It all started Saturday morning. Timothy woke me up with the usual slap on the head, but this time instead of telling me the sun was awake, he was saying, “Owie! Owie!” He showed me his hand and I kissed it better. During breakfast he complained again, so I took a closer look. It looked like something had bitten the tip of this thumb, or perhaps a splinter had gotten in and become infected. Antibiotic cream and lots of kisses seemed the best prescription.
We went on with our day, he was having lots of fun – especially at the petting zoo in the afternoon. But around 1am he awoke and I realized he had a fever. He also had a rash, but I couldn’t see it in the dark. Timmy slept on my chest the whole night.
On Sunday morning we decided we needed to see a doctor. His symptoms were pretty bad, so we headed to the Hospital. At first they kind of brushed us off, but I asked them to take his temperature, and as soon as the nurse saw him, we were taken straight in for treatment. Good thing, his temp was 103, the rash was worse, and he was getting dehydrated. Sean and I had to hold Timmy down as the nurse put the needle in his arm for tests and the IV drip. Thankfully she was good at her job, and it only took one attempt. By the time it was done, I was ready to faint. So, imagine how poor Timmy felt! Let me just add here that our Nurse Lisa and Doctor Sanchez were great.
The doctor informed us that Timothy needed to be admitted, but he had to go to a different hospital. So now we just had to wait around for the transfer. I have spent many hours waiting in hospitals. These things never move fast. Even the ER has a relatively quite, slow moving atmosphere – nothing like those TV shows. So, we wait…
And wait…
And wait…
Finally the paramedics arrived. I had the privilege of being strapped to the emergency gurney (is that what it’s called?) and holding Timmy for the ride to the other Hospital. Then I realised, I have never been in an ambulance before. (Something I’m very thankful for.) Not even to just have a look. The Paramedics were great, tried to play with Timothy a little, but he was still in ‘no smile’ mode. But they marveled at how calm and quiet my little guy was.
I don’t ever want myself or anyone in my family to EVER have to take a ride in an ambulance again. It was a calm, pleasant experience. I liked the guys. But riding backwards in the gurney did make me feel a little queasy. And reflecting that the reason I was there was because my Little Man was sick made my heart sick. So, please, no more ambulances for us.
Timothy is doing much better. He’s laughing and talking and singing. His favourite part of being in hospital is the cool bed that goes up and down – he’s been using it as a slide. It also talks to him when he pushes the little + button (the nurse call button). His least favourite part is the IV needle in his arm, followed by the fact that he can’t explore this new world he’s a captive of, because the IV monitor is plugged into the wall. What were they thinking? Little boys need to explore. They need to get off the bed and go look out the window! He’s not allowed to leave the room, because he has a virus that may or may not be contagious.
My major concern now is for the infection on his thumb. What is it? We’ll find out in about 24 hours.
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