Home from the hospital

Claire went home from the hospital today. She is certainly doing much better. Still has quite a cough and goes into coughing fits at times. We have a nebulizer machine for her at home and some antibiotics for an ear infection. Hopefully in a few days she'll be back to her old self- however she is already starting to smile and stick out her tongue which is her new trick.

Now seeing how much better she is today, I realize how sick she was on Saturday when we went in. She was breathing so fast - up to 100 times a minute at times, which normal for her age is 4o. Mostly in the hospital they just supported her through her bout with RSV. They suctioned her often which made a great difference and gave her IV fluids, as she only started eating yesterday.

I realize though, being at a place like Children's hospital that Claire had a relatively minor illness compared to many kids there. I can't imagine being there for months and living with so much fear and uncertainity about your child's health.

I am also glad that Claire will probably not remember this. She seemed to figure out quickly that she hated to be suctioned, but I don't think she'll have long lasting fear of going to doctor given her young mind. Interestingly, Rob probably had RSV and was hospitalized at the same age, his parents tell us, as of course Rob doesn't remember it either.