As many of you know, we spent the New Year at Children’s Hospital Plano with Colton after he had emergency surgery for a ruptured appendix. Here is the story. It is long, but we wanted to have it documented.
Monday, December 26th
When Colton woke up, we could tell he did not feel well. He was whimpering and kind of lethargic. He had a low grade fever as well. He then began to throw up. I called the pediatrician and made an appointment for later that morning. He only got sick 4 times but you could tell he really did not feel well. The pediatrician said it was most likely a stomach virus and to keep him hydrated. Later that day his fever got to a high of 102.6. We called the after hours nurse and she told us things to watch for and to call the doctor in the morning. We were able to keep fluids in him and the fever did not get any higher. We stayed up all night to monitor him to make sure he was ok.
Tuesday, December 27th
There was not much change in Colton, so I called and made an appointment with the pediatrician for that afternoon. He was still lethargic and did not want to walk or really get up. We continued to push the fluids. Colton then started having diarrhea. When it was close to appointment time, his fever broke, he sat up, played and walked for the first time since Sunday. He seemed to be doing better, so we called to see if we should still come in. The nurse said since he seemed better and appeared to be following the pattern of a nasty stomach bug we did not need to come in. We did not want to drag him in since he was resting comfortably and doing better. The nurse told us things to watch for and to call in the morning. That night, his fever came back and his tummy felt rock hard. He was in obvious pain any time he moved or was picked up. Again, we closely monitored his symptoms throughout the night.
Wednesday, December 28th
He still had a low grade fever when we woke up. He had not eaten since Sunday afternoon and had more than 8 diarrhea diapers in 24 hours. Both of these were things the nurse told us to watch for. We were not comfortable with his pain and the hardness of his tummy. We called the pediatrician first thing and they got us in at 9 am. My “mommy gut” was telling me something was really wrong! I had suspected something since Tuesday, but thought I might be being paranoid. I knew it was right when Jeff had the same feeling and concern. The pediatrician examined Colton and was not comfortable with his pain as well, so she decided to send us to Children’s Hospital (Plano) for further testing to make sure we were not missing anything. We left and went straight to the ER where they were expecting us. We got checked in and they started him on an iv immediately. He was so sick that it really did not bother him, which is a bad sign. Then we went and got an x-ray and ultrasound. The radiologist determined the ultrasound was inconclusive, so they ordered a more detailed ct scan with contrast. To get the contrast in Colton quickly, they had to put a tube down his nose…horrible! Not long after the scan, the ER doctor came in and informed us he would need to be admitted and have emergency surgery because they suspected a ruptured appendix. What?? In a 21 month old?? We were in shock and terrified! If it was not the appendix, surgery would identify the problem causing fluid in his tummy.
They took us to the pre op room and surgery was set for 5:45 pm. We met with the surgeon and anesthesiologist and soon it was time to take him back. The worst feeling ever was watching them wheel our baby back to the OR, I completely lost it. The surgery took about an hour and a half, or forever to us! The surgeon came out and told us he did great and is in recovery. She confirmed that it was a ruptured appendix and his abdomen was full of pus/fluid causing a nasty infection. She said be prepared to be there awhile and he was really sick. We were so relieved he was out of the OR and still completely in shock by the whole situation. They took us back to the recovery room to see him and it was overwhelming. We have never been so happy to see our baby, so relieved and thankful. After he woke up a little they moved us to the ICU for the rest of the night, and it was a long night. They were frequently in checking vitals, giving meds, and doing lab work. They even had to put a catheter back in since he would not empty his bladder which was not fun. Finally around 4am, we were able to get some rest for about 3 hours.
Monday, December 26th
When Colton woke up, we could tell he did not feel well. He was whimpering and kind of lethargic. He had a low grade fever as well. He then began to throw up. I called the pediatrician and made an appointment for later that morning. He only got sick 4 times but you could tell he really did not feel well. The pediatrician said it was most likely a stomach virus and to keep him hydrated. Later that day his fever got to a high of 102.6. We called the after hours nurse and she told us things to watch for and to call the doctor in the morning. We were able to keep fluids in him and the fever did not get any higher. We stayed up all night to monitor him to make sure he was ok.
