Addison's hospital stay

Unfortunately, Addison had to be hospitalized! She hadn't been feeling well for about a week, just real fussy, sleepy, and a low grade fever. She wasn't eating well or being her normal self. We had a trip planned to fly to my sister's, and so a few days before we left, I decided I better take her to the doctor to make sure she didn't have an ear infection or something. So, in we went. They checked her out and her ear, lungs, everything seemed fine. They suspected more though, as she wasn't right and sent us to the Emergency Room. There they suggested it could be meningitis, encephalitis, a brain tumor...all kinds of things you don't want to hear them say. They were so fast and began ordering tests. I had called Micheal from the doctor office to let him know what was going on as I had Parker with me too. So Micheal worked his way out of work, and by the time he got there they had already done a Cat scan, a urine sample, a blood sample, started an IV, and did a lumbar puncture. All that was left was a chest x-ray. After that, they admitted us into the ICU while we waiting for the test results to come back. They said some of the blood cultures and spinal fluid cultures would take 48 hours before we would know anything. They started anti-viral and antibiotics right away as a way to start treatment for anything it could be. After 2 days and a night in the ICU and another night and day on the pediatric floor, we were released.

Turns out she had a mild viral meningitis and a UTI. The UTI led to an ultrasound of her kidneys and bladder, which led to further testing as they could see an abnormality on her kidneys. We have already started to follow-up with that and found out that she has 2 ureters on her right kidney...the tubes that drain into her bladder...and you are only supposed to have one. Hers also reflux, meaning it goes back to the kidney. This may or may not have caused the UTI. It's a really common issue, 1 in 100 children have this abnormality. We are still waiting to see what if any further treatment she will need.

Now is back to 100%, it took her a good couple of weeks to recover, but is back to her self and back to her routine. Thanks to God for healing her, thank you to everyone for all your prayers and support. It was scary seeing her so sick and tiny, and not knowing what she had.

Addison right after she had her IV inserted. She was a good trooper in the hospital. Mostly because I think she was too sick to fight and complain. She did cry, but would calm as soon as mommy or daddy held her close again. She got to the point where if a nurse or doctor even walked in the room she would wake and start to cry. This was in the ER.

Finally resting in the ICU.

Parker did so wonderful in the hospital. He was quiet and patient. He was so cooperative and did great while I comforted Addison during her tests. Later, some great people from church helped us occupy him with play dates so that he could get some time out to play and Micheal and I could focus on Addison.

Daddy and Addison, in the ICU. She really just wanted to be held all the time.

Finally, Addison started feeling better! This was like at midnight! Mommy was exhausted, but she was wide awake and so interested in playing, so I of course let her. She was released the next day to go home and rest, and we were cleared to go on our trip! Yay!