We're At The Hospital!
I took Zinabu to the hospital yesterday morning and they spent a few hours hydrating him and doing blood work. He has an infection so they admitted him. Last night was really tough, as I was pushing through my 3rd night with little sleep. At one point his fever was 104 and I was crying because I felt so helpless. There I was with my Amharic phrasebook, and there is no way to look up "You're in the hospital and they have to stick IVs in your arm and run crazy tests on you but it's OK." I speak to him in short, comforting phrases...and he loves when I hold him. But the pediatric ward is depressing, and I can't leave the room because he's so contagious. The nurses are very kind, but on the whole the staff treats Zinabu like he's E.T. Since he's from Africa and has not had vaccinations, they ran probably 30 tests on him. They even stuck a tube down his throat to suck up mucus from his lungs. I hate this! The endless hours of fevers and vomiting are not going away. Please pray for me--that I not get sick! Please pray for Zinabu to make a very speedy recovery and that he can come home soon. Blessings!
8 comments:
Cathy-
Our good thoughts are with you and your family during this very worrisome, exhausting time. Hoping that Zinabu gets better soon and you avoid getting ill.
Oh Cathy, I have been checking your blog and the forum constantly for an update. I hate it's not a better one. Please know that my entire household is praying for you all. That poor baby. Praying, praying, praying that this is all over soon. Try to take good care.
Cathy,
You don't know me but I've been following your blog and wanted to offer my support. A very similiar thing happened when we adopted our first son. Our first day he spiked a 104 fever and started having febrile seizures. It is so hard to comfort a child when they haven't yet learned to trust you and it is heartbreaking as the mom to watch how terrified and alone your child can feel. I'm sorry you are having to go through this. I will be praying for you and Zinabu. The day will come when this feels like a distant memory, but in the meantime I pray for strength for you and healing for Zinabu.
blessings,
Heather
Cathy,
From a mother's perspective, I feel dizzy just reading your blog. All those needs, fluids, catheters, tests. It's so hard as a parent to stand by and watch it all happening. And the fatigue...I remember it so well with my own transition with Mahalia. It's nauseating just remembering it.
From my pediatric medical perspective...I can confidently say that he will recover-and very soon. All those blood tests, urine tests, stool tests, etc will point his doctors in a direction that allows them to treat this succesesfully. In the meantime, the fluids he is getting should support the rest of his body to handle the illness without further complications. Most likely you will not get the illness he has because you've already developed an immunity to it. He's experiencing all kinds of new contaminants through food and water that your system, along with Lilly and Carver's already recognizes. Zinabu's system is in a state of confusion and shock but with time will readjust nicely.
Regardless of the lack of common words you share with Zinabu, your mother eyes and gentle touch speak everything he needs to understand right now-that you will always take care of him. I bet he knew that the first time he met you.
Hang in there girl...days with vomit and diarrhea and without lots and lots of tears are right around the corner.
Your in my thoughts and prayers,
Katherine
we're praying
Dear Cathy and Dave,
Please know we are praying for all of you. Lean on Jesus--He will hold you up when you can't stand alone.
Cindy S.
You must be exhausted -- I can't imagine. And poor little Zinabu. How frightening for him.
I hope you're able to stay healthy -- and I hope Zinabu turns a corner soon. Thinking of you and sending virtual casseroles and cups of tea and hugs!
Cathy,
My prayers are with you and your family. This is such a hard time without the sickness. It's a big adjustment. Hang in there because I know it's not going to be this way forever. May God heal your little boy quickly and reveal mysteries to the doctors. Much love,
Heather
Post a Comment