Colton sleeping on Monday not feeling so well.
Tuesday, December 27th
There was not much change in Colton, so I called and made an appointment with the pediatrician for that afternoon. He was still lethargic and did not want to walk or really get up. We continued to push the fluids. Colton then started having diarrhea. When it was close to appointment time, his fever broke, he sat up, played and walked for the first time since Sunday. He seemed to be doing better, so we called to see if we should still come in. The nurse said since he seemed better and appeared to be following the pattern of a nasty stomach bug we did not need to come in. We did not want to drag him in since he was resting comfortably and doing better. The nurse told us things to watch for and to call in the morning. That night, his fever came back and his tummy felt rock hard. He was in obvious pain any time he moved or was picked up. Again, we closely monitored his symptoms throughout the night.
Wednesday, December 28th
He still had a low grade fever when we woke up. He had not eaten since Sunday afternoon and had more than 8 diarrhea diapers in 24 hours. Both of these were things the nurse told us to watch for. We were not comfortable with his pain and the hardness of his tummy. We called the pediatrician first thing and they got us in at 9 am. My “mommy gut” was telling me something was really wrong! I had suspected something since Tuesday, but thought I might be being paranoid. I knew it was right when Jeff had the same feeling and concern. The pediatrician examined Colton and was not comfortable with his pain as well, so she decided to send us to Children’s Hospital (Plano) for further testing to make sure we were not missing anything. We left and went straight to the ER where they were expecting us. We got checked in and they started him on an iv immediately. He was so sick that it really did not bother him, which is a bad sign. Then we went and got an x-ray and ultrasound. The radiologist determined the ultrasound was inconclusive, so they ordered a more detailed ct scan with contrast. To get the contrast in Colton quickly, they had to put a tube down his nose…horrible! Not long after the scan, the ER doctor came in and informed us he would need to be admitted and have emergency surgery because they suspected a ruptured appendix. What?? In a 21 month old?? We were in shock and terrified! If it was not the appendix, surgery would identify the problem causing fluid in his tummy.
Colton in the ER after having all the test run. So Sad!
They took us to the pre op room and surgery was set for 5:45 pm. We met with the surgeon and anesthesiologist and soon it was time to take him back. The worst feeling ever was watching them wheel our baby back to the OR, I completely lost it. The surgery took about an hour and a half, or forever to us! The surgeon came out and told us he did great and is in recovery. She confirmed that it was a ruptured appendix and his abdomen was full of pus/fluid causing a nasty infection. She said be prepared to be there awhile and he was really sick. We were so relieved he was out of the OR and still completely in shock by the whole situation. They took us back to the recovery room to see him and it was overwhelming. We have never been so happy to see our baby, so relieved and thankful. After he woke up a little they moved us to the ICU for the rest of the night, and it was a long night. They were frequently in checking vitals, giving meds, and doing lab work. They even had to put a catheter back in since he would not empty his bladder which was not fun. Finally around 4am, we were able to get some rest for about 3 hours.
Colton in the recovery room after surgery.
Colton in ICU. After surgery he got the adorable surgery teddy bear in his crib.
Thursday, December 29th
The doctors came in and said he looked good and we would be able to move to a regular room that day. That was a relief. He slept most of the day. Since he was going to be in the hospital for a while he was going to need iv nutrition and lots of iv meds (three kinds of antibiotics). They decided to put a pic line in to be able to give all the meds and draw blood easier than the iv in his hand. The pic line is a little more permanent, reliable, and allows for quicker absorption of nutrition and medicines. In order to put this in, he would have to go back to the OR. This is a simple and quick procedure, but we hated to send him back under anesthesia. We knew this is what needed to be done though. It went smoothly and after the procedure we went to the regular room. Colton was pretty agitated and upset when he woke up this time from the anesthesia and it was heartbreaking seeing him that way. I held him and he settled down. At about midnight he woke up, sat up and started talking to the stuffed animals in his crib. We were so excited to see a glimpse of our little boy! He was awake for a little while and then finally went back to sleep. He would wake up frequently asking for me and wanting me to hold his hand. He had to be so scared.
