# My rant space for my daughter's hospitalization **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [October 27, 2020, 4:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-rant-space-for-my-daughters-hospitalization/923992 "2020-10-27T04:42:02Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Kron](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kron/32/12444_2.png) [@Kron](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kron)\ **Post date:** [October 27, 2020, 4:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-rant-space-for-my-daughters-hospitalization/923992/1 "2020-10-27T04:42:02Z")
Keeping this in the Pit so I can freak out if necessary, though things are on the upswing! > [@It's the Great Minirants, Charlie Brown! (October minirants)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-the-great-minirants-charlie-brown-october-minirants/921997/209): > > I’ll try to keep this “mini”: Fuck 2020. > > About two weeks ago, took my son to the walk-in clinic, head cold, sinus congestion, no problem, give it time it’ll go away. About 10 days ago, daughter didn’t feel well, came home from school early even (yes, we are back to in-person schooling in Trumpistan) which is very, very abnormal for her. Figured she got the same bug as brother, just hit her harder. She ended up missing the next four days of school, again, very much a sign she wasn’t feeling well, because I could have sworn she’d still go to school if her arm fell off. Finally, though, she did say she was feeling a bit better on Wednesday… > Then I heard her throwing up around midnight, and come 9:00 Thursday morning, said things were way worse and it was time to go see the doctor. No argument from me, get dressed, let’s go! > > We went to the walk-in clinic, and during triage check-in, they said… You look awful, and this is probably more serious than we are equipped for, and moved us to the ER, where, during ER check-in, I notice she is turning distinctly yellow. Move to room, blood tests, CT, x-ray… > > Her appendix had burst, at some point. Blood tests show definite sepsis. Abnormally high bilirubin, obviously, but no associated abscess around appendix or on liver to explain the bilirubin counts. Local hospital has no liver specialist, we need to get somewhere that does… In the middle of a near-blizzard. > > Flight crews available, weather allows only one clear path, northwest to Billings, Montana. Off we go on an airplane, me just barely dressed enough to qualify for an emergency run to the doctor originally. Arrive in Billings at 3:30 pm, more blood tests, history for new team, decision made to do targeted contrast MRI to figure out the liver issue. MRI finds complete thrombosis/clot in the vein that drains the large intestine, and another thrombosis in the portal vein of the liver. Too many worries about complications, so the decision is made to get us somewhere else, and the weather has cleared enough to go south, so Denver it is! By 2:30 am, we are in the air again, landing in Denver around 4, and then an ambulance ride to Children’s Hospital. And here I have been, ever since. > > Progress has been made, sepsis agent identified (e. coli), clots have not changed at all. Enough secondary flow around them that we are just going with medical management. At first IV heparin, but they were unable to reach therapeutic levels, so now lovenox. Hasn’t shifted yet, but her infection is responding well to IV antibiotics, and it is now waiting for everything to finally tip the right way. I’m exhausted, she’s exhausted, but things are at least slowly improving. > > I may need to have my clothes surgically removed by the time it’s all said and done though… ---
**Author:** ![Kron](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kron/32/12444_2.png) [@Kron](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kron)\ **Post date:** [October 27, 2020, 4:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-rant-space-for-my-daughters-hospitalization/923992/2 "2020-10-27T04:52:08Z")
All of your support and well wishing in the rant thread was much appreciated. Thanks also to the little bits of advice that turned out so true- new underwear and a shower did a ton to improve my mental situation. Daughter is doing great! Today she started by getting out of bed on her own, and yelling at me to get out of the damn room so she could use the commode… Never been so happy to be yelled at! After that, she even took a walk (with support) around the ICU, and used the bathroom herself the rest of the day. She also spent most of the day watching movies, which is much better than spending all day every day sleeping. She had been dealing with some fluid retention, but diuresis has taken care of that, and her breathing (which had been shallow and less effective than it should have been) had much improved. Today, with all of her improvement, they decided she was well enough to get a PICC line put in (basically a catheter/IV port that goes deep into the body, almost all the way to the heart) for injection of her antibiotics, because she will have to continue on them for the next 4-6 weeks at home. All in all, a good day. And nurses are great! ---
**Author:** ![kaylasdad99](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kaylasdad99/32/3398_2.png) [@kaylasdad99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kaylasdad99)\ **Post date:** [October 27, 2020, 5:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-rant-space-for-my-daughters-hospitalization/923992/3 "2020-10-27T05:26:17Z")
Great news, man! How old is your daughter, if I may ask? ---
**Author:** ![nearwildheaven](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/90db22/32.png) [@nearwildheaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nearwildheaven)\ **Post date:** [October 27, 2020, 5:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-rant-space-for-my-daughters-hospitalization/923992/4 "2020-10-27T05:42:39Z")
Hugs to all of you. This kind of thing is totally scary. ---
**Author:** ![nearwildheaven](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/90db22/32.png) [@nearwildheaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nearwildheaven)\ **Post date:** [October 27, 2020, 6:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-rant-space-for-my-daughters-hospitalization/923992/5 "2020-10-27T06:02:38Z")
p.s. It sounds like she has received very good care all along, and the doctors recognized that they couldn’t handle what she had, and sent her to a place that could. ---
