Robby rarely does anything halfway, and this includes getting sick. It turns out that he tested positive for the flu, for strep throat and for bilateral ear infections. My poor little Koopa has been knocked out by the trifecta of winter illnesses.
He is now over 5 feet tall, but he looks so little and vulnerable when he is curled up in bed feeling sick. I wish I could wave a magic wand to remove all of the infections, but instead I'm only able to offer water, pills and comfort. I feel so helpless! I hate watching him so restless and uncomfortable.
Robby's affirmative diagnosis of the flu (and bonus infections) has put Scott and I into a full-fledged panic. We have been warned about keeping Timmy protected from unnecessary exposure to the virus. With his compromised immune system, we are frantic about trying to contain the germs.
Robby has been quarantined to our bedroom, where he can watch television and rest. The air sanitizer is blowing on high next to him and a bottle of Lysol sits on the dresser. We keep the door locked and Scott and I both wear masks whenever we enter. Our hands are chapped from the liberal and near constant use of hand sanitizer, but our efforts will be worth it if can contain the contaminants from patient zero.
Hopefully the Tamiflu and antibiotics will begin to work soon, and Robby will start to feel better. This weekend we are on full blown quarantine and germ control. Wish us luck, and please send healing thoughts to my sick little Koopa.
About Me
- Peggy
- I am a below knee amputee. More importantly, I am also Mommy to two boys, a very active 10 year old (Robby) and an mischievous toddler (Timmy). I have learned that being a parent with a disability can create some unusual and sometimes humorous situations. This blogger is available for hire! Let's talk and learn how a blog can expand your business.
Friday, January 26, 2018
Thursday, January 25, 2018
SICK!
Well yesterday I didn't do my campaign for Mother of the Year any favors. Robby was complaining about not feeling well before school, but that has become part of our routine. He looked fine, and I was sure that he was just hoping to stay home and play on the computer. I quickly took his temperature, confirmed that it was normal and told him to suck it up and get into the car. He begrudgingly obliged and meandered out to the car at a slower than normal pace.
Halfway to school he again complained about now feeling well. I felt his forehead and noticed that it felt warmer than normal. At almost the same time he began to implore me to pull the car over. As soon as I pulled into a parking lot he hopped out of the car and began to violently vomit. I helped him back into the car, wiped off his face and drove home. He spent the majority of the day alternating between the bed and the bathroom.
His fever has been fluctuating wildly over the past 24 hours. It can go from 99 to 103 within an hour, and drop back to near normal in almost the same amount of time. He's exhausted and it is a struggle to keep him hydrated. Although I hate to take him out of the house right now, if he doesn't show signs of improvement today, we will head to the doctor.
I am worried about my Koopa. He doesn't get sick often, but when he does he is usually knocked down. I wish I could just curl up and cuddle him all day, but that isn't realistic. I need to keep Timmy occupied and safe. For the time being, safe means as far away from his brother as possible.
I feel horrible for not believing Robby yesterday morning. I shouldn't have brushed off his complaints as a delay tactic. I feel like I let him down by not believing him, but I'm certainly doing my best to try to get him healthy again, even if I have to do it while wearing a mask.
Halfway to school he again complained about now feeling well. I felt his forehead and noticed that it felt warmer than normal. At almost the same time he began to implore me to pull the car over. As soon as I pulled into a parking lot he hopped out of the car and began to violently vomit. I helped him back into the car, wiped off his face and drove home. He spent the majority of the day alternating between the bed and the bathroom.
His fever has been fluctuating wildly over the past 24 hours. It can go from 99 to 103 within an hour, and drop back to near normal in almost the same amount of time. He's exhausted and it is a struggle to keep him hydrated. Although I hate to take him out of the house right now, if he doesn't show signs of improvement today, we will head to the doctor.
I am worried about my Koopa. He doesn't get sick often, but when he does he is usually knocked down. I wish I could just curl up and cuddle him all day, but that isn't realistic. I need to keep Timmy occupied and safe. For the time being, safe means as far away from his brother as possible.
