Friday, November 21, 2008

Finally home!

Well, we are back at home! What an adventure! Or atleast that is what I kept telling Hudson on the way to the ER - "We are going on an adventure - Aren't you excited?!" He kept saying "no." Yeah, well I wasn't really excited either!!!

Just to give you the fat of the skinny . . . . {tee hee - I had to say something different because I said "the long of the short" 2 posts ago!}

Tuesday evening I noticed Hudson's face swelling - especially his eyes. Looked like he had black eyes without the bruising. It was really freaky. But I was trying to give this funky mess he had 24 hours before I called the doctor. And since it wasn't very obvious he had something till late Monday afternoon, I thought Wednesday morning would be the best time to call.

So, I took him to the doctor on Wednesday before lunch. I really thought he had the flu! Let me also add this was after a 8 am therapy appointment for Carson and a 9:45 therapy appointment for Lawson! At the pediatrician's office, the flu was shot down quick as well as strep. But mono was what we thought he had. After 2 ginormous vials of blood, we were sent home and told to be expecting a call in an hour or so.

Well we got the call. But we were asked to come back - his numbers were all over the place and the doctor thought maybe they got a bad sample. That's right folks - we had to go back and give MORE freakin' blood! He said we could just stay at the office till the results came back. When I noticed a pause in the conversation, I thought it wise to ask "what is the worst it could be??" And I was told nephrotic syndrome.

Just to get to the point - the numbers came back all the same. Protein and sodium were extremely low. Face swollen. High fever. Lethargic. Dr. Big was pretty sure that is what we were looking at and said that Vanderbilt was waiting for us. I started crying immediately {because I was scared!} He assured me that this is what he did all through his residency and not to worry. Unlike some people, I'm very confident in our local hospital - after all, they did take care of Carson and Lawson in the NICU - sooo when I'm told I have to go to the BIG children's hospital in Nashville, I freaked out a little!

I'll preface by saying it wasn't a very positive experience. Hudson was poked and sampled from just too many freakin' times! And with this sensory issue we got - oh jeezzzz! Not funnnn at all. Thanks a bunch, Rachel, for coming to my rescue and getting us to the hospital! And thank you more for having my back!!!! Since I told a doctor to "SHUT-UP" and "get out of the room!!" I think I did say A cuss word - but only one! Very impressive! I normally start mouthing off words that I'm very embarrassed for later! But he was just some major tree-hugging idiot that said too many of the wrong things! I stand firm in how I felt and if I saw him today I would still tell him what he could suck on! Wanker!!! Anyone surprised?? Rachel, get off the phone next time so you can hear the WHOLE convo! hehe - you really missed the good part!

But after our 17 hour stay, we learned that Hudson did have nephrotic syndrome - which is an umbrella for alot of things that can go wrong with your kidneys. We are pretty sure he suffers from minimal change disease. Click on the link and you can get a good idea as to what we are dealing with. We don't know for a fact because there really is NO NEED to biopsy a kidney! Unfortunately, Hudson will be on steroids for many months. This might improve his appetite but it could also make him aggressive! Nice. Hopefully after a few months of steroids he will be in remission and we will NEVER EVER have to worry of it again!

Apparently, he did get a viral infection of some sort and his body went into this nephrotic syndrome as a defense {or something} - all that matters is that we are aware of it and now know the signs to watch for just in case it happens again.

Some things I now know from this experience . . .

Lonnie came home!!! Early!

My house got cleaned! Thanks Rachel and Lauren!!!

Got some great foody!!! Thanks to Heather and that wonderful Bible Study Group that I'm in!!!

I had a long heart-felt conversation with God. Tried to barter at first - but quickly realized that's not quite what he wanted!

Realized I can go 96 hours on about 4 hours of sleep and still function. Interesting!

Found out I would much rather deal with nice women doctors that talk sense - instead of scruffy-beard-growing-men doctors {that probably hug trees} that have no idea as to what is going on but felt the need to give opinions - is that discrimination??

Emsley is a great sleeper - until you go to a busy hospital {didn't go to sleep until after 11 pm only to wake up a few hours later to party?!}

The "mini-van" theory still holds true - blew past 2 troopers on the way to the hospital and never was glanced at! Have I told you guys the "mini-van" theory?? A post for a later date - I'm still testing it!

You can't take Hudson's blood pressure, temp or weigh him - even in a lethargic state.

And the most obvious one of the night - People in the medical field really have no idea what "sensory" means. When I say "my kid has sensory problems and is thrashing around, trying to pull off the velcro sleeve that is covering the iv-port with his teeth." Don't offer me a flippin' sock to put on top of it!!!!!! It sensory people - HE DOESN'T LIKE THINGS TOUCHING HIM THAT AREN'T SUPPOSE TOO!! Heaven forbid this to happen again, but if it does - I'm going to draw it out in pictures on his shirt!

That sums it up! I'm sooo behind! I'm not going to tell you that I plan to post tomorrow about the "Big Reveal" - everytime I do, something happens! Just check in tomorrow and see what is going on!

Thanks for all the prayers! We felt them.

28 comments:

Jenny said...

I'm so relieved to read you all are home now. That was definitely an unexpected adventure. Glad you were able to keep your humor too - I would have knocked that doctor to the ground. Hope you catch some zzz's tonight.

sauchagirl said...

So glad to see you are able to keep your head up through all of this. My prayers are still with you!

