Oh Dear... my little girls

Thank you SO much for all of your prayers... it was so comforting to know prayers were being lifted to God from all over the world. I can not tell you how much it touches me and my family to know so many of you care so deeply for our family.

We are home now... we were discharged from the hospital yesterday afternoon and made it home just in time for the dinner crazies! Lucky for us Papa Jeff bought us Chipotle and I didn't have to worry about making dinner. I'm trying to catch up today and hopefully get so sleep. Up for 40 hours is TOO much for me. {grin}




:The Story:
it's long

After a tough night with Nolia... she was obviously uncomfortable, had a slight fever, a cough, a wheeze and was not sleeping soundly, I called the pedi first thing in the morning. He was out for the morning and couldn't see us until later that afternoon. I made the appointment for both girls because they are both sick, Nolia was just worse. We weighed and measured them {they are the SAME size... within 2 oz.} talked with the nurse a little bit and then waited for the pedi to come in. While we were waiting Nolia fell asleep so I laid her down on a chair on Ozzie's coat {I brought her in in the pouch} while I sat there and dressed Eliza. When the pedi walked in she was still sleeping and he started checker her out which woke her up and apparently started her because she began screaming. I couldn't pick her up yet because I was still trying to dress Eliza, he gave her 'sugar water' which PISSED her off. I laid Eliza down and picked Nolia up trying to calm her down but she was really mad {this is completely unlike her}. He told me that I had to calm her down so we could check her o2 levels so I started to nurse her and she quit crying right away. He did the o2 right then and it was 85%... which sent him in a flurry of action... getting oxygen into the room, instructing me to hold it up to her nose while I was feeding her and then calling squad. He told me to get someone to take the other kids now because squad was coming and they couldn't come with so if someone wasn't here to take them Nolia was going on her own. I was in complete shock... what the heck just happened. I mean I thought she was sick, not horrible, but sick, but I never thought that we'd be going to the hospital and by squad at that.

My amazing friend Shelly, who already had Grayson, Vance, Gavin and her own 3 kids rushed over to pick up Eliza and Ozzie so I could go with Nolia. She arrived seconds after the squad did. It was all such a rush, everyone else was so panicked it made me panic. Once I was in the ambulance I was able to calm down, call Paul, call my mom and start making arrangements. Nolia fell asleep in the ambulance.. it was 35 minutes down to Childrens hospital. They kept her on o2 {by just taping the tube to her car seat strap... which is MUCH better than what the hospital was about to do} and gave her a breathing treatment that did nothing because it was for asthma mainly. Paul met me in the ER and we began our 4 wait in the ER. They put a nasal o2 tube on her {which she HATED} and was checked out by NO LESS than 15 people. Like learning hospitals... not so much!

Meanwhile Shelly was making her way to us with Eliza because I knew I needed to be with both of them. They have never taken a bottle, I don't pump and they do so much better together. While in the ER they gave her a different kind of breathing treatment and it really seemed to work. She kept rubbing the o2 tube out of her nose so Paul and I let it stay out and see how she was doing. {she was on monitoring so we could see her o2 levels. She was holding her own at 92-97% so we had hope that we might be going home. Unfortunately the doctors didn't think so... she tested positive for Bronchiolitis which is caused by the RSV virus and they said that RSV can turn for the worst very easily and they wanted to keep watching her. They then told us that she would be admitted and Eliza wasn't able to stay. UM WHAT? That wasn't going to fly so after begging and pleading and lots of checking they said that Eliza could stay too. Thank goodness! Finally at about 10:30 we were admitted into a room upstairs. I did NOT want to stay there, I was feeling very bitter and upset. I didn't think Nolia was that sick, she had pulled out her o2 2 hours ago and was still on room air and holding her own just fine. We really thought about just leaving but didn't. What if she dropped low again... I would have felt horrible if we left and then had to bring her back.

At 1am they made her go back on o2 because they wanted her to stay above 93 and she was staying at 92 while sleeping. I was annoyed, I was alone, I was tired, I had no food or water, I had 2 sick babies to take care of and I just wanted to go home! Earlier I had already fought the battle of the IV and I was just worn out! IV was protocol... but she didn't need it. She was still eating wonderfully, her o2 actually went up to 97-100 while nursing, and an IV was just going to make her even more upset. So they agreed that they would leave it alone if I kept track of all of her feedings and weighed all of her diapers to make sure she was getting enough... WELL worth the extra effort! And she indeed was getting enough fluid. Oh the other deal with IV was that I wouldn't be allowed to nurse if she was on IV because they supplement through that. Tell me that is BETTER for her... ummm NO!

