Monday, January 13, 2014

A day of healing

We stayed at home all day today. A few of us (ahem) didn't remove our pajamas. :) It was a major healing/recuperation day. I felt like I had maybe been hit by a bus or semi truck. I was achy and sore and I roamed about in a foggy state for most of the day. That is usually how it goes after such an experience. When we ditch the hospital, the healing begins.

The one medication Elijah was sent home on was Valium. While in the hospital, it helped his nausea/vomiting immensely. The doctor sent us home with a weaning schedule because apparently side effects can occur if it is discontinued abruptly. We skipped E's 10:00 dose last night because I felt in my gut like he shouldn't take it, so we gave him a dose right away this morning. He was super loopy today, stumbling all over the place and slurring his speech. Dan and I had him lay down for a nap around noon, which he fought. "I don't NEED a nap!!!!" Two seconds later he was in a deep sleep, and he slept for a SOLID two hours. His body obviously needed extra rest.

When he woke up from his nap he was totally out of it. I could hardly understand a word he was saying and he could not take a single step without me holding his hand. He laid down on the living room floor and asked for a pillow and blanket. Not normal. I called Dr. L and he told me to discontinue the Valium immediately. I asked about side effects/withdrawals and he said they would be minimal. I was so glad to hear him say that because I felt like the medication was the culprit of the weird behavior and I wanted it out of his body ASAP. He has always been sensitive to medication, so I know it has been doing a number on his mind and body.

Once evening came, he started to act much more like himself. He and Sammy began wrestling and playing and fighting. It was music to my ears...when I wasn't telling E to BE CAREFUL! He is still very unsteady on his feet, so if any of us even touches him he falls right over. It's almost like he is having to re-learn how to walk and completely re-set his balance. Going up or down stairs by himself is not an option for him at this point. Walking through the kitchen or going to the bathroom by himself are also not options. He needs a lot of assistance, which is to be completely expected! He started walking again just over 24 hours ago! A week ago tomorrow he couldn't open his eyes without vomiting. He has come a LONG way, and I know he will make great strides in the next days and weeks.

Elijah will be out of school for most, if not all, of this week. We plan to take it day by day. We want him to be safe and that is our main concern. We are keeping up with homework and he is doing great with that. His speech teacher had a few of his friends write and send him get-well cards, which was so incredibly thoughtful. He isn't even in speech anymore, so Mrs. F went above and beyond. He LOVED the package he received from her in the mail today. We are so thankful for those teachers/caregivers who go above and beyond for our boy!

Thanks for checking in. We are grateful for every set of eyes who reads these posts! Thank you for caring and praying. xo

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Hi Elijah,

Take care of yourself and I hope you feel better!

Love,
Maggie,
From Georgia