very Good News indeed.

[BogusTrumper]

Stealth, we don't tell you how to do your job :rolleyes2

Glad to hear Kaycee is doing well. What did you find out about the asthma? Will you be taking precautionary steps from here on out or is she all good?

[shawn]

It's nice to hear good news once in awhile.

[gilchristfan]

Great News! Glad to hear it Stealth

[wagoncircler]

I'm so happy for you Stealth. Last year my son was having seizures and they thought he had a brain tumor. He didn't, thank God, and those horrible long, uncertain days changed my life and the way I look at things forever.

Keep praying brother-- I will. He really does listen. I've never been surer of anything. God bless you and yours.

[The Philster]

Great to hear it, Stealth. :thumbup:

[BogusTrumper]

Glad to hear it came out okay wagoncircler. I got a taste of it myself when my baby was at 2 weeks. Does anyone know what hypotrophic pyloric stenosis is? Well, it involves projectile vomitting like you'd never believe. The time it took to get the diagnosis was the most stressful time that I've ever been through. Then there was the two day wait for the surgery room. Then there was the surgery. Then there was worrying about infection. The messages I got from my family saying they were praying helped a lot.

[maximus]

Great news,Stealth!As a father of three kids six and under I'm feelin' ya man.Truly,the Lord is merciful.