So I spent a long night alone with hourly checks and bells and alarms galore {this is pure torture... seriously... torture!}. There was a child next door that screamed ALL NIGHT... no exaggeration. The environment was really making me feel down. I spent a good 2 hours praying for the children there that night... I could hear so many cries, screams, yelling to stop, hollering for mama, it was so humbling. Here I was annoyed and whining about being there with my hardly sick daughters... one of which who was only on O2 and there were so many other children that were REALLY sick, children that were dying, it could have been so much worse.



If you have a moment, please pray for all of the sick children... there are so many... so many hurting children. And they need our prayers, their parents need our prayers, and the doctors need our prayers.



So now we are home... Nolia and Eliza are both still sick. Nolia is on the better half now and Eliza is probably peaking right now and should be getting better soon. Please pray that Eliza doesn't get worse and we don't have to repeat this all over again! Mama just can't do that!!!!!

The doctor at the ER did say that Nolia was most likely having trouble getting enough O2 because of being premature... her airways were smaller when she was born because they didn't have more time. Just another piece to throw on the pile of accident crap!

I am sorry that the winner hasn't been announce... we are picking today and will announce tomorrow at the latest!

and don't forget Random picture challenge tomorrow! {grin}
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82 comments:

  1. I'm so glad to hear your girls are doing ok. I will definitely keep the other children in the hospital in my prayers. I cannot imagine how scary that must have been for you!

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  2. I would have been a mess! It sounds like that even through all the craziness you made the right decisions.

    Praying for you, your family, all the sick kids out there, their parents, and the doctors...........

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  3. It's awful what you went through...but I am just glad that everything came out alright. I too was at the doc with Ethan this week, and let me tell you--I feel as badly for those "really sick" children as you do. It is awful to see them being poked and prodded and there is nothing that their moms can do for them except watch. E had to have blood drawn, and I literally thought I was going to be sick. It was awful....I was crying at the very sight of the needle. The poor baby bit his lip when the needle went in, and it was all swollen and bruised. Ugh. It just tormented me. But, as I have been saying to everyone over and over, it could have been so much worse! I just can't imagine those poor children with pediatric cancer or other diseases. I pray for them all everyday.

    I'll continue to keep the girls in my prayers, as well as YOU! I'm so glad they seem to be past the worst, and on the upswing. Hang in there girl!

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  4. I'm so glad to hear your little girl is home...wishing them both a speedy recovery.

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  5. I'm so sorry that you had such a rough couple of days, but I am soooo thankful that you are all home and safe now!

    I'm terrified of my twins getting RSV, and I am so sorry that you guys had to deal with it. You are such a trooper!

    Hugs and kisses to the sweet little girls (and their handsome big brothers)!

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  6. Glad to hear everyone is home now and getting better. My niece just went through something similar with RSV, it's scary business how quickly it can turn nasty.

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  7. Praise God! I had a similar experience 9 years ago (next month). He had RSV and was hospitalized, breathing treatments, except he never ran a fever. I can't imagine doing it with twins! God Bless you! Did the doctor prescribe you rest? ;)

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  8. Good for you for fighting for what was important to you! I need more courage to speak my mind more, especially with dr's. So much I question but just go along because I figure they know best. You are such an encouragement to me.

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  9. WOW! That was quite a story...glad the girls are home and doing better:) You guys are a sweet family:)

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  10. Thank God everything is okay!! Ill be praying that your sweet girls get back to there normal, healthy selves quickly!!

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  11. I hate overnight stays in hospitals too.
    I'm so glad there's good news about Nolia and that she's doing better. Praying that Eliza won't follow. Hope they both feel 100% asap! (and that all nap at the same time so you can too!)

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  12. I am so glad you are home and things seem to be on the mend. I have been worried. I pray Eliza does not go thru the same thing. I know that is scary. My daughter had croup VERY bad when she was about 4 months old and when I took her in to get checked - they checker her O2 and it was lower than it should be - they panicked, I panicked. The whole thing just freaked me out.
    Praying for quick recovery SOON!!!!

