Sunday, July 14, 2013

Not the weekend I had planned

This weekend I had planned on hours of sewing. It wasn't suppose to be too hot--and I have so many sewing projects calling my name. But things don't always work out as planned.


On Friday about 2:30 my son Gage was taking a nap in the livingroom by where his twin brother Wyatt was playing video games. Wyatt told me that Gage looked odd--that he was hitting himself in the chest (which got Wyatt's attention) and then he just started staring straight ahead and coughing a bit like he was having a hard time breathing. Thank God for Wyatt paying attention to his brother! Gage was totally limp---like a wet noodle (an 80 lb wet noodle!) and he was totally unresponsive. He then started to occasionally twitch--but nothing like his seizures were when he was a baby. I gave him the rectal Valium that I have to stop his seizures and it did nothing. He was breathing so instead of waiting for an ambulance I swooped him up with super human Mom power and I told Wyatt to get in the car and I would put Gage's head in his lap so he could hold Gage's head while we drove so he wouldn't choke. I went to the closet hospital I thought could help him (our local hospital I have learned is not the place to go). It is probably a 10 minute drive but I am sure I made it in 5.

The minute we walked into the emergency room the lady at the front desk called a team to come out and get him. I told her I couldn't find his insurance card and she said, "Oh honey...we can worry about that later". So they got Gage, Wyatt, and I into a room and they started working on him. They got as much information as they could from me and then started the drugs. At times there were so many people in the room that I went out in the hall and just watched from there as to stay out of the way. I thought how wonderful it was that they had so many people helping him...but then realized it was very serious or they wouldn't have that many people in there! The emergency room was very busy and we were hogging most of the staff. They told me that they were having to give him so many meds that they were afraid they could relax to the point that he stopped breathing, or that his heart stopped. They couldn't get the seizures to stop and he was totally unresponsive. They had teams of people there for respiratory, pharmacy, all that stuff. They called Doernbecher's Children hospital and they said they were sending a Panda team. Gage has been cared for by them before--they are awesome! They are a team of paramedics (3) that drive a ambulance that is all painted on the outside with cute kids drawing and decorated on the inside too...in Panda motiff. These paramedics  are highly trained in issues with children...and especially with specials needs and medically fragile kids. Anyway--before transferring him to the Intensive Care Unit at Doernbecher's they wanted to get a CT scan. They were worried about a brain bleed or a tumor since they couldn't get the seizure's to stop. That was so scary! But they quickly got the results and everything was normal. Thank God! Then slowly it seemed that the seizing was stopping and he was still breathing on his own (though he was receiving oxygen) and the doctors said it was the most meds they had given to anyone to stop a seizure but at least he was stable. Also he was still breathing on his own..a miracle. Now to pray he would wake up. It has been almost 3 years since his last seizure. I was hoping we were done with them.

The Panda team took Gage to Doernbecher's in their fancy ambulance and they told me I should go home and pack a bag before coming to the hospital because there was no doubt I would be spending the night..or two. I took a minute while at home and posted a prayer request for Gage on Facebook. There was such a huge response--everyone from family to current friends and friends I haven't seen in years were praying for Gage and sending sweet and caring comments. Facebook is such an awesome way to let everyone know about something like this. It is so comforting to know how many people care.


I got to the Intensive care unit and watched my sweet boy sleep.

The night was filled with the sounds of monitors and sometimes weeping of parents so sad with a very sick child. I think it would be such a hard place to work.


There was a quite comfortable bed for me but sleeping in a situation like this is pretty hard. There was no cell phones allowed but there was a room phone and Janae kept me company for over an hour on the phone.

Then at 4:30 am I heard Gage stir. I went and sat by his bed and all of the sudden he sat up and looked at me like "Where in the world are we? What is going on?" I swear, even though he doesn't speak I can read his expressions just like he could talk. :)


He could tell how happy I was and I said to him, "Is my Gage back?" and he gave me a big smile. At that moment it seemed all was right with the world.

The nurse came in and said, "He's back!" as Gage was pulling off  his leads and trying to pull out his I.V. and making all sorts of alarms go off.


They still wanted to keep us possibly another night in a regular room (not in intensive care) just because he had had so many drugs and they were just amazed that he was awake and alert so soon and they wanted to make sure everything was okay. But after he ate a huge breakfast of bacon, eggs, and potatoes I convinced them that we would be better off going home and getting some sleep. After all, this is not our first rodeo...we have done all of this before. I think it helped them hurry our discharge papers when Gage was loudly laughing and "singing" and trying to pull down every cord he could get too--and there are a lot of them in those rooms!