Friday, December 30th
Colton seemed so much better today! Little did we know this was the “honeymoon” day after surgery where they seem better than they really are. He got up and walked for the first time since Sunday and we even took a trip to the playroom where he played for about an hour. He played in his crib and seemed to be in good spirits. He was really clingy to me and only wanted me to hold him. I could not leave his sight or he would get upset. We were so excited to see Colton coming back!
The doctors came in and said he looked good and we would be able to move to a regular room that day. That was a relief. He slept most of the day. Since he was going to be in the hospital for a while he was going to need iv nutrition and lots of iv meds (three kinds of antibiotics). They decided to put a pic line in to be able to give all the meds and draw blood easier than the iv in his hand. The pic line is a little more permanent, reliable, and allows for quicker absorption of nutrition and medicines. In order to put this in, he would have to go back to the OR. This is a simple and quick procedure, but we hated to send him back under anesthesia. We knew this is what needed to be done though. It went smoothly and after the procedure we went to the regular room. Colton was pretty agitated and upset when he woke up this time from the anesthesia and it was heartbreaking seeing him that way. I held him and he settled down. At about midnight he woke up, sat up and started talking to the stuffed animals in his crib. We were so excited to see a glimpse of our little boy! He was awake for a little while and then finally went back to sleep. He would wake up frequently asking for me and wanting me to hold his hand. He had to be so scared.
Colton resting after having the pic line put in. You can see it on his arm. 
The IV machine with everything Colton was hooked up to. So much for such a little guy!
I love this picture of Colton's "glow toe" sticking out of the crib. This was to monitor his oxygen intake and pulse. Colton would keep calling it his "boo boo toe" and would play with it.
The IV machine with everything Colton was hooked up to. So much for such a little guy!I love this picture of Colton's "glow toe" sticking out of the crib. This was to monitor his oxygen intake and pulse. Colton would keep calling it his "boo boo toe" and would play with it.
This is when Colton woke up and sat up. You can tell his face is puffy from all the fluids they were giving him.
Friday, December 30th
Colton seemed so much better today! Little did we know this was the “honeymoon” day after surgery where they seem better than they really are. He got up and walked for the first time since Sunday and we even took a trip to the playroom where he played for about an hour. He played in his crib and seemed to be in good spirits. He was really clingy to me and only wanted me to hold him. I could not leave his sight or he would get upset. We were so excited to see Colton coming back!
Colton walking!
Here is a video of him walking. You can see how unstable and slow he was. We were just excited to see him up!
Our trip to the play room. It was a challenge to keep up with him and keep the lines untangled. This is why no toddler should be hooked up to ivs!
Here is a video of him walking. You can see how unstable and slow he was. We were just excited to see him up!Our trip to the play room. It was a challenge to keep up with him and keep the lines untangled. This is why no toddler should be hooked up to ivs!
Playing in the crib. So happy to see our little boy smile!
Saturday, December 31st
Well, they said this would be a 2 steps forward 1 step back process and they were right. Colton had a really bad day. We thought he wore himself out from playing yesterday and was really tired, which he was. He was not interested in anything really and just wanted me to hold him. Since it was a beautiful day and in the 70s, we decided to take Colton for a wagon ride outside. He seemed to enjoy it, but did not move a muscle and seemed so quiet. On our way back from the ride, he threw up. This was not good. The doctors were hoping he would not throw up. He ended up getting sick a second time when we got back to the room as well. They put us on a close watch that night and said if he got sick again they would put a suction tube down his nose to get the bile out. We did not want this because it would be so hard for him to deal with. Thank God he did not get sick again and we did not have to get the tube! It was a long scary day. That night he woke up about every 45 minutes or so calling for me. I would get up and lean over the crib and hold his hand or rub his hair. I was very close to just climbing in the crib to sleep with him! Another long night!
Sunday, January 1st
I asked the nurse this morning about getting a real bed that both Colton and I could sleep in so we could get some rest and they granted our wish. The doctors came in this morning and said yesterday was not surprising with how sick Colton was. They wanted us to try to give him sips of diluted juice…sips means putting ½ ounce an hour in a sippy cup. He drank this maybe 3 times today. He got up some and we went for a car ride in the halls. He wanted to go through restricted doors and when he couldn't, it lead to an all-out melt down in the hall. He was just so frustrated and confused. He played a little more in the room and napped on and off with me holding him. He had a few moments where he just seemed so confused and frustrated and would have a little fit.
