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Posted: 1/21/2006 4:08:13 PM EDT
The events of today have suddenly just hit me like a freight train. I've been sitting here shaking, tears running down my face for about 10 minutes. I guess I just need some support...
I was out having a pretty decent day today with DWFAN. We went to check out a new gun shop, I bought a new pistol, and we went to an indoor range for some shooting. On the way from the range to get something to eat, we get the phone call. My wife took our two kids to Chuck-e-Cheese with her cousin and her two kids. She is crying and barely holding on. She tells me my younger son - 14 months old - collapsed and had a siezure. He stopped breathing and CPR had to be administered. She tells me that they are in the abulance about to head to the hospital. (St. Mary's Trauma Center) I don't know where this hospital is and I get only sketchy directions. We hang up, I am going to the hospital. Fortunately, we are very close by. We see the blue "H" signs and start following them. Suddenly, I hear the ambulance coming up behind us. It is plowing through traffic with an escort of 5-6 police cars with sirens and lights blaring. The obvious urgency of this convoy suddenly drives the gravity of the whole situation into me like a sledgehammer and my stomach sinks. As it goes by, I see my wife in the passenger seat of the ambulance. I obviously can't keep up with them and have to deal with traffic. I get to the hospital, I have no idea what is going on. They make me sit down and do some fucking registration. Then, they go to find out where he is. A minute later, the FUCKING CHAPLAIN comes up to me. I almost lost it right then and there, Jesus, I cannot tell you what happened to me at that moment. We get to the Trauma room. My baby is laying prone, naked, on the stretcher. He is crying but appears to not be coherent. They are hooking up all kinds of things to him. I stood there and watched them insert an IV, hook up heart monitors, insert oxygen tubes in his nose, run a fucking catheter into his penis - TWICE because the first one was too large and wouldn't go all the way into him. All of this is causing him significant pain, and I can't do a thing about it. At some point, he had vomitted all over himself and the stretcher. All the while, my wife is there, scared to death, barely holding on herself. I wanted to crawl into the corner and just die but I had to be strong for her. I held it all in and tried to be strong for her. After a while he calmed down, things got better. All the test results came back clear - no menengitis or other serious issues. They diagnosed it as a Febrile Seizure brought on by a sudden fever spike, probably related to an ear infection that we didn't even know he had. They ran some antibiotics through the IV, gave us a prescription for more, and then discharged us with instructions to see our pediatrician on Monday. They tell me this is fairly common in young children, about 1 in 20 will have a seizure like this. I say I don't care. My whole life is my family. My kids are my entire world. I feel so helpless right now.... |
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Your little one will be in my prayers. Hope all will be OK. Hang in there
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WHOA----
Prayers for you, your family and the little one. Please keep us up to date. If there is anything you need let us know. I know you have a diagnosis and likely a prognosis about what to expect - yell out the we'll be there FMJ. On the ear infection - as you can see, they are dangerous. I lost a decent amount of hearing from ear infections. I had gotten SO used to these long term and untreated infections they gave me some permenant hearing loss in both ears. As I said - need something just ask. |
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My prayers are with you. Thanks God it sounds like the little guy is going to be ok. It's amazing how little kids bounce back so fast. Good luck and God bless.
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Damn .... I'm so sorry you had to go through that. My prayers are with you and your family for a speedy recovery.
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I know what your went Thought with your baby. Your baby and your family will be in my prayers.
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Rob,
You and yours are in my Thoughts and Prayers. I cannot imagine what you are going thru. Its seems to be a good sign that the hospital discharged the little guy and not keep him for observation. To be honest with you, I had some trouble reading your thread, I had to start over several times to make sure I understaood what I was reading, I think fear gripped me a little also. Bob |
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Rob, I'm very glad to hear that he's alright. Your post scared the shit out me. As I read it and got to the point of the chaplain coming out, my stomach dropped. I can only imagine what was going through your mind. He's a tough kid, and I'm sure he'll back on his feet in no time. |
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Glad to hear your boy is all right. Be strong. When all is said and done, write letters to the ambulance crew, the cops, and the ER gals n guys. They (with blessings from higher powers) got your baby back to you.
