As we sat in the tiny patient room, I found myself holding my breath. My eyes set on the machine that measures the oxygen level in the blood. As the number 85 popped up, my heart sank. I looked at my husband and could tell he was thinking the same thing–it may be time to take Peyton to the hospital.
When you look at my child, you probably think that she looks healthy. She’s your typical toddler, a spunky and talkative little girl whose infectious giggle can be heard a mile away. But inside that petite body, is a micro-preemie, a child whose difficult beginning could cause bumps in the road for years to come. And that’s why, as a parent, I will always be worried about her health.
We’ve been down this road before, her weak lungs needing an extra boost of oxygen to heal. But, we thought we were out of the woods. Just shy of 3 years old, Peyton seemed to be on the track to good health. We haven’t had a hospital visit in over a year and she’s stayed out of the doctor’s office, up until a few weeks ago.
After a double ear infection and a round of antibiotics, Peyton’s pediatrician noticed her wheezing as she breathed. That led to a change in antibiotics and the return of our favorite elephant, a nebulizer machine with a mask in the shape of her favorite animal. But that didn’t do the trick. Our daughter progressively got worse and that had us in the pediatrician’s office, on the weekend, waiting to see the on-call doctor.
As the nurse showed us her oxygen levels, we panicked. Our 22 weeker is quite the fighter, but when it comes to her lungs, her body gets lazy. The last time we were admitted to the hospital, the monitor read “85”, the same number that just flashed in front of our eyes.
We were sent home, but on high alert, knowing that something was wrong. A few days later, after more tests and xrays, we found the culprit: a bronchial virus in her lungs. Peyton tested positive for RSV. The fear of that very same virus had us on lockdown over the past two winters. For a healthy child, RSV can mean a simple cold. But for a child with weak lungs or immune system , it can lead to a hospital stay, even prove fatal is some cases. For two years, as a 22 weeker with weak lungs, Peyton got an RSV vaccine that only the most susceptible babies receive. But this year, she didn’t qualify.
It was our first year of freedom and Peyton made it through winter unscathed. We even took Peyton for her first plane ride out to San Diego, a celebration of how healthy our miracle child had become. Was it the travel that proved too much for her? We’ll never know. But, I can’t beat myself up over it. Peyton could come down with an illness by simple going to the grocery store or park. She needs to build up her immunity, especially as she gets ready for preschool in the fall.
Peyton is on the mend and back to her bubbly self, thanks to steroids, antibiotics and around the clock breathing treatments. In hind sight, she probably should have been admitted to the hospital, but we’re so proud of how she fought off RSV at home. Micro-preemies are amazing children and Peyton exudes that strength. She’s battled infections, a hole in her heart, eye surgery and numerous lung issues to get where she’s at today…and I don’t think she’ll let anything, even a pesky virus, get in her way.
I so enjoy your update about Peyton. You and your husband are very special as is your little girl. I have been with you since the beginning and am blessed each time I read your blog. We were living in Illinois at the beginning but have since moved to Georgia but love hearing about Peyton. May God continue to bless you and Peyton in special ways. Thanks so much for sharing your struggles. And a big Hi to Peyton who is so special.
Prayers for your family and especially Peyton. I hope she is feeling more like herself. She is a fighter just like her mom…Hugs and hope the Easter bunny brings her lots of happy and lovable stuff.
Hi Peyton !!! So happy to hear that you’re feeling better. You’re such a little fighter and I enjoy reading your mom’s stories about you. I love looking at all of the pictures of you….I’ve seen you grow from a tiny little preemie into the beautiful little girl that you are today 🙂
Oh my goodness I can only imagine what you guys have been going through. Praying for that sweet baby and that she will heal quickly and stay well!
Hi Peyton. You are a very strong little girl and you will overcome this. We send hugs to you.❤️❤️❤️❤️
Hi Peyton,
I am so sorry you have been sick again, but glad to hear you are improving. You are an amazing little girl.
I bet the Easter Bunny will be stopping by your house real soon.
What a fighter and a miracle baby!! Stay strong momma I can’t imagine how difficult it must be to have such worry all the time! She is beautiful and obviously a strong little girl (probably like her momma).
What a strong little fighter you have! She will get over this and continue to amaze everyone!
Hi Peyton. Glad you are feeling better. Tell your Mom there are germs in the hospitals too. If you can get better at home you are better off there. Even if you need oxygen at home. You are so beautiful and blessed.Have loved watching you grow and flourish.God Bless you and your family.
So relieved to read that Peyton is on the mend!! My prayers go out to all of you for the strength to power through these little setbacks!! Peyton is truly a Miracle Child!! Thank you for keeping us updated, as I have followed your story from the beginning!!!❤️
I have been having to use my neublizer this last week. Change in weather & temps & wind are culprits. I have had bronchial asthma since I was born & have allergies too. Thought I might out grow it but that didn’t happen & I am 60 years old.
Hi Peyton, I am glad you are doing better. Stay strong little one!
Glad she is doing better! My oldest was only 5 weeks early and she did the same thing, the year she didn’t qualify for the RSV shot anymore, she got really sick. But now at 13 she is hardly ever sick. My middle daughter was also 5 weeks early but since she didn’t require oxygen at birth she didn’t ever qualify for the RSV and she is my most sickly child. Any common cold turns into her gasping for breath and needing the nebulizer.
Hi Peyton!! So glad you are feeling better and didn’t have to be admitted. Happy Easter to you and your family. ????????❤️
So happy to hear she’s doing better. Our middle daughter was born with breathing issues and we spent the first winter on edge praying she didn’t contract anything serious. We got to March and thought we were out of the woods. On March 23rd she was diagnosed with RSV and had a two night stay at the hospital. March can be deceiving and we find those nasty winter bugs lingering. Happy Easter!!
My preemie son was diagnosed with asthma this year and we have spent so much time with nebulizers and inhalers this winter. It is so scary. I hope Peyton stays healthy!
Glad she’s on the mend!!! Prayers!!!
Oh, how scary that must have been. So glad she stayed out of the hospital. Prayers and hugs for all of you?
I haven’t heard anything about Riley. Is he ok?
Thanks Carol! Riley is doing great. He’s attached to Peyton’s hip…they really are best of friends!
Glad she’s better. I can’t
tell you the number of kids I know who’ve had RSV in the last 6 months!
Glad she is better but continued prayers just love smile and those beautiful eyes she has. Hugs to all and thanks for you and the blog love it
Hi, little Payton! You must be quite a little fighter when those germs cause problems. Mommy is so proud of you. And I’m proud of you too! You are growing so fast, and you just get prettier all the time! I know you are as pretty on the inside as you are on the outside. You are in my prayers. I hope you have a Happy Easter!
Hi Peyton! So glad you’re feeling better. Being sick is never fun! And it’s even less fun as the weather gets warmer and everyone wants to be outside.