Leslee P said...

You are so great at taking the not so good with the good...  You are so strong.  we will keep praying for Hudson that he will get better and go into remission!  Hep your head up!  Smile!Leslee

Unknown said...

glad you all are home! The BIG hospital is nice but I know how you feel. We have been there a few too many times. I hope Hudson continues to get better!

julie & joe said...

OMG! You've had quite a time. I hope everything settles down and Hudson goes into remission. Having a sick child is the scariest expereince. You're right, some doctors just don't get it. I love it when they leave you with a 2 year old in an emergency exam room while they get ready to discharge you.

Holli said...

Glad you are home, I didn't get a chance to read your prior post till today and you all have been on my mind ever since. I hope Hudson continues to improve! I'll tell you Kim you are getting the "Mommy of the year" award; you amaze me!

My Beautiful Mess! said...

Thank goodness Kim! Bless your heart you have really been through it. Bless your little man!! He has too. Please keep a post on how he is doing.
Those durn tree huggers - No Match for a stressed out Mama!!!

Anonymous said...

Ya, doctors should have to pass some sort of sensitivity exam as well as their residency. Needless to say after today, (between your experience and mine) I'm positive it's not a part of the program Unfortanate, since a great deal of what they "do" is just that - being sensitive or should I say insensitive to others. Wish I could give you a hug and a meal.

Unknown said...

Wow Kim! What journey. I am glad things are looking on the up- at least you know what it is and what you can do for it. It is so hard to see such a little kid in a big hospital bed. Good luck with everything. And thank goodness for mini-vans, except it doesn't work when the police see dad driving just FYI :)

Natalie and Shawn said...

I'm so glad you are home ~ have been praying so hard for y'all and will continue to do so!

Keep us posted on how the little guy is doing ..... he is so lucky to have such an awesome mommy (AND Daddy!) to take care of him ~ not to mention the fantastic support system you have up there .......

Love ya girl!

Rachel Spence said...

Oh yeah ...I heard enough of the conversation to know that Dr wasn't getting out of there with his skin if he didn't get out FAST! {and he did}

I learned don't mess with Kim Wheeler's kids unless you know dang sure what the heck you are doing and if you don't get it the FIRST time....don't bother....send someone who WILL get it the first time the NEXT time you try. AND don't ever mention socks again.

It WAS quite and adventure but I am just so glad we found out what it was and there is treatment for it. He will be better in no time!

Get well soon Huddy!

Julie said...

Praise God you are home and your little one is doing better! And praise God that your bible study friends came to help....

Kelly said...

I'm relieved to know that Hudson will most likely fully recover from this and you won't be dealing with this forever. Also relieved to know he shouldn't have to have a biopsy of his kidney. That sounds so serious! I have a child with sensory issues and COMPLETELY know what you're going through when dealing with those issues with your child. It is very frustrating. I agree that women doctors have a better bedside manner most of the time. I'm so sorry to hear you all had to go through such a scary experience. Hopefully, with your strong support group at home and now that you know what you're dealing with, all will be better from here on out!

sandee jones said...

kim - of course I don't know you personally but am beginning to feel like you're a friend. :) Thanks for sharing your past few days. Know there's a family thats praying for Hudson over here in GA! sandee

Kristen said...

So glad that you are home and I'm so sad to hear about your experience with the hospital. I agree 100% that I would rather deal with women dr.s. The communication is that much better with them I have found.

Here's to a brave Hudson and we are sending lots of prayers your way!

Allison said...

Oh, Kim!!! I have been out of Blogland for a few days and was just catching up with you--sounds like you and the fam have been through a lot. Looks like you are keeping strong. I marvel at how you came out of that situation havig kept your head on straight AND be reflective!

Tales of a Peanut said...

I'm so glad you're home, but sorry Hudson and y'all are having to go through this! We'll keep praying!

Em said...

Wow, what a story! We care about your reveal but more about you and your family ;) Still praying for you!

Lea Ann said...

So glad to hear that Hudson is doing better. Hope he continues to heal. We'll be praying for your family!

Dana D said...

I'm so glad that y'all are home and things are looking better!

You have a way with words! I thought I was the only one on this side of the pond that uses the word 'wanker'! Loved it!

joelandbecca said...

So sorry and so interesting. I had never even heard of that before! Not like I know medicine or anything! ha that is the biggest joke ever. But still. Best of luck with the steroids meds and such. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

pve design said...

Kim-
checkin on you and I am glad you are finally home.
love to send you and your family a care package.
happy turkey ----
Patricia

Megan L Hutchings said...

I am so glad that you guys are home! I can only imagine how crazy last week was, but I hope that in time things improve.

We had to take Vance to the BIG hospital once and it always makes you more nervous!!!

Kim Hancock said...

Ugh!!! So sorry you had to go through all of that...at least you had some friends to help you out! We'll put you in our prayers!

Sunni at The Flying Mum said...

I'm so glad Hudson will be on the way to remission in a few months. Praying for a smooth few months of steroids, etc. You are SUPER MOM!

Anonymous said...

Wow,(u don't know me, obviously) that was really kind of touching. r u a writer?u should be!

Wendy said...

OMG I have to check your blog more often... I am glad you are home and Hudson is ok...

Lauren said...

Your experience has taught me to be more thankful and more generous...you never know why God gives you what He does, but you can bet there are lessons in the experience for everyone involved!