Emily has been a real trooper. She has had the best attitude. She is all smiles and laughs. And I am so thankful to God that I have all these wonderful moments. I try not to think about what might of happened if we hadn’t come to Children’s on Sunday. God’s hand has been in this the whole time. He is truly amazing. And I definitely believe in the power of prayer and I am able to take such great comfort in knowing that I have this amazing support system of friends on the internet that are thinking and praying for us. I am in tears now. I don’t mean to sound sappy but each of you mean so much to me. You are my rock through this. I can’t even begin to thank you all.
Emily has a great spirit and its so easy to forget that she is as sick as she is. Since her surgery, she has ran no fever, complained of no pain, and has began to regain her appetite. But she has an infection raging in her body that is going to take weeks to recover from. Kids are just so tough. The doctor came in last night and said they drained the abscess but the pouch is still there and there is a 20-30% chance it will refill before the surgery in 6 weeks. We are waiting on the cultures to come back today to learn more. I still can’t believe my baby went 10 days with a ruptured appendix and I didn’t know! (Oh here comes the waterworks again.) It just baffles me because when you think appendicitis, you think severe abdominal pain and her pain wasn’t severe. I took her to the doctor twice and they missed it (yeah I am changing doctors, already found a new one). I am just thankful the Lord lead us here on Sunday. And would you believe when we arrived the ER had nobody in it?? It was empty. That hardly EVER happens!
Children’s Hospital is amazing. The staff is so friendly and they are eager to get you whatever you need. They have a pantry on the floor with drinks and snacks for the patient and family. They are constantly asking us if we need anything to make our stay more comfortable. There is a nice TV with a built in DVD player. The room could stand to be a bit bigger and this chair bed is not that comfortable but they got me an egg crate mattress which helps.
There is an activity room on our floor for kids 5-11. They have games, toys, dvds, arts and crafts, etc. Emily will be allowed to go there today. Last night I went and checked her out 2 Scooby Doo DVDs and a board game. How neat is that?? They also have this huge, amazing center called The Children’s Harbor. It is huge and has tons of amenities like game rooms, basketball courts, arts and craft centers, etc. She is also free to go there today. They have a painting class I think she will really like. They also have these wagons that you can pull your child around the hospital in to get them a change of scenery. I took Emily to see the big Disney figurine display and she loved that!
It’s heartbreaking seeing all the sick kids though. But I say a prayer for each one and thank God they have a nice hospital like this one to come to. I can’t say enough great things about this hospital. I am truly blown away.
I am doing as good as a mother can be in this situation. My husband actually was under the impression that I could leave yesterday. I had to burst his bubble. There is no way that I am leaving her side. It would literally rip my heart in two. The hospital does have wifi and I brought my mini laptop with me and I am able to blog some. I don’t want to get too far behind or leave you guys hanging. But their free wifi is so slow. Pictures load like they did on the old dial up. It’s kind of amusing and takes me back to 15 years ago when internet was still in the stone age. I do have an amazing friend who is helping me with some of my posts. It’s awesome having her to help.
I am sleeping as good as I can and taking care of myself and baby #3. I am 13 weeks pregnant today! The baby seems to be behaving. It seems like they know that sissy is sick. Jacob has been staying with my mother in law. He came up yesterday for an hour to visit Emily and he was so sweet with her. Until he got tired of being here and then he was “fun”.
They are inserting a pict iv today. She will be on antibiotics for 2 weeks. They mentioned having a home health nurse come to administer the antibiotics, but I don’t know many details yet. They will sedate her to put it in and plan to do it this morning. So please keep her in your prayers. I will update you was soon as I know more.
For those of you that haven’t been following the story…. Emily had what I thought was a stomach bug followed by a UTI. This lasted for 9 days before I took her to the ER at Children’s Hospital. (She had already been to the doctor twice and was on antibiotics.) They found that her appendix had ruptured 10 days prior and she had a pus filled abscess the size of a softball in her abdomen. Monday they went in and drained the abscess. Now we are working on healing the infection and getting her better. In 5-6 weeks, we will return to have her appendix removed. Right now it’s just a wait and see game. All prayers and thoughts are appreciated!