**Author:** ![Fluffy\_PickleSniffer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/77aa72/32.png) [@Fluffy\_PickleSniffer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fluffy_PickleSniffer)\ **Post date:** [October 27, 2020, 9:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-rant-space-for-my-daughters-hospitalization/923992/6 "2020-10-27T09:54:47Z")
That’s scary! I’m glad to hear she’s doing better. Hang in there! ---
**Author:** ![chela](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chela/32/21582_2.png) [@chela](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chela)\ **Post date:** [October 27, 2020, 11:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-rant-space-for-my-daughters-hospitalization/923992/7 "2020-10-27T11:04:58Z")
Great to hear she’s on the mend! That you guys had to cross state lines twice and in the air to get finally receive the right care is amazing for the Heath system cooperation and lack of red tape from insurance. Continued best wishes! ---
**Author:** ![WolfpackJeep](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wolfpackjeep/32/2921_2.png) [@WolfpackJeep](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WolfpackJeep)\ **Post date:** [October 27, 2020, 1:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-rant-space-for-my-daughters-hospitalization/923992/8 "2020-10-27T13:00:46Z")
Wow, this has been scary (and definitely not mini!). Glad your daughter is feeling better. ---
**Author:** ![Jasmine](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jasmine/32/2964_2.png) [@Jasmine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jasmine)\ **Post date:** [October 27, 2020, 1:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-rant-space-for-my-daughters-hospitalization/923992/9 "2020-10-27T13:07:39Z")
Oh, m’God, something like that is life threatening! Thank God she is young and strong and that you were “Johnny on the spot” in terms of getting her to the hospital. Well done! ---
**Author:** ![Kron](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kron/32/12444_2.png) [@Kron](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kron)\ **Post date:** [October 27, 2020, 2:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-rant-space-for-my-daughters-hospitalization/923992/10 "2020-10-27T14:23:25Z")
Thanks all! She’s definitely doing much better. She still has some edema, but is definitely on the upswing. Got up on her own (too early, in my opinion… I had finally fallen asleep!) and got into her bedside chair and ordered herself breakfast, then started watching movies. > [@kaylasdad99](#): > > How old is your daughter, if I may ask? She is seventeen, a senior in the worst possible year to be a senior… Her plans have been to go into medicine, so she got to see one aspect of it up close and personal! > [@chela](#): > > That you guys had to cross state lines twice and in the air to get finally receive the right care is amazing for the Heath system cooperation and lack of red tape from insurance. The cooperation between the different facilities was amazing, if it sometimes felt a bit slow to me- though I understand that mostly that was because I was worried. The lack of red tape from insurance is from a lack of insurance. I’ve always fallen right into a slot where I can’t afford insurance (my employer’s health plan would literally consume my entire grocery budget, and then some) but make too much to qualify for any other assistive programs. Very much live hand-to-mouth. Keep my kids fed, clothed, housed, and take care of their school costs, but by the time all that is done, I’m generally tapped out, paycheck to paycheck. Considering the situation I’ve been in since COVID hit, I can probably qualify for something nowadays, it just never occurred to me to try over the last 7 months. > [@Jasmine](#): > > Thank God she is young and strong and that you were “Johnny on the spot” in terms of getting her to the hospital. I feel I failed on that part- my assumption that she was just taking the cold/illness that my son had a bit harder than he did probably made things far worse than they should have been. But, in the end, we caught it before it was irreversible, thankfully. Thanks everyone, she definitely feels a lot better. I don’t remember if I mentioned it, but my son’s was really just a headcold, he is absolutely fine (and took advantage of me not being home and skipped school yesterday! 🤬) ---
**Author:** ![Broomstick](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/broomstick/32/246_2.png) [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Post date:** [October 27, 2020, 3:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-rant-space-for-my-daughters-hospitalization/923992/11 "2020-10-27T15:10:39Z")
> [@Kron](#): > > Considering the situation I’ve been in since COVID hit, I can probably qualify for something nowadays, it just never occurred to me to try over the last 7 months. Ask to talk to the facility’s social worker about your situation. There may be help you’re unware of. I’m glad your daughter is recovering. Don’t forget to take care of yourself - you need food and rest in order to be able to take care of your daughter. Extra rest would be a good idea if you can manage simply because of the level of stress you’re currently enduring. Best wishes to all of you. I hope the situation continues to improve. ---
**Author:** ![The\_Stainless\_Steel\_Rat](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/the_stainless_steel_rat/32/5727_2.png) [@The\_Stainless\_Steel\_Rat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Stainless_Steel_Rat)\ **Post date:** [October 27, 2020, 3:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-rant-space-for-my-daughters-hospitalization/923992/12 "2020-10-27T15:20:56Z")
[quote=“Broomstick, post:11, topic:923992”] Ask to talk to the facility’s social worker about your situation. There may be help you’re unware of.[/quote] This is excellent advice. The medical establishment worked for you and your daughter, but the bills could easily impoverish you if you don’t have insurance and don’t have a plan. Glad daughter is doing better, but start looking ahead now. (which you’re probably already doing and I’m being pedantic, but talk to folks anyhow…) ---
