We had a follow-up appointment for Bree at our regular doctor’s office on Monday. We go to a family practice so we usually see whoever is available. One thing I like about the place is they always are able to work us in same day for whatever ailment we may have. On this particular day, we saw a PA who also had had a child with RSV at a young age, so she could totally sympathize with our worries about Bree.
The oxygen meter at the doctor’s office didn’t seem as robust as the ones we had seen at the hospital ER or Urgent Care centers. It seemed to only give one reading (like a thermometer does) rather than a continuous reading following the ups and downs of her oxygen level. Also, Bree’s oxygen levels previously had only been low when nursing or sleeping (especially sleeping) and they would go up and down during those times. Plus, she was fully awake for this appointment. This concerned me that she would be taken off of oxygen before she was really ready. I was glad when the doctor told me she thinks it is best to play it safe with RSV and infants who need oxygen and advised us that Bree should remain on it until at least Friday, when she will be seen again for another follow-up. But I am still worried that whatever testing they do on Friday still may not capture the accurate picture of where her oxygen levels are.
The delivery guy from Apria Health left a bunch of oxygen tanks for us on Monday, probably enough to last several months at least! When Greg mentioned we wouldn’t need nearly that many, the guy told Greg that they were already paid for. Hmmm, since we haven’t met our new insurance’s high deductible yet, does that mean WE will end up paying for them? I sure hope not.
At any rate, Bree does seem to be getting better. She still has coughing fits that worry me, but today the fits weren’t for as long as they had been on previous days. She is also nursing better and less fussy. Bree is back to waking up every 2 hours at night to eat, but perhaps her body needs the extra nourishment to fight this virus off. Or maybe she is going through a growth spurt. Either way, I am thankful to Greg that he helps with Adrianna in the mornings (she is on Spring Break) so I can sleep in and also if I fall asleep during the day while feeding Bree, which happened (accidentally) today.
I’m glad she is improving! I would definitely bring up your concerns about her oxygen levels and them changing when she is sleeping. Mothers instincts are never to be overlooked. 🙂 she’s so precious, something about those little oxygen tubes in a childs nose breaks my heart. Aidan’s lecels changed while he slept too, I never will forget the machines beeping all night when it dipped below 85
So precious. And I agree with Cindy–those tubes break my heart too. I’m amazed that she doesn’t pull them out, or does she try? I just can’t get enough of looking at her. Can’t wait to see her for real!!!!
We’re praying for complete recovery!