Another first

Yesterday was our first trip to the ER! I envy the parent who has never had to take their child to the hospital.

Santi woke up at 2am with the most blood curdling screams. I thought he may have had a nightmare, so I brought him into our room. He was calm for a few minutes. Excited to be in bed with mommy and daddy, it's a special treat. And then the screaming started again, every 20-30 minutes until 4am. I couldn't figure out what was wrong. Throughout the night, we had water, milk, a snack, we found his new race car, changed a few diapers and we cuddled a ton. He was inconsolable. So upset. Still screaming. I asked him if he hurt, he said yes. Terrified, I listed his anatomy until he could tell me what was hurting so badly. He had a tummy ache.

At 7am, I put him in the car and headed to Rady Children's Hospital. I'm so happy we went there instead of urgent care. Upon checking in at Radys, they could see his entire chart and medical history. They took us back immediately.

The nurse gave Santi Tylenol right away. And that helped to settle him down. His sats were fine (what a relief!) 79-83, that's his normal range. But he was still so uncomfortable.

Over the next few hours, he had a chest and belly X-ray. Blood drawn and tested for infection. And an ultrasound of his belly. At one point they said we'd most likely be admitted to the hospital. Please, no! They suspected Intussusception. Which is when the intestines telescope into itself. Super painful. Please, no!

I was shocked to hear that the cause of all the screaming was constipation! Shocked, because he has at least one poopy diaper everyday. I can only suspect that the anesthesia from his cath two weeks ago slowed him down. My poor baby.

Even once we got home, around 2pm, he wasn't himself. He just wanted to lay on his belly. He was not interested in playing, smiling or any of his usual antics.

This morning, when I went to get him from his room, I was so relieved and happy to see my sweetheart and his big smile. Santi is back and feeling much better!