I called the pulmonologist at children's this morning because J has been sick for a week now. They wanted to do a chest xray and see him. We have to add in chest percussion 3 times a day to break up the congestion. We also have to keep him upright for 30 mins after he eats. He eats twice at night. I understand the reasoning, but how am I supposed to manage adding in more to our routine on days when I work. I'm already scrambling and getting up at 5:30. I'm already exhausted. DCP can't handle doing the percussion. J often falls asleep during his breathing treatments and I'm going to have to wake him to literally beat his back. I've taken care of kids way sicker than mine and honestly don't know how they do it. Damn this is hard.
Post by SheilaTheTank on Dec 14, 2016 8:32:10 GMT -5
So many hugs. Do they have an idea of why this keeps happening? What is there plan if the chest compressions don't work? Can you husband help even a little bit during the days you work?
I'm so sorry you have been having such a rough time with J. You're an awesome mom and it's easy to see that you are doing everything you can to help him. I wish I was closer so I could help and give you a break for a bit.
He's predisposed to reactive airway disease/asthma so when he gets colds it goes straight to his lungs. He keeps getting sick because he's in daycare and I'm exposed to a lot through work. I wash my hands constantly, but it only does so much. His doctor says small kids get an average of 8-12 colds a year. I asked about allergies since DH and I both have them, but she said they don't do the testing until their older because their immune systems are so immature. There was a blood draw we could do, but it wouldn't tell us much information and there wouldn't be anything we could do about it so not worth putting him through that. He has a barium swallow study on the 21st to see if he is aspirating. He definitely has reflux and that is also contributing because it's irritating his airways.
DH works 10-12 hour days almost everyday so during the week it's hard for him to help much. He does help some especially with household stuff. Mornings are the hardest. Getting myself ready, getting J dressed and fed, and doing his breathing treatment doesn't leave me any time. I don't even get to eat breakfast. I'm exhausted so getting up earlier wouldn't really be good for me either.
Add in the issues with DCP and I'm kind of a mess. I found out yesterday she can't take J Tuesday next week again. DH stayed home with him yesterday because she couldn't take him then either. I had to rearrange everything and I'm working extra this week to make up for the hours missed. I don't feel like I can rely on her anymore. We live in a rural area with limited options. It took me almost a year to actually find someone so I don't know how finding someone new is going to work. The one center in our area has a waiting list.
He's predisposed to reactive airway disease/asthma so when he gets colds it goes straight to his lungs. He keeps getting sick because he's in daycare and I'm exposed to a lot through work. I wash my hands constantly, but it only does so much. His doctor says small kids get an average of 8-12 colds a year. I asked about allergies since DH and I both have them, but she said they don't do the testing until their older because their immune systems are so immature. There was a blood draw we could do, but it wouldn't tell us much information and there wouldn't be anything we could do about it so not worth putting him through that. He has a barium swallow study on the 21st to see if he is aspirating. He definitely has reflux and that is also contributing because it's irritating his airways.
DH works 10-12 hour days almost everyday so during the week it's hard for him to help much. He does help some especially with household stuff. Mornings are the hardest. Getting myself ready, getting J dressed and fed, and doing his breathing treatment doesn't leave me any time. I don't even get to eat breakfast. I'm exhausted so getting up earlier wouldn't really be good for me either.
Add in the issues with DCP and I'm kind of a mess. I found out yesterday she can't take J Tuesday next week again. DH stayed home with him yesterday because she couldn't take him then either. I had to rearrange everything and I'm working extra this week to make up for the hours missed. I don't feel like I can rely on her anymore. We live in a rural area with limited options. It took me almost a year to actually find someone so I don't know how finding someone new is going to work. The one center in our area has a waiting list.
Could you find someone to watch him in your home? Could you find someplace close to your work? I'm just tossing out ideas at this point. I'm so sorry this is so tough for you.
Post by rachelilly23 on Dec 14, 2016 14:20:43 GMT -5
I'm so sorry, this sounds so tough. I was thinking the same as sheila about finding someone closer to where you work. Your DCP absolutely does not sound reliable. I know searching for someone else is daunting, but I feel like it can only get better for you finding someone who is reliable and can alleviate some of the stress. Hugs, girl.
@pennycandy Idk what your home situation is, like space wise but have you ever considered an au pair? I have no idea what the process of getting one is, however we had them growing up and then actually our second one we ended up loving so much and she stayed past the program and ended up living with us for like 8 years and we are still incredibly close with her and her family. My brother had breathing problems as a child too, he had to be on a nebulizer several hours a day until he was about 5. He was sick a lot and always in and out of the hospital and it was a lot for my mom to handle with a toddler and a sick baby which is why they got live in help.
Also, my brother is 100% fine now and doesn't even have asthma or anything. I know that's a total anecdote but sometimes things get better!
I'm going to start researching childcare options and we'll figure something out.
He spiked a fever (102.6) so I had to go get him. I got him home and did a breathing treatment and put him to bed. I'll see how he is when he wakes up and go from there.
Feeling like you don't know what to do to help your child is one of the worst feelings in the world. Feeling like that when you are nurse is even worse.
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