I feel horrible for not believing Robby yesterday morning. I shouldn't have brushed off his complaints as a delay tactic. I feel like I let him down by not believing him, but I'm certainly doing my best to try to get him healthy again, even if I have to do it while wearing a mask.
Wednesday, January 24, 2018
Tuesdays with Timmy
I have come to dread Tuesdays with Timmy.
He receives his treatment for the autoimmune issue each Monday, which leaves him hyper with an overabundance of energy and a lack of impulse control the following day. If I could harness his energy on Tuesdays, I think we could power a medium size city. His insatiable curiosity and propensity for mischief are astounding!
The doctors assure me that his reaction is both normal and expected. I am grateful that it only lasts for 24 hours because if it were any longer, I think I would probably collapse. We are hoping that this unfortunate side effect will lessen as his body adjusts to the shots.
I spent yesterday running after him, redirecting his attention and cleaning up his messes. Even though we spent hours outside riding our bikes, swinging on the play set and jumping on the trampoline, his energy was not exhausted. We came inside for lunch, and while I was heating up his noodles he decided to "help" by washing his own hands. I then spent nearly an hour trying to clean the contents of a 24 ounce bottle of dish soap off of the bathroom walls, vanity and sink. Let me assure you, trying to clean liquid soap is an ironically messy endeavor!
By the time Scott came home from work I was both exhausted and frazzled. Timmy was gleefully dancing in a puddle that he had just poured on the kitchen floor. Trying to find the positive in my Tuesdays with Timmy, I logged over 18,000 steps keeping up with him, my kitchen floor has been washed and my bathroom walls have been thoroughly scrubbed down.
He receives his treatment for the autoimmune issue each Monday, which leaves him hyper with an overabundance of energy and a lack of impulse control the following day. If I could harness his energy on Tuesdays, I think we could power a medium size city. His insatiable curiosity and propensity for mischief are astounding!
The doctors assure me that his reaction is both normal and expected. I am grateful that it only lasts for 24 hours because if it were any longer, I think I would probably collapse. We are hoping that this unfortunate side effect will lessen as his body adjusts to the shots.
I spent yesterday running after him, redirecting his attention and cleaning up his messes. Even though we spent hours outside riding our bikes, swinging on the play set and jumping on the trampoline, his energy was not exhausted. We came inside for lunch, and while I was heating up his noodles he decided to "help" by washing his own hands. I then spent nearly an hour trying to clean the contents of a 24 ounce bottle of dish soap off of the bathroom walls, vanity and sink. Let me assure you, trying to clean liquid soap is an ironically messy endeavor!
By the time Scott came home from work I was both exhausted and frazzled. Timmy was gleefully dancing in a puddle that he had just poured on the kitchen floor. Trying to find the positive in my Tuesdays with Timmy, I logged over 18,000 steps keeping up with him, my kitchen floor has been washed and my bathroom walls have been thoroughly scrubbed down.
Tuesday, January 23, 2018
Quarantine
With the flu declared to have reached epidemic levels in our area, Timmy and I are again living a life of quarantine. The doctors have cautioned that his immune system is not strong enough to fight the flu and recommended the measure to add another layer of prevention. I'm not thrilled about being housebound again, but I will gladly stay home if it will help to keep my little guy safe. From all accounts, this year's flu strain is nothing to take lightly!
Scott will take the lead with all errands so that I can stay home with Timmy. We are reintroducing our quarantine protocol from last year by having both Robby and Scott thoroughly disinfect before coming upstairs when they are home from school. Scott keeps hand sanitizer in his pocket at work and uses it frequently. While I know that we can't safeguard Timmy 100%, we can certainly do our best to keep him safe.
I hate that Timmy has to contend with immune issues, but compared to the other kids I see at the hospital he is extremely lucky. My heart breaks for the parents and the kids who flood the waiting room when we are at our weekly check-in at the clinic. By comparison my little Timmy's issues are trivial. I fully appreciate the fact that Timmy's issues are manageable and that he is doing well, but that doesn't mean that I still don't worry about him.
