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catlind
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Health Help Needed non CH
« on: Oct 13th, 2007, 9:29am » |
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My 13 y/o has pneumonia in the lingular part of the lung - right under the heart apparently - as well as a small spot in the right lung.
We've been battling this two weeks now, been to the pediatrician 4 times, ER two times, 3 shots of an antibiotic, a completed z-pack and 2 other and antibiotics. We are now on the 4th antiobiotic. On Thurs. the ped. was going to admit her but they didn't have a bed - she wanted IV fluids and IV antibiotics. She was going to call us on Fri. to see how she was doing and admit if no better or carry on if she had improved. On Fri. doc wasn't in the office, she called and Andrea was no better.
We spend every night going through the same routine, Andrea in tears in pain because her chest and back hurt, going through a massive coughing fit, then refusing to cough because it hurts so bad, so exhausted she ends up crying herself to sleep. I've been using my oxygen to prevent her from becoming hypoxic and to help her breathing. She also has an inhaler. When I reported her status on Fri. the ped. told me to take her to Children's ER and have her admitted through the ER.
We get to Children's ER and spend 4 hours there and they don't admit. They give her another shot of the same antibiotic they have given on Mon. and Thurs. this time in both thighs -splitting the shot apart - and by last night she is sobbing because now her chest hurts, and her legs hurt so bad she can't walk. She set into a coughing fit that scared the daylights out of me cause she sounded like a seal about give up a lung. Of course she couldn't catch her breath because she was crying. Every night her breathing is labored and shallow. I told her that I was going to take her back to the ER - she refused. Her reasons being they won't do anything, they'll just give me another shot and I'll be in pain somewhere else.
She's 5'7" and weighs near 150lbs. She can't walk on her own because of the shots yesterday. There is no way I can MAKE her go to the ER...Clark is away at the senior NCO academy so I"m on my own and there is no way I can force her t the vehicle and then into an er.
HELP. What do I do to help her???? I'm at a loss. I sat crying myself because my baby girl is in tears more often than not, in obvious pain and obviously having a difficult time with her breathing, but I don't know what else to do.
Somebody out there please help?????????
Cat
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Melissa
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Re: Health Help Needed non CH
« Reply #1 on: Oct 13th, 2007, 9:39am » |
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Oh man Cat, that just sucks.  Poor girl!
I only have certain home remedies for allergies for Jesse's severe asthma, when he can't breathe. I wish I could help you!
hugs,
mel
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catlind
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Re: Health Help Needed non CH
« Reply #2 on: Oct 13th, 2007, 9:43am » |
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Tell me what they are Mel, maybe it will ease her breathing. I've put her in the shower with steam and a sudacare tablet - one of those menthol/vicks type things that you put on the floor of the shower.
I've had her soak in a bath with epsom salts and lavendar to help ease her aches and calm her - she hated me for hours after that because it made her breathing worse.
The Children's ER told me NOT to give her the O2 anymore to just use the inhaler and have her prop herself up.
I will take ANY tip or advice that will help control her ragged and shallow breathing. Under any other circumstances I would say she's in respiratory distress, but she's been doing this so long I don't know if that's what it is or not.
Cat
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PollyPocket
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Re: Health Help Needed non CH
« Reply #3 on: Oct 13th, 2007, 9:52am » |
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Cat I'm so sorry for your daughter! That sux!
I may be wrong, but I remember when my dad had bad pneumonia, my mom was instructed to cup her hands and kinda smack him (but not smack, not the right word!) on his back repeatedly to help loosen and expel the congestion. You might want to ask the doc about that. She had to do it several times a day. I can't remember what it was called.
I wish I could help  Will keep you in prayer.
Hugs,
Jen
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Melissa
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Re: Health Help Needed non CH
« Reply #4 on: Oct 13th, 2007, 9:52am » |
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Well, the thing is, you won't find any of these on hand. Perhaps at the local health food place might have some tho? They are herbal, so you really gotta watch any adverse reactions.