What we were not ready for was the night. Apparently after major abdomen surgery you can experience horrible horrible gas pains. These happened for Colton that night. He would wake up like clockwork every hour to hour and a half screaming in pain. It took both Jeff and I to keep him safe when he got upset. He would thrash around and try to pull his pic line out. He would get on his hands and knees and rock and bang his head on the mattress. I would hold him and he would hit me and claw at me. It was the most heartbreaking thing to see! After the gas pain would pass, he would be so exhausted he would just fall right asleep until the next one came. Another long horrible night!
Monday, January 2nd
The doctors said it is so hard for them to communicate their pain and for them to explain gas pains, so what we went through the night before was not surprising and those can last 12 to 24 hours. He had a few more “episodes” that morning but each one seemed to get a little less severe. My face was covered in scratches from him hitting and clawing at me. Colton still only wanted me to hold him and I could not leave his sight. He played a little today, but overall seemed exhausted from the previous night. The doctors said to start letting him have more sips and increase them to 1 ounce to see if he can tolerate it. He did better with the fluids and had around 24 oz. They were happy he was keeping fluids down and said we could try a few crackers to see how we did. That night we pulled out some goldfish and he was so excited. He yelled “yay goldfish” and "yum!” He successfully ate about 15 goldfish and held them down! Tonight was much better and we all actually slept pretty good. Colton only woke up a few times to make sure I was right there and then went back to sleep thanks to being in bed with him.
Tuesday, January 3rd
After a much better night and Colton holding down fluids and the goldfish, we felt like we might have turned the corner. The doctors came in and said they were really happy with yesterday and how he was improving. They said to let him eat and drink what he wanted and see how he did. At his age he cannot over eat so they said if he asks for food or drink, do not restrict the amount. They also said he could have milk. So we ordered him breakfast and he ate some strawberries, cheerio’s and even a few bites of our bacon, and of course milk. You could tell he was happy to be eating! Since he ate breakfast well and was in taking adequate fluids, they decided to wean him off the iv nutrition that afternoon! WooHoo! That meant he could be disconnected from the iv machine except when getting antibiotics every 6-8 hours. This would be a new freedom for him to play without cords attached to him and us following him with the iv machine. When they unhooked him he looked at his arm and then at us and said “its off” with a grin. We were getting our baby back!! They said if he ate and drank well today we could go home either tomorrow or Thursday. The light at the end of the tunnel was beginning to shine! We tried a grilled cheese for lunch and he was not interested. He snacked and napped in the afternoon. He still only wanted me to hold him and I had to always be in his sight. This was such a challenge for me because I never got a break and it was hard to even just use the restroom. This was also frustrating for Jeff because he wanted to comfort Colton too. Neither of us left the hospital, let alone the room for longer than minutes at a time. We ordered him cheese pizza for diner and he ate some of that and was happy. The night went well again with him only waking up to reposition and to make sure I was there.
Wednesday, January 4th
We have now been in the hospital for a week! The doctors came in this morning and were so happy with how well he had been eating and drinking. They said if he ate a good breakfast we could go home! Oh we were so excited. We ordered breakfast and Colton was not really interested in it. We were frustrated, we were ready to go home but also wanted to make sure Colton was as well. So we just hung out and waited to try lunch. We ordered him chicken nuggets for lunch thinking he would be interested in that since he could dip it. We were right! He ate nuggets and baked lays chips and drank milk. The doctors and nurses were happy with that and gave us the green light to go home…finally!! They sent an ICU nurse up to take the pic line out and dress the site. Then they gave us discharge papers and sent us home with 2 antibiotics to give for seven more days. The long nightmare is over! On the way home I had to sit in the back with Colton so he would not be upset. He held my hand the whole way home and fell asleep. When Jeff got him out of his car seat, he didn’t even budge. He slept on Jeff for two hours before realizing he was home. We were all exhausted and done with being at the hospital.
