Another Update On My Valerie

Asthma....hate it.

I wish that I didn't automatically equate asthma with death, but I do.  At the first sign - my fears rise and I imagine the worst.  Maybe if Corey hadn't died from this killer just two year ago, at the age of nine, then I wouldn't have this fear.  But he did and I do.

Valerie was feeling a little puny on Saturday but no signs of asthma.  Sunday she woke up letting us know that her lungs were involved now and that she needed some help.  We kicked into overdrive and put her on some breathing treatments.  She had a big day scheduled and wasn't sick enough to cancel anything.  She was blowing mid yellow (270) yesterday, but we were on top of it and she followed through on all of her plans.  She woke early this morning and came down to our bed.  She didn't say anything but easily fell back to sleep once she was close to us.  And then I realized that I could hear her from across the room.  &%#@!

I woke her to take her meds and the first thing out of her mouth was, "Mom, I'm not doing so well today."  We checked her peak flow and she was down to 160 (LOW red.)  All of her lung fields sounded as if there were a war going on inside of her; wheezes, squeaking, loud rhonchi.  I gave her a double dose of aerosol medication and called the doc.  While I was on the phone Kevin took over in taking care of her.  I love the way he behaves with her when she's sick.  It's very, very sweet.  At one point he was practically carrying her down the stairs.  Very unnecessary, and she was milking it way more than she should have been, but it was sweet.

The office was wonderful as always.  When I called they told me that both Dr. God and the nurse practitioner were full today.  I told them who I was calling about and then I said, "I can probably keep her under control until the morning."  The receptionist said, "Just a minute, Traci."  She came back and asked if she could call me back.  When she returned my call ten minutes later she said that Dr. God wanted to see Valerie today at 3:15.  She explained that he didn't have an opening and that he might have to run in and out a lot, but he wanted to see her.  No problem!

By the time we arrived Valerie was blowing 210 (low yellow.)  The earlier treatments were having some positive effect, but her lungs were still squeaking and wheezing like mad.  He ordered another back-to-back treatment and said he would be back after his next appointment.  When he returned thirty minutes later she blew 285 (mid to high yellow) for him.  And she was smiling.  And verrrrrrrrry shaky!

He ordered some antibiotics, steroids, and q 4-6 hour breathing treatments (while awake) and thanked me for bringing her in so quick.  You see I sometimes wait too long and then it takes her longer to convert.  Like last March when we were on vacation.  He wants her off of the steroids as soon as she blows green.  I'm hoping for two days max.

Bear, I'm sorry you have to struggle with this.  You handle it like a champ.  Thanks for being such a great communicator and for knowing how to get the help that you need when you need it.

Loving you every minute of every day a little more than the minute before.

Mommy

Comments

[Aunt Shellie]

Valerie, I hate this illness for you. You have been taught all your life how to deal with it and I am very proud of you. As long as you keep communicating in the beginning at the first signs of trouble you will be just fine. I will continue to pray for you, I love you very much.

[Elisha]

So glad she's finding some relief! Hopefully she'll be blowing green soon so she can say goodbye to the steroids (YUCK!). This humidity is making everyone so much worse, I think. I'd love for it to stop for a while!