Oil of Oregano (1 or 2 a day)
Pine Bark (1 a day)
Grapeseed (1 a day)
Tea Tree Oil (Eucalyptus) put into a humidifier
It seems that heat and humidity help a ton with Jesse's breathing more than anything, so maybe try the Tea Tree Oil out?
I'm sorry, wish I had more for ya other than taking an Allegra, but that's a RX. 
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catlind
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Re: Health Help Needed non CH
« Reply #6 on: Oct 13th, 2007, 10:25am » |
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Thanks a bunch Jen and Mel...I'll try them, and I know the technique you are talking about Jen - I think that's the one they use for CF sufferers to keep the flem and fluid loosened in the lungs.
I just got off the phone with Grandma too - one mustard plaster coming up.
Please keep the tips coming....we need all the help we can get, we are supposed to be travelling next week.
Cat
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Mosaicwench
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Re: Health Help Needed non CH
« Reply #7 on: Oct 13th, 2007, 10:30am » |
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Mucinex - over the counter. Helps thin the lung secretions and lets you cough when YOU want to cough rather than doubling over with the fits. Works for 12 hours and will probably allow sleeping easier which will give her some peace.
Keep after those doctors.
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catlind
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Re: Health Help Needed non CH
« Reply #8 on: Oct 13th, 2007, 10:43am » |
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she's been taking mucinex, I even gave her my prescription mucinex from my bronchitis.
I think that's the biggest problem is that she isn't coughing anything up.
At least Thurs. and Fri. she was actually starting to cough.
She was given robitussin AC at the first ER - with codeine, but of course it doesn't do much good to give an expectorant with a codeine cough suppressant
I was on the phone with the answering service at 10 pm - got told there isn't any thing they can suggest. gotta love idiot doctors. Fortunately the ped. isn't an idiot, she's awesome, she just wasn't available yesterday *sigh*
Thanks all
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luveemom
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Re: Health Help Needed non CH
« Reply #9 on: Oct 13th, 2007, 10:48am » |
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Hi Cat,
I personally wouldn't mess with a lot of home remedies, JMHO. Does she have a fever? I would call an ambulance if she refuses to go. You are the adult, and although you can refuse transport on an ambulance, not as a minor. The adult would have the consent. I would also demand she be admitted, forget that we don't have a bed crap....especially if the PED said she needs IV antibiotics and meds.....again JMHO......but I have worked in EMS for 12 years, and I would be very concerned...
alicia
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sandie99
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Re: Health Help Needed non CH
« Reply #10 on: Oct 13th, 2007, 10:56am » |
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When I had something similar as a kid, my mum arranged me to "steam breathe"(I'm not quite sure what you call it, but that's the direct translation), which helped with the breathing. That cough sounds serious; when I had a bad cough at 12, I also had high fever to accompany it.
Vibes are on their way... 
Sanna
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Re: Health Help Needed non CH
« Reply #11 on: Oct 13th, 2007, 11:16am » |
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Cat,
They are right about the O2, 100% O2 can make lung problems worse. Have they tested to see if it is bacterial pneumonia? If it is viral the antibiotics will do nothing. Hot packs on the chest will help break the junk up. Drinking lots of fluids is important too as long as the kidneys are working fine.
Pneumonia can be deadly, if she is not getting better, you may want to find a childrens hospital in a big city and drive her there. If you can't do that, go back to the ER and demand to have a respiratory therapist see her. If she is in respiratory distress they will admit her.
Paul
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DennisM1045
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Re: Health Help Needed non CH
« Reply #12 on: Oct 13th, 2007, 11:38am » |
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My heart goes out to both of you Cat.
I'm with Alicia on this one. She's 13. You are the adult. Her health is your responsibility at the end of the day. It sounds like both you and, more importantly, her ped think she needs to be admitted. Find a hospital that has room and get her there. I can appreciate her not wanting to be a pin cushion any more but it is better than the alternative.
Stay strong. I'll be praying for you both...