Being home had it’s own challenges as well. He is still very clingy to me, which is very understandable. And he is not taking naps in the crib yet. Luckily he was happy to be in his bed and is doing good sleeping all night. He gets tired quickly and also gets upset at little things. He has been through a lot, so it will take a little while for him to get back to himself. We were so scared that after this ordeal our sweet little Colton would never be the same, but each day he becomes a little more like his old self.
We are so blessed and lucky everything went well and we have our baby at home on the mend. Children's Hospital was amazing and gave us the best care we could have asked for! We are thankful to our family that did so much for us during this week, from meals to getting our clothes to bringing us so much love and support. We are lucky to have such a good support group with our family and friends that helped however they could! We are also thankful for all the prayers we needed!
Well, they said this would be a 2 steps forward 1 step back process and they were right. Colton had a really bad day. We thought he wore himself out from playing yesterday and was really tired, which he was. He was not interested in anything really and just wanted me to hold him. Since it was a beautiful day and in the 70s, we decided to take Colton for a wagon ride outside. He seemed to enjoy it, but did not move a muscle and seemed so quiet. On our way back from the ride, he threw up. This was not good. The doctors were hoping he would not throw up. He ended up getting sick a second time when we got back to the room as well. They put us on a close watch that night and said if he got sick again they would put a suction tube down his nose to get the bile out. We did not want this because it would be so hard for him to deal with. Thank God he did not get sick again and we did not have to get the tube! It was a long scary day. That night he woke up about every 45 minutes or so calling for me. I would get up and lean over the crib and hold his hand or rub his hair. I was very close to just climbing in the crib to sleep with him! Another long night!
Colton on the wagon ride. You can see it in his face he was not feeling great.
Sunday, January 1st
I asked the nurse this morning about getting a real bed that both Colton and I could sleep in so we could get some rest and they granted our wish. The doctors came in this morning and said yesterday was not surprising with how sick Colton was. They wanted us to try to give him sips of diluted juice…sips means putting ½ ounce an hour in a sippy cup. He drank this maybe 3 times today. He got up some and we went for a car ride in the halls. He wanted to go through restricted doors and when he couldn't, it lead to an all-out melt down in the hall. He was just so frustrated and confused. He played a little more in the room and napped on and off with me holding him. He had a few moments where he just seemed so confused and frustrated and would have a little fit.
When the nurses would come in to listen to his tummy, he started to tell them "I do it" and would take the stethoscope and put it to his tummy! :)
Going for a car ride in the halls.
Colton changed his mind about riding in the car and decided it would be more fun to push it himself. So Silly!
Going for a car ride in the halls.Colton changed his mind about riding in the car and decided it would be more fun to push it himself. So Silly!
What we were not ready for was the night. Apparently after major abdomen surgery you can experience horrible horrible gas pains. These happened for Colton that night. He would wake up like clockwork every hour to hour and a half screaming in pain. It took both Jeff and I to keep him safe when he got upset. He would thrash around and try to pull his pic line out. He would get on his hands and knees and rock and bang his head on the mattress. I would hold him and he would hit me and claw at me. It was the most heartbreaking thing to see! After the gas pain would pass, he would be so exhausted he would just fall right asleep until the next one came. Another long horrible night!
Monday, January 2nd
The doctors said it is so hard for them to communicate their pain and for them to explain gas pains, so what we went through the night before was not surprising and those can last 12 to 24 hours. He had a few more “episodes” that morning but each one seemed to get a little less severe. My face was covered in scratches from him hitting and clawing at me. Colton still only wanted me to hold him and I could not leave his sight. He played a little today, but overall seemed exhausted from the previous night. The doctors said to start letting him have more sips and increase them to 1 ounce to see if he can tolerate it. He did better with the fluids and had around 24 oz. They were happy he was keeping fluids down and said we could try a few crackers to see how we did. That night we pulled out some goldfish and he was so excited. He yelled “yay goldfish” and "yum!” He successfully ate about 15 goldfish and held them down! Tonight was much better and we all actually slept pretty good. Colton only woke up a few times to make sure I was right there and then went back to sleep thanks to being in bed with him.
Colton eating Goldfish and so happy about it! We were so happy too!!