I am so sorry to hear all of this. But am so glad she is doing better! God is faithful! I will keep you all in my prayers. We love you, too. And I wish you would not worry about the blog…..we’ll still be here when you all get home;)
WONDERFUL news that she is doing so well!!! Prayers for her continued fast and pain-free improvement!
Glad to hear she is feeling better. Our prayers with Emily and the family.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to your family. I can only imagine what you are going though. I know the Lord is in control and He will take care of Emily. She is such a cutie. ♥
Oh my, what a time you’ve had! I’m happy to hear everything is going so well now. Don’t you worry about us…we can live without our coupon updates for a while! Just keep us updated on Emily, it’s nice to hear what a little trooper she is being, and it’s wonderful that you’re getting such great care right now! Thank God for miracles big and small!
Kristen,
I am so sorry to hear about Emily, but she looks wonderful. I am praying for your family. Take care of yourself too. We moms try to do everything, but you have to take care of you and the baby as well. I read through all of the comments and I hate to hear about sick children. I am praying for all of them. Thank God you took her to the ER! I pray for her quick recovery and I totally get it, I wouldn’t ever be able to leave one of the twins in the hospital without me. That would be torture for both of us. You are a great mom!!
remember you are not alone…all of us who have little ones think about you during this difficult time. your web posts helped me so much on my recent trip to disney, so thank you so much…wish i could do more for you and yours to help you out..but remember so many wish your daughter well.
Good luck! Our thoughts and prayers are with your family!
Kristin,
I’m so sorry to hear Emily is sick, but glad to hear she is on the mend. Children’s Hospital is wonderful! My daughter has an inoperable brain tumor and has been in Children’s here in Birmingham since August 11th. Emily should come down to the 4th floor Activity Room and play with Courtney tomorrow. It is right by the elevators and they have lots of fun stuff to do in there. I hope Emily is completely well soon.
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/courtneyburnette
Kristin, I made a get well card for Emily and I mailed it this morning. Hope it brings a smile to both your faces.
And I’m also sending you lots of positive thoughts and prayers, along with a great big (((HUG))). Take care of yourself and your babies (Emily & #3).
congrats on baby #3!!!
I am thinking about you and your family. And as a Emergency Dept nurse i have to tell you to speak to the nurses on the floor or in the ER (if you happen to see any) about your pediatrician…..they know what docs send their patients in and which docs are common for miss diagnosing! you dont want a pediatrician that down plays everything and then you begin to have frequent trips to the ER!
Praying for you guys!
You are in my prayers as a Mother you did everything you could you shouldnt feel guilty for one minute!
Prayers to all of you!!!! God is awsome and he does stand by us in the darkest of times!!! You are truly blessed!!
Emily’s smile is truly a blessing! I’m so glad to hear that things are improving although please know that I am continuing to pray for her recovery as well as strength for you and your family. God is so good to provide. I’m such a fan of your blog that I pass your blog on to anyone who is willing to read and I’ve also passed along Emily’s story to my church family members who will be praying too!!:)
As someone who used to work in surgery I have every faith in the world that you are in the right place to get the best treatment possible. The PIC line is indeed the best thing for her treatment. It helps to administer meds and be able to draw blood without ever having to stick her again hopefully (until it is removed).
As for her not having much pain, did the doctors explain anything to you? I am not a doctor, so my expertise was limited to handling instruments during surgery. However, I do know that depending on how the appendix ruptured could depend on the amount of pain. Everyone always thinks terrible pain because that is the classic symptoms. But if it ruptured into a pocket of adipose fat for instance, it could keep the contents contained for several days before it starts to seep out to the rest of the body. I am not saying that the child has to be overweight for this to happen. It just could have been that there was a little fatty deposit right around the appendix that contained it for several days. The other thing is that there are a lot of children out there that have a high tolerance to pain. It is something that hasn’t been researched much, but it does happen. Again, this could be another reason she is not feeling much pain.
No matter how it happened, the Children’s Hospital is indeed the best place. They will take good care of her and as kids go, she will be back on her feet quickly I am sure. I am just so glad that she is doing well right now. You need to make sure you take care of yourself. She needs you, but that baby of yours needs you too. If you let yourself get too run down, the baby could really take a toll on your health as well. So make sure you are getting adequate food and lots of fluids.