-Dennis-
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nani
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Re: Health Help Needed non CH
« Reply #13 on: Oct 13th, 2007, 11:57am » |
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I'm also with Alicia and Dennis, Cat. Get her admitted and get her some respiratory therapy. This is not something to mess with.
I'm sorry you're having to deal with this while Clark is gone.
BIG hugs to both of you, nani
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Annette
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Re: Health Help Needed non CH
« Reply #14 on: Oct 13th, 2007, 5:47pm » |
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Hi Catlind
Sorry to hear your daughter is so ill.
Why didnt the hospital admit her when you took her there? Did they say that clinically she was not bad enough for admission? Has she had another chest XR to see if the lungs are clearing up? Has she had tests to find out which organism caused the infection? When will you be able to speak to the peadiatrician again? Can you take her to a GP for assessment?
Has she had any fever? High fever is the indication of her getting worse. If she doesnt have any fever than the antitiotics are working, albeit slowly. Has she brought up any phlegm? Is it green/yellow or still white? Is she very tired and drowsy or is she still alert and active?
It also sounds like your daughter has developed a bit of fear herself about pain and the hospital, which is common in kids this age. They hate being sick and they hate needles. This fear alone can make her feel more sick. I think you need to keep your cool and calm so that you can reassure her. The fact that she had been on so many antibiotics means that she should not get worse infection wise. If it is viral the body will have to fight it itself anyway and the antibiotics will help preventing 2nd infection. It sounds like its the symptoms that are bothering her ie the pain in the chest, the difficulty breathing and the coughing.
If you cant get her admitted this weekend, it pays to control the symptoms as much as possible as it will help her cope better. She is on antibiotics and should not get worse. You can watch her and see how she goes. If she is stable you can wait until you can speak to her peadiatrician, if she seems to deteriorate you can always call an ambulance.
You might like to try rubbing her chest and back with eucalyptus oil or ointment. This will sooth her as well as help with breathing and its natural and safe. You sitting with her cuddling her and rubbing her back is also very soothing and reassuring for her. Benadryl for children may help reduce the coughing fits and therefore the pain a bit, it also helps her to relax and sleep a bit better. I dont know what you have there as OTC as pain relief for kids, but here we give paracetamol or nurofen to help ease any pain they may have. It will help with fever if she has any as well as pain. You can give her childrens dose every 4 hours. Giving her a bit of your oxygen at 2L/min whenever she feels hard to breath will help too, but not more than 15-20 mins at a time and dont seal the mask onto her face, let some room air mixed in.
Its important to make sure she is not dehydrated so keep her up on the fluid. She may not be eating well so sport drinks such as Gatorade and Powerade will help more because they replenish electrolytes as well as water.
Cuddle her a lot and tell her that she will be OK. Explain to her that the antibiotics take some time to kill all the germs. Reassure her that she will soon get better and the coughing and pain are just side effects of the infection and they will pass soon. Tell her that you are there with her and that everything will be just fine.
Instead of focusing on the illness try to distract her with pleasant things like reading her favourite books together, hiring and watching some new kids movies, play some games like puzzles or chess ..... that will take her mind off things and make her feel better. She may even temporarily forget that she is sick and doesnt feel the pain as much.
And lastly look after yourself too. Its often that when the children are unwell the mothers get just as sick from worrying!
Take care and I am sending healing vibes as well as a lot of hugs.
Annette
PS: Lung percussion ie cupping hand onto the back is only useful in cases of CF, asthma and emphysema where there is excessive mucus built up but the lung tissues have lost its elasticity in the alveolars to expel the mucus itself. It wont really help a normal lung and it doesnt sound like she has too much phlegm now anyway.
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catlind
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Re: Health Help Needed non CH
« Reply #15 on: Oct 13th, 2007, 6:23pm » |
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She's now in the hospital.
I called the doctor and got her in, and while there I let it be known that I can't do this as a single parent and I need someone who knows what they are doing to watch her and make sure she is going to be alright.
Thank you all so much for your support and advice.