/ml |
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I was there with FMJ and his wife at the hospital. After we got the phone call, we could hear the sirens blazing up behind us. There were quite a few police cars giving an intense escort for the ambulance. We actually wound up getting held up in the traffic that was caused as a result. That fact was comforting in one way and downright frightenening in another. The Chaplain asked me if I was the father while FMJ was answering insurance questions! Jesus Christ, dont send out the Fucking Chaplain at a time like this I gotta tell you, I was pretty scared for both of them. Seeing that poor little guy in pain with all of those wires hooked up to him broke my heart This big lug was frightened, and it took all I had to hold back tears of my own. After a lot of waiting, and more waiting and not knowing what we were all waiting for, the doctor finally came in a confirmed that all the tests were negative for anything serious. I cant stress enough how devoted FMJ and his wife are to each other and to their children. They are some of the best people I have ever met in my entire life, and to watch this happening to them today was absolutely awful. I suggest if you have little ones at home or a loved one at all, give them a big hug and let them know that you love them. Tell them, and tell them every day from this day forward. |
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Rob,
I know you're scared, but hang in there buddy. My wife's an RN (whom I trust more than my Doctor) and familiar with Febrile seizures. She says that the Doc's saying about 1 in 20 is about right, which makes these fairly common. Not easier to take, I understand, but only serious if it and the cause goes untreated. Seems like they did the right thing in a timely manner. She also says these are one-time only deals only brought on in special cases, not a deficiency in your son, a natural response by your brain to abnormal *conditions* and should have no lasting after effects. It could happen to us adults as just as easily, if we leave a fever untreated. Even though you felt helpless seeing your son on the stretcher, you did the right thing in letting the professionals do exacly what they needed to do to get a handle on the situation. So, take a deep breath, buddy everything will be fine. I don't have children of my own yet, but even still family is life. We're all here to support you in your time of need. Stay strong, bro! Steve |
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Thoughts and prayers sent.
I can't even imagine what it was like going through that. Very glad that the little guy is alright. Hang in there, if there's anything that you need or we can do, just say the word here or IM. |
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Man, I have a son your age. It would kill me (figuratively, not literally) to see that happen. You and yours will be in my thoughts. Hang in there.
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Rob, Your son and your family are in my prayers. Hang in there, everything will be OK.
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Like BoBoPrime said it's likely a one time occurrence. My son had a "simple" febrile seizure when he was 10 months old while sitting in his highchair eating lunch. He never had another one and didn't have any lasting effects from it.
He had a neurological work-up with a pediatric neurologist who also said "simple" febrile seizures rarely indicate any kind of underlying neurological problem. Good luck and hang in there. |
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My thoughts and prayers go out too you. I can understand where your coming from since I have kids of my own 9months,3 yrs and a 10 yr old. As a NY firefighter/EMT I am familar with kids having a seizure like this, Here is a link that should explain more since I know Doctors dont tell you everything you want to know - I hope this helps you www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/febrile_seizures/detail_febrile_seizures.htm
Matt |
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Rob, I'm saying prayers for you. My heart was in my throat when you mentioned that the chaplain came out to speak with you. I really can't imagine what you are feeling right now. I'm relieved to hear that things seem to be ok. Please know that I'm here for you and your family if you need anything.
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Thoughts and prayers for you and your family.
Steve 'Cityrepo61' |
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Wow
Glad the little guy is ok. (sounds like he's a fighter ) Nothing is tougher than raising kids But when you're all done and you done it right , you can be proud. |
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Damn....You got me crying. I am sure glad he is doing well. Prayers to all of you.
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Rob,
I'm saddenedto hear of the little guy's trauma, but relieved to hear he'll be okay. You and the family are in our thoughts and prayers. |
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Rob
Your little guy, you and your family are in our thoughts. George |
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My Prayers go out to you FMJ
I can say I do know waht you are going through because I see this and similar incidents daily and I see waht the families go through and my family has been there before also... Keep your head up and breath |
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I'm not familiar with febrile seizures leading to heart failure like that. No less, febrile seizures usually will not result in permanent damage if the medics reversed his rythm fast enough and it sounds like they did. Young'uns bounce back from just about everything.
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Thank you so much for all the support. We are feeling better this morning but my wife is still worrying and wondering if he's really ok.
Matt - Thanks for the link to the info, we will both read it. Poor guy's arm is sore where he had the IV but he seems to be ok other than that right now. |
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FMJ,
I had a very simular experience 17 years ago, I was taking my 9 mo old daughter to the babysitter one morning. She did the same thing in her car seat. I removed her lifeless body, and began CPR. I literally beat the hell out of her chest. I was able to get her breathing again, and I drove like a mad man to the ER. My wife was just exiting the hospital from her all night shift. I ran to her with our daughters lifeless purple body. She began CPR again, and we took her inside. That was 17 years ago, today she is a Senior in highschool, on the Honor Roll and National Honor Society Member. For the first couple months after the event, I literally didn't sleep...basically my wheels feel off. Trust me, I have been in your shoes, if you need to talk, IM me. |
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Great to hear! Everytime I think of this whole thing, it is just upsetting to say the least. I know he's tough and will come through this just fine. I just think of his smiling little face, and that brings a smile to mine. |
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Yikes, I wouldn't wish what happened to you on my worst enemy.
I know it's very frustrating when there is nothing really you can do in these situations. I'm glad to hear that he's doing better. |
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Damn brother, I feel your pain. My little guy, Mikie, was about 18 months old when he collapsed in our hallway and started to have a seizure. I yelled for my wife and told her to call 911... then I told her to f*** it. I scooped my baby up in my arms and grabbed the car keys and sped to the hospital. I was driving, flashing my lights and passing red lights (with care, of course), I thought my boy was going to die in my arms.
