I could use some advice for treating kids with the H1N1?- update 12/16

[laurie31]

Dd was Admitted yesterday with low oxygen. She has pneumonia and blood infection from 'flu like' Illness . Is on 2 Iv antibiotics. Seems strong f eels better for now. Prayers please

Wow, I'm so sorry. You have worried so much about this for so long; I'm so sorry your fears have been realized. I will pray for her, and you. I hope she gets to come home soon.

 

[LuvOrlando]

We just heard that the blood infection she has, Pneumonia Strep----- (something not sure of sp and no time to look it up) requires her to stay in the hospital for a minimum of 7 days with the IV antibiotics. SHe was doing better with the fever earlier but it jumped back up. She is off Oxygen during the day. Her 1st blood culture at admission showed blood infection but her 2nd one yesterday has not yet. they tell me this looks good and that the antibiotics seem to be working. Her cough is wetter now, productive and seems less frequent. We both slept last night due to Coedine so she seems much stronger. Thanks for the prayers and please keep saying them for us since there are no guarantees.

As for the H1N1, it's weird, everyone is wearing masks who comes into the room and we're required to keep the door shut. She hasn't been diagnosed with anything else BUT Flu as the original infection (which lead to pneumonia which lead to a blood infection) yet they don't want to say Flu or test her for it. It's like being in a movie where they are trying purposefully to NOT say the words. I can't help but think its an effort to not have to report it and so there is no public panic... I think I am going to demand the test though. WHen I asked at admission the answer was a round about, even if she had it it might be gone already so why bother, we'll just treat her like she does hnave it. Odd answer I think. But, like I said I'm better rested now so I can better push my point.

Thanks everyone.

 

[Wonderlandmom]

Is it possible she had pneumonia from the beginning without another illness leading to it? My kids have each had pneumonia that just came on out of the blue. Just throwing ideas out there! YES, I would insist on finding out if it was H1N1. I think it would still be in her 7-10 days minimum.

Glad to hear they isolated the bacteria and the antibiotics are helping. Continued prayers.

ETA, is this it? Streptococcus pneumonia
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/aip/research/spn.html

 

[clovergirl5]

We just heard that the blood infection she has, Pneumonia Strep----- (something not sure of sp and no time to look it up) requires her to stay in the hospital for a minimum of 7 days with the IV antibiotics. SHe was doing better with the fever earlier but it jumped back up. She is off Oxygen during the day. Her 1st blood culture at admission showed blood infection but her 2nd one yesterday has not yet. they tell me this looks good and that the antibiotics seem to be working. Her cough is wetter now, productive and seems less frequent. We both slept last night due to Coedine so she seems much stronger. Thanks for the prayers and please keep saying them for us since there are no guarantees.

As for the H1N1, it's weird, everyone is wearing masks who comes into the room and we're required to keep the door shut. She hasn't been diagnosed with anything else BUT Flu as the original infection (which lead to pneumonia which lead to a blood infection) yet they don't want to say Flu or test her for it. It's like being in a movie where they are trying purposefully to NOT say the words. I can't help but think its an effort to not have to report it and so there is no public panic... I think I am going to demand the test though. WHen I asked at admission the answer was a round about, even if she had it it might be gone already so why bother, we'll just treat her like she does hnave it. Odd answer I think. But, like I said I'm better rested now so I can better push my point.

Thanks everyone.

Im so sorry you are dealing with this. My heartfelt prayers are with you and your dd. She will be good as new in no time! Stay strong and positive and know there are many people thinking of you and are stength for you.

I know how scary it is to have a child in the hospital for pnemonia. I have been there with 2 of my dc when they were babies. Although it was a viral form of it due to RSV, it was still frightening. Thinking of you and hang in there

 

[C.Ann]

I'm so relieved to hear that things are a little better - and of course I will keep her - and all of you - in my prayers..

Personally, I would demand the test.. Too bad that they want to "dance around it".. You're the parent - you have the right to a definitive diagnosis.. Now that you're a little more rested, it's time to push for answers.. Those answers could help someone else..

 

[Pennykay]

Unfortunately, what she is explaining is what can happen to kids with H1N1. They know she has it and that is why the masks, etc. Why they won't say it, that is weird?? I am praying for a full and quick recovery.

 

[Bluestars]

Thanks for the update. I would also insist on them testing her for H1N1 or telling you if they already have. I think as a parent you have a right to know.

I hope she continues to feel better each day. I know this has been very stressful for you.

 

[ajpa]

Just saw this thread.
LuvOrlando, I will be praying for your dd's continued recovery.

 

[LuvOrlando]

Since she has been pretty stable they let her off the IV and oxygen to move around freely. But she still has fevers so they x-rayed her again. This morning I asked for the H1N1 and they agreed. My point was unless they can rule out H1N1 in her blood at this moment they have no idea where her fevers are coming from, the lung & blood infections could be gone and iot's just the Flu now. SO the team felt my point was reasonable and did the culture. RIght now we have to wait for that.... I should have fought harder day 1 but I was so overwhelmwed. I don't know what the x-raty says yet but I should get it soon.

