Our First Overnight Stay at the Hospital

 

Yesterday was a day that will leave a lasting impression on me, here is what happened …

 

My 2 year old son Jesse was playing legos in the garage with his older brothers as Darren  and I were preparing the fathers day meal to celebrate his Father when we heard a HUGE cry. Madeline was the first to arrive to Jesse and when we got to him he was still crying holding his head. As we received more information from the kids we had learned that Jesse had climbed the ladder in the garage and had fallen from high up on the ladder. Praise be to God that we have an inch foam padding in our garage but still we were expecting damage from a fall that high up.

 

As we comforted him to try to calm him down he just kept crying, which is not like Jesse, he usually bounces back from little injuries. (He is our kid that only a few months ago climbed on the toy box, fell hit his head and needed staples … do you hear a theme here.) Since he couldn’t be calmed we went into planning mode. We researched quickly on good old “Dr. Google” and then we contacted a family friend and our Chiropractor Dr. Larry, in addition, since Darren is in the medical profession and has friends who are in specialties like head trauma we asked their thoughts as well. During this time Jesse had not thrown up or acting Dizzy, just crying, but becoming sleepy (It didn’t help it was minutes before his “quiet time” which he does occasionally still sleeps so we didn’t know if this was a factor or not.)  Shortly after Darren’s parents arrived and we were able to also get their feed back. (They have raised 3 kids, 2 of which was boys and they somehow made it through childhood alive … which I am seeing is a bigger task then I once believed haha).

 

Then our decision was confirmed when he starting throwing up. Only once at first then every time he had a big movement he would throw up. We knew then that we should bring him in to be evaluated.  We brought him to our chiropractor which he got adjusted and was REALLY out of alignment, mostly on his atlas (which is the top bone of the back). This adjustment made him throw up, and we learned also when it is out of alignment can make some feel nauseous too. (poor buddy).  Then Darren and Jesse headed for the ER.

As you read above and might remember this is not our first ER trip. The last time we brought him to a local hospital, however we learned since then that whenever you have a children’s injury and you live in the greater Portland area IF you can afford the time ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS take your kiddo to Randell’s Children’s Hospital in Portland. Our experience was completely different this ER trip and we know with Darren being in the medical profession that those which have experience with kids have a greater awareness or background knowledge then others. Also ironically both times we needed to go into the ER was in the evening/night time and the waiting room in an all Kid ER is completely different then a ER for all ages (if you can image!)

 

So Darren arrived to the ER and the conclusion was that Jesse would need to get a CT scan. After the scan a quick glance didn’t show anything but they sent it to the radiologist who did see a small bleed, and then sent the image to the trauma team specialist. They found a small bleed above the left ear.  At this point after seeing Jesse and discussion with Darren, they advised that he should stay in the hospital overnight because the first 24 hours is the most crucial for head injuries.   They classified this injury as traumatic brain injury but they said it is on the mild end of that spectrum. So Jesse got his first ever-overnight stay at the hospital. We have had homebirths so literally this is his first overnight stay EVER!

They woke him two times throughout the night and then in the morning to check his neurological state. He has passed with flying colors but needed nausea medicine because when he moved he threw up. But they were encouraged he wasn’t waking up throwing up. Again Praise to God! He has also been on an IV the whole time to give him fluids since he hasn’t been able to eat or drink.

As I write this it is the following morning at 10:30 am he is doing great but still at the hospital. Please continue to pray for Jesse and for these weeks to come as we work to keep things low key and restful. The risk of him hurting himself while his brain is still healing is most concerning.

 

We love you all and we wanted to let you guys know so that you can be in prayer for our son. PRAYER is POWERFUL!!

 

We know God can heal our son.

We believe He will.

But even if he doesn’t HE IS STILL GOD!

 

Our friends, family and biblical community have been AMAZING! We have been so supported! With tons of prayer warriors, and with our physical needs being met through food, activities for Jesse when he gets home to help him stay restful but entertained (which will get harder as the week goes on I am sure). These wonderful humans stayed up with me last night as I waited for news, and were a huge emotional support to us during this time. We feel so loved and cared for. I heard someone say once when traumatic things happen it is like putting salt on a watermelon: it shouldn’t make sense but somehow it makes life more sweeter. Through this I have seen the glory of God shown in His kindness and faithfulness as He has proud out His peace that passes all understanding, and his hands extended through our community.

 

We have also learned a lot, first accidents happen, they do, and they will continue to happen I am sure. Darren feels a sense of guilt that he didn’t put his ladder away in the garage; but literally right after this happened we sent the kids to have some time outside as we cared for Jesse and I literally looked out my window and see Noah climbing on the stacked wood pile. Accidents just happen but I can tell you will wont be leaving our ladder out anymore! And, we have been talking about climbing things where our bodies can be safe or we have been given permission. We don’t want to and refuse to live life based on fear. Praise to God that He knows our days, that He has a plan for our lives and we live in that TRUTH!

 

Jesse boy, I believe God has big plans for your life and we are excited to see where and how he uses our sweet, adorable, full of life kiddo! We love you!