Feeling Better

The smiles have returned, and Zane is on the road to recovery. Yesterday, Zane was diagnosed with a UTI (urinary tract infection). Most likely, this is a result of his kidney reflux. Back in November, his urologist suggested that Zane stop taking the prophylactic antibiotic. His pediatrician disagreed with the decision, but allowed the change. We won’t know with certainty that it is the cause of his infection until the end of the ten-day course of antibiotics. At that time, Zane may need to have another VCUG to check the kidneys for reflux.

While Zane may not have become ill due to hand touching, the whole experience has been a lesson to me: I need to stand up for Zane and keep him germ-free. I have been a bit lax in insisting on clean hands for the little guy, so I stand by my original post about hand washing.

Thank you so much to everyone who checked in on Zane, said prayers for him, thought happy thoughts, and simply cared. We appreciate each and everyone of you!

Infection

Zane woke up with a fever of 102 degrees, so I made an appointment with the pediatrician. She took a urine sample and ordered blood work. Zane’s misery was made worse by the insertion of the catheter and by the pokes for the blood test. This afternoon, the pediatrician called and told us that Zane has a serious bacterial infection. Unfortunately, we will not know what type until the cultures have grown. However, she instructed me to bring him in late today for a shot of antibiotics. I have never seen our little guy this sick before. I am trying to keep my anxiety at bay, but it is not working. Please say prayers for a “benign” infection and a swift recovery.

Thanks.

Now that my working life has settled down, I am able to write a grossly-overdue update about Zane. Unfortunately, he is in the throes of an illness. Yesterday afternoon, he started to exhibit the signs: lethargy, crankiness (in an otherwise happy boy), and a warm forehead. When I took his temperature, it was 99.7 Today, it peaked at 103.8. We’re trying to hold off on calling his pediatrician’s answering service. Instead, we are giving him lots of fluids along with every-four-hour doses of ibuprofen and acetaminophen.

I suspect Zane caught the illness from one of the many culprits this week who did not wash her hands before touching his. For some reason, people adore handling Zane’s hands. Unfortunately (even despite reminders from me), they tend to grab unto them without washing their own. Who knows where those hands have been: dealing with other school kids, opening door handles riddled with germs, covering their own coughs. I seriously am considering buying a sign to hang from his stroller to serve as a nonverbal reminder. Some people religiously wash up before physical interaction with Zane, and to all of those people I offer my eternal gratefulness. While some may say it is important for Zane to be exposed to all these illness to build his immunity, I ask: do you have a child with T18? We don’t want him to be sick. It could potentially result in a trip to the ER or a stay in the hospital.

Please, please, please…I beg you…wash your hands before putting yours on Zane.
Thank you.