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  13. I am so proud of you for standing up for what you believe in with your little babies! Nursing is the best for them and obviously she didn't need an IV. They LOVE to do stuff for no reason so they can bill you insurance.

    I do hope your baby girls are feeling better and you have a nice weekend!

    Zak

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  14. I have been thinking about you and hoping all was ok!

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  15. What a scary, horrible ordeal to go through! I am so happy you are all doing good and on the road to recovery.

    *hugs*

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  16. Wow. That is quite a story. I am so glad they are doing ok. I hope everyone is healthy soon and I am praying for all the really sick babies out there.

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  17. I'm so glad she is doing better. What a horrible thing for you all to go have to go through.

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  18. Wow! What a horribly scary thing to have to go through! I was prayin' for y'all ... and will continue to do so. *big hugs*

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  19. So glad everyone is doing better. I had my scare with RSV myself when my little one was 9 months. The breathing treatments they gave us made us able to stay home instead of the hospital. I hate hospitals and I especailly hate it when my kids are the patient. I really believe you heal faster at home.

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  20. How awful..I'm glad you put your foot down though. So scary!
    Glad they are home, and I will continue to pray for you all!!

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  21. Very happy to see you are all home. Hope they both get better real soon :)

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  22. Praise God that Nolia is better. Praise God that the medical team was able to prevent a needless RSV death.
    So many children suffer and are in the hospital... it is so easy to put out of our minds in our cozy homes. My sweet Caleb spent 3 days in the hospital 2 weeks ago, after a frantic ambulance ride. You can be sure I was praying for you!!!

    you can find our drama with Caleb here: http://worthwalkingtoward.blogspot.com/2009/02/our-brave-boy.html

    I will certainly be checking in on sweet Nolia again. Thank God for the health of our children!

    Darlene

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  23. so glad everyone is feeling better. still praying in nc!

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  24. I'm so happy that she is ok!! Thank God! and yes I agree, its so hard to think of all the sick children....
    I have close friends that were forced to have their twins 2.5 months early and I always feared for their health during illness! Thank God for the hard work of all those nurses and drs. they truly do God's work.

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  25. When Shelley gave us the update I immediately thought of RSV. I'm so glad it wasn't that and that both of your little ladies are doing well.
    Sending more prayers you way. :)

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  26. So happy to hear that both babies are doing better, and hope you don't have to go through that again. I will say a prayer for the sick and suffering children.

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  27. So glad to hear that you are all home and the girls seems to be doing better! Hopefully they are fully recovered SOON!!! And, you, make sure to get lots of rest!!!

    We had to take my DS (almost 21 months) to the ER last week in the middle of the night because he woke up coughing ("barking" like a seal) and could not get a good breath. Then he started shaking - it is the most scared I've ever been. Luckily the ER is just 8 miles away and we were able to drive and at 1am there was no traffic. Diagnosed with croup! Scary stuff. But, after only 3 hrs in the ER, the released him and he's fine now.

    Take care and here's to a Happy Valentines' Day with all of your babies and DH!!!

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  28. praise the lord. my daughter had bronchiolitis last year at this same time. no fun. and scary. praising god that it was only one night. my daughter was five days!

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  29. You poor thing... and those poor girls! Thank goodness you are your children's advocate - because otherwise no one gives you any choices. My little boy (now six) was admitted with RSV (although he was really struggling to breathe at the time) at 11 weeks old. I'll never forget those two days at the hospital. I was exhausted, so was he - they kept waking him and giving him those terrible treatments and drawing blood and altogether making it hard for him to heal. Although I was very grateful that he was in a place where he could be helped, I was so relieved to get out of there and have him recover at home. I think they always err on the side of caution when O2 levels are involved. You have to speak out though, or they will take over.

    I hope you all start to feel better soon and that you get some good rest. You are in our prayers,
    Tricia :)

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  30. I'm so sorry that you all had to go through all of that, it sounds like an awful night! I hope the girls are both on the mend now and back to normal in no time!

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  31. I was getting a little nervous this morning when I hadn't heard anything....I prayed all night for her and you!! I am so thankful to hear all is on the up and up!

