ER Visit

So I brought Luke into the ER tonight, thinking we would be sent home with the diagnosis of an ear infection. Wrong.

I do know that he doesn't have an ear infection, RSV, influenza or strep, but he does have bronchiolitis. Bronchiolitis is a viral infection that is common in babies. Usually from the ages of 3 to 6 months. The older the infant, the larger the airways, the less common the infection. However, as you all know... because I babble about it often, our boys being premature have smaller airways for their age, thus being more susceptible to diseases, such as this. We were given some antibiotics to fight off any bacterial infections in the lungs and now we are praying... praying that this does not materialize into RSV or any other more serious conditions. We do get RSV shots monthly, but unfortunately, that doesn't completely protect him from the virus.

Man! I am just frustrated! This is exactly what I have tried so, so, so hard to avoid! To any of you out there with preemies, take my word for it. Get checked out soon! There is nothing worse than having something like this materialize into RSV and then pneumonia. I just am a little annoyed, because when I went into the ER they of course said that bronchiolitis is common in babies that are in day care, are not breastfed, in a household with smokers, small households (not sure about that one)... blah, blah, blah! Well, Luke is breastfed, lives in a large house with out smoke and has never been to day care! So... he's a preemie... what can I do about it!! I think what makes me so uneasy is that I do not feel that the health care in our immediate area understands the whole "preemie thing." In turn, I doubt their diagnosis, treatment, etc. I just miss being in the NICU where they knew us from day one and our history.

Okay, enough of that ranting. I am now just praying that he will have a good rest tonight. The poor little man has not slept well for the last 3 nights (which could account for his mother's ranting, since she has not slept either!) Ha!