Caden was taken to the MUSC emergency room today due to low oxygen saturation (SAT), high fever, high heart rate, and increased secretions. We had to put him on oxygen last night and ended up increasing the amount to 3 liters of oxygen by morning. We called the pulmonary doctor on call before taking him to MUSC to see if they could grease the skids and get us a CT scan ordered. We had just seen the pulmonary clinic on Thursday and knew they wanted a CT scan the next time Caden got ill and required oxygen.
The CT scan was performed and Caden was diagnosed with pneumonia.  They gave him Rocephin antibiotic shots and then released him at my request. The doctors wanted him admitted “for observation”, but with all that Sherry is dealing with regarding her mom (in critical care unit and on a respirator) I told the docs that unless they felt like Caden needed to be near an ICU and/or a respirator then I would rather we care for him at home. I explained the situation with Sherry’s mom and they agreed with my request especially since we already have a O2 SAT meter, Oxygen concentrator and O2 tanks for transport. We will follow up with Caden’s pediatrician tomorrow and return to MUSC to be admitted for IV antibiotics if Caden’s condition becomes worse.
The picture was taken while in the ER. I had to feed Caden while there and needed to get his feeding tube bag high enough for gravity to help get the food into his g-tube. The only IV pole the MUSC ER nurse could find was not tall enough so I rigged the bag by hanging it on the frame of some wall art. At home we have nails and hooks strategically placed throughout the house so Caden can get a tube feed while laying in bed, playing, or sitting at the table. This country boy engineering fascinated the MUSC ER nurses. They went back to the nurses station and nearly every nurse in the place came by to see my handy work. It was fun to entertain the ER staff with such little effort.
Nana is staying around another day to help out since Levi is also sick and needs to go to the doctor tomorrow. Caden is resting pretty good tonight, much better than last night. Sherry, Nana, and/or I was up with Caden at least once per hour last night suctioning, adjusting oxygen, and giving medication to bring down fever. I did most of the work so Sherry and Nana allowed me to sleep in a little this morning.