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  32. OH MY GOODNESS! I am so proud of you for standing your ground! (Not that I would have thought you'd have done anything differently)

    I am so happy that things are better.

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  33. i'm so happy to hear you are all back at home where you can get some rest and hopefully recover from this tramatic experience!!

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  34. I'm just getting caught up now. I'm so glad she's home and ok!! How scary! My son had RSV when he was 5 months old, I know exactly what you must've been feeling *hugs momma*

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  35. I am so glad everything is okay and you are home!

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  36. I am sorry to hear about all of that, but I am glad that the girls are getting better!

    Way to stay strong for the girls and insist that you have a say in what was going on...I am sure that nursing makes them both feel so much better and comforted!

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  37. so glad your home. love the pictures :0) hoping your sweet babies can get and STAY healthy! Hugs to you!

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  38. As I was reading I was thinking you were there to pray! It's not unlike our God to put His children in places that need prayer!

    " I spent a good 2 hours praying for the children there that night... I could hear so many cries, screams, yelling to stop, hollering for mama, it was so humbling."

    Then I read that! So true, so true.

    One of my twins has prematurity induced RAD & Asthma and I go to the hospitals and just PRAY my heart out!

    Praying your girls get well and everyone stays healthy for a long time! Spring is almost here!!!

    ~Rebecca

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  39. Wow, Britt!
    You certainly have been put through the ringer the last couple of days. So glad Nolia's better and y'all are home.

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  40. I am so relieved and happy to hear that both of your girls are home and that little Nolia is doing better!!!

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  41. Oh I am so, SO glad you're all home and doing a bit better! I was thinking of you all day. Saw your twitter update last night but was still worried...Thanks for posting to let us know how the girls are doing.

    Nathan has been in the hospital a few times for similar stuff. He has terrible asthma to begin with and had RSV about a year ago. The combination wasn't good. Very scary! So I can sort of relate to what you've just been through. It's so hard to see your babies sick!

    I'll continue to pray! Hope everyone is 100% well soon!

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  42. I have worked at NCH for 24 years and please believe that they were doing the best for your baby. RSV can be a deadly disease. Airway and oxygenation is the number one concern. We want the babies breast fed when possible, but you are being too focused on that. She was getting the nutrition she needed. The staff is not trying to deprive you of this, it just may not be the priority of the moment. Also, Any baby can still breastfeed with an IV if the Dr approves it. It sounds like you got some wrong info. I am sure the hospital did everything right, and you should be thankful that she is back home with you instead of being negative about the whole situation. You are lucky she was not intubated and on a ventilator in the PICU. Please get the right info because what you say may affect others.

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  43. Kelly, thanks for your comment. I'm sorry if my post came across as though I wasn't thankful or thought the staff was not good. I am very thankful for the doctor, squad and hospital staff... even if I was annoyed at the situation I am thankful for their care of my baby. I am not trying to be negative about the whole situation... just telling how it was and how I felt through the entire thing. And I would have done the IV if it was needed for sure, I would never deny my child care that is needed. I just don't want to do anything that is unnecessary just for the sake of protocol. And it is possible that different hospitals have different policies. I wasn't told there was another option but had she had to have an IV I'm sure we would have worked it out so I could bf too.

    Thanks!

    Brittany

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  44. Wow...what a night! I'm not sure I'd have made it through that so swell either...but it sounds like you did an amazing job. :) And I'm glad you're all back at home and on the way to getting better!!

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  45. I have been there, and I honestly think it is one of the hardest things to have to do with a baby! All my kids have been in the hospital with the same RSV/Bronchitis stuff and it stinks! I feel for you.

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  46. Yes, yikes, the horrors of what some kids have to go through...

    Glad you could have both your babes besided you and hope you (and they, too) bounce back from the 40 hours of madness!

    Nolia looks so chipper in her pictures! xo.

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  47. I believe RSV is the hardest challenge I have ever faced with my twin boys. It is awful!! I am so glad your girls are getting better. Stay strong and do what you feel is right always!

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  48. I am glad that they are home and doing better. Despite how they probably feel, you would never know by how cute they look in those pictures. May you have a peaceful weekend.

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  49. I'm so relieved to hear that the girls are doing well!