 

[disney1990]

Since she has been pretty stable they let her off the IV and oxygen to move around freely. But she still has fevers so they x-rayed her again. This morning I asked for the H1N1 and they agreed. My point was unless they can rule out H1N1 in her blood at this moment they have no idea where her fevers are coming from, the lung & blood infections could be gone and iot's just the Flu now. SO the team felt my point was reasonable and did the culture. RIght now we have to wait for that.... I should have fought harder day 1 but I was so overwhelmwed. I don't know what the x-raty says yet but I should get it soon.

Keeping you and your daughter in our thoughts and prayers.

 

[clovergirl5]

Glad she is a little better and you will be able to put your mind at ease when you get the results of the test. Still in my thoughts and prayers.

 

[C.Ann]

SO glad to hear she's doing better!!

I'm glad you insisted on the test.. Don't beat yourself up over not having insisted on it earlier - you were probably out of your mind with fear.. Perfectly normal given the situation..

You guys will remain in my prayers..

 

[Wonderlandmom]

This morning I asked for the H1N1 and they agreed. My point was unless they can rule out H1N1 in her blood at this moment they have no idea where her fevers are coming from, the lung & blood infections could be gone and iot's just the Flu now. SO the team felt my point was reasonable and did the culture. RIght now we have to wait for that.... I should have fought harder day 1 but I was so overwhelmwed. I don't know what the x-raty says yet but I should get it soon.

I am so glad you got them to run the test so you know what you are dealing with. It is unreal that you even had to ask! Not your fault at all. You were focused on your DD as you should have been.

Continued prayers!

 

[luvwinnie]

Praying for your daughter.

 

[3DisneyBuggs]

Hope your DD recovers quickly. I'm keeping her in my prayers.

 

[Jewel1310]

Luv,

You are doing a GREAT JOB advocating for your DD. Nicely done explaining things and taking such good care. I am sending you a hug and prayers for a speedy recovery for your DD.

Good job Mom!!

Jewel

 

[Pennykay]

Sending more prayers that she will continue to improve.

 

[disfan07]

As for the H1N1, it's weird, everyone is wearing masks who comes into the room and we're required to keep the door shut. She hasn't been diagnosed with anything else BUT Flu as the original infection (which lead to pneumonia which lead to a blood infection) yet they don't want to say Flu or test her for it. It's like being in a movie where they are trying purposefully to NOT say the words. I can't help but think its an effort to not have to report it and so there is no public panic... I think I am going to demand the test though. WHen I asked at admission the answer was a round about, even if she had it it might be gone already so why bother, we'll just treat her like she does hnave it. Odd answer I think. But, like I said I'm better rested now so I can better push my point.

I know here at cedars-sinai, all nurses wear masks adn gowns if the flu is even SUSPECTED. does not need to be confirmed...just needs to be suspected.
I was on the pulmonology floor for 10 days with an asthma attack and the 3 other rooms in the "cluster" for my nurses were flu precautions. 2 were confirmed flu, 1 was suspected flu. Mine was teh only room that they did not have to wear masks and gloves because they knew I did not have it.
Also, I know from experience, that everytime I have had pneumonia and been admitted, teh nurses have all been wearing masks and gowns. I think that's standard procedure at some hospitals for somethign like that.

The masks and gowns are as much a precaution for the nurses themselves (if not more so) than for the patients.

When I was admitted this past time, I was told that the only reason that I was gettign tested for the flu is becasue I am so high risk for complications (I had no fever, muscle aches, or anything....just low O2 levels) I was told that people without underlyign conditions were not getting tested if they showed symptoms...they were just beign diagnosed

 

[aprilgail2]

When I was admitted this past time, I was told that the only reason that I was gettign tested for the flu is becasue I am so high risk for complications (I had no fever, muscle aches, or anything....just low O2 levels) I was told that people without underlyign conditions were not getting tested if they showed symptoms...they were just beign diagnosed

It is so widespread that they are not even testing for swine anymore...if you have the flu you have the swine flue as far as the hospital is concerned.

 

[LuvOrlando]

When DH was here we got some good news. The pulse looks like it's a typical Sinus Arrythmia (sp?) which is present in most young girls but that just gets amplified by infection. She has had no fever so far today without medicine. She has not needed any inhalers at all and is fine with room air. Right now she is looking good smiling, singing and just being her perky self. It seems we're just here to finish up the IV antibiotics for the blood and lung infections, it seems to be working and if it continues we'll be hom Monday night. I am so grateful she is doing better but am totally floored how fast she got so sick and someone here said they are getting 4-5 admissions a day for this and that DD came in much better off than many kids: 0 She went from doing suicides at full Basketball practice Thursday night to fever Friday to blood infection and Pneumonia demanding isolation and admission by Monday 9am... unbelievable.

Everyone out there watch yourselves and your kids for trouble taking in deep breaths & fatigue with normal activities. I knew something was wrong Saturday but since she was at the Dr Friday and he didn't hear Pneumonia I let it slide thinking it was just her cough and she was tired from not sleeping.

Thank you all for all your prayers, I have no doubt in my mind that they helped me & my girl stay strong for this... hugs to all from us.