Hotel Rady

Hello....we are writing to you all from our lovely room at Rady Children's Hospital. Kali has been admitted once again for RSV, similar to our experience in early 2011. The diagnosis was confirmed today and we have been banned from having a roommate since it is viral. We even have a giant green sign on our door that warns everyone about taking extra precautions.  We are not sure how she got it, but 'tis the season for colds and flu..

In our waiting time, Matt created this video for Kali's viewing pleasure. She loved it, so we hope you enjoy it too.

Relief In The Sauna

We saw Kalista's pediatrician yesterday for her follow-up visit from our trip to the ER. Her lungs sound clear and her oxygen saturation is good, so there is no need to admit her to Children's at this point. From talking to Dr. Berent, RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) is a one of those illnesses that vary so greatly in how it affects kids. Some kids kick it in one day, some a week, and some get admitted to the hospital. We asked some questions and found out there is no vaccine/immunization shot yet, but there is a shot of antibodies called Synagis to prevent RSV and it is a mighty expensive one at that...something like $1000 per a vial. Ouch! So if you are reading this and want to retire early....develop that vaccine!

Kalista is doing much better today, but her cough is still a little chunky sounding. We added in some sauna treatments in our bathroom yesterday and it made a world of difference. So... we hope this helps get rid of all the junk that is stuck in her chest today. Kalista got the deluxe spa treatment while she sat in her tub and we steamed up the room. She even got bubble blowing and a massage...what a lucky gal!

Darn Those Sniffles!!!

Kalista's sniffles took a turn for the worst last night. She went to bed around 10 pm and woke up at midnight struggling to breathe. She was wheezing and working really hard to get a breath. Jen called the triage nurse at our pediatrician's office and they suggested that we call 911. What?!?!?? 911? We made the executive decision to drive to Children's ER ourselves with Kalista's medical binder in tow. We hopped in the car and we were at Rady Children's ER in 5 minutes. Thank goodness we live so close!

Kalista was seen within five minutes of checking in. She was suctioned and then deep suctioned because of her severe chest congestion. They ordered chest x-rays and a nose swab to see if she had RSV, which evidently is at an epidemic peak. It was good to see Kalista get some relief after they cleared all the mucous from her airways. By 3:30 am, we were discharged and Kalista was diagnosed with bronchiolitis from RSV....not pneumonia...whew! We were given an inhaler and nebulizer to help relieve her breathing issues and sent home to rest.

She is doing much better today and looks like she has a bit more energy. She is still rosy and not the same 'ol energetic gal...but we are on the mend.