Monday, May 26, 2008

When A Sick Boy Gets Sick...

Realizing current pace of posting on this blog has slowed even to the point of becoming inert, I personally apologize for this infrequency and will make an effort to invoke a certain urgency hoping to make posts more compulsory. It has been some time since we actually updated on Charlie’s condition so I will strive to keep this post entirely on point and tangent free.
The inevitable has happened with our boy and he has taken ill. Nothing severe but nothing that is making life any easier. I believe that according to our rudimentary understanding of modern medicine he might have a touch of the flu. A condition you may have heard of that one need not be overly qualified to diagnose. In my experience if you are holding a small one and they begin to heave insomuch that gastric juice is eructed on your person it might be safe to say that some gastro-intestinal distress is occurring oft caused by any number of Influenza type viruses. Sufficed to say Charlie is experiencing this frequent emesis. Grandma Cheryl can attest as she was, this weekend, turned into Char’s personal burp cloth, thrice. The issue that is marginally unnerving is that Charlie still hasn’t developed the greatest gag/swallow so while he is lurching and giving it the old heave ho he chokes a fair amount and is at times w/o breath. I’d be lying if I said that it didn’t freak me out a little bit and cause some panic but w/ a little repositioning, draining and suctioning he seems to recover well. The unknown is how much of this rejected fluid is finding it’s way into his lungs. Aspiration remains one of our largest fears and it causes us to remain cognizant of his every breath. It is increasingly arduous to get any quality sleep when you are constantly watching the rise and fall of your little boy’s chest.
Aside from this current affliction Charlie continues to do well at home. Of course he has days both good and bad but a trend of more good days is slowly starting. We are trying to get him out on regular walks around the neighborhood not only to get some fresh air but also remedy his “Casper the Friendly Ghost” like complexion. Going w/o the sun for 4 months has left him w/ a pasty like tone that makes his mothers legs look ebony. We love having him home and I love having a snuggle buddy and a perfectly appropriate excuse to sit in front of the TV for hours at a time. Neurologically his condition remains somewhat the same. His only real purposeful responses are to pain or discomfort. We continue to hope that this will improve.
Thanks again for all of your continued support and huge kudos to Troy for putting together the race videos. I am of the school that his videos are the coolest things on this blog and hopefully I can milk him for a few more in the future. Troy is a true cinema graphic technician and only if I had the early Lake Powell videos you could experience the full gambit of his expertise. Strong work Doyt.

25 comments:

Ginny said...

So sorry he is sick. That is my least favorite ailment, even with otherwise healthy kids. Good luck and hope it passes your entire house soon!

Roxey said...

I knew you could do it, Rob.....and it was a fantastic entry!! Love and prayers alway, Rox

Unknown said...

How are Mom, Dad, and Britton doing?

whit said...

Yuck! I hate throw up! It is bad with any kid but with Coop? Not good at all, in fact it totally sucks. I hope it is a short-lived bug and it doesn't cause much more strife. And holy crap, eructed is a word. Rob, I bet you have been waiting to use it, nice work.

linds said...

hope char feels better soon.

Eleyna Julia said...

I don't think the average person understands how scary it is when your child, who struggles when they are 100% healthy, gets sick. Aspiration is a big concern for Hunter too, so I know how unnerving it is to have them throw up. I hope Charlie gets over it soon!!! I'm glad that the good days overall are on the rise.

Wilson 5 said...

Dang guys....Sorry about the flu stuff. Hang in there. Love you guys

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry to hear that Charlie has a touch of the flu. Hopefully it is self-limited and will not be shared amongst you all. You all will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. Thanks for the update.

A friend in Erie, PA

Anonymous said...

We just got over the tummy bug at our house too but I know it does not compare to how poor Charlie feels when sick!

Thanks for the post! We all look forward to the good news...

Anonymous said...

Charlie will always be in our prayers. Hopefully this flu will go away quickly. We are thinking of your family everyday. Thank you for the update! The Paddock's

Anonymous said...

So sorry he is sick. I hope he is over it very quickly. We still check in often and think of him often. Loved the videos. Thanks for sharing the race experience for those of us who weren't there. Wow!

Matchbox Mom said...

Oh! Dang that flu bug!!
We'll be praying that he gets over that real soon!

((HUGS))

The Wilson 3 said...

Feel better soon Charlie.

Anonymous said...

I love you guys for your positive look at life! Sweet Charlie is always in my prayers. I pray for all of your family. You continue to bless so many of us! I pray that Charlie feels better soon. I'm sure Grandma Cheryl didn't mind a little barf at all. She adores Charlie! Thanks for keeping us posted. I know your lives are busy 24 hours a day! Continue to be strong and know that many pray for you daily.
Connie

Anonymous said...

Feel better soon little Charlie. Great video of the 5k. Wish I could've joined the run to feel of the energy and inspiration. Still brings me tears...of sadness and yet of hope. May your sweet little boy continue to inspire those around him.

Anonymous said...

poor charlie! we hope he feels better soon :) he's always in our prayers!

Jamie said...

You do not know me. I "peeked" on your blog through Kelli. I live in Kelli's ward. What a sweet little boy you have. I am sorry for what he is having to endure. May all your prayers be answered. My family will certainly keep this cute little boy and your family in our prayers I wish I would have known about the race sooner, I love to run, next year for sure. Take care, The Fitch Family:) Hope it is ok to keep "peeking" in on his condition.

Jamie said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Jamie said...

This is Jamie Fitch again. I hope you don't mind, I put Charlie's blog on mine. I would love to have my friends/family check him out.

Anonymous said...

Please get better Charlie....The Flue is No fun for such a sweet little Guy....God Bless you!!

Anonymous said...

Hopefully the way I spelled Flu will make you Laugh!!!!!

See Blog above

The Woolstenhulme Family said...

That is terrible. I hope Charlie gets better soon. As always our prayers and thoughts are with all of you. We hope everything else is going good. The Woosltenhulmes

Anonymous said...

I had to laugh at your "pasty white" comment as my boys suffer from this as well. I fear though, that since this is in their genes, there will be no hope for them with or without the sun. :) I'm sure the sun and fresh air do Charlie a world of good!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the update! Charlie, get better, the flu sucks!

Love,
Jamie

Anonymous said...
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