During the next few week's we'll turn our downstairs into a makeshift gym to keep my little acrobat occupied. I'm sure that we will bake hundreds of cookies which will be eagerly accepted by all of Scott's students. Hopefully I'll be able to keep him so busy that he doesn't miss going to our typical romps. Wish us luck!
Scott will take the lead with all errands so that I can stay home with Timmy. We are reintroducing our quarantine protocol from last year by having both Robby and Scott thoroughly disinfect before coming upstairs when they are home from school. Scott keeps hand sanitizer in his pocket at work and uses it frequently. While I know that we can't safeguard Timmy 100%, we can certainly do our best to keep him safe.
I hate that Timmy has to contend with immune issues, but compared to the other kids I see at the hospital he is extremely lucky. My heart breaks for the parents and the kids who flood the waiting room when we are at our weekly check-in at the clinic. By comparison my little Timmy's issues are trivial. I fully appreciate the fact that Timmy's issues are manageable and that he is doing well, but that doesn't mean that I still don't worry about him.
During the next few week's we'll turn our downstairs into a makeshift gym to keep my little acrobat occupied. I'm sure that we will bake hundreds of cookies which will be eagerly accepted by all of Scott's students. Hopefully I'll be able to keep him so busy that he doesn't miss going to our typical romps. Wish us luck!
Monday, January 22, 2018
Bike Riding
The weather this weekend was absolutely beautiful. After the wicked cold snap of the past few weeks, the 50 degree temperatures felt like a heat wave. The snow melted away and the ground defrosted, leaving our yard a muddy paradise for my little Hamlet. Robby spent the weekend in bed, still sick but improving, but Timmy was full of energy and ready to take on the world. With Scott tethered to both sports on television and sticking by Robby in case he needed something, entertaining and playing Timmy was left to me.
Because of the widespread flu in our area, I opted to stay away from crowds. Instead of heading to a playground or to the Animal Park, Timmy and I spent the majority of our weekend playing outside. He delighted riding (and mastering) his new balance bike. By Saturday afternoon he was tooling around the neighborhood, gliding and handling the little bike with natural ease.
Robby didn't learn to ride a bike until he was nine, but Timmy has already mastered balance and momentum. I think he will be riding a pedal bike this summer, but for now I'm content to keep him on a balance bike. He is already too daring for my comfort. He loves to go fast down hills, which scares me every time. He is fearless!
Sunday afternoon I pulled my bike out of the garage, pumped up the tires and joined Timmy on a little ride through our neighborhood. He giggled throughout our ride, proud as could be that he was on his own bike. I have to admit that I loved every moment. The only thing that could have made the afternoon better would have been Robby feeling healthy and well.
Because of the widespread flu in our area, I opted to stay away from crowds. Instead of heading to a playground or to the Animal Park, Timmy and I spent the majority of our weekend playing outside. He delighted riding (and mastering) his new balance bike. By Saturday afternoon he was tooling around the neighborhood, gliding and handling the little bike with natural ease.
Robby didn't learn to ride a bike until he was nine, but Timmy has already mastered balance and momentum. I think he will be riding a pedal bike this summer, but for now I'm content to keep him on a balance bike. He is already too daring for my comfort. He loves to go fast down hills, which scares me every time. He is fearless!
Sunday afternoon I pulled my bike out of the garage, pumped up the tires and joined Timmy on a little ride through our neighborhood. He giggled throughout our ride, proud as could be that he was on his own bike. I have to admit that I loved every moment. The only thing that could have made the afternoon better would have been Robby feeling healthy and well.
Friday, January 19, 2018
Sick Day
My exuberance with my ear feeling better was short lived. Robby was coughing throughout the night and Timmy woke with a slight fever. I keep trying to remind myself that the flu hits quickly and hard. If Robby or Timmy were infected they would have higher fevers and more severe symptoms. I'm sure that we are dealing with colds, but with all of the news reports heralding a flu epidemic I am in outright panic mode.
Today Timmy is supposed to have his Young Zookeepers class, but I have decided to keep him home. As a family rule we don't send sick kids to school, and this includes toddler classes. I'm disappointed for him because I know how much he loves the class and the interaction. Thankfully he is young enough to not fully comprehend the calendar so he isn't expecting to attend today.
