Snow Day (Again!)

Another Friday, which in NorthernVirginia translates to another school snow day. The schools canceled last night, which considering that we have only received trace amounts, was a tad premature. With ice in the forecast, I lend towards being cautious so the decision to cancel did not both me. Of course, finding daycare for snow days is not an issue that I face. If I were in that situation, today's cancelation may have garnered a completely different reaction. 

Based on the reactions on social media, I would not want to be in the position to make the decision. People are almost always frustrated, regardless of what was decided. I broke my self-imposed rule last night by reading the comments on the cancelation announcement. I was disappointed by the blatant and entitled rude retorts. Sigh. 

Today Timmy is going back to the doctor. He continues to have a strong cough and his energy and temperature fluctuate throughout the day. I'm concerned that the antibiotics for pneumonia may not be strong enough to help his little body fight this germy war. I hate it when he is sick!

Amputee Stresses

Over the weekend I was shocked to learn that Amy Purdy, Paralympic snowboard gold medalist and Dancing with the Stars finalist, was in the hospital. What started as a frustrating yet assumingly benign prosthetic issue quickly snowballed into a fight for limb and life. I found her plight to be a terrifying reminder of the vulnerabilities of living with a prosthesis.

While prosthetic devices have come a long way in the past two decades, the intricacies of the biological limb have yet to be replicated. Anytime you rely upon a fabricated device for daily tasks you are subject to a myriad of comorbidities. Blisters, pinch cuts, and bruises can quickly become bone spurs or ground zero for a rampant infection.

Many times the initial recovery from an amputation is only one small battle in a much larger war. Secondary conditions and complications are high simply because the body is not designed to move without the biological limb. Somebody can be active and healthy only to be sidelined without notice. 

From worrying about skin breakdown to struggling with a wonky socket day, amputees know all too well that an issue can change from benign to catastrophic within hours. We don't let the worries, fears, and adjustments stop our lives. Instead, we simply learn to accept them as par for the course with limb loss. But the worry remains real, and it becomes exhausting and overwhelming at times.

Improvement

After days of extreme fever, vomiting, and lethargy, our little Timmy has turned the corner. Yesterday afternoon he began to keep down water and chicken broth. Within hours his fever was dropping and he was sipping on bowls of broth. I felt so relieved to see his color and goofy demeanor return!

While the flu symptoms have begun to lessen, his persistent and deep cough is an omnipresent reminder that he continues to struggle with pneumonia. Despite the breathing treatments, antibiotics and lots of love, I know that the cough is going to be more difficult to eradicate. My little Hamlet's immune system simply isn't strong enough to fight off infections like other kids. He is more susceptible to becoming ill, the symptoms manifest with more voracity and they tend to stay around longer when compared to his peers.

Although I'm delighted that he is better, I am well aware that the battle is not yet over. The tide could turn quickly, so I am still in triage mode. My house looks like a miniature hospital ward with his medications, treatments and sterilization materials. Until the coughing completely subsides, I am going to remain in nurse mode.

Today we are going to keep it low-key. Although Timmy is feeling better, he still has a fever and needs to rest. Hopefully, the worse of the "flu-monia" is behind us and healthier days are ahead, but we have a long road ahead of us until he has returned to normal.

Flu-monia Continues

Yesterday was a rough day for my little Timmy. Between a high fever and a wicked cough, he was miserable. I do have to say that Robby really surprised me, although I should not have been surprised at all. At his core he is a really good kid, even though sometimes Robby Rotten (teen version) makes an appearance. 

Whenever I needed help or his brother was particularly uncomfortable, Robby lept to action. He sang countless verses of Baby Shark, cooled his little brother's head with washcloths and constantly asked how he could be of assistance. Sometimes he can be a little snarky tween, but yesterday he reminded me that he is an awesome big brother.

After an extremely long day, I was looking forward to a night of solid sleep. All hopes for Timmy sleeping and resting through the night were shattered when I heard the distinct first little yelp coming from his hot little body, warning of impending trouble. The vomiting continued throughout the night, adding to his misery and further weakening his little body.

This morning we are both exhausted. I am hoping to be able to sleep when he naps which, judging by demeanor and fever, will be frequent. Hopefully, we will turn the corner soon, because my I miss my little mischief maker!

Flu

Sunday plans went out the window when Timmy woke up coughing and hot with fever. It turns out that he has pneumonia and flu. My sweet little Hamlet is one sick kid.

I was up all night with him, trying to keep his fever below 104. He remained hot throughout the night, lethargic and just plain miserable. My heart breaks for him and I feel helpless to try to find him relief.  

Today will be spent in full-blown nurse mode, trying to get him to drink and to remain comfortable. Please send my little guy healing thoughts.