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  50. nothing worse than sick kids... that helpless feeling of not being in control.

    on our knees...

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  51. I am sorry to hear about how it went. I am so glad you are all at home together again! It's admirable of you to be humble through it all. Everyone carries a heavy backpack on their shoulders - I admire your willingness to make the best of it!

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  52. Brittany,
    Wo. I'm so sorry for the ick bug that found your girls. Last year I felt like we were sick all winter. It's not fun, and we only made treks to the ER, never to the hospital.

    I'll be praying for everything to clear up in your neck. Good job being strong.

    Tiff

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  53. I prayed for Nolia when I saw the posting the other night and I am glad that you are home safe again.

    It makes me sad though to read the responses to your post. Healthcare workers (doctors and nurses) don't go into healthcare because they wish to torture small children and their families. They make the best possible decisions with the information that they have to work with. They don't know your child like you do but they have seen things happen that you have never seen happen. They are cautious. Why? Because many of us have seen lawsuits from families who are unhappy with outcomes. And once you have been in a courtroom facing a lawyer you are much less willing to bypass safeguards that are mandated by JCAHO and the hospital.

    When you have given the best care possible and done your best for a patient and the family accuses you of being uncaring or unfeeling or bothersome it hurts.

    I will step off of my soapbox now. I have worked a long shift and held a woman who will die of her lung cancer so I know that I am most likely overreacting to people's criticisms of my colleagues. I would just ask that when you pray tonight, please pray for those healthcare providers who go to work every day to help people be well.

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  54. I'm really glad that it all worked out for the better and you are back home. It's also nice that you aren't afraid to be a little pushy and insistant when it comes to your kids. Good for you mamma!
    Welome back home. :-)

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  55. Working in a doctor's office and a child comes in with RSV...that's nothing to play with...it is a scary virus and can turn bad real quick.

    I am so glad the girls are doing better. I will pray for them and all the other babies and children.

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  56. I am so proud of you for sticking up for your girls and doing what you know is best for them.
    You all continue to be in my prayers. Quick healing to all of you.

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  57. Prayers still going out for you guys! I even go mad while you told the story. Hang in there :)
    ~Elyse~

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  58. yay you are home with you family!!

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  59. glad they are doing better...hope they stay healthy....love ur blog...check my blog out u got an award!!!

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  60. Praising the Lord you guys are home and both girls are safe, recovering, but safe and sound.

    Praying for all the children in the hospital. It is a very humbling place to be.

    Tarah

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  61. So glad everyone is home and hopefully on the mend. You are so right about nursing being the best for her. I've refused IVs for myself during delivery, and everyone thinks I'm nuts! It would be different if she needed medicine that HAD to be administered via IV, but I really think it's about the staff's convenience and not yours.

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  62. Brittany-
    As a dedicated Emergency Nurse with 12 years experience specializing in Pediatrics and Pediatric Trauma, let me first say that I am relieved that your precious girl(s) is safe.

    I prayed for you, and their, speedy recovery, peace and love. I will continue this prayer until she (they) are better.

    While I pray for your familys health and ease, I am also praying for ease myself... Reading your post and the numerous responses left me shaking with a rage. I write this calmly, please don't read this as an attack. We, the dedicated Nurses, Doctors, and other staff who are too numerous to count, work tirelessly for our patients. We go to school for years. We continue with training even after graduation. We attend seminars, we take classes, we continue to learn each and every day. And our biggest challenge are not our patients, sometimes too sick or injured to tell us what's wrong; it is parents who are consumed with the knowledge that they know better than we do, that we are out to harm their children, that we perform... What was it? 'Unnecessary tests' just to increase the insurance bill?

    Please, please understand how defamatory that is. How hurtful that is. How unjust that is.

    You know your baby best. No one should ever tell you differently. WE know how to care for sick children best. And listening to a parent tell us that is... I don't have a decent response for that.

    Was that a wheeze? Or a rale? Is it wheezing or crackles? Does she have Pneumonia, Bronchitis, simple croup? Is it a rare case of myocarditis? Is it RSV orRAD? Does she have a cold on top of an unfortunate case of Appendicitis?