So now we are home and I am exhausted--both physically and mentally. Gage is all rested and basically ready for a party! I feel that this was a real lesson in the power of prayer. Also a wonderful awakening to me about what a support team of family and friends I have. So though this is not the kind of weekend I like to have, it does make me thankful for everything I do have.

My sewing projects? They are still waiting for me. It will probably take me a couple days to totally recoup from how tired I am--but I am still really motivated to get to them! So I promise--soon there should be some cute projects posted :)

So hold close the people you love, and thanks for visiting!

43 comments:

Unknown said...

So glad everything is okay now!

Grandma Carolee said...

Oh Sandy, this is such a beautiful post! I love how you took photos of Gage and explained what was going on. Your descriptions of Gage after he woke up make me smile & laugh. I'm so thankful for the doctors, nurses, all of the people who took care of him, and for your wonderful care of our precious Gage. I wish I could put this whole post on our family site. Hope you are getting some deep, renewing sleep right now.

The White Pear Tree said...

Aaaw, sorry you had to go through all that. Gage's face when he woke up is priceless, lol!

Glad he's all better now and that you're back home.

xx

Ggomez said...

So glad that Gage is feeling better,great even!
What joy to see Gage's wonder of where am I?!
I too have spent hours watching over my babies.
You will need weeks to fully recover...hope you can put up your feet and rest today!

Lucille said...

Hi Sandy! What an ordeal you and Gage went through. I'm so happy for his recovery and we know that the Lord does answer prayers. There is nothing like the power of prayer. The outcome of this event is the proof. Take care!
You're a wonderful lady!

June said...

I hope you can feel my hug around you Sandy. It is so difficult being in the hospital and feeling so helpless for them. The photos melted my heart.
hugs from me...

Bella's Rose Cottage said...

Hi Sandy,
Oh what a horrible night, I am soo glad everything is better!! sending you a giant hug:-)
Bella

Unknown said...

Oh Sandy... how scary. What a night. As a mom I feel your pain. Praying for a quick recovery for your Gage.
Hugs, Gee

Pam Kessler said...

Oh, Sandy, that had to have been scary. Life can change in a heartbeat when you least expect it, can't it. So glad everything is back to normal and you two got to come home so soon. Get some rest!

Sweet Melanie said...

Oh Sandy, I have sat here and cried at this blessing...God is so good and I too thank Him for FB to ask for prayers. I honestly think that there are some that don't pray but so many that do and the word is spread to those that don't like wildfire. Gage's face just made my heart leap with JOY, and I knew your heart had to be filled too seeing your little boy smile at you. What a true miracle...thank you God!

lashawnmontoya said...

Wow, Sandy, God is so good! I never saw your FB post until I read your blog right now....I will pray that Gage has no lasting/ill effects from all those drugs, and that you will get superhuman renewal of strength and energy that only God can give you! love you cousin! You are a rock star mom!:)

GARAGE SALE GAL said...

God is GREAT! I believe the prayers of MANY are very powerful.
Happy that your Gage is home.
Warmly,
deb

Melanie said...

Oh Sandy, BIG hugs to you and lifting you and Gage up in prayer!! I sm so sorry that your family had to go through that but i am so glad that Gage is awake now and that you are at home!! Hugs and prayers for you both!

farmhouse-story said...

oh, my, i'm so glad he doing so well now, sandy:)--so scary!
love his expression when he woke up in the hospital--adorable!

Mary@mydogsmygardenandmary said...


oh Sandy, I am so glad that Gage is home and feeling better. Children can bounce back so quick.
I will pray for a full recovery and that it never happens again.
Hugs to you both.
Mary

Kimberly at ArtJoyStuff said...

Sandy, continued blessings to you you and your sweet family.
hugs and JOY,
Kimberly

Hayu Maselli said...

Dearest Sandy,

Oh..God Have mercy!. So glad that Gage is feeling better now.Don't worry for your sewing projects. Believed that Gage is the most important.
my prayer for Gage's recovery.

best wishes for whole family
hugs

Lady of the Woods said...

OMG, I just saw this! I can't believe how you caught him in all those photo's! How horrible it must be to watch your child like this, but so wonderful you have a great team working there for you I've never heard of such positive experiences in hospital before!. I'm so relieved, my eyes swelled up and now I'm so glad they don't have to cry! I'm tired, phew....I'm so relieved for you.

mariondee-designs said...