Be content in your choices. Don’t jump too fast on making decisions that could affect the rest of your life. And know that God is watching over you as the rest of us are praying and thinking about you and your family.
Lots of prayers going up for Emily and for your entire family. Sounds like you are in a very good place & are receiving wonderful care. Sometimes it’s so hard on us moms when we don’t know what’s wrong with our kids, and it’s so easy to blame ourselves when something is wrong. I hope you are at peace and that Emily is feeling better really soon!
Lots of prayers going up for Emily and for your entire family. Sounds like you are in a very good place & are receiving wonderful care. Hope she is feeling better soon!
I’m sending you and Emily positive thoughts and lots and lots of prayers. I was at a Hallmark the other day and found a Disney item that I had to buy because it made me smile. It was a little plaque that said, “The very things that held you down are going to carry you up.” I’m currently being treated for breast cancer and that really spoke to me. My struggles now, WILL make me stronger. The same goes for you and your little girl.
Still sending prayers for you all! Glad to hear that your daughter is feeling better and that her spirits are good! I agree with everyone else…The Children’s Hospital is AMAZING!! I have had to go on 2 seperate occasions with 2 of my children and each time they made us feel at home and were so helpful and friendly! My heart breaks for you as a mother, knowing that your baby was sick and you didn’t know from what or how bad….God’s hand is on the whole situation and how awesome is that?
Tkae Care and know that you have lots of people praying!! ;0)
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Thank God you did take her to childrens and she is being taking so good care of! Take care of your self and baby number 3!
Kristin – I would be filled with tears and emotion now too. Your child is a gift from God and you are so right these moments draw us nearer to Jesus and he truly is the Rock on which I stand too. We would love to send her a card. I will put one in the mail in the next day. We have had many miracles in our home and the Lord did them all. We are believing with you and will pray continually for her!!! Love and many prayers are going your way!!!
Keep that smile up, Emily! This will all be over before you know it!
I am still keeping you guys in my thoughts and prayers…Emily still has a little twinkle in her eye even as she lays in the hospital bed! I can’t wait to hear that you guys are going home and she is all better! Again I say what a strong and brave little girl!!
My prayers will be with Emily and your family.
I am sooo happy to see her smile and look like she’s at Disney as opposed to a hospital! :)
Still sending prayers sweetie. Hoping for a quick recovery. I had my appendix out at age 5. It burst while they were taking it out. I complained with stomach pain for a year. My mom had me to several doctors who all came to the conclusion that I was faking it. Finally I spiked a major fever that wouldn’t go away and my mom took me to the er. She demanded a white count and it came back throught the roof. I had surgery 12 hours later. I too was one of those kids who was fine afterward. My mom said I ate everything in site, didn’t want to stay in bed and that I felt better that I had in months. So if she says she’s good she probably is. I’ll be sending prayers up that everything goes okay with the surgery and that it’ll be a quick recovery.
Didn’t have time to read all the comments, so if someone has already made the suggestion, forgive me please! However, I wanted to tell you to make sure you take that eggshell foam pad home with you!! Use it for a nap pad for your kids or whatever you can. You will pay dearly for it!!! Just a tip, cause several folks never think about taking them home. Still praying for your family and hope the healing process is speedy, even though I know you have a way to go!
I sending a big hug to you and your family.
Your daughter looks so sweet! I have not been on “my blogs” for a little while (all the kids home for the summer !!!) and when I read about Emily I was so upset that I didn’t know sooner. I feel like I know you and your family. I will be praying for you all. God is truly amazing and he will take you through this. Trust in and rely on him and all things are possible.
Try to get some rest if you can and congratulations on your baby on the way!!
My husband lived with a reptured appendix for 2 weeks. Went to the doctor twice during those 2 week’s and called everyday. They just kept saying he had the flu.
I finally took him to the er. He had to have 3 tubes put in this stomach for 3 abcess. He was a very sick man. He couldn’t have surgery until 2 months later after the infection was under control. It was a hard time in our life but 2 years later he is COMPLETELY back to normal. God’s hand was on him because the doctor’s said another 2 or 3 days and he might have died from the infection. Really this experience is what lead me to couponing. He couldn’t work for many months. I know what you are going through. EVerything will be fine because GOD IS IN CONTROL!!!!