    We do not try to hurt children, although clearly many of you feel differently. Placing an IV is difficult at best, and certainly made easier by anxious parents who threaten us with statements of "you only have one chance, so make it good"
    You say that you did not appreciate the number of Doctors who evaluated your daughter... Would you rather have just one? And what if he or she misses something? Would not 2 be better, that they might confer on the best course of treatment? Should doctors not have contact with patients unti they are perfect and know everything Or is it okay for them to learn and grow under the tuttelage of others, so long as it's "not my kid" that's the patient. Would you be surprised to learn that residents are helpful simply because of the fact that they are still learning and continously search journals for new and evolving technology?
    Yes, breastmilk is best. We love it! Breastmilk is so power-packed with nutrients that most of us consider it the 8th wonder of the world. But breastfeeding is hard work, tiring for sick little bodies who are struggling to breathe. When they are working so hard just for air, they lose their ability to be effective simultaneous breathers and drinkers. Which means that they get food OR oxygen, not both. Remember, the brain can't store oxygen, it needs a continous supply of it. And an O2 sat of high 80's low 90's means that her brain wasn't getting its normal amount.

    So that tube near her nose? Yup, its irritating. It also prevents brain damage. And those breathing treatments? Yup, they make kids cry. They also provide Oxygen and medication to open up inflamed airways. And that iv needle? Of course it hurts. But it also provides life saving antibiotics (nope, not in breastmilk, and yes some overprescribe but not NEARLY as often as you think), increased hydration (because sometimes they DO need more than breastmilk) and the critically needed blood sample. Is her white count 7, 14 or 24? Is she septic? Is she hyponatremic? The 5 people who asked you the same questions? We're not feeble-minded, and its not that we didn't bother to read the chart. We ask, they ask, and someone else asks because you (plural) give us different stories. You don't do it intentionally, it just happens. In conversation, in the different way people use words and descriptions. If you take a picture of something, and I take a picture of the same picture from a different vantage point, is our combined picture not fuller - more complete? But was your photo lacking? No, mine just added to it. And if we have a third and a fourth.. That may be tiresome, but it will provide more detail than just one picture, one voice. And that makes a difference. And that 12 hour ER visit? Yeah, we don't have a crystal ball. And there are very few illness-specific "yes" or "no" tests. And they can be inaccurate. And flipping expensive. So instead, we rely heavily on "Time". Is she better, worse, or the same? Has her O2 sat changed? For better or worse? Does she have new symptoms? Is her physical exam changed? Can we rule out more
    ? While it may look like we've forgotten you, we can't rush the clock. It just takes time. And re-evaluation. And repeat studies. Not because we're bored, not because we need the money, but because as frustrating as it is, that's what your child needs. We will not commit malpractice because you are bored. I will not guess at your childs health because you think that blood test is unnecessary. I have trained for this, I have studdied for this, I have a passion and dedication for this. And these give me, and others, a wealth of knowledge that you can only guess at. Please do not insult us by insinuating that we do not know, do not care or can't be bothered. I spend more time during my day discussing this with abrasive parents than I do treating sick children. If you have a question, ASK IT. But don't assume. Will something hurt? Probably. So will falling off a bike or out of a tree. Are there side effects? Of course. Their are side effects to NOT treating as well. And your other child, the healthy child? We don't want her here because a hospital is laden with MRSA, C-DIFF, VRE, Staph, sharp edges, heavy things, oh. And sick people. Its not that we try to make your life harder, its that we don't want them to get sick too.

    Let me say again that I have written this with a calm voice, please read it as such.

    I have prayed for Nolia. I will continue to pray for her.

    I will also pray for you, Brittany and readers. I will pray that you try to increase your faith in others. That you will try to ask questions if you are concerned or scared, but that you will use soft voices and not an accusatory tone. I pray that ýour little ones never get sick , but if they do that you will be strong enough to know that we are trying to help, and sometimes it takes time and patience.

    And lastly, I wish that everyone who off-handed, automatically, or thoughtlessly says or posts that we are pushy, mean, just interested in money, uncaring, unskilled, or insist that you know better than us.... We're people too. We have feelings. We are, as humans, imperfect. But don't villify us. Say thank you. Stop talking and really listen to what we have to say. And know that for every parent who spent a long and frustrating night in the hospital... There were a lot of people who did a lot of hard work so that you were ABLE to take your child home.

