My baby is on a ventilator because of H1N1

 My precious baby Mikey is currently on respiratory support at Seattle Children's Hospital.

He has coded once.  We thought he was going to die.

Here are my thoughts.  I am a slow/no poker when it comes to vaccines.  I didn't plan to vaccinate for H1N1, but my husband insisted.  Unfortunately it found us before we could find the vaccine.  Most of my family were only mildly ill, though the boys are on antibiotics for suspected pneumonia.

 H1N1 is some nasty, nasty stuff. The PICU is filled with terribly sick children. I really wish that the news would report on H1N1 cases like Mikey's. People need to know that there are other dangers to the flu besides pneumonia. For some reason, I thought that if he could ride out the flu season without pneumonia that he would be just fine.

I keep having flashbacks to the day he was born, medical professionals in their gowns, everyone smiling. Then my mind turns to yesterday, a room full of medical professionals in gowns and N95 respirators. No one smiling. Jim and I clutching each other for Mikey's dear life. We both thought that we would possibly lose him right there.

 Last night he was started on a strong injectable anti-viral. Scares me to give him the anti-virals again, but the risk/benefit ratio is painfully clear.

I have great hope that he will recover from this. I am sure my hair will be gray, but I'd consider that a bargain for my baby boy.

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/michaellibenow 

His site does not require membership to view.

 

 

 

OMG I am stunned!! I will send all my prayers and postive thoughts to your little guy!! What made you bring him in?? did he have a fever??

Just curious because I am so confused as to what to do with my kids too. :( and I am not even anti vaccination... slow vaccinator. I am a militant when it comes to getting the kids vaccinated on time...

Your family has my thoughts. You guys have been through so much and now this ((((HUGS))) ++++ thoughts for your little boy boy

Littlefoot - I was on the fence about vaccinating. I am no longer on the fence.  My kids will be vaccinated this week. Thank you for posting your experience. I only wish you weren't going through this living hell.  All my thoughts and strength are with you right now. Know that by posting your experience, you may well have saved lives.  xoxo

OMG, I am so sorry. 

Hugs and prayers for your sweet Mikey to get well soon.  And comfort to you and your husband. 

I wasn't going to do the vaccine either but my mom (20+ year RN) hounded me about it everytime I talked to her on the phone (+ e-mail) so I went ahead and did it.  Your story helps me realize that I did the right thing.  Thank you for sharing. 

I am off to check out your website.  (((Hugs)))

I am so, so sorry you are going through this. I will be praying so hard for a speedy recovery. Hang in there! Thanks for sharing your story too.

I'm so sorry you are going through this, and thank you for sharing your story. My drs (ob or ped) don't have it yet, but I have an aunt who works for one of the manufacturers and I'm getting it through her as "her sister." I'm at 33 weeks, so it's not really so much for me at this point, but for my babies since they'll get some benefit now & via breastmilk, since they can't get vaccinated until 6 mo. Really makes me feel this was the right decision. I wish you and your family all the best. Hang in there. I'll be praying for your little guy.

for your family...

PT headed your way! i am so sorry. i hope your baby gets better quickly!

You are in my prayers...thanks for sharing your story.

 I'm so sorry this is happening to your family, and I hope your son fully recovers quickly. 

I especially hope your post helps others realize how very real the danger is early enough to protect their own families.

I'm praying my heart out for your little boy

This is so scary ((HUGS))

Thank you for posting this.  I will pray for Michael every day and follow his carepage.  I hope that the drs are able to stabilize him.  I'll pray that you have strength to be there by his side each day.  Hugs to you and baby.

We have friends with a three and a half year old. He was severely immune compromised prior to catching H1N1 but he lost his battle last night. [:'(] I am begging everyone to get an immunization when they can to protect our children who need it the most. 

I think that it's so much more personal when you are watching a loved one fight the illness.  I wish the vaccine was more readily available right now.

I'm so sorry this is happening.  We just recently had H1N1 in the house and it is nasty!  I am still worried for the kids.  I was on the fence about vaccination too but I would totally get the shot now after seeing what it can do.  Lots of prayers for your son!

 You and your little baby boy are in my thoughts.  I wish him well and your family strength, at this difficult time.