Neela's 2nd LM Infection

May 19 Neela's Hospitalization


Well here I am again... just a few days after my last post. Was hoping and praying I wasn't going to be blogging until June 1. Neela ended up not getting any better from Monday May 17th. On the morning of May 19, I noticed that Neela's swelling was increasing along her temple. It was rock hard to the touch, and was flaming with red streaks... pretty good indication of the infection not giving up. I called her ENT doc in IA CITY... spoke with the nurse, and she immediately scheduled in to see the clinic doc that day. We had to be there at 3:00.. so it left me some time to get my schedule and plans made for the kids. We got looked at by one of the ENT docs and he had "concern" written all over his face. He poked and prodded her ever so tender face. He looked into her mouth and said, "I need to check her airway". So I chose to wait in the waiting area, since I didn't want to see Neela in discomfort from the scope. He wasn't back there long with her. He came out and told me that the airway looked completely fine, (whew what a relief). Cross that obstacle off. The bad part was when Neela was crying during the scope, her hard contact lens went flying somewhere that I couldn't find. So off to the Ophthalmology Clinic to let her eye doc know that she is without a contact lens. So went and ordered a new one, which would be here by Friday... which in my gut told me we'd still be at the hospital as inpatient. They told me that Neela has a stubborn infection and that she needed to be admitted for fluids and IV antibiotics. At this point I was fine with his advice, because I saw and heard her suffer for about 24 hours now. I was a little apprehensive to the overnight stay since Bart was at home with the kids, along with my mother in law Judy.. (thanks Judy). I was alone and had to be strong for this sick little baby. A few hours later as we got settled into our room, ended up finding out that a dear friend of mine, named Kelly was on her way down to spend the night with Neela and I. She had a rough and long night, so I'm grateful that she did stay. She developed a bit of a fever, and she would wimper all night long... can't believe my dear friend endured all of this when she could be getting a peaceful night of sleep at home. Thanks A LOT for being an amazing friend to me and our family Kelly ! The next day ( May 20) she didn't really change much, still pretty "out of it"... the drugs probably didn't help with that feeling. I knew she was in a LOT of pain throughout much of the day, and the hardest thing was watching her, and not being able to console or help her in anyway. I thought we had a duty to our children to help, comfort, and take that pain away instantly... I guess thats not always the case. As the afternoon progressed... Neela developed more swelling into her neck now... it is all connected, and it is all rock hard and infected. The doctors put Neela on another antibiotic along with the original one. She is on pain meds every four hours. Now we just wait and wait 'til we start seeing a smiling (two teeth) grin. Its nice to be in a place where they actually have been through her condition, and know exactly how to treat it. Keep Neela in your prayers for comfort, and her healing... Thank You. God Bless Neela in her start to this journey. May HE continue to guide our family, and provide her docs with wisdom, and the prevailing steps for her ultimate healing and comfort. Thank You to my parents for driving over 3 1/2 hours to be with her and I, you two always know the right words to say to direct me into a positive perspective. Thank You to Bart and the kids for enduring this long healing process with Neela, you are ALL an amazing support group ! I LOVE YOU.