Five-year-old David had a weeklong flu during spring break from kindergarten in April 2002. His condition turned into bacterial streptococcus pneumonia over the weekend, and we took him to BroMenn Hospital in Bloomington on April 7.
His condition was quickly identified as critical, so he was taken to Children’s Hospital of Illinois In Peoria via Life Flight helicopter. He was admitted to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, where he was given emergency lifesaving care.
X-rays showed that he also had emphysema (fluid around the lungs). Doctors inserted a chest tube to drain the fluid, and later that night determined that he required the breathing assistance of a respirator. Meanwhile, David’s mind and body had been put to sleep with the use of medication so that his body would not fight the treatments and his mind would not remember the pain.
Over the next two weeks while he was asleep, David received CT scans, X-rays, chest tubes, blood tests, ibuprofen/acetaminophen to fight the high fevers, and antibiotics and other medication delivered through multiple IV lines. His body was so covered with medical equipment adhered to him with tape that his skin soon became wounded by the tape dressings and re-dressings.
Early on, the doctors hoped that David’s condition would improve using these standard treatments. However, they did warn us of the worst-case scenario: surgery. Despite the efforts during the first two weeks, David’s condition did not improve sufficiently. While his left lung showed signs of healing, his right lung continued to be plagued with infection.
The bacteria in David’s system was particularly virulent and only sensitive to the harshest of antibiotics: vancomycin. The sickness in David’s respiratory system triggered the impairment of his other organs (kidneys, liver, spleen and even heart) so that his whole body seemed to be shutting down. Excess fluid collected around his heart, and a tube was inserted to drain it.
On the 14th day, doctors determined that surgery was necessary to remove necrotic lung tissue, during which about one-third of his right lung was removed. The operation took place on a Sunday morning, and much prayer was offered up for David at his church.
Thanks to God, his vital signs were steadied during the operation, more than expected. Directly after the surgery, David’s condition improved. By decreasing the medication, his mind and body gradually woke up during the next week, and six days later, his respirator was removed. By the 21st day, he was no longer receiving antibiotics.
For the next 3-1/2 weeks, more chest tubes drained air pockets around his lung. He was slowly weaned from the sleep medication, and he had considerable therapy (food, speech, occupational and physical). Before David was hospitalized, he had been a strong and active boy, but he became someone who literally could not do anything for himself.
His ability to breathe, move, talk, eat, drink and even see was gone. He had to relearn to use his body. Every day was a struggle. David also endured an intensely painful, weeklong, full-body skin rash from an allergic reaction to the medicines he was given. Strangely, the skin on the palms of his hands and bottoms of his feet completely peeled away in thick layers.
David spent most of his hospital stay in the ICU, and only the last few days in the intermediate and general pediatric units. On May 22, the 46th day, David was released. He was no longer taking any medication. However, he still had two chest tubes to evacuate air leaks from his chest cavity. Within 10 days and two visits to the surgeon’s office, these tubes were removed.
Except for the now smaller right lung, internal and external scar tissue and a few gallstones, David has since fully recovered. He regained the capacity to use his body in normal ways, and despite missing the last quarter of kindergarten, he has excelled in first grade. In fact, David even swam in his first swim team meet by the end of June and practiced baseball throughout the summer.
The wonderful team of doctors and nurses were a true blessing to aid David to his recovery. They were not only highly skilled in their jobs, but also friendly and approachable for medical questions and concerns. They provided an extra shoulder for support whenever needed.
The Child Life staff who are in charge of changing frowns to smiles through play were also instrumental in helping David regain the will to recover. They know just how important silliness is to a 5-year-old boy. Singer/guitarist Cookie Bannon brought the joy of music into David’s life again and even helped celebrate his sixth birthday in July. Additionally, other hospital staff in Admitting, Housekeeping and Information became dear family friends.
David and his family were sustained during his hospital stay by our faith in Jesus Christ. The Lord provided faithfully for us during this experience. He even provided warm and sunny conditions on the days when David was allowed outside to enjoy some fresh air.
Many extended family members and friends came to the hospital every single one of the 46 days. People delivered food daily, and someone came to baby-sit David’s baby brother at the hospital daily. People also cared for David’s 3-year-old sister every day. Some people came to pray at the hospital while others sent email messages informing us of their prayers. Still more people sent cards and gifts in abundance.
One friend created a Web site to communicate David’s condition with detailed daily updates. It enabled our family to spend more time with David and less time sharing news on his condition so that a greater number of people were able to pray for specific daily needs. We received encouraging email messages from around the country and even from other countries.
Much more was done than could ever be listed. It was all a gift from God, just as David continues to be.
Michael and Denise