Update on Fiona

[lunabee34]

Thank you all so much for commenting. I have not had the energy to comment back individually; whatever bug led her pneumonia is currently dragging me down pretty hard, too. It made me feel so much better, though, to check my phone whenever I heard that shrill notification chime (the only sound that I can reliably hear out of the options, unfortunately) and read the words of support and encouragement you posted. Although I hate that so many of you have experience with pneumonia, either as patients yourselves or as the parent of a sick kid, I appreciate you sharing with me your stories of making it through.

Fiona is still doing pretty poorly. We're crossing our fingers that she will wake up tomorrow feeling much better.

Spikedluv, I do think that she probably had pneumonia (or its beginnings) a couple weeks ago when the doctor put her on Prednisone. He didn't do a chest x-ray at that time, so I can't be sure.

Executrix, I don't think we have a sick house problem. I think she probably caught RSV or something like that and then caught a cold on top of that and it settled into her lungs. I also think that, like her sister, she has asymptomatic asthma. The doc agrees with me and started her on Singulair a couple weeks ago at that first visit, and I think that as time passes, that's going to help her a lot although it does jack all for this particular situation. IDK how Josh and I made two babies with respiratory problems. With Ems, I have always attributed that to her being a premie, but Fiona was born on her due date. IDK what's up with that.

Anyway, thanks y'all. I appreciate the love and support and prayers.

Comments

[monanotlisa]

I wouldn't worry about your DNA there; this doesn't have to be genetic. Respiratory issues in children skyrocket depending on many factors, including location. Even my whooping cough was supposedly facilitated by the air in Germany in the late seventies still being pretty polluted, especially us living so close to the industrial heart of the country. Today, the mega-cities of the world have doctor's offices full of pneumonia and bronchitis cases -- Beijing and Delhi, for example...and yes, I looked up the latter after my bronchitis in Delhi; it was pretty bad (no high fever, though, as we already established :).

I know this sounds like my lungs are in terrible shape, but my last lung tests done yielded completely normal results re: oxygen absorption and other baseline readings. Just because as a kid you suffered through a series of serious upper respiratory infections does NOT mean you have chest trouble as an adult. I have not had anything serious since that 2001 trip all across India, and now get about 2 colds per year, which is on the lower end of the range for adults in the US (2-4).

[feldman]

I second this--as someone who grew up with a smoker I have a tendency toward developing bronchitis, but i also have excellent lung function most of the time.

I'd say environment or epigenetic factors might be involved, but it could very well simply be a lucky microbe at an opportune time. I've noticed our kiddo is more susceptible to germs just after a growth spurt.

[lunabee34]

That's interesting; she has just gone through a growth spurt.

I'm glad your lungs mostly don't bother you now. I'm also really glad that Josh and I decided to stop smoking years and years ago.

[lunabee34]

I'm so glad you don't have that problem as an adult; Emma's respiratory issues have improved to the point of disappearance, and she's just 12, so I have hope for the future.

I could not imagine living somewhere the air is visibly polluted and how terrible that would be for the girls. when my aunt and uncle lived in Manila, they had to stay inside all the time and wear masks. :/

[jackandahat]

Hopefully the medication kicks in soon. *hugs*

[lunabee34]

She is definitely feeling better. :)

[tamoline]

All the best wishes and hugs.

[lunabee34]

Thank you! She is feeling better for sure.

[umadoshi]

Poor kiddo. :( I hope she's feeling vastly improved today.

[lunabee34]

She was! Thank goodness. *hugs*

[cathexys]

Hugs to you and Fiona! It's so tough taking care of a little one who's sick when you're not feeling great yourself. Hope y'all get through this quickly!!!

[lunabee34]

*hugs*

She is feeling better, and I have an appointment for tomorrow (I had the hardest time getting an appointment anywhere; so maddening), so hopefully I will soon too.