Visiting old friends for the holiday

Last Thursday, the 20th, we came to Cincinnati for our neurosurgery follow up. It had been a week since discharge and unfortunately, Thomas had contracted some virus from his older brothers. Our primary care doctor had confirmed the previous night that it was RSV, a well known but very hostile little bug that wreaks havoc on the repiratory system. Since little Thomas is already immune compromised, it was hitting him especially hard. At the neuro apt, they weren't comfortable with sending us home with the way he was breathing so they sent us down to the Emergency Department. This was our third ED visit in less than 30 days, so suffice it to say, we are pretty familiar with everyone down there. They call us by name and comment on how big he is getting. They immediately notice his increased work of breathing and are concerned about his oxygen levels. Long story short, they admit us to the PICU. I am grateful to have him in a place where he is safe and monitored for when things go wrong, but I also dread being admitted. I have probably touched on this before, it is so strange to simultaneously hate and love a place. It turned out he did get worse over night and into the next day. He was put on high flow oxygen for a while and had to be suctioned out hourly, but he battled through like the little warrior he is and we were discharged Sunday the 23rd. Once again, it was glorious to be home. If there is a pretty significant silver lining from all of the hospital trips it is that I really do just appreciate being home with my family. Even just sitting in the same room while the two other boys wrestle each other, makes me smile and soak it all in and just be thankful. Hopefully Thomas will feel the same way one day!