When I began my blog, Mighty Littles, my intention was to highlight the resilience of parents navigating the NICU, the evolution of parenting, and how significant events shape our identities. However, with COVID-19 sweeping through the world, it has also seeped into my family’s life, compelling me to share our experience. The weight of this pandemic has been a constant source of worry for me, and I know I’m not alone.
As a doctor, I closely monitored the spread of COVID-19 in places like China and Italy. Before any mandates surfaced, we took proactive measures by withdrawing our kids from Jiujitsu and swimming lessons, believing the virus posed a real threat even when many around us were dismissing it. Our children continued attending preschool and kindergarten until March 12, their final day before the closure of schools in Colorado, which began on March 16. Since that date, they haven’t left our home. My husband made one trip to Costco, while I ventured to Target once. Our kids didn’t have playdates, and I didn’t permit them to chat with friends across the street. We adhered to the stay-at-home guidelines with diligence. We did everything right.
On March 21, my son Lucas sneezed a few times, which I initially attributed to allergies. The next day, he developed a stuffy nose and a mild cough, but nothing alarming. However, by March 27, he spiked a fever of 104.5 degrees, which left me deeply concerned.
We visited the pediatrician the following morning, and after a diagnosis of pneumonia following a viral illness, we began a course of oral antibiotics and oxygen at home for 48 hours. There were moments when he appeared fine, but overall, I thought he was managing. By March 30, however, his condition deteriorated, necessitating his admission to the hospital.
Upon entering the hospital, I braced myself for a few days of treatment, expecting maybe three or four. I knew Lucas would be treated under a “COVID rule out” protocol, which meant he would be treated as though he had the virus until his test results came back negative. Being familiar with hospital protocol, I understood that I wouldn’t be able to leave his room until the tests returned negative. So, I arrived at the hospital with my sick son, two nearly empty oxygen tanks, and three bags filled with essentials: one for our clothes, another for his comfort items and snacks, and my computer bag. Anxiety swirled in my mind as I pondered my son’s worsening condition.
The admission process went well, and we settled into our room, where the attentive staff swiftly managed IVs, labs, swabs, medications, and oxygen. Initially, Lucas required 2 liters (L) of oxygen, but by that night, he needed 4L. The next day, he was on 6L, then 9L. He struggled to breathe, using all the muscles in his chest and abdomen. As a doctor, I recognized the signs of respiratory distress: seesaw breathing, nasal flaring, grunting, and retractions—he exhibited them all.
As a mother, watching him struggle was heartbreaking. In those first two days, we received lab results. His Complete Blood Count (CBC) didn’t show typical markers of COVID-19, and other infection indicators were not significantly elevated. His chest X-ray appeared relatively clear. He was switched to IV antibiotics and began receiving Albuterol treatments, yet his condition continued to decline.
Then, around 7 PM on our second hospital night, we received devastating news. The doctor informed me that Lucas had tested positive for COVID-19. My emotions overflowed, and I couldn’t comprehend how this had happened. Despite our precautions, here we were, facing this terrifying virus. Questions flooded my mind: How severe would his illness become? How long would we be in the hospital? What if the rest of my family fell ill too?
I felt like I had failed in my duty to keep my family safe, even though I knew I hadn’t. But those thoughts are hard to silence when your child is battling a virus as daunting as COVID-19.
In the hospital, isolation was palpable. I couldn’t leave the room, nor could anyone enter without full PPE. My husband was home with our daughters, and we were all separated, unable to comfort one another. Despite this, our community rallied around us. Our employers were exceptionally supportive, and our school organized a meal train to help my husband and girls while they couldn’t leave the house. Neighbors dropped off fresh berries and care packages filled with essentials like shower wipes and dry shampoo.
Through the darkness of our situation, it was heartwarming to witness our community come together. People we barely knew offered assistance, and no one blamed us for Lucas’s diagnosis. I hope that this sense of unity continues as we all move beyond this pandemic.
After several days in the hospital, Lucas is starting to show signs of improvement. Moments of his cheerful personality peek through, and he’s finally eating again. We’ve begun to taper his oxygen support, though he still has a severe cough that leaves him breathless at times.
Being in the hospital has been an emotionally taxing experience, yet it has also highlighted the importance of community support during these uncertain times. Please, take this virus seriously and look out for one another as we navigate this challenging period.
Update: After spending seven days in the hospital, Lucas was released to return home, but he will need oxygen support for the next few weeks.
For more on parenting and coping during unprecedented times, check out this insightful article on our blog. If you’re interested in the world of home insemination, this resource is invaluable. Additionally, learn more about the IVF process here.
In summary, despite following all precautions, my son’s battle with COVID-19 was a harrowing experience that tested our family’s resilience. The outpouring of support from our community reminded us of the importance of connection, even in times of isolation.
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