On Saturday I was at my parents house working on stepping stones for the Church playground that was being named in Memory of my Grandmother (who passed away in March). The dedication ceremony was set for Sunday. We were painting and letting the kids play outside, it was a beautiful day. Later in the afternoon Bryce went down for a nap. I put him in my parents bed and we could look right in their french doors to keep an eye on him. I would periodically peek in and he was sleeping away. One of the times that I looked in on him, I noticed that he was breathing heavy. I still wasn't very concerned, he does snore from time to time and I really didn't think much of it.
A few minutes later, I checked again and noticed his shoulder was twitching. I went inside and in the bedroom and saw his eyes open, but something wasn't right. I flipped on the light and saw that he was grey, almost bluish. He wasn't breathing and not responsive. I yelled for my Dad to call 911 and my mom and a church friend rushed in to see what was going on. We attempted CPR (no compressions, just rescue breaths).... Nothing... After a while he did vomit and started to take very shallow breaths. So shallow that I wasn't sure he was really breathing. We ran to my car to try and meet the ambulance. We knew that he needed Oxygen and fast.
Once we met the paramedics, they took over and put me in the front of the ambulance. We were on our way to meet the Air Care team and shortly after that headed to Children's Hospital. The paramedics were able to suction some "stuff" from deep in his throat, once they did this I could hear him cry. Never thought a shrill cry like that could sound soooo good.
At Children's Bryce went through numerous tests: CT scans, Shunt series (xRays of his shunts, catheter placement), blood work, chest xRays...probably leaving some out. His right lung had slightly collapsed, his ventricles in his brain were slightly enlarged and he had aspirated into his lungs (aspirated pneumonia). We also noticed that his head control was a little worse and his eyes were crossed. His left eye has turned in for a couple of years now, but this time his right was also turning in. After much needed rest, both of these issues seemed to correct themselves.
The first night we were in the PICU (Pediatric Intensive Care Unit) - Bryce was stable, just very angry with all the poking and prodding that he had been through. The poor guy was exhausted, the neuro checks every hour through the night didn't help him rest much either. Part of the neuro checks include opening his eyes and flashing a light in them.
On Sunday Bryce was excellent, he was able to rest and eat -just a day of monitoring. On Monday, a repeat CT scan was done and the results were awesome! The ventricles had went down on their own, we could go home. Before we could leave I had to be trained on the rescue drug (diastatin). In the case that this would happen again, it would be a rectal injection to help him through such an episode. I also talked with the Neuro floor manager on CPR and she gave me numerous print outs for CPR and seizures. Then, we were off - headed back home.
No one could tell us what happened exactly. It could be one of two scenarios: 1 - Bryce vomited, aspirated it, couldn't get oxygen and began having a seizure because of that OR 2 - Bryce had a seizure which caused him to vomit and then aspirate. The not knowing if this is going to happen again or if it was a one time episode is what makes me so fearful.
Now - Bryce is fine, like nothing ever happened. Me, on the other hand, becoming that paranoid parent that looks into every little movement he makes. I can't sleep and don't want to sleep. I guess as time passes I will start feeling comfortable again, but I think it will take a VERY long time to get there. I just kept thinking I am losing him - I am losing my Bryce. Then to just hold him felt soooo good. Once again, I can thank God for yet another miracle. There was a reason I went in when I did - if I hadn't then we wouldn't have had this wonderful outcome.
Huge thanks to my parents. My mom has been completely amazing since the boys were born. I don't know what I would have done without her there. She can't begin to know how much she is loved and appreciated! My Dad - thank you for calling 911 and to be able to explain the situation while we were in it. Kelly M. for being there for us and for hanging back to stay with Cohen while we rushed off. Matt (Husband/Daddy)- thanks for being level headed and patient with me while I have been freaking out. To the paramedics, Brad Crouch and countless others : Thank you for taking care of my son --- and me. We really do have heroes in our small community.
As for the name : Trauma South Carolina - this was Bryce's code name since he was airlifted to the hospital.
