The Meece Family: Virus, Virus Go Away

On December 10, 2013 Robert was admitted to East Tennessee Children's Hospital. A week before, he started throwing up after eating several times a day. We saw his pediatrician and at first he thought it was a virus that would pass but just in case it might be an allergy to something in my milk he started Robert on a combination of pedialyte for potential dehydration and a hypoallergenic formula. After a few days of Robert continuing to throw up we went back to the doctor. He felt confident that it was not an allergy to breast milk so we were able to go back to nursing. He thought it might be a reflux issue and wrote us a prescription of Zantac to start immediately. He also wanted us to get some blood work and x rays done just to cover all of our bases. A couple hours after we got home from getting blood drawn and belly x rays taken the doctor called and told me to immediately take Robert to the ER at ETCH because his levels were abnormally high. That was the start of the longest, hardest, saddest and most blessed week of our lives. Our sweet little boy had to endure a catheter, an IV, a spinal tap and more x rays...and that was only on day one in the ER. After nothing came of all of those tests, the ER doctor recommended that Robert be admitted because his white blood count was still high and he was still throwing up. So we carried our baby and made our way up to room 244 with tears in our eyes and hope in our hearts. He had blood drawn every day, a few doses of antibiotics, fluids, and his vitals taken every 3 hours. Robert lost weight while in the hospital, which was very scary for mommy and daddy. He also had to endure a swallow test and a kidney ultrasound. Robert was so brave and continued to try to be the happy, loving little boy that he is. The nurses and doctors were wonderful and were so sweet to Robert. He had lots of visitors and prayers from friends and family, near and far. Grammy and Grampy and Aunt Kristie came to town to be with us. Mimi came to visit every day and Grandpa and Aunt Minde came to see Robert too. After 7 long days we were told their best guess was that a terrible virus got a hold on Robert and his little body was just working really hard to get rid of it. We were discharged on Monday, December 16th. Robert still had some recovering to do once we got home. He is doing so much better now. It has been over a week since he has thrown up and he has gained back his weight and even more I think! Jack and I are so thankful that our sweet little boy is happy and healthy again and we are so thankful for all of our family and friends. We felt so much love and support with your prayers and well wishes.