Sunday, August 23, 2009

Update on Ryan

As I've had 10's of people asking for an update........

Here's what we came home from the hospital with:

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Yep, our own personal Panda bear nebulizer. Just what Ryan always wanted. Basically, we went in, the doctor listened to his breathing for a minute and immediately ordered a breathing treatment for him. He hated it. I mean, really hated it. She came back in afterwards and said he had responded well to it and had the nurse bring our panda in to take home (evidently this is common place to have one of these and our insurance supposedly pays for it? We'll see, been unimpressed with Kaiser so far...). Anyway, I have been giving him breathing treatments every 5 hours, as well as an oral steroid once a day. Just a side note, he also had a really bad diaper rash...turns out, it was a fungal rash and diaper cream never would have killed it. So clearly, Ryan was having a good day.

(To recap, couldn't breathe, hurt to sit, poop etc...good day).

Ryan's gotten pretty used to his breathing treatments. He used to fight it and I would have to hold the mask on him, now I can use the strap and have my hands free to rub his back or read a book to him. Much more pleasant for all involved I must say. He actually brought his mask to me tonight before bed. I guess he just feels a lot better afterwards?? Has anyone ever heard of a kid asking for a breathing treatment?? Weird. Here's my sweet boy during one of the earlier ones...thus the red eyes of crying before resigning himself to it.

8 comments:

The Levy's said...

Hannah has one - not a Panda, but we call it the nebulization station. Basically it's the feeding chair from when I breastfed her in our room. She sits there now (at first was just like Ryan at about the same age, give or take a few months) and takes it like a champ while watching a cartoon - try it = it's like a dream come true! I feel so bad for him - hope he feels better soon! :) Let me know if I can do anything to help!

Tena-Maria Sarabia said...

Hey Janelle,

Diego was diagnosed with asthma about 2 1/2 years ago and did nebulizer treatments twice a day with a steroid in it and every 4-6 hours as needed with a different medication. Once he got old enough, they switched him to an inhaler. Now he takes that twice a day and also takes a pill for it. I am well versed in this stuff...if you need any info, let me know or if you just need to vent about it...I have been through it so I will listen. It is heartbreaking at times...but for the better. Diego used to hysterically cry himself through it...we then got smart and cranked his favorite show up really loud (over the noise of the nebulizer) and he was happy. Good luck. Thinking of you guys!

Carrie said...

The bright side is that Ryan must feel so much better now (obviously, if he was asking for the treatment!) I'm so sorry you have to keep dealing with sickness- hopefully this will solve a lot of the problems! You are such a good mommy...

Leslie said...

Thanks for the update! I'm glad he is getting some relief from all his ailments!!

One of my friend's son has asthma... diagnosed early (like before he turned one). She lets him watch cartoons only during treatments and turns it off if he takes his mask off. He sits there so well now!

Julia Bennett said...

Glad to hear the doctor was able to help out. Alyssa has been on her nebulizer off and on since she was 2 months old. She likes the mask now. It's no fun, but it sure seems to help her a lot.

Unknown said...

We had to pay about $120 for the one our hospital said "your insurance will cover it." Wish I could've mailed you ours since we never use it. Got it that scary week Parker had temp of 104 all week and he had to go to hospital for tests. turned out... just a virus. Praying that Ryan is feeling better.

Tate Family said...

Oh, sweetheart...I'm probably one of the few who can truly identify and relate. :( It is torture, but yes, they get used to it and start to willingly take it (no more crying). We borrowed the nebulizer so much that the medical company basically said, you've paid enough, keep it. HA! Keeping you in my prayers, girl. :(

Gil House said...

hang in there, friend!!! we are so sorry!!! love and hugs to you all ...