1st follow up at Children's

Payton had her first follow up at Children's. We had to take an xray & have some blood drawn. The xray was to check her lungs to see if there was any fluid in there & the blood work was to check her Potassium levels (which were down while in the hospital) & to see if the blood thinner is keeping her blood at a certain level. We then had to go up & be seen by the Nurse Practioner.

Results.....

Xray was not as clear as when we were in the hospital, which is not uncommon but is something that is going to be watched very closely. We are upping the dose of diuretics & hope to see a change by Friday when her next xray will be taken. If it does not get better than we will be admitted into the hospital so that she can receive her meds thru an IV, apparently IV diuretics work better & faster than the ones taken by mouth.

Blood Work - Her potassium was perfect, which was good because they had her take Potassium Chloride by mouth & it was N.A.S.T.Y!!! The other level they were checking was a little low so they are going to up her dose of Coumidin (sp? a blood thinner). Her blood levels will be rechecked on Monday to make sure that she is on the right dose & it doesn't need to be adjusted again.

All in all she did well at the hospital. After talking with a good friend (who's a Dr.) about some concerns that I have... have you ever noticed that you never have questions or concerns until after business hours?!?! Why is that? Anyway the symptoms that I described were from her having fluid in her lungs, which we already know... so I should sleep better having spoken to him. And if things change I will be more aware & notice it.

As if Payton weren't tortured enough tomorrow I am taking her to get her RSV shot. Either before or after we will be going to Dr. Burkes office to check her oxygen levels. If they go down then that is a sign of more fluid, if they are the same or higher than that is of course better.

The good news for the day is that she didn't have an all out screaming fit when I gave her her meds at dinner. I'm hoping that it is not a fluke & she will be better from now on. Payton is also back to her old self, which is the best sign of all. Even with the added worrying I am still glad that she is home & that we have resources that we can call on.... I am so grateful.