To hospital or not to hospital?

Posted on October 22, 2014 by jeffcuz

It’s that time of year, and J.P. appears to be battling something just as cold and flu season arrives.

Just before I was supposed to wake up and run Wednesday morning, J.P. could be heard over his monitor, and he just didn’t sound right.

I went to check on him, and he sounded congested, so I got him comfortable again and continued to do my stretches, brush my teeth, etc.

But he just didn’t seem to be settling back down, so I got him up, Paige got the suction machine out, and the general alarm bells started ringing in our heads.

It’s always about this time when the mind starts anticipating a hospital visit. I generally begin asking myself several questions: Does he have a fever? Is he keeping food down? Is he having trouble breathing?

Initially, the answers to all those questions were no, so we simply canceled all of his appointments and gave him time to chill and see which way this was going to go.

Karina was simply incredible today. I think she knew J.P. wasn’t feeling well and spent most of the morning right next to him on the couch.

It wasn’t until Wednesday night when J.P. spiked a temperature, and our minds really began anticipating at least a visit to the doctor, which because J.P. is part of the Florida Hospital for Children Coordinated Care for Kids program does mean at least a visit to the Pediatric Outpatient Procedure and Sedation Unit.

While I’m still hopeful that we can manage this with pain relievers and over-the-counter cold medicines, I know my son, and what happens overnight will likely determine what our plans for Thursday will be.

I also know my wife quite well, and I’m sure she’s already packed her hospital bag just in case J.P. is admitted.

Stay tuned for the latest.