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Well, we have been blissfully moving along viewing Klaw's VLCADD as a mere side note in our lives at this point. Alas, that is no more. We just experienced our first hospitalization due to his disorder. Earlier this week, he began having loose, bloody stools and spiked a fever, so we rushed him to the ER. He was, thankfully, acting fine but he was definitely ill with something. For the first time, I had to pull out his ER protocol sheet which lists several blood & urine tests that must be run and the specific IV solution he is to receive even before anything is discovered. Having a baby with a metabolic disorder definitely puts everyone on alert...and ramps up the stress level of the parents...trust me.
The short version is - 3 nights in the hospital on IV fluids. The final fecal cultures popped positive for salmonella, which he could have been exposed to through a variety of sources. He was discharged today and we are finally at home. Through it all, he never lost his pleasant personality and flirted with the nurses, even after they kept sticking him with needles! Most everyone was surprised that this was our first hospital stay, which made me feel good that he has really been healthy thus far. We were also told point blank that if it weren't for his VLCADD, he probably wouldn't have been admitted to begin with. Hopefully, this cold & flu season will not change this too drastically because I have no desire for another stay at Chateau d' CHKD.
I will say this to all of our friends & family, please don't be offended or surprised if Chris & I get hyper-vigilant about hygiene around Klaw. Please keep in mind that common child illnesses can land Klaw in the hospital. If you are sick or may be sick or have been around anyone who has been sick...please don't put Klaw at risk.
