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.