What do they DO for *your* kiddo at the hospital??

[izzi'smom]

Izz's GI wants to admit her for weight loss.

THe last time we were admitted I felt like they were doing nothing that I can't do at home, which is why I pushed to be released after two days.

They relied on me to keep track of bms/urine output (even when I rang the bell, she was in the br so often they never came in often enough...I had to do it).

They did wake her up to assess her/do vitals every shift. Which were normal.

She got IV fluids/bowel rest for 24 hours and was clear liquid for probably another 24. It did not seem to help.

We didn't even see our own doc...we saw another one from his practice (and they don't see eye to eye/do things the same way).

Plus they test her for c-diff every time, which means we are confined to her room on contact precautions.

Am I missing the positive here somewhere?

The only reason I am considering it is because she is nauseated and refuses to eat at times (she vomits up mucous but not food) and I am thinking that IV fluids would help, if only temporarily. However, I think she was on zofran before...maybe I can ask for a script until her weight levels off.

We also have a $500 copay, which I wouldn't mind paying if they were doing something I couldn't.

Thoughts?! Am i missing something?

 

[AZMOM]

Angie - That's a tough one. We've never been admitted for weight loss. Have you asked the doctor what they would do in an inpatient setting that you couldn't do at home? If you feel strongly about it, I would put the ball in his court. He will be the one writing the orders.......

I hate it that Izzi isn't doing well. :-(

J.

 

[DustyKat]

Hey Angie,

I agree with J, ask the doc what they will be providing that you can't. I haven't had to face this with my children as far as CD is concerned as admissions to hospital were required. However, when Matt was a toddler he had a nasty gastro bug and they did want to admit him but when I questioned them about it they did admit for the next 24 hours they wouldn't be doing anything but observation and I could do that at home.

In my opinion if they aren't going to do anything invasive, IV etc, only observe then ask to do the observation at home. You can obviously weigh Izzi and attend to the recording of input and output. I imagine you have a thermometer at home so the only thing that may be missing is a sphygmomanometer (BP machine). If you don't have one I would go and purchase one of the electronic ones as I think they are a worthwhile tool to have on hand anyway.

Good luck and let us know how you get on.

Dusty. :hug:

 

[izzi'smom]

Great point...I should ask her doc. I do have a bp machine also. She is up 9 ounces from yesterday am so I think we'll be alright. We're having some nausea problems that I have asked for meds for...we'll see what happens...

 

[Mayflower537]

Poor baby. My thoughts are with you. Hope she gets better soon.

XX
May

 

[izzi'smom]

Our nurse must be off today..a different nurse called in a script for Prilosec for nausea. We've used Zofran before...my frustration is mounting and I feel like such a pest always calling to ask questions

 

[Carrie630]

Even if they want to do IV nutrition they may allow you to do it at home, potentially with home nursing help, worth asking.

 

[NancyP]

My daughter has only been admitted when she was diagnosed, and we haven't been on this road very long, so maybe this isn't helpful. . . . .

I've found it helps (with other things) to mention to the doc that you would RATHER come in to the office more times, than to be admitted. Sometimes I think the docs offer what they *think* you are asking for, and for many, they feel better with their kid in the hospital being watched. By asking what other posters were saying "what can you do in the hospital that I can't do at home" and letting him know you prefer to be at home, maybe he can work it out.

Hope things are on the upswing for you and that the hospitalization is not the route you have to go!