**Author:** ![echoreply](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/echoreply/32/3641_2.png) [@echoreply](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/echoreply)\ **Post date:** [October 27, 2020, 4:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-rant-space-for-my-daughters-hospitalization/923992/13 "2020-10-27T16:03:46Z")
My daughter spent a long weekend at Children’s Hospital in Denver this summer. The nurses and doctors there were absolutely fantastic. Very sorry to hear that you’re there, and the long trip to get there, but it is one of the best possible places you could end up to get your daughter the care she needs. Simple human kindness things, like loaning out phone chargers; going out of there way to find chewable acetaminophen when they only stock liquid; systemic things, like the food in the cafeteria being cheap and palatable (think Denny’s quality for about 2/3 the price); to stellar abilities, like the nurses getting an IV line into a scared, wiggly, dehydrated seven year old on the first try, every time. ---
**Author:** ![JaneDoe42](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/janedoe42/32/14104_2.png) [@JaneDoe42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JaneDoe42)\ **Post date:** [October 27, 2020, 9:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-rant-space-for-my-daughters-hospitalization/923992/14 "2020-10-27T21:58:55Z")
So good to hear about the fairly rapid improvements. Poor stubborn child didn’t want to confess that she was really sick until she had no choice. Teenagers, sigh. As an ex-eligibility worker, I agree that you should absolutely apply for help with the medical bills. This would be another thing to ask a nurse about, because when I was working we would get a lot of very incomplete applications from hospitals. The big deal about getting the signed and dated application completed by the hospital and faxed in right away is because state medical programs, if approved, almost always start on the first day of the month of application. You need her coverage to start on 10/1/20, and you only have 4 days to get the process started. You listened to us about the undies, listen to us about this as well! ---
**Author:** ![Kron](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kron/32/12444_2.png) [@Kron](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kron)\ **Post date:** [October 28, 2020, 12:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-rant-space-for-my-daughters-hospitalization/923992/15 "2020-10-28T00:14:19Z")
Appreciate the shot in the ass. I took the time to fill out an application for Medicaid through Wyoming. On my phone. Got it all done though, and submitted today. ---
**Author:** ![chela](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chela/32/21582_2.png) [@chela](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chela)\ **Post date:** [October 28, 2020, 4:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-rant-space-for-my-daughters-hospitalization/923992/16 "2020-10-28T16:08:52Z")
That you didn’t have insurance makes the interstate cooperation even more impressive imo. Hope you guys are able to head home soon. ---
**Author:** ![Kron](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kron/32/12444_2.png) [@Kron](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kron)\ **Post date:** [October 28, 2020, 4:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-rant-space-for-my-daughters-hospitalization/923992/17 "2020-10-28T16:39:58Z")
Same story, different day, “Getting better, one more day in ICU…” Still overloaded on fluids, but getting better, still working on antibiotics, and the clots have not dissolved yet. Feel a little short-tempered today. Well, didn’t even finish this post and she got cold, then hot, then started throwing up. Hasn’t done that in a couple of days. Additional mini-rant:. Wearing a mask for days at a time is, I swear, CUTTING MY EARS OFF OF MY HEAD. There has to be a better way. ---
**Author:** ![Morgyn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/morgyn/32/3041_2.png) [@Morgyn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Morgyn)\ **Post date:** [October 28, 2020, 4:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-rant-space-for-my-daughters-hospitalization/923992/18 "2020-10-28T16:58:12Z")
Facemask extenders. You might be able to Macgyver something with string or rubber bands? > **[Amazon.com: MIAODAM Adjustable Mask Extender Strap, Mask Ear Saver, Mask Holder,...](https://www.amazon.com/MIAODAM-Adjustable-Extension-Extending-Protectors/dp/B0874Q4J3Y)** > > Amazon.com: MIAODAM Adjustable Mask Extender Strap, Mask Ear Saver, Mask Holder, Mask Straps, Masks Extension Masks Buckle Ear Protectors (5PCS, Black) ---
**Author:** ![Kron](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kron/32/12444_2.png) [@Kron](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kron)\ **Post date:** [October 28, 2020, 5:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-rant-space-for-my-daughters-hospitalization/923992/19 "2020-10-28T17:00:10Z")
Thanks! I’ve been mentally sketching ideas for things to make it better for two days now. ---
**Author:** ![MissTake](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/misstake/32/3189_2.png) [@MissTake](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MissTake)\ **Post date:** [October 28, 2020, 5:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-rant-space-for-my-daughters-hospitalization/923992/20 "2020-10-28T17:51:41Z")
Look on the local FB marketplace around the hospital - I know many people are knitting / crocheting extenders, selling them for $1 or two. Heck, like with many things suggested, ask a nurse. They probably know a person. And FWIW, up above you said you failed on taking her seriously. Please don’t. Teenagers, as whole, are manipulative creatures and I was almost in your same situation a decade ago. It took my daughter three times to get my attention that hey, this is something serious, and she came perilously close to having her appendix burst. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-rant-space-for-my-daughters-hospitalization/923992.md?page=2)