    As you likely tell your children, please think before you speak.

    In Peace,
    A Brooklyn Nurse,
    RN
    CEN
    PALS- Instructor
    TNCC- Instructor

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  63. Dear Brittany,
    you poor thing. it must have been incredibly tough and i am so happy that everything is ok.
    We will keep praying.
    Anonymous - this is Brittany's Blog. She gets to write what she wants and its not defamatory. No one specifically is mentioned and you shouldn't take it personally. the fact is that although you and a lot of others in the medical profession are Honest and good at your jobs, there are a small minority that aren't. I have first hand experience of a number of cases, one being sued for medical malpractice and i think it's fair to say that for every say 1000 of good aples there is at least 1 bad apple and as a parent you do worry.
    Given what B went through you shouldn't read her post and be angry. That's the wrong reaction. you should just understand that she's been through a nightmare time and because no profession is 100% perfect, she questioned yours and used it a sounding board. anyone would do the same. peace!

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  64. Brooklyn Nurse-I couldn't have said it better myself.

    Francesca-What Brittany has described is people doing their job to care for her daughter and to make her well and your suggestion of "bad apples" is absurd. It doesn't apply in this case. I don't care if someone questions my profession but when they question it for practices that are designed to help their child and keep her other child safe and suggest that somehow we do this because we are not intelligent enough or worse, because we want to torture her child then I am offended.

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  65. Thats good that your girls are getting better but I guess you should start giving them bottles just in case something else comes up. I hope Eliza does not get sicker because she was in the hospital around all the sickness.

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  66. So happy all is good. I know how you feel. Both of my girls had RSV. Plus my middle daughter at 2 months was admitted for at this point no one knows why, for 4 days with a Viral thing right before Christmas. So I have been there. Hope that things start looking up for you, hang in there!

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  67. I'm glad everyone is ok for the most part.

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  68. Brittany - so glad you're home. I have been there - my three year old son had the same trouble a year ago. Not fun at all.
    I wrote about a week ago about our similarities and just discovered another - we both have a Paul to love!!
    Praying for healthy girls,
    Monica

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  69. Oh my oh my. Those babies are in such loving care with you as parents. Bravo, for your courage and prayers for a speedy road back to health.

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  70. So glad to hear you are home and here's hoping the girls are both on the mend and feeling better soon.

    I didn't find anything you said about your experience to be rude to the medical profession...just written from you perspective as their Mom, about a situation that was less than ideal all around. ={

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  71. Brooklyn Nurse-It really sounds like you love what you do, but I have an issue with you saying "we" and "us". Are you speaking for all hospital staff everywhere? My sister in law was a nurse in a big hospital for years and quit. Why? Because of the politics of it all. It's a business. A big business. Yes, she enjoyed trying to help people, but a majority of her co-workers were burnt out and going throught the motions.

    And as far as us/Brittany "thinking before we speak", that's just being rude.

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  72. People have encouraged me to write on my own blog - and it's for situations just like this that I tend to shy away from it. Brittany is being THE ABSOLUTE BEST MOMMA that she can be for her family and it is her right as a parent to fully oversee the care of her girls. To have people question her approach, and even reproach her for her personal thoughts is absurd. I am thankful to read her thoughts, because she is the kind of momma I strive to be to my 4 children - an advocate and not just always going with "protocol." Not all doctors are bad - not even half of them are. But like those before me have said - it IS a business. It's no longer ONLY about the care of our kids...so she is RIGHT to question the status quo.

    Thank you, Brittany, for being so bold to share openly what you go through. I sincerely hope you remain as open and REAL with your writings as you have in the past - because that's what's drawing me here, and I'm sure many others!

    Blessings and PEACE!

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  73. I was worried about your little one. I'm sorry you had to go through that and so did little Nolia. It's just more comfortable at home.

    I hope both girls are getting better as I type.

    And sick babies and children are always in our prayers. I've had 3 nephews (yes three!) born premature and I just hate to see little ones in the hospital.

    Continued prayers for wellness!

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  74. I'm so glad everything is ok. I have been praying!

