Jackson's Journal

First, Jackson's improving and we expect a complete recovery. Thanks for everyone's prayers and support. Now, the details:

Last Tuesday evening (9/28) Christie noticed that Jackson had a slight fever. We called his pediatrician and the nurse practitioner on call told us what to do and what to watch for. We gave him some infant Tylenol and watched his temperature overnight. The next morning he still had a fever and the skin around his right eye was reddened and swollen, so we called the doctor again, and she asked Christie to bring him in at 10am.

The doctor diagnosed bronchitis in one lung and an eye infection, and prescribed eye drops and Omnicef, a full-spectrum antibiotic. Jackson continued to have fever, though, and though the swelling around his eye reduced temporarily, by Friday morning it was so swollen that Christie couldn't get the drops into his eye.

A return trip to the doctor confirmed the worst: Jackson's infection wasn't responding to the Omnicef. Dr. Ricafort told us to take him to the ER at Vanderbilt Children's Hospital, and that she would send our records ahead.

The doctors at Vanderbilt ordered blood tests and a CT scan, which showed that the eye infection was actually orbital cellulitis and that an abscess was beginning to form behind the eye. It apparently started as a sinus infection that penetrated the lamina papyracea, the "paper thin" bone that separates the ethmoid sinus from the orbit. It's a very serious condition; before they treated this with antibiotics, about 20% of cases resulted in blindness and about 17% were fatal.

Since then, they've been treating Jackson pretty agressively with intravenous antibiotics. For those of you who want all the details, they're giving him 400 milligrams of Zinacef every eight hours and 50mg of Clindamycin every six hours, along with 120mg of Tylenol (in oral drops) every 4-6 hours.

After the last doctor left us for the evening, Christie sent me home with a list while she stayed with Jackson. I packed clothes, toiletries and baby supplies, gassed up the minivan, took Maggie to the kennel, then picked up Christie's food order and headed back to Vanderbilt. When I got back they'd been moved into a room on the seventh floor and Jackson was sleeping comfortably.

Overnight and this morning, the doctors that have seen him have been very impressed with his progress. Dr. Schmalbach said she had never seen a child respond so quickly and favorably to antibiotics. Jackson looks much better and though there's still quite a bit of swelling, he has both eyes open now and is playing happily with his toys and his parents.

Thanks again, everyone, for all your prayers, calls and good wishes. We love and appreciate you all. Please continue to remember us to the Lord.

Update from Room 7308

Jackson's continued to improve through the day. He's been fussy at times, but that's completely understandable considering how often he gets poked and prodded here.

The only doctor we've seen this afternoon was Dr. Joos, an opthamologist consulting on Jackson's case. She was very pleased with how much Jackson had improved since she saw him yesterday.

We've had four visitors today. Nicole and Kelly, two dear friends of Christie's, came up to bring Jackson a get-well balloon and raise his mommy's spirits as well. Wayne and Ouida Holt, two of our oldest and dearest friends at Antioch, came later bearing fruit, snacks, a teddy bear, and lots of love and support. Wayne is one of our elders and today's visit underscored just why he's such a great one. It's Ouida!

Thanks to everyone for your prayers and support, and please continue to pray for Jackson's recovery.

Sunday, 3rd October, 2004

Sunday morning update -- it's all good!

Jackson is doing remarkably well. The swelling around his eye has almost completely disappeared, and though there is still some redness underneath, it's obvious that he's much, much better. Dr. Canlas, an intern, came in this morning and checked him out and said "Okay, what was wrong with him again?" We see a lot of interns; apparently they like them to see unusual cases, like Jackson's orbital cellulitis, whenever they get the chance.

I'll post some pictures this afternoon if things quiet down, so look for them this evening. Thanks to everyone for your good wishes and your continuing prayers!

Sunday night update, and photos

Jackson continues to do very well, and we're still hoping to be able to take him home on Monday night or Tuesday morning.

When his nurse came in to give him his 4:00pm IV, his catheter wasn't working, so they had to remove it and replace it. Unfortunately the nurse who tried had to give up after two attempts, so we had to wait for John, a specialist, to place it. He did that this evening, and did it perfectly. Jackson is getting his last infusion of the day now, and we're so glad he's able to get it.

We had lots of visitors today. Jennifer and Dennis came at lunchtime and raised our spirits tremendously. They've been really good friends through thick and thin, and this week's definitely been a bit thin. Weldon Rickman, one of our ministers at Antioch, visited and prayed with us, and stayed long enough for Jackson to fall in love with him--and fall asleep in his arms. Ernie Scarbrough, one of our elders, came with his wonderful wife Shirley this afternoon for a very comforting visit, then Ralph and Judy came after church tonight and visited with us until it was time to take