Home . . .

We made it home again. What an exhausting few days it has been. I took Matthew back to the doctor Friday morning and he was looking worse. He was very limp and didn't even fight the doctor for an examination which he normally does. He quit eating on Thursday and wasn't drinking enough which led to dehydration. They decided to admit him since this had been going on for several days and he was getting worse rather than better. Dehydration causes problems with Matthew's heart and lowers his oxygen saturation. There is a better medical explanation but I'm so tired that I'm not finding the right words to explain it.

To the hospital we went. He was admitted to the Pediatric Intermediate Care floor. We sure did miss the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. He did get a private room and everybody was nice but they aren't as familiar with his type of heart condition. We are so used to the 24 hour care that the PICU provided and nothing against these nurses but we are a little partial (ok we are very partial) to the PICU nurses. They started an IV and that is a memory I hope fades quickly. It took 4 nurses, Craig and myself to hold Matthew down. He demonstrated some sort of super power. One of the nurses said he was the strongest little boy she had ever seen. It was crazy. He was so worked up that his heart rate was over 200 beats per minute, his oxygen saturation dropped into the 60's and he threw up all over himself and me. Thankfully, the nurse brought me some scrubs to wear - but the smell stayed with me. After the whole IV episode Matthew screamed every time a nurse or doctor came into his room. He would take his hand and try to push them away. I think he ended up with a reputation on the floor and the nurses weren't very fond of him by the time we left. I wish they could have seen his real personality because it is much cuter.

The IV fluid began flowing and wow what a difference it made. His coloring was better, his fever broke and his oxygen saturation went back to normal (for him that is - between 78 and 82 %). By this morning he looked like a different boy. He started eating a little and drank and drank and drank. It was wonderful to see him up and asking to get down to play. Cardiology came in and said he looks great and that he could go home as long as his pediatrician was comfortable with his fluid intake and by 2:00 p.m. we were on our way home. Tonight he is playing and having fun with his sister.

Thanks for your prayers. They worked and it was nice to know we had all of your love and support. I'm getting ready to put the kids to bed and I think I'm heading that way myself. What an emotionally exhausting few days. Maybe we can all sleep in tomorrow!!