Jett is usually our wild firecracker who is full of energy, smiles and giggles. Although he is non-verbal his expressions let you know exactly what he is thinking! He is the sweetest most affectionate boy who means the world to us.
On February 13th, Jett tested positive for Covid and HMPV (Human metapneumovirus). He started having fevers daily and on the 5th day we went to the ER. We learned that Jett had Pneumonia and a double ear infection. We were admitted that day for observation and since his oxygen levels were staying in the 90'S on his own, they discharged us with more antibiotics.
However, after being discharged we had a follow up X-ray the next day. It showed that it had worsened and we were re-admitted and transferred to UW Madison. Jett's Pneumonia is a bacterial Pneumonia and has caused complications. He has a pleural effusion (which is basically an abnormal accumulation of excess fluid and pus in the pleural space between the lungs and chest wall). It causes sharp chest pains and coughs with shortness of breaths. We were on even stronger antibiotics but unfortunately the effusion was still not breaking up. It turned into a loculated effusion (caused by adhesions and severe inflammation).
On February 23rd we agreed to have a chest tube placed to help drain the fluids and pus. We have been attempting a drug TPA (which is used to help break down fibrin clots and loculations in complicated paraneumic effusions). It causes extreme pain for Jett in his chest and a burning sensation. He just finished his 3rd round of that yesterday.
Recent X-rays show that while some fluid is mobile and being drained, there is still a loculated pocket that the chest tube is not reaching. His white blood cell count is getting higher as well. We have another set of labs and X-rays in the morning (2/28) to see what it shows. If his white cell count goes higher and the loculated effusion is still there, we could likely have another surgery which in turn will extend our hospital stay.
We are starting this fundraiser because an unexpected hospital stay comes with significant medical expenses, as well as travel costs given this is an hour away from our home. We want to focus on being at Jett's side during this stay without the added financial stress. My husband Joey has been missing a lot of work and has run out of PTO. We also have our other two sons Lucian and Rowan who we are having watched by family during the day. While my husband and I are alternating nights home with them. All three of my boys are neurodivergent, so all these changes and routines has been incredibly hard on them.
If you feel led to give or simply share this fundraiser, we are incredibly grateful. Most of all we appreciate all of your prayers for our Jett Tiger!