Your post brought tears to my eyes. Your daughter looks so great in the picture and it’s so amazing that she wasn’t in any extreme pain then or now. Wow.
You know you gotta love Dads, but they just don’t get the bond between a Mom and their child. There is no way that I could leave my son, if he was in the same situation as your daughter. So I totally understand and feel for you.
And like others have said, DON’T worry at all about the blog. All we want right now are more good reports on how your daughter is doing. The other stuff can all wait.
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. And remember to take care of yourself, kids are amazing and sometimes it’s the moms that need the attention, because we feel all their pain.
Take Care,
Cindy
Hi, I just wanted to leave you a comment and let you know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. I am a nurse so I understand how sad it is for a family when there is an illness with a little one. Kids are so strong tho and they really teach us lessons, my kids teach me something daily. I appriciate your blog so much and wanted to thank you for all that you have taught me. I will definatly be praying for Emily, and for your family. God bless.
Megan
I love that picture. She is truly an amazing child. Thanks for the updates and you and Emily are in our prayers.
Your daughter looks so happy in the photo. You would never guess that she’s going through so much. That hospital does sound wonderful! I’m not a religious person, so I would be lying if I said I’m praying for you, but I am thinking of you and you and your daughter do have my best wishes.
And don’t worry about the blog! You’ve already done so much for us … just do what you need to do for your family.
Sending thoughts and prayers your way!
Glad to hear Emily is doing better! We are keeping you both in our prayers.
I had a similar situation happen to me, one Saturday night I was doubled over in pain and vomitting and had a temp. and by the time I got to the ER was feeling a lot better. They took me in immediately (thank goodness b/c it was crowded) did CAT scans, ran every test you could imagine and gave me antibiotics. My infection responded to the antibiotics, which is unusual and it took them three or four days to finally decide to take my appendix out. Even then they weren’t sure it was appendicits, but figured either way they’d know. I had just moved to Texas to go to graduate school and now having three kids of my own I can’t even imagine how hard that must have been for her being in Ohio and not being able to be with me.
It’s funny because they say the warning signs of appendicits are so straight forward, but as we’ve both learned (the hard way) they are definately not and there is no “typical” case.
Have a great day today!
Praying that all continues to go well!
So glad she’s doing well! And you, too!! I have NOT dealt well with my daughters 2 surgeries and those were planned! I can’t imagine them otherwise…
Still praying fro you guys!
The exact same thing happened a few months ago to my neice’s daughter who is now 22 months old. In fact, she goes back into the hospital next week for another surgery (hopefully her last). She is doing really well and hopefully your daughter will be, as well. Good luck!
kristin,
i have not been on the computer in awhile and ust read your post. i was crying as i read it..because i too am a parent of a very sick child. my oldest was born early and in the NICU for several weeks. they gave us less than 50% chance he would make it. since then we have been to every “ologist” in the chicagoland area and he is doing great. but he has been in and out of our children’s hospital here and they are truly the best. i have a charity put together where i make bags for the parents of the kids in the PICU who come in with nothing when their child is admitted. (that was me) i know the feeling of sleeping in those recliners (and i was pregnant once as well) and it is so scary. i remember crying silent tears and he slept in my arms once. but i can honestly say that God works in mysterious ways. kids are soooooo amazing. they bounce back so quick. to this day my son has asthma and suffers from multiple issues (allergies, breathing….) but in the end his smiles lights my life. when this is all said and done you will hold a special spot in your heart for the staff at that hospital. i would be happy to lend some of my advice on ways to support your local children’s hospital. i will keep you all in my thoughts and don’t forget..they may be small..but they are mighty!!!! =)
Glad to hear some more good news. Let’s pray that keeps coming!
I don’t usually post much on blogs but I had to tell youI understand what you are going through! We were on vacation and My daughter was 2 when her appendix ruptured and we didn’t know! She got sick and complained of a stomach ache,,nothing major we thought. Took her to a walk in-they had no clue-finally got her admitted to a hospital where they kept giving us no answers–her and I finally ended up on Life star helicopter headed to Johns Hopkins where they performed emergency surgery!! It was one of the hardest things to go though. I still remember her barely awake-lips blue, eyes dark looking at me as they put her in the helicopter! I never left her side either! Stay Strong!
