We are back in the hospital for what is turning out to be our longest stay yet. It sometimes feels like we are never getting out of here. Jackson is on Day 9 in the PICU. Last Tuesday he was rushed to Cincinnati Children’s for respiratory failure. Tests revealed bilateral pneumonia, atelectasis and fluid around the lungs (He had a stomach bug and may have aspirated vomit, thereby causing the respiratory issues). Jackson was put on BiPAP and has improved so much that he was on an oxymask for the past 24 hours. However, it’s hard to get adequate sleep in the hospital, let alone the PICU. So, unfortunately, and what we attribute to lack of sleep, he had a long, seizure-filled night and is back on BiPAP. He had never been on BiPAP prior to this hospital stay.
Once he gets better and requires less support, he will transfer to a regular room and be discharged from there. I have no idea when the discharge date will be but it’s at least a few days away.
We are tired but have lots of support, which makes it easier to get through each day. Josh and I take turns spending the night with Jackson and my mom has stayed two nights, which has helped us get a little more rest.
There are some good things too:
– I’ve been able to maintain my running streak. I’ve run at least one mile a day since Memorial Day. I’ve been trying to run outside while we are in the hospital. Ten minutes of fresh air is refreshing when cooped up in a hospital room all day and all night.
– Stress burns calories! I’m down a few pounds since last Tuesday!
– Luca is having a fantastic time hanging out with his grandparents and aunts.
– We found out that they have egg crates for the parent pullout beds and I was so happy when I got one that I got teary eyed. These beds kinda suck so the egg crate was a big deal.
– I brought my ukulele to the hospital and Jackson and I have been rocking out.
While most days it feels like we are never getting out of here, I remind myself that he is getting better; it’s just a slow process.
It’s hard to see through the oxymask but Jackson starts smiling about halfway through the video below.
The hospital is so bright that I sleep with an eye mask.
cincinnati b(liss) 
Sorry to hear you guys will be in the hospital a few more days. That’s a bummer. But glad that there’s still some good news. If there’s anything I can do let me know 🙂 (By the way this is Jess from the bank)
Oh bummer! Sorry to hear Jackson is sick. Will be praying for him and you! I’m glad Luca is having fun. And you are getting out for your run, that’s awesome! Now’s a good time to blog and read blogs, 😀 !
Praying for strength, peace of heart, and time to go running❤️
Sent from my iPhone
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