Tuesday, January 3rd
After a much better night and Colton holding down fluids and the goldfish, we felt like we might have turned the corner. The doctors came in and said they were really happy with yesterday and how he was improving. They said to let him eat and drink what he wanted and see how he did. At his age he cannot over eat so they said if he asks for food or drink, do not restrict the amount. They also said he could have milk. So we ordered him breakfast and he ate some strawberries, cheerio’s and even a few bites of our bacon, and of course milk. You could tell he was happy to be eating! Since he ate breakfast well and was in taking adequate fluids, they decided to wean him off the iv nutrition that afternoon! WooHoo! That meant he could be disconnected from the iv machine except when getting antibiotics every 6-8 hours. This would be a new freedom for him to play without cords attached to him and us following him with the iv machine. When they unhooked him he looked at his arm and then at us and said “its off” with a grin. We were getting our baby back!! They said if he ate and drank well today we could go home either tomorrow or Thursday. The light at the end of the tunnel was beginning to shine! We tried a grilled cheese for lunch and he was not interested. He snacked and napped in the afternoon. He still only wanted me to hold him and I had to always be in his sight. This was such a challenge for me because I never got a break and it was hard to even just use the restroom. This was also frustrating for Jeff because he wanted to comfort Colton too. Neither of us left the hospital, let alone the room for longer than minutes at a time. We ordered him cheese pizza for diner and he ate some of that and was happy. The night went well again with him only waking up to reposition and to make sure I was there.
Colton dancing after they took the iv lines off! Happy Happy!!
Colton eating a snack and having milk. You can see how much better he looks and feels.
Colton eating a snack and having milk. You can see how much better he looks and feels.
Wednesday, January 4th
We have now been in the hospital for a week! The doctors came in this morning and were so happy with how well he had been eating and drinking. They said if he ate a good breakfast we could go home! Oh we were so excited. We ordered breakfast and Colton was not really interested in it. We were frustrated, we were ready to go home but also wanted to make sure Colton was as well. So we just hung out and waited to try lunch. We ordered him chicken nuggets for lunch thinking he would be interested in that since he could dip it. We were right! He ate nuggets and baked lays chips and drank milk. The doctors and nurses were happy with that and gave us the green light to go home…finally!! They sent an ICU nurse up to take the pic line out and dress the site. Then they gave us discharge papers and sent us home with 2 antibiotics to give for seven more days. The long nightmare is over! On the way home I had to sit in the back with Colton so he would not be upset. He held my hand the whole way home and fell asleep. When Jeff got him out of his car seat, he didn’t even budge. He slept on Jeff for two hours before realizing he was home. We were all exhausted and done with being at the hospital.
Colton waiting on the bench outside for Daddy to pull the car up! So exciting to be leaving!!
Colton holding my hand for the ride home.
Colton holding my hand for the ride home.Being home had it’s own challenges as well. He is still very clingy to me, which is very understandable. And he is not taking naps in the crib yet. Luckily he was happy to be in his bed and is doing good sleeping all night. He gets tired quickly and also gets upset at little things. He has been through a lot, so it will take a little while for him to get back to himself. We were so scared that after this ordeal our sweet little Colton would never be the same, but each day he becomes a little more like his old self.
We are so blessed and lucky everything went well and we have our baby at home on the mend. Children's Hospital was amazing and gave us the best care we could have asked for! We are thankful to our family that did so much for us during this week, from meals to getting our clothes to bringing us so much love and support. We are lucky to have such a good support group with our family and friends that helped however they could! We are also thankful for all the prayers we needed!
Oh my gosh Elizabeth, I just read this and was totally crying by the end. I'm so sorry you guys had to go through this. What a scary experience; I cannot even imagine. I'm so glad you guys were able to catch this quickly and could get little Colton the care he needed so fast. Poor little guy!
ReplyDeleteAt some point, when you've all recovered and this is just a distant memory, read Heaven is For Real. Colton's experience matches the Colton in that book's (yes, they have the same name!) experience almost identically!
I'm thinking and praying for you guys, and hope the rest of 2012 is much more boring than its beginning!!
PS--Will you please send me your email address? Maybe we can meet up again and let the boys have a playdate when Colton is better. XOXO.