What a sweet, sweet picture. Children are so amazing…just look at that beautiful smile! Thanks for the update…continuing to pray for you guys!
Sooo glad to hear that she is recovering well. God is always good and faithful! Thanks for keeping us posted. will continue praying for her!
Our family will continue to keep Emily in our prayers!
Praying for you and your family! Hope Emily feels better soon!
I’m so glad you are all doing better. I know it was definitely hard on you and she sounds like such a little trouper in all of this. Aren’t children amazing?! Prayerse go up for you all.
Kristen,
I am so sorry to hear the news about your precious Emily. I am pregnant also, and haven’t been on “my” blogs for a couple of weeks (too sick.) Know that we are all praying for swift recovery, strength and knowledge to be in the hands of the doctors who treat Emily and most of all that she is in the hands of the Great Physician and there is no greater peace than being held by Him.
Much love and prayer,
The Warrens
Hello,
I wrote on your FB wall already I am the mom who had a 7 yr old with appendicitis. He too had it ruptured for a while(6 days) before we knew. I had a 6 day hospital stay with him and also had a baby with me(btw *congratulations*), except mine was a little older than yours he was 4 mos. I am very happy to hear that Emily is doing so much better! :)
About changing Pedi’s. . . if this situation is your only reason you might want to reconsider. My son started with what we thought was the stomach bug on Sunday. On Wednesday I called the pedi & asked how long should he have a low grade temp before he is seen? Their response 5 days. So on Friday I took him in the office. They gave him an exam which included a deep poking in the belly area(he is a very thin kid so it was some real good poking) and no response from my son he didn’t even flinch. The Pedi. was baffled. She said to me I was thinking appendicitis but that didn’t phase him. She then said I am on call tomorrow if he still has the fever I want to see him. Sure enough we were back the next morning. This time she barely touched his stomach & he nearly jumped off the table. We were on our way to the hospital. All of this to say I think kids are real troopers & it’s hard to tell what is really going on sometimes. I don’t think my pedi could have done anything differently & she too missed it at first. On the other hand years ago I DID switch pedi’s and I’m very happy I did. If there are other reasons then definitely switch but if it’s only about this one instance you might want to reconsider. Talk to the nurses at the hospital they will have great insight about the area pedi’s.
I am very happy to hear your daughter is doing so well!
I have followed your blog now for almost two years, my wife and I are huge Disney fans as well. When we heard about your daughter, we were very upset. We prayed for your families health; God is truly amazing! Keep up the good work you are doing and good things will come to you!
Here’s hoping Emily has a speedy recovery! If she needs any incentive for getting better, remind her of your next trip to Disney! That should bring a smile to her lovely face!
I got up this morning with your family on my mind. I too am dealing with a rough patch and can easily empathize with what you are going through. Thank God she is doing better. My prayers are with you guys.
I agree, Children’s Hospital is the best! We took my son there with 3rd nerve palsy, thought to be a brain tumor. His doctor also misdiagnosed him with an allergic reaction. And I did the same thing you did, changed drs immediately after getting the real diagnosis!
I hope that she continues to get stronger and everything settles down! Keep us all updated. You’ve got a small village behind you here!
I will be thinking of you and sweet Emily. Prayers being sent wwithout ceasing!
I’m so glad she i doing so well. God is Amazing, you are right!! I’m so thankful that you have a wonderful hospital too. I’m in Atlanta and my daughter was in Children’s Healthcare at 5 1/2 week and it was one of the worst and best experiences of my life. The staff is fantastic. They took her from death to life in about 30 minutes (rare blood disorder).
Keep us updated and don’t worry about the blog – I know we ALL UNDERSTAND!!!! :)
I had a PICC line with both of my pregnancies and my 4 year old had one during the first part of her chemo. They are quite the blessing. Sometimes they can draw blood from there saving your daughter from endless pokes. Home health care nurses, again had one each time I was pregnant, are fabulous. It means you aren’t constantly taking her to the Doc. Sounds like you are in great hands! I am so glad things are looking up.
Thank you so much. I feel better knowing someone who has personal experience with them. How is your daughter now?
So glad to hear she is on the mend! I can’t imagine what you are going through-you are one strong mama! Get better soon Emily!
Praying for you guys!