Very Be Lated Gieger Update

There are some things in life which are not negotiable. Medicine is one of them. My children have always taken their medicine without argument because they know it's not negotiable. I am firm and I certainly don't cajole them into taking it. I just tell them - Take this.
As for food, you are trying to get him to eat so he can go home. You care if he goes home - he doesn't. Put the food in front of him and ignore him. If he doesn't think you care if he eats, he will. I also never ever made food an issue. Eat it or don't.
YMMV
LBC

Awww....just give it time. If he needs to stay--he needs to stay.

As for the gift--I'd put something at the nurses station for all--like cookies, fruit, box of candy, etc. How nice!

Perhaps he ate better for grandparents because they are less emotionally involved in getting him to eat. If you can allow him to "choose" to eat instead of pushing him to eat he will do better. You may not realize that he's sensitive to your anxiety which feels like pushing to him.

My mother was in and out of the hospital alot and we took healthy snacks, such as a veggie platter to leave in the nurses' lounge. At Christmas we gave candy and cookies. She did have a couple of special nurses. I suggest that for the special nurse you write her a sincere thank you, specifying what made her so special and give a carbon of it to her supervisor.

I would hesitate to single her out with flowers just for her because of the way other nurses might feel. left out, no so appreciated. She will enjoy flowers given for the whole group and your thank you letter will give her the special feeling you want to give her.

oooh my!!! I'm sooo glad they put him in the hospital...

now what would I do? I wouldn't beg. I would simply state "if you want to go home and be in your own bed, these are the things the doctors need to see you do on your own before you can come home." and let him make the decision....I know that's not easy - but just tell him what needs to be done and let him decide.....don't beg or bribe, just tell him what needs to be done.

I'm sooo glad you were able to sneak away for Brody's graduation!!!!

You are in my thoughts and prayers!!

Your son probably sees how emotional you get when it comes to him and enjoys the control that he has over this. If it were me I would be as matter of fact as I can and when he refuses say "ok thats fine. if you would rather be sick than taking the medicine that is the way it will have to be." and then just go about your business with no emotion. If he sees he can't get a rise out of you anymore by refusing he may decide to do it.

Yes I have been thinking of you all day!

I am sorry it sounds like you had a few set backs, but dont worry, the more treatment and help he is getting he sure to get better soon. Especially with such loving care from Mama.

I also think it would be sweet of you to leave your nurse friend something to show your appreciation. I think just a nice card, with your thanks and gratitude in it would be just fine. Not to big, not too small, and she can keep it forever.

I hope you do keep strong and make sure your boy gets what he needs. If you dont think he is going to do okay at home, then request that he can stay a little longer. YOU need to be confident in taking him home too, not just him. Go with your gut and do what you think you need and want.

Keep your chin up, things will get better soon. Were all here for support :)

Hugs to you tonight and wishes that your son recovers soon, soon, soon!

I was about to log off and I saw your update. I'm so glad to hear he is making progress! I would not rush to get home until you feel confident he is eating okay.
I think for the nurse who was so helpful flowers are nice or another small gift like that but definitely a card where you tell her how much you appreciated her taking extra time with you as such a difficult time. If you have a chance tell her supervisor or leave them a note, do it.

Hi mama-

Woke up and saw your update...you and your family have been on my mind these days...

Is there any way 'g pop' and 'gma' could spend a day or two with you? I am sure gieger's 're coup' would go so much more quickly at home (not to mention YOUR quality of rest) ...and I SO understand your being afraid to take him home....BUT maybe...with their added support for gieger...while YOU catch up on rest and the other 'kiddos' would be a happy medium?? Just a thought!

And yes...for the nurse...a nice card and a small gift would be much appreciated. But MORE importantly, as someone suggested, write a formal letter for her...and carbon in the charge nurse as well as the hospital admin. So many people have complaints these days and document it in writing...how refreshing for ALL to write something positive!!

**Reminds me of the days of 'catching my kids being good'!! lol

Glad to hear he's turned a corner...thoughts and prayers from the 'VA' brood continue!!

Michele/cat

I am so glad he is doing some better. I have been thinking about you and your family and hoping they finally decided to admit him. I hope you can bring him home soon, but maybe a little more rest, healing and fluids in the hospital is what he needs. Take care!

I am so glad your baby is finally getting the help he needs. If you need one more day at the hospital tell his doctor. When our daughter was in the emergency room when she was younger for croup, (she never responded to the medicine so we were always in the emergency room) our doctor told us if we were not comfortable taking her home she could be admitted until we were ready to take her home. I know she wasn't admitted but it might help to talk to his doctor. I am glad everyone is so nice it does make it easier during such a diffcult time. Your family will be in my prayers today. I hope all goes well and he startes eating for you. Trust me I know what you are going through with a strong will child!!!

A personal note to your favorite nurse would be nice, and a box or platter of fresh fruit and nuts for the nurses station.

Maybe Mei could get him to eat, drink and take his oral meds. :)

I knew you would love Children's, they really ARE amazing.
About the flowers....don't bring those. My SIL worked at Children's in the oncology unit and she said flowers, while lovely, are not the greatest thing to get since a lot of kids and nurses have issues with flowers. (allergies) You could ask though. But, what she told me they loved was chocolates or gift cards for the Tully's (that's the coffee place at Children's right?...or is it Starbucks? Whichever one it is) Also, a nice card that says how fabulous you thought she was and I think that there is even a way to report to her suprevisor how great you thought she was. That way she receives recognition from the hospital as well.
I remember "Gretchen" was my nurse that cried with me while we were waiting to see if my son would make it. She was GREAT and I doubt I will ever forget her, it's been almost 9 years.
About your son and his stubborness....there is never any harm in asking to stay an extra day...all they can say is "no".
L.

I haven't been on much , didn't see how much you guys have been through. I had to catch myself up. Sounds like it has been very stressful but you've been a great advocate for your son. As for going home, try not to stress about that. Everyone feels better , just being home & I'm sure your son will be the same & hopefully his attitude will reflect that. I'm sure that nurse would appreciate anything you did for her. She probably already appreciates how involved you have been in your sons care. Sadly, lots of parents are less than involved when their children are ill. My son has had many medical problems that has resulted in prolonged stays in the hospital & I have always found that nurses appreciate food, if that's something you are able to provide. We have ordered pizzas, brought in doughnuts, bagels & coffee. When we have been financially strapped & after things had calmed down , I baked cookies . Again, anything you do , she will love. I hope your son has a speedy recovery & you will be in my thoughts. Don't forget to take care of yourself, also.

I sent a thank you note a couple days after discharge.