Friday, May 28, 2010

Too Much Too Soon

That's what I think, anyway. Dakin has, for the last few weeks, had to be on oxygen during the night. This is extremely unusual for him, as his oxygen levels are usually 99-100% all night, every night. I have been getting worried about this, as it can be an indication of some rather unpleasant things--namely, Dakin being sick.

Well, he's not sick. There are no signs or symptoms of illness. He's perfectly normal during the day, and then when he falls asleep, his sats take a nose dive.

So what's going on? That's what we're trying to figure out. I have a few theories:
  • The trach: Dakin may need a bigger one. When he falls asleep he just relaxes so much that his leak is too much to keep his sats up.
  • The usual suspect: the weather. We are transitioning into summer, and it's been dry as a bone around here.
  • The one I don't want to consider: He's getting weaker. This, though, seems unlikely, as he needs no extra help while he's awake, and he's not even on O2 all night long.
  • The more likely: We have been nothing but go go go the last few weeks since we got our van, and he's tired. I think this is a possibility, since for the last two years, we haven't really gone anywhere, due to lack of car and difficulty in moving Dakin. With the van, it's easy peasy to move him, and we have been taking advantage of it. As much as Dakin acts like there's nothing different about him, he does have some physical limitations. I think going out so much is too much for him--as I said, too much too soon. Too much sensory overload for a child who has spent his entire life in our living room--though obviously not for lack of wanting to expose him to the whole world, just by virtue of the fact it has been too dangerous/difficult to have him out.
So Nurse Jane and I decided to scale back the going out and we'll see what happens. Keep your fingers crossed.

9 comments:

Greek Goddess said...

I'm sorry things aren't going the way you want right now. I'll say a prayer for you. Keep your chin up. I hope it gets better soon.

Junior said...

praying that it is just him being overtired and those sats get back to normal at night quickly.
Hugs

Sky said...

Id have to say he is tired, and he could need to up size his trach (when was the last time he was up sized?) could be time. Im just happy to read he isnt sick, to many sick kids for this time of year. I hope you are able to figure it out and can get his bedtime sats up to his norm soon! hugs Sheila and Sky

Kristen said...

Hoping things settle down soon! I was also going to send you a message saying that we have not forgotten about the lemonade stand. The weather has been ridiculous up here. Today is a torrential downpour and tomorrow it's supposed to be quite cold. Ridiculous!! We will get it done. I promise.

brantley said...

Praying that it's just him being overtired. He's absolutely with gorgeous with his hair cut!!

Katie Grant said...

I hope taking it easy for a bit is all that's needed to get his sats back up to normal at night. Big hugs to you all x

Sapna said...

I am with you, thinking that he is probably just tired. When Maya gets really tired, she snores and I'm sure if I put the pulse ox on, it may go down. It must to be nice for you all to get out though. Hang in there....we are thinking of you guys.

Sara said...

I will be praying for my favorite little guy!! I'm hoping it is just the trach, and being overtired. Sending our love to you guys <3

xoxox~
Sara

Sara said...

P.S. When did you guys get the van?!?! I'm ecstatic to hear it!!! I must have missed a post or something. I really am glad that moving around town will be much easier for you!!!

xoxox~
Sara