When I finally got to the ER the doctors and nurses checked him out and told me that this was a fairly common event! A CAT scan was done and we went home...all was fine...except for the 20 years subtracted from my life. I pray that your baby has a full recovery and that YOU and your wife can get on with your lives. |
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Hey Rob, I'm glad that you're all home safe and sound. It sounds like a completely horrible experience, and I hope I never have to go through something like that. My wife and I want kids in the next few years, so this has hit home for me. I know how hard it is sitting there watching the doctors and nurses work on someone in the ER knowing that you personally can't do anything else but watch and wait. That being said, hang in there and take the next few days easy. I'll be thinking about you here, and if you need anything let me know, even if it's just to blow off some steam.
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Thanks for the update. |
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Rob,
I'm glad the little guy is OK. Don't forget to give your wife a hug. She was on the front line for this one. Welcome to parenthood. I'll tell you some of the hosptal adventures with my kids at the next Blast. |
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A child having a seizure scares the hell out of everyone!
I'm sure your son will be just fine without any ill-effects. The appearance of the Chaplain may have been poorly, or possibly well timed.... take it in the good will it was intended. Ironically in a short time your little boy will be right back to his sweet self, however you and your wife will be physically and emotionally drained. Get some rest, say some prayers and thank you's, and know that your friends will be here for you. God bless! glenn FWIW: Several months ago we (the local rescue squad) responded to a "child having seizures" call. Turns out it was a two year old with an elevated fever on a hot summer night, the local first responders had him breathing again, and by the time ALS hooked up with us (we were ~30 miles from the nearest hospital) he was crying and figiting like nothing ever happened....the rest of us felt like we'd been thru a fight for our very lives. If you would like to talk, it would be my pleasure to offer any help/advice I can. |
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Dude my prayers go out to you, your wife and your little boy. I'm glad things turned out OK. I couldn't imagine going thru that with my son.
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Little guys are tough, you be tough too. Both the boy and your wife are going to need some strenght from you, sucks to be the man sometimes doesn't it? Prayers sent for everyone.
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My wife just read this thread and she is truly thankful for all the support.
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Sorry to hear about this situation FMJ . Glad to hear your son is doing well.
My thoughts and heart go out to you and your family. ^_^_^ |
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I'm sorry it happened, but just THRILLED he's okay. Best wishes to you and your family.
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I'm sorry it happened, but just THRILLED he's okay. Best wishes to you and your family.
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Rob,
Firstly, you're guy is OK. I've been in EMS for 16 years now and go to these calls all the time. I can tell you with near certainty your son's heart never stopped beating, but the seizure turns them blue due to the temporary clenching and inefficent activity of the respiratory muscles. He'll be fine. I go to these "Baby not breathing" calls all the time. In 16 years three have actually been babies not breathing, and all had extensive histories with monitors for just such occurences. A few SIDS babies too, that we knew were gone as well.... BUT it puts the fear of GOD into whoever is there, and they frequently mistake the seizure for something needing CPR. CPR is frequently performed for some period of time and when EMS arrrives the baby is found to be hot and coming out of it. Glad to hear he's OK. Remember, and tell the Mrs if the doctors didn't, kids that have one febrile seizure frequently have them again, not like in a week or two, but that they are prone to them in the coming years. Someone gave you some good info regarding the cause. The seizure is actually a good thing as babies don't have the thermoregulatory tools we have to let off heat. i.e. efficient sweating, skin surface area to radiate the heat off. The burst of muscular activity floods the muscles with blood and lets off a bit of the heat. The turning blue part makes you shit your pants. As someone told you, sudden onset of fevers cause it. I'm sure your baby is on antibiotics now. Fevers that have a slow onset rarely cause seizures as they're caught and usually medicated with yer standard baby fever meds. The fact that someone did CPR means someone THOUGHT they needed to, not that it was actually needed. Rarely if ever is it needed in febrile seizure patients. Paniced assessment usually leads one to beieve it's needed. I can't tell you how many times I've heard parents, neighbors(who profess to be doctors or nurses) and grandparents say they started CPR and got the kid back, when in reality the kids was never gon. It's just that the blue make them panic, and the seizure makes it really hard to actually detect a pulse, so away they go. Again, your kid's OK. BUT, for future reference, take a CPR course, it's cheap and it pays dividends! And who really wants to be stand by doing nothing when a family member craps out in front oof you. Stats show that the people you are most likely going to use the skills learned in the CPR class for is FAMILY MEMBERS. |
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Wow, you had me scared as shit reading that.
I am sooo.. happy to hear everything has turned out ok. Your family is in my thoughts and I wish you the best, hang in there. It's a good time for you and the rest of us to get out and take a first aid/CPR course. If it isn't for your own loved ones it could help save the life of someone else's. I was a NYS certified first responder years ago and I can't tell how reassuring it was to have that level of training and knowledge. Keep us posted. |
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when i started reading i was seriously scared for you, thank god your little guy is ok. i will keep you and him in my prayers.
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FMJ,
Just read the whole thing......Very glad he is allright. Got a 4 YO myself and was really worried reading your initial post. |
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