Another Week at CMH

Isaac had a third episode of SVT in 24 hours on Monday afternoon.  We were able to bring his heart rate down with the ice packs, but this was just too much.  We called the cardiologist, and they decided to admit him again to change his medication.  We were admitted Monday evening and started his new medicine (amiodarone) right away.  Because of his fever and cold symptoms, we were isolated to a private room--great to have privacy, but tough keeping a toddler in one room for days!  By Wednesday, Isaac was diagnosed with pneumonia, and they convinced us to give him an IV for fluids.  He wasn't eating or sleeping much in the hospital, which certainly wasn't helping any of us. 

We were so appreciative of our friends, Lindsey and Carrie.  They both work at CMH, so they stopped by with coffee, take-out, toys for Isaac and conversation breaks for Melissa!  We also discovered the amazing volunteers at CMH.  They stopped by to bring Isaac fresh toys and videos and even entertained him while Melissa got a quick shower.  Someday, we'll volunteer at a children's hospital to payback.

On Friday, we were released to home.  Isaac was fever free and doing well on his new medication.  We were sent home with both meds, but plan to take him off the first medicine soon.  We spent the weekend (including Melissa's birthday today) relaxing and getting back to normal.  Dave made an amazing fudge cake and we had a low-key celebration.  Isaac is so happy to be back home.  He's eating and sleeping well and should kick this pneumonia soon!

Another Hospital Stay for Isaac

Isaac woke up on the 21st with a fever.  We didn't think much of it, but he gradually got a cough throughout the day.  Apparently, his SVT episodes happen more often when he has a fever or is sick.  He had an episode Sunday afternoon.  Dave and I discovered it (with the help of our new oximeter) and were able to bring his heart rate down in just 2 tries with the ice packs.  He went to bed Sunday night without a fever, so we thought he was doing better.  However, he woke up crying at 4:30am in SVT.  We tried 3 times, but could not bring his heart rate down.  So, we packed up and drove to Children's Memorial ER.  Luckily, it wasn't quite rush hour yet.  The ER was a little scary (and like deja vous for Mommy), but they got his heart rate down in one attempt.  We were sent home on Motrin fairly quickly.  We all stayed home and tried to get some rest on Monday, but didn't really.  Isaac wouldn't really nap.  He had another SVT in the afternoon.  Once we got him out of it, we called our Cardiologist.  They wanted to admit him to the hospital to adjust his medications.  Three episodes in 24 hours was a bit much for Dave and I, so we agreed.

We were admitted on Monday evening.  The plan was to start Isaac on a new medication right away and slowly decrease his previous medication.  We got a portable cardiac monitor, but he was put on isolation due to the flu symptoms.  Keeping a toddler in one room for a few days was not easy!  We argued with multiple doctors about not placing an IV in him "just in case".  We finally won the debate!  We did not need one more thing for him to pick at. 

None of us enjoyed the hospital.  We couldn't both miss work all week, so Melissa stayed with Isaac most nights, while Dave worked a couple days.  Sleeping in the room with Isaac meant neither of us slept much.  Lots of interuptions for medications, blood draws, EKGs, and vital checks.  Dave spent Wednesday night in the room with Isaac, so Melissa could sleep in a lounge upstairs and get some much needed sleep.  Isaac only slept ~8 hours each night and rarely took naps during the day, so he gradually became soooooo overtired.  We finally had to put in an IV to get him some fluids, which helped him sleep.  He was diagnosed with pneumonia during the week, but adjusted to the new medicine well and was able to go home by Friday.  Now, two medicines each day and trying to get back to normal.

Special thanks to Melissa's friends, Carrie, Lindsey, and Katherine, who brought coffee, toys for Isaac, and stopped by to visit!  It was just the break we needed when we don't have family around town. 

Fever = couple SVT episodes

Yesterday, Isaac woke up with a fever.  He has some mild cold symptoms, so we didn't think too much of it.  However, in the afternoon he seemed crankier than usual, so we checked his heart rate.  It was racing.  We used the ice packs and got him out of it on the second try. 

He woke up at 4am screaming.  We ran in and checked his heart rate.  SVT again.  We tried the ice three times and couldn't slow it down.  So, we went to the ER at Children's Memorial Hospital.  They slowed his heart down pretty quickly, and we hung out for a little while for observation.  Now, we're all trying to catch some rest.  I guess the fever really raises his risk for SVT, so we're giving him Motrin on schedule until he's completely better.

Playing in the Snow

What a better Valentine's Day than playing in the snow with my sweetie, Isaac?  He loved walking around the backyard in the deep snow.

My Pockets!

Playing with Daddy's "puter"

Making Oatmeal Cookies

Isaac's teachers have told us that he loves baking, so we made oatmeal cookies.  He really loved pouring ingredients, stirring, and watching them bake.  I think he liked making the cookies more than eating them!