Frequent Flyers

Because Spencer and I had so much fun during our first hospital stay (jaundice), we decided to have another go at it. Only this time we stayed for three nights instead of just one! On Friday morning, as Jay and Ben were getting ready to go to Sugarloaf, I noticed that Spencer felt too warm. We took a temp and he was 101.5. I called the doctor's office & they suggested I bring him in and scheduled me for a 3 o'clock appointment that afternoon. Jay and I decided that Jay and Ben should still go to Sugarloaf because Ben had been so excited to go. If something came up with Spencer, Sugarloaf isn't THAT far away! So off they went!
As the afternoon progressed, I noticed Spencer wasn't feeling quite so warm so I took another temperature and it had dropped to 99.5. I debated about keeping the doctor's appointment, but I loaded Spencer up in the car & headed to the hospital anyway. When they took his temp there it was back up over 101 and he was acting really fussy and uncomfortable. The doctor checked him out and decided to confer with the pediatric hospitalist, who wanted Spencer to be admitted for tests. Their argument was simply that it would be way more of a hassle to get these tests done as an out-patient (they wanted blood work and a possible chest x-ray), so Spencer and I headed over to our hospital room.
By this time Spencer was really acting like he didn't feel well- grunting and almost moaning, so I started to worry. When the doctors finally came into the room they were wearing gowns and masks and explained that they had to take these precautions until they knew what was going on. I answered questions and they checked Spencer out. Then the doctor explained what tests they wanted to run: blood work, urinalysis, and a lumbar puncture for spinal fluid (okay, even though Jay had warned me that they would probably want to do an "LP"-- it still totally freaked me out). In addition, they wanted to place an IV so they could start meds up as soon as they knew anything. I was given the option to join the 2 doctors, the nurse, and Spencer in the "treatment room" (not a spa here, people) for the test, but I was encouraged (not that I needed it) to spend a little time by myself- get a cup of coffee or something to eat- while they did their work. Yeah, they didn't have to suggest THAT twice. I stayed in the room and had my first of many hospital meals while I waited. Spencer came back an hour later, not crying, but looking haggard-- I can only imagine what he went through...
I'll interject here that the doctor we saw, and who performed the LP and other tests, is awesome. The best pediatrician I've ever met. I totally trusted him immediately and when Jay heard who the doc was that we would be seeing, he was very pleased as well.
So we hunkered down while the lab tried to grow cultures from Spencer's various bodily fluids. I was sure we'd be going home the next day... Well, apparently it takes time-- days, in fact-- to grow things, or to be sure that things aren't going to grow. So we cuddled and rocked, and Spencer was given IV fluids, 2 IV antibiotics, and an IV antiviral. These people were not messing around with a fever in a 4-week old.
Long story not quite as long- Spencer has a urinary tract infection. His spinal fluid and blood did not grow any cultures, and his urine grew some...thing. So after two nights at CMMC, they narrowed his meds down to just one antibiotic and fluids (he was still breastfeeding and producing wet/soiled diapers which made all the adults happy). And after the third night the IV was taken out all together and we were sent home with a prescription for another antibiotic. I should mention here that Spencer continues to be fussy and has... digestion issues (colic?), so we're still trying to figure that out. However, he seems to be feeling better and we're scheduled for a follow up with his primary care physician on Thursday where we'll discuss the possibility of having an ultrasound (to make sure he has two average-sized and seemingly well-functioning kidneys) and some test that I can't remember the name of that looks for 'reflux' of urine into the bladder/kidneys. He already has reflux on the top end, now we have to look for it on the other side too? Poor little man.
Anyway, we scooted out of the hospital on Monday afternoon and I am SOOOOO glad to be home. My own bed never felt so good. I missed my other boys (Ben and Jay) and am looking forward to enjoying some of this nice weather we've been having.
Thanks to all who called/emailed/commented on Facebook-- it was nice knowing people were sending healing thoughts Spencer's way. Very much appreciated.