I am so glad your son is better! I couldn't imagine how hard it is to go through that. all the best, Maryann

GratefulPrayerThankfulHeart said...

So happy to hear Gage is home and okay! Sending prayers!

Rosemary@villabarnes said...

I can't tell you how much that photo of Gage waking up made my heart leap for joy. Prayer is a powerful thing. So glad he's better, and the almighty saw you through this. From a mom who has watched her son have several surgeries, I know this was a difficult episode. Here's praying for continued health and strength for your son. xoxoRosemary

Cozy Thyme Cottage said...

I am glad that your sweet boy is okay. The power of prayer is pretty amazing! I hope he continues to be fine. Nancy

Laura T. said...

What a scary experience. I don't know Gage personally, but I cried when I saw all those machines & tubes in his room. Glad to see him looking & feeling better! He is a very handsome young man and what a great head of hair he has! I will be praying that he stays well & doesn't have anymore episodes. I will also say a prayer of thanks that he (and you) made it through all that.

The Polka Dot Closet said...

Oh dear, rest my friend, even if it wasn't being tired because of lack of sleep, I am sure you are exhausted from being terrified! I am so glad you are home and hope all will stay good and calm!

Carol

Kerryanne @ Shabby Art Boutique said...

That's quite a weekend you have had Sandy and I'm so pleased that Gage is awake and back at home. I hope everything returns to normal for your family now and that you can relax again. Thinking of you ♥

Heirloom treasures said...

Sandy,I am so pleased all turned out well. Love to you all.xx

bahar006 said...

I'm so glad that your little Gage is ok. Loves from Ankara.

Anonymous said...

Oh, Sandy, I know you were terrified! I'm so glad this turned out well!God is so good! I know He has your precious Gage in His loving arms! Praying all will be well!

Cynthia said...

What a very trying time for you and Gage. So glad he is okay now and at home with his family.

Cynthia said...

Oh Sandy, this just tore my heart apart! How horrifying for you and poor little Gage. He is a strong little and adorable boy. I am so glad that he is ok and I pray for you and the family so much!!! No one should suffer but a child, NO WAY! Get some well needed rest.

Cynthia

Cindy said...

OH MY GOSH! I am so glad he is ok. That must have been soooooo stressful. Gosh, he looks great. But i bet you feel like you've been through the ringer!

Cindy

Karen said...

Oh my goodness Sandy,
I am so very sorry. I am overjoyed to hear that your precious Gage is going to be okay. I think twins must have a special bond that keeps each other safe. I pray that you will get some rest and that Gage will recover quickly. Take care,
Karen

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

Oh my gosh, Sandy, how scary for you! I'm so glad he is okay. I'm sure you are tired ~ it's an emotional drain as well as a physical one.

Anne said...

Oh my gosh Sandy I am just reading this now! I am so sorry this happened to Gage! So very thankful he is better!!!What a horrible scare for Gage and you all! We will keep Gage in our prayers <3
xx
Anne

Sarah said...

I am so very glad to hear that you son pulled through and is doing wonderfully now! What a scary ordeal to go through, you are such a brave woman, and it sounds like you are also a great mom. I always love reading you and your daughters posts on decorating, but this personal one was truly touching.

Cristan said...

I am so relieved for you that Gage is well again. Nothing is more taxing on a parent than when a child is ill....because it is out of our hands. Thank goodness for the love and prayers of family and friends. God Bless <3

Ivy and Elephants said...

God's blessings on sweet Gage. I'm so glad he's home and better.
Hugs,
Patti

Junkchiccottage said...

Oh Sandy my heart and prayers go out to you. I bet this was quite the experience. Even though you have been down this road before each time it is scary and unpredictable. What a cute expression you caught when he woke up. So glad to hear he is doing better.
Kris

Fran said...

Our God is an awesome God!!! He so blessed you by taking care of Gage. My youngest son was in The same hospital because he was born early. Doernbecher is an amazing hospital.

Sandi said...

Oh my goodness Sandy! So sorry for all that has happened to your sweet boy!! I can't even imagine, but hang in there. God is good!
Blessings~

Diane said...

What a difficult time you have been through. So glad to hear that sweet Gage is doing better!
Blessings to you, Diane

Curtains in My Tree said...

So glad the angels of heaven were with you and Gage for comfort and God choose to let him stay a little longer with his earthly family

Angela said...

Thank God you have the strenght to care for and protect your precious family.
I hope Gage is feeling better, his smiles must have been such a relieve to you.
Big hugs to you and your sweet boy.
xoxo
Angela.