Hunkering down at the hospital (Feb. 5)
Lucas’s sodium level continues to stabilize but the mystery of how it got so low has yet to be solved. We spent the afternoon talking to a slew of specialists – the regular PICU fellows, residents and attending physician, two nefrologists (kidney doctors), a geneticist, the GI doctor, and an endocrinologist (a doctor that studies hormones and glands). We’ll spare the details for now, but we’re all working hard to explore different possibilities for what happened to Lucas, and we’re confident there will be a conclusion soon enough.
In the meantime, the many blood tests have taken a toll on Lucas, making his red cell count low, and therefore he needed a blood transfusion last night. Neither of us was able to give blood because of a trip we took to southern Colombia last year so he got the blood from another donor, but it reminded us that giving blood is an important thing to do. So if you’re thinking about Lucas sometime in the next week then stop by a blood bank, and if you’re in DC then come to Children’s and specify that your donation is for Lucas in case he needs another transfusion in the near future (it will go to other children if it turns out that he doesn’t need it).
Should Lucas remain stable he’ll be ready to come home on Sunday or Monday which would be nice since the chairs in his room aren’t the best place to sleep. (Last night was our first at home since Monday and we actually slept.) We’re packing up for the weekend, preparing for the “big storm” that’s about to hit DC – it’s supposed to snow 3 inches an hour starting midday today and build up over 2 feet. So even if Lucas is ready to go sooner we won’t be living at the hospital for at least a few days…
Fianlly, we want to thank everyone for your messages and comments! As usual it helps lift our spirits and we’re hoping to be able to continue writing and checking the blog in the hospital (it’s tough to access the internet there.) Thanks too for pointing out that we shouldn’t be hard on ourselves. In fact, the comment in the last post about being “stupid” was our attempt at irony since in reality there’s no way we could have known that Lucas’s sodium level had become dangerously low. But it’s good to hear the affirmation that we’re doing all we can for Lucas and of course we’ll keep doing all we can in the days to come.
Comments (9)
Megan
February 6th, 2010 at 11:26 pm
Lucas, Krista, and Burke-
We’re thinking of you. Glad to hear Lucas is on the upswing. Please let us know if there’s something or anything you need.
We’ll stop by when you get home.
Take care and (try to) get some rest.
Megan and clan
judi beck
February 6th, 2010 at 9:07 pm
I’m so glad to read that Lucas is doing better. As you’ve said, this piece of the puzzle is really difficult, but may be important in understanding the bigger picture for Lucas. And, you’re right, it is a great opportunity to corner some of the specialists. We’re thinking of all of you in Seattle. We need to get Lucas strong so he can come see Puget Sound when the sun is shining this summer.
XXOO Judi, Tom, Carson & Jess
kate and tadd
February 6th, 2010 at 8:06 pm
Burke, Krista and Lucas,
We are sending love love love from the west coast. We are thinking of you daily and sad to hear you are back in the hospital but glad you will be warm and safe over the super snowy weekend.
love.
kate, tadd and dorothy grey.
Madeline
February 6th, 2010 at 12:14 pm
So sorry to read that you three are back at the hospital. For a little peanut, Lucas sure does keep everyone on their toes!
Krista – I love that you are taking an anatomy and physiology class so that you can understand and help solve the health mysteries with Lucas…that is the most badass thing I have ever heard in my life.
Keep being strong and inquisitive, and take good care of each other. I wish I could snow-shoe over to the hospital with some home-cooked food!
Abrazos,
Madeline
P.S. Burke – you are a serious badass too.
lucia
February 6th, 2010 at 11:06 am
hang in there! i am amazed at how you two are navigating these new difficulties and i’m glad you made it to the hospital before the storm. lucas is so lucky to have you. stay warm.
Paola & Simon
February 6th, 2010 at 10:16 am
Thinking about you and li’l peanut. Warm thoughts your way. Breathe. Ommmm….
Allison
February 5th, 2010 at 11:15 pm
I’m so sorry to hear that you are back at the hospital. Fate clearly intervened to get you there before the big snowstorm, though. Keep listening to that mommy/daddy instinct. It’s the real deal! Especially in pre/non-verbal kids. I have felt it & seen it.
You make an excellent point about making the most of the extra access to those fancy Drs while you are there.
I am so sorry to hear that Lucas’ sodium levels are low, but I hope that figuring out why will help explain the larger picture of what is going on with him and how to better help him.
Hugs to you all.
Courtney, Sean and Ian
February 5th, 2010 at 6:36 pm
We’re so sorry to hear that you all are back at Children’s but glad that Lucas is doing better. We’re thinking of you and please let us know if there’s anything we can do.
Stay safe and warm,
Courtney, Sean and Ian
Cassie
February 5th, 2010 at 5:44 pm
Stay safe this weekend, we’ll be thinking of you and Lucas, hopefully see you soon if we stop getting snowed in on the weekends!
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