    Steph

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  75. while I think your experience (and boy do I know from experience) can be so tiring that you can barely think straight for about 2 weeks following a hospital visit (I am normally back in there with my son by then so it is a roller coaster I cannot get off), I think some people will interpret this post as very negative to the 'conventional' care you and Nolia recieved. Whilst I DO NOT believe you meant any ill feelings toward the medical staff or other children at all, I did for a few days find your writing a little offensive (I am one of those mummies and its HARD), but I am so glad you wrote the next post, I was sure I may have been a little sensitive and I really do get your frustrations and tiredness, but it was just a little frustrating to read. But of course I am back reading dying to see pics of the girls, so please read this without thinking it is an attack at all..... I assume this was your first time, and You did great! its tough and every parents worst nightmare
    take care

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  76. while I think your experience (and boy do I know from experience) can be so tiring that you can barely think straight for about 2 weeks following a hospital visit (I am normally back in there with my son by then so it is a roller coaster I cannot get off), I think some people will interpret this post as very negative to the 'conventional' care you and Nolia recieved. Whilst I DO NOT believe you meant any ill feelings toward the medical staff or other children at all, I did for a few days find your writing a little offensive (I am one of those mummies and its HARD), but I am so glad you wrote the next post, I was sure I may have been a little sensitive and I really do get your frustrations and tiredness, but it was just a little frustrating to read. But of course I am back reading dying to see pics of the girls, so please read this without thinking it is an attack at all..... I assume this was your first time, and You did great! its tough and every parents worst nightmare
    take care

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  77. Prayers for the girls, for you, hubby and the boys. The hospital is a total drag (we just spent a month there)- I will need at least a month to recover from no sleep, noise, worry, panic etc.
    Hang in there.
    xoxoxox
    Sarah

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  78. OH goodness! So scary! I'm glad to hear that the girls are alright!

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  79. I'm a little emotional today and just catching up on blogs but I find your post very offensive. I am not a healthcare worker. I am a Mom to a child that was terminally ill and spent more then half her life in the hospital.

    She screamed for months on end....hours upon hours on end...and it wasn't because I wasn't comforting her...she was having seizures which made her scream!! for months, for hours, as she was dying.

    1 night was torture.... imagine all the extra effort us parents and healthcare workers have to put in for the children that are seriously ill. Imagine how many times we have to answer questions, spend countless days and nights in the hospital.

    Did your other "hardly sick" daughter take a crib that a seriously ill child was waiting for and had to spend the night in the ER because the beds were full?

    It's not my intention to sound mean or hateful, I haven't shared on my own blog how truly difficult it is to live that life everyday. That one night...for some of us parents that's our reality everyday...and the nurses and doctors and residents who take care of our children.

    And seriously, you spent 2 hrs praying while taking care of your 2 sick girls??? I believe you said a prayer or 2 but not for 2 hrs.

    I'm glad your daughters are feeling better...you have a beautiful family but I feel this blog maybe you should have had some sleep before posting...

    and yes, please pray, every single morning and night, for the sick children, parents, and doctors.

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  80. I so so SO sympathize with you over the whole hospital experience. I've had both my kids end up in the NICU after their births, both perfectly healthy and after relatively easy natural births. (We have an awfully jumpy hospital.) Trying to push away the formula and sugar water, alarms going off everywhere....

    My second is just 6 weeks old right now, so this is all so freaking fresh in my nerves. After the experience with our first and the unnecessary antibiotics and formula and dismissive crap, we put up MUCH more of a fight for this baby, and were completely justified by his evident perfect health. And though my husband made some people mad, we pretty much got everything we wanted. (Which would be, leave us alone!)

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  81. I am a little confused. If people want the medical field to "leave us alone," why are you taking your children there in the first place?

    With four children, we have had our share of visits to the hospital and doctor, from very simple to extremely serious. And while I learn and listen and discuss with the doctors what is best for our child, I am grateful. Deeply grateful for what they have done and do to make my child well. I really can't imagine writing a post or a comment that focused on my complaining of all that was wrong and not how I wanted it to happen, instead of the fact that they helped my child to be well again.

    I'm pretty sure that those amazing parents that have lost their children in this life, aren't focused on every little thing that didn't go how they wanted it to go, but how they would give ANYTHING to have their child healed (whatever it took) and to hold them in their arms again.

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Thank you for blessing me with your words!

Brittany