Hurry Up and Wait
June 15th, 2009 by MikeToday Levi had his first appointment with the pediatrician. Everything went well but the Dr did think he was a bit too Jaundice. Ok, no problem. We zipped over to the hospital, completely skipping Nora’s nap. Fortunately, Nora was a trooper as Mom and Levi waited around until they got their chance at the lab.
We all got home and put Nora down for her nap at nearly 5pm! Around 6pm we got the call – Levi’s blood work showed his liver isn’t fully functioning so we have to go back to the hospital for overnight light treatment! I guess it’s somewhat common and nothing to worry about. Plus, our pediatrician called ahead and requested the light in the ER so the treatment could start as soon as we arrive.
Ha, what a joke! We were received quickly, but spent 30 min in one room, then an hour in another before we got the light! Oh, the light was brought into the second room earlier, just never plugged in and placed under him – a 2 minute effort. And of course they had to install an IV, which took over 15 minutes, with Levi screaming bloody murder the whole time! The poor boy!
So finally we got up to the pediatric floor, and into the room where Mom and Levi were to stay the night. I dashed down to the cafeteria and got a burger and cheesesteak before last call (it was 10pm). When I got back to the room, the pediatric nurse was taking another blood draw because one of the earlier ones clotted. (and no, they couldn’t get any from the IV – I guess it becomes one-way after a certain amount of time.) So we got to hold Levi down for another 5 minutes while the pediatric nurse poked his heel and squeezed his ankle to get the blood out.
I guess I should point out one positive aspect of the ordeal: Levi was so worn out from screaming that he fell fast asleep in the light box thingy, which didn’t look very comfortable. I’m home now and if all goes well, Levi and Mom will come home tomorrow morning.
BIG thanks to Gram and Grandpop for rushing down to take care of Nora while we were at the hospital.
June 16th, 2009 at 11:45 am
You are all in our prayers until everyone is healthy and home. We are here if you need anything. Love you lots.
June 16th, 2009 at 2:29 pm
Hey Mike,
I know just how exhausting of an ordeal it can be at the hospital. Our son Henry also had Jaundice (as well as extremely weak lungs after he was born). We jokingly named the light therapy-treatment the ‘stadium lights’.
I can sympathize with what you’re most likely going through right now. The hurry up and wait routines in the hospital – all that monstrous equipment surrounding your son – and the extreme feelings of helplessness. Stay strong – all this too shall come to pass. You, Levi, Alicia, and Nora are in our prayers. Take care of yourselves, so you can take care of little Levi.
Mike Cierebiej
June 16th, 2009 at 7:21 pm
Congrats from the bottom of our hearts on the arrival of Levi. We pray that he is now at home and hopefully feeling much better. If we can help out in any way, please let us know. We’re sure God is watching over little Levi and keeping him in his tender care.
June 17th, 2009 at 2:16 pm
Hello, Alicia and Mike,
Congratulations on your new son, Levi! What a doll. Just what most people want–a girl and a boy. Or is it a boy and a girl? Whatever… I’d prefer the girl– then a boy–just exactly what you’ve been blessed with.
Keep the pictures and news coming…it’s nice to stay in touch.
Love,
Your long-time friend, Virginia
June 17th, 2009 at 11:48 pm
Mike,
Give Levi a kiss from his Aunt Colleen, I can relate to the IV and how hard they are to get in. I will keep you guys in my prayers and I know that he will be fine in the next few days.
Love,
Aunt Colleen