Sunday, April 20, 2008

The Bad Day - revisited...

Alright. I think I'm ready to blog about what I am lovingly going to refer to as "The Bad Day." So, I've mentioned the medication problem from yesterday. This was obviously something we weren't really happy about, but at least the cardiologist caught it before something worse happened. Also, it's something that can be fixed.

The big problem of the day started after all of that. Olivia was having trouble keeping her oxygen saturations up. The fact that she has Down syndrome and the fact that she was on a ventilator for 25 days earlier this month both contribute to a floppy/sensitive airway. Anyway, to open her airway, I have always put my hand under her chin and lifted her neck to help her "open up."

So, our nurse came in a told me that Olivia does not have an airway issue and that I should not put my hand under her neck to open her airway. If there were an airway problem, the doctors and nurses would hold her neck up. It's stressful to be up here and we should just support Olivia by loving her and reading her stories. Let the doctors and nurses do their job.

I informed "nurse" that I was instructed from the day she was born to put something under her shoulders or neck to open her airway. That is the only way they were able to keep her sats up Friday night when she was having difficulty. I did find it entertaining when "nurse" said that I should let the doctors and nurses do their job, because the reality is, they hadn't. This was not okay. We have spent so much time up here and have always trusted each and every doctor and 99% of the nurses. They have always respected our thoughts, questions, and opinions. They have asked us to help on many occasions with Olivia's care. It has always been clearly stated that they encourage the parents to take an active role in their child's care. We have always been able to do this. Why not with "nurse." Needless to say, I lost it.

I never lose it. Everyone up here assumed it was because of the medication screw up and that I was stressed. I am not stressed. I'm over the medicine thing. We have always handled every critical moment Olivia has had with the utmost faith in the doctors, nurses, and, of course, the Lord. I apparently am not, however, able to handle someone telling me that I should not care for my child in a certain way.

Anyway, I won't go on. I just needed to get this off my chest. I feel so much better now. Have a great day!

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Julie, I am so glad you blogged this. You are one of the most informed, dedicated, loving, caring, and patient mothers I know. "Nurse" must have skipped class the day they were trained for: airway issues and patient/family relations. You did not "lose it". You were advocating for your child! We love and respect you. Thanks for being such a great wife, mom, sister, sister-in law, daughter and daughter in law. We love you. Suzanne

Anonymous said...

Wow. "Nurse" sounds like a piece of work. I hope you don't have anymore days where you are questioning the care Olivia is getting.

Kristen

Heather said...

I think the nurse needs some bedside manner courses. Or a swift kick in the.....


Thinking of you....

Anonymous said...

Julie,
You are certainly allowed to "lose it". You have been through SO much, more than any of us can even begin to imagine.Olivia couldn't have asked for a better mother. You are definitely the BEST in my book. As for "nurse", we know that you and Zac have known from day one how to care for your daughter. Maybe "nurse" should take a lesson from you. We know that God is watching over you all as you go through this hospital stay. We will continue to pray for healing and strength for you all. Keep the faith.
Love,
Jen Weber

Amy said...

You are absolutely the best advocate that Olivia will EVER have in that hospital or anywhere else and I'm so glad that you stood up for your right to care for your child! You are an incredibly informed parent and you handle her care, in one way or another, 24/7, every single day of her life, both in the hospital and at home!! You're incredible, and I'm glad you shared this story so that all of us could back you up, and say "way to go Julie"!!!! I'm sure Ryan would be happy to take care of that nurse . . . .