DS is in hospital :(

[NomDeClavier]

DS (2) has just been admitted with breathing difficulties. He has a cough and temp then this morning he couldn't breathe properly and was just coughing so much he couldn't catch his breath so we went up to the hospital. They have him 3 masks full of something to help but his sats were still only 88%. He's had a chest x-ray and is on oxygen but I'm scared. I don't know what's wrong.

He's not been in hospital before. I don't know what to do :( DH is here but he's going to have to go back to work. What do I need to get him to get for me for this evening?

Something for you to eat, they won't provide food for you. Any comforters ds has, a good book/trashy mag for when he is asleep, pillow for you a change of clothes for you both and a wash bag.

It's horrid isn't it ds had similar from 3 months up till 2 ish. Hope he feels better soon.

Oh Nom :(

Ok, so for you, you need:
(assuming you may stay in)
fresh t-shirt (poss underwear if you can be bothered)
deodorant
toothbrush & toothpaste
book/phone/charger
snack food
bottles of water/other drinks
a pillow (hosp ones are normally shite)

for DS:
spare pjs (poss 2 pairs if he's being sick? ideally with buttons so no need to go over head if he's got mask on)
toothbrush/paste if you cba
toys/comforters/blanket/fave books/anything to cheer him up
food & drinks as above

I do hope his sats pick up soon, DS2 has gone into hosp in similar circs because of his asthma, it's scary but it sounds like he's in the best place. Keep calm and all that

I'd also ask your dp to bring you a notebook to write any questions you think of for drs and for lists for dp. phone charger, ipad etc are also handy

It is scary, but please don't be too scared. Those sats (the 88%) mean he is only just not coping by himself and he needs a little oxygen to help him. In addition, breathing is something that professionals are very good at supporting and, even if he deteriorates, there is a lot more intervention that they can do with him still being absolutely fine in the end.

2.5 years ago, our five week old was admitted with breathing difficulties, sats 72% and not able to manage his blood gases (potentially much more serious). He spent a couple of days in intensive care, which were two of the worst days of my life, but he got better very quickly and was perfect within about a week.

Sometimes it takes longer to get them right but they always (well 99.99% of the time) manage it in the end. Two year olds are very strong. They go down quickly but recover quickly too.

Nothing to add to the experts on the practical front.

Hope he gets better soon.

The others have said pretty much everything about what is needed on a practical front.

If you are worried then please ask the staff, they are there to look after you as much as your son.

It is scary the first time they are admitted but try not to worry to much. Its easier said than done I know DS has had over 25 visits to hopsital and I still worry!

I don't know how some of you cope. This one visit is enough!

He's doing better but with all the wires and tubes it's not hugely reassuring. Apparently he has pneumonia. Feck knows where he picked that up in April!

At least you know what your dealing with now. Have they given him antibiotics or do they think its viral?

Good to have a reason, IYKWIM.
Hopefully the treatment will work quickly, it's true that kids do go downhill quickly but equally come back up quickly too.

Oh Nom! At least they know what they are dealing with. Fingers crossed he will be on the mend in no time.

Hey Nom, nothing useful from me other than moral support.

Hope he bounces back quickly. x

How is he, Nom? How are you?

Hope he's ok, it's good they're taking it seriously, he's getting great treatment by the sounds of things.

Ds had pneumonia not long after dd was born - it was the worst few days of my life but once he started on antibiotics and we knew what we were dealing with it was so, so much better. His was a complication of swine flu. Whilst you're in ask the consultant if he should get the flu jab in future years.

He's on antibiotics but seems to have got worse since we came in. I've no idea how we'd have dealt with this at home. He's struggling to maintain 90% even on oxygen and I've lost count of how many Darth Vader moments.

His temp is really high as well and he just wants cuddles but is too hot.

I'm tired but holding up. The camp bed thing is surprisingly comfy, not that I'm allowed more than half and hour on it at a time!

I just want it to be morning so DH can come back.

hope he better soon. Is he on steroids? - they can interrupt his sleep.

From the masks you said, sounds like salbutamol nebulisers? They can lower potassium and give leg cramps so if he likes bananas feed him them to help that.

Best wishes x

Oooh thanks for the banana tip. Yes, they've been giving him salbutamol.

No steroids, yet. If this is undisturbed sleep I'm dreading the steroids.

Oh nom, my experience with pneumonia (my little sister many years ago) is once the antibs kick in they get back to normal really quickly. Poor you on a camp bed. ((((Hugs))))

When dd1 had pneumonia she was worse after she'd started the antibiotics (well the ones that worked anyway). The doctor did say that was normal, because it was losening the blockage so she sounded much worse.
Hope he's better soon.

How are you all getting on?

I second what Dewe said, it gets worse due to the mucus loosening and coming off the chest. I bet in a day or two the sats shoot right back up.

We're in hosp at the moment for IV antibiotics too - although as we do this regularly its like a second home. Make sure you remember to eat (very easy to forget) as you'll need your energy.

Hope your DS feels the improvements soon x

How is he and you Nom??