One Week with RSV

     On Thursday, January 16, 2014 Benjamin seemed to get a little stuffy nose, by the following evening of the 17th he was admitted to ER after having difficulty breathing, stomach expanding and ribs contracting. He tested positive for RSV, a respiratory infection fatal in 500 out of 120,000 children under 3 months of age annually. He was placed on oxygen and a monitor and we were told all we could do was wait. 

     After a sleepless weekend of struggling to keep his oxygen level up with very rapid breathing he was transported to a larger facility with an ICU for infants. Both Charity and I were already exhausted and becoming ill from lack of sleep and the stress of constant tension. We asked for help from family and what a Godsend. 

    Upon arriving in ICU Benjamin was placed on high flow oxygen, monitored closed and some fluid removed. As he began to improve Emma, already with a persistent cough, began to have a fever. A 2 year old that that is not well wants her Mommy, who is not able to be with her. This is difficult. 

    Charity, not able to feed Benjamin, experienced at least 3 blockages, 1 of which turned to mastitis causing fever. Excruciating. Thankfully The Lord allowed this to pass, Charity is now feeling much better 

     Last night Benjamin (the night of Thursday, January 23), after improving all day yesterday, came close to lung failure. To avoid crisis an intubator and feeding tube was inserted and he is sedated to avoid coughing or fighting the tubes. Several times today he has coughed up fluid and began choking, with alarms going off and a little body arching to fight for breath the moments have been....difficult. 

    Also, last night our Emma had a fever of 102 and ear infections and cried for much of the night. Thankfully we were able to get her to see a doctor today. She is going through a very difficult time and Mommy and Daddy cannot be there for her as we would expect to be. She is cared for as well, but the separation, as we spend much time at the hospital, is as difficult for our family as the illness. 

     On the way back from the dr.'s office the window to the car froze open in the 15 degree weather, requiring a drive with Emma wrapped in blankets. Upon returning to the house the door would not open, requiring an hour wait in the car before help arrived.

    We are thankful for the little things as the big things seem so large. There is much more to the story but the telling of it is not necessary, we are simply look toward deliverance, praying that God would give us the strength each minute. Your encouragement and prayers have been such a blessing, and your prayers are a special gift. 

     

- Nathaniel