Dawson's Hope

Hi, my name is Stephanie. My nephew Dawson was recently diagnosed with RSV; he just turned one month old on Dec 1st. He was brought into Altru Clinic on Wednesday, Nov 30th, for concerns with his breathing and inability to hold down fluids. He was quickly rushed to the hospital for admission and given oxygen via nasal cannula. Throughout the first night at Altru his oxygen demands and heart rate continued to decrease, and he was having periods of apnea. The decision was made to airlift him to Sanford Hospital in Fargo early Thursday morning (Dec 1.) After arriving at Sanford it was discussed that they would monitor his oxygen demands, heart rate, and apneic episodes and determine a plan. The doctors were happy with his improvement, so he was seen by Speech Therapy and attempted to feed; he did well the first time and was able to drink 1 ounce of formula. Feeding was re-attempted 2 hours later with no success. His numbers continued to go up and down throughout the day. He remained on nasal cannula oxygen. The doctor and Respiratory Therapists felt his color and breathing were improving. Around 11:30 Thursday, a new nurse came in and noticed he was having difficulty breathing, she pushed to get the CPAP applied, and nebulizers were given with no improvement. At 2 am Friday, Dawson was observed by the doctor; there were concerns that his heart rate was dropping and his breathing was worse. The decision was made to apply the CPAP. An NG tube was then placed to help remove the air from his stomach from the CPAP. This was day 4 of RSV. The doctors then prepared Dawson's parents that Days 5-7 are the worst and that they may see a decline. Around 8:45 AM on Saturday, Dec 3rd, it was discussed that his heart rate was still dropping and, his respiratory status was not improving, that Dawson would be moved to the ICU. He would then be placed on a BIPAP for his breathing; if that does not improve, he would require a breathing tube with a ventilator. Around 3:30 am Saturday, Dawson's oxygen levels continued to drop, and the ICU doctor relayed that his lungs were very tight. Meaning there was little air movement. He was then placed on the BIPAP to help get oxygen into his lungs. A chest x-ray showed he had developed pneumonia in 1 of his lungs. He was also having trouble keeping his body temperature up. The doctors discussed that a spinal tap, urine tests, and blood work were needed to check for other infection sources. He was not stable enough to go thru the tests. He was started on antibiotics and continuous nebulizer treatments. After he was stable, blood work was done, and it was tough for them to find veins to complete the blood draw. His numbers remained stable after the BIPAP was placed, and there were hopes to wean his oxygen demand. Day 6 of RSV, Dec 4. Around 12am Dawson's oxygen levels started to drop again; despite neb treatments, there was not much improvement. A repeat chest x-ray was done, showing worsening pneumonia. The left lung showed slight improvement, but the right lung was worse. The next step was to sedate Dawson and intubate him(place a breathing tube). His body was working so hard to breath and fight the infection that this would help him to rest. The breathing machine would do the work for him. At 1 am he was sedated and intubated. An update was given to his parents at 4 am that Dawson was not responding to the touch, and at this time, the sedation medications should have worn off enough for him to respond. There was concern that he may have a brain bleed and needed a Head CT. An hour later, when they came to get him for the scan, he started to respond, the CT was then determined not to be done. His blood pressure has been on the lower side; they will continue to monitor it and may have to give him vasopressors if it continues to drop. The ICU doctor discussed this morning on rounds that he will have to be a little more stable to get the spinal tap. This test will rule out meninigitis. If he has meningitis, he will need 2-3 weeks of IV antibiotics. They also started a new medication called mucomyst to help him break up the mucus in his lungs. Please keep Dawson in your prayers; he has a long fight ahead of him. We are asking for help; my brother Madison and sister-in-law Jordyn will need to be at the hospital with him every step of the way. We are looking for funds to help defray the costs of medical bills and time lost at work. Any funds contributed would be deeply appreciated.