Mornings like today make me appreciate how fortunate I am to be able to work from home. I am able to accommodate my schedule to keep them home and their germs quarantined from the world. I can take care of the kiddos without the stress of trying to find coverage at work or the worry of losing my position. It is always stressful when the kids are sick, but at least I don't have to worry about my professional reputation when I care for them.
Today Timmy is supposed to have his Young Zookeepers class, but I have decided to keep him home. As a family rule we don't send sick kids to school, and this includes toddler classes. I'm disappointed for him because I know how much he loves the class and the interaction. Thankfully he is young enough to not fully comprehend the calendar so he isn't expecting to attend today.
Mornings like today make me appreciate how fortunate I am to be able to work from home. I am able to accommodate my schedule to keep them home and their germs quarantined from the world. I can take care of the kiddos without the stress of trying to find coverage at work or the worry of losing my position. It is always stressful when the kids are sick, but at least I don't have to worry about my professional reputation when I care for them.
Thursday, January 18, 2018
Bickering Snow Day
Yesterday was wicked cold with a dusting of snow. The roads were bad in the morning so schools went from being delayed to completely closed. The boys (including Timmy) were delighted with the bonus vacation day. Unfortunately the jubilation was short lived. By mid afternoon everybody was bickering and I found myself looking at the clock with longing, eager for my ear appointment so I could escape the chaos at home. I love my family, but I think everybody is at a point where they need some space.
Despite the bickering (and downright fighting), yesterday was not a complete disaster. After weeks of pain, countless pills and bottles of drops, my ear is finally on the road to recovery. The doctor was able to complete the procedure yesterday (with minimal discomfort) and I felt instant relief as I sat up from the table. It feels odd to be without the pressure and and pain that have been omnipresent for so long. The house sounds eerily silent with the ringing in my ears silenced. It probably sounds strange, but I feel ten pounds lighter now that I have been liberated from my ear issues.
Today we are looking at warmer temperatures, dry air and bright skies. Thank goodness everybody will be going back to school. I love my boys, but I can't handle the squabbling anymore. Robby is only 11 but boasts the snark of a seasoned teenager. It is amazing how Scott and I have managed to live so long without him commenting on everything we do wrong! The only benefit of my ear issues has been the temporary reduction in my hearing which has helped me to tune out the snarky commentary.
Robby is a typical pre-teen, but my little Hamlet still adores me and thinks I'm perfect. He can't wait to snuggle up with me to watch cartoons, is quick to give me kisses and is always happy to dance in the kitchen. I know that this stage is fleeting, and soon he will see me through the same prepubescent lenses as his brother. But right now I'm trying to soak up as much motherly adoration as possible because I have a feeling I'll be tapping into those reserves in the coming years.
Despite the bickering (and downright fighting), yesterday was not a complete disaster. After weeks of pain, countless pills and bottles of drops, my ear is finally on the road to recovery. The doctor was able to complete the procedure yesterday (with minimal discomfort) and I felt instant relief as I sat up from the table. It feels odd to be without the pressure and and pain that have been omnipresent for so long. The house sounds eerily silent with the ringing in my ears silenced. It probably sounds strange, but I feel ten pounds lighter now that I have been liberated from my ear issues.
Today we are looking at warmer temperatures, dry air and bright skies. Thank goodness everybody will be going back to school. I love my boys, but I can't handle the squabbling anymore. Robby is only 11 but boasts the snark of a seasoned teenager. It is amazing how Scott and I have managed to live so long without him commenting on everything we do wrong! The only benefit of my ear issues has been the temporary reduction in my hearing which has helped me to tune out the snarky commentary.
Robby is a typical pre-teen, but my little Hamlet still adores me and thinks I'm perfect. He can't wait to snuggle up with me to watch cartoons, is quick to give me kisses and is always happy to dance in the kitchen. I know that this stage is fleeting, and soon he will see me through the same prepubescent lenses as his brother. But right now I'm trying to soak up as much motherly adoration as possible because I have a feeling I'll be tapping into those reserves in the coming years.
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