I will update on the rest later, I have to get back up to the hospital right now.
Cat
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| « Last Edit: Oct 13th, 2007, 6:31pm by catlind » |
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Re: Health Help Needed non CH
« Reply #16 on: Oct 13th, 2007, 6:36pm » |
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Thats good to hear Catlind that you got her in. Good on you !
Sending prayers and healing vibes. Hugs to you both.
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catlind
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Re: Health Help Needed non CH(update)
« Reply #17 on: Oct 15th, 2007, 2:50pm » |
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Thanks everyone for all the info. Andrea's stay in hospital helped a great deal.
It did present another problem. She has been in isolation since the wee hours on Sat/Sun. They believe she has whooping cough. We won't have the cultures back until Wed.
Any info on what to do to help ease her symptoms from whooping cough? I don't even want to think about the nightmare this is going to be with the public health nurse and the schools....3 kids, 3 different schools - and on the heels of 5 cases at a local university and a few other confirmed cases in the community.
Joy.
Cat
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PollyPocket
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Re: Health Help Needed non CH
« Reply #18 on: Oct 15th, 2007, 3:14pm » |
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Cat, I am so glad for the update and that she is getting the help she needed!
How are YOU holding up? Remember to take care of yourself too!
Hugs,
Jen
Annette, thanks for the clarification on the lung percussion and the proper use. 
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Rosybabe
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Re: Health Help Needed non CH
« Reply #19 on: Oct 15th, 2007, 3:29pm » |
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Cat, I found this information, Hope it helps a little...I know how it feels to see your children sick  , you wish you can take their place so they don't suffer anymore.
http://www.kidshealth.org/parent/infections/bacterial_viral/whooping_cou gh.html
Hugs for both of you..
Rosy.
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Melissa
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Re: Health Help Needed non CH
« Reply #20 on: Oct 15th, 2007, 3:30pm » |
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Oh yuk Cat, whooping cough sucks! My niece had it and it seemed like it took forever and a day to get over!
Glad you're getting her treated now, I'm really surprised at the runaround you've been given, but can understand it at the same time. Some docs and their facilities are really lax! 
Big HUGS!
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Re: Health Help Needed non CH
« Reply #21 on: Oct 17th, 2007, 9:02am » |
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How's she doing, Cat?
and how're YOU doing?
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catlind
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Re: Health Help Needed non CH
« Reply #22 on: Oct 17th, 2007, 9:44am » |
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Andrea is doing MUCH better now! 24 hours of IV fluids and antibiotics has done the girl a world of good. We saw the doc on Mon. and she is real pleased with her progress.
My pediatrician doesn't think it's whooping cough since the first thing she was treated with was a z-pack, the standard treatment given now for pertussis. The pneumonia was there first, not as a complication to the whooping cough. We should have the culture results back today then we'll know whether she can return to school tomorrow or if we'll have to go into isolation and use chemoprophylaxis on half the city hehe.
Me? I'm doing much better with a bright sunny bouquet of flowers to look at - I can never thank you enough Liz. I'm hanging in there, but I am exhausted, and not afraid or ashamed to admit to many crying jags of my own after the kids have gone to bed. I did hte single parent thing for a long time, have done it many more times during Clark's many deployments, but for whatever reason this time is just kicking my butt.
If I could get my head to behave life would be better, but I'm doing the best I can. I get very frustrated that I have a 15 y /o with 2 arms, 2 legs and a heartbeat and yet all he seems to want to do is play on the computer and play video games. His life is about to become very uncomfortable. There's just so much to do...and of course they all think that it gets done all by itself *sigh* Not long now though, and the boy will be old enough to fend for himself
I'll post later on when we know the results. Thanks again everyone, and especially to you Liz, you sure do know how to brighten someone's world
Cat
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sandie99
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Re: Health Help Needed non CH
« Reply #23 on: Oct 17th, 2007, 9:47am » |
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Cat,
I'm so glad to hear that you both are feeling better!
Best wishes,
Sanna
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