Darth Vader Time

Sean getting a breathing treatment at the ER

Well, we have been so lucky to not have any major sicknesses this winter that I knew it could not last....  Sean and Evan both have bronchitis and Sean has an ear infection that is getting treated with a second set of antibiotics.  Last week the breathing issues came to a head and Steve was counting how many breaths per minute for each boy because they both had labored breathing.  We called the pediatrician and Sean was sent to the ER.  Because of Sean and Gretchen being hospitalized for RSV in the past, I had a sick feeling in my stomach that we were about to spend the next five days in the hospital with a sick child.  Then something amazing happened:  they sent us home (after Tylenol, Advil, albuterol and prednisolone).  We dutifully gave them breathing treatments (machine sounds like the Darth Vader mask) and we administered steroids and antibiotics as needed and just prayed for the best.  We took the boys on Monday for a follow up where I swore they were going to have to bump us up to pulmicort because the wheeze was still there but nope!  Wheeze gone... Chest congestion yes but no wheeze...  Even though I'm now on a antibiotic for a sinus infection and taking some prescription strength cough syrup for my own case of bronchitis, I went to bed with a little piece of mind that my boys are growing stronger with good productive coughs.  Since their precarious birth, I have secretly feared so many issues that happen to premature kids that I never feel at peace, never relaxed about my little men.  Sure, they still need speech therapy and occupational therapy (Sean) but these little interludes give me hope that they will have a "normal" life.... that they won't be singled out for being different...  Maybe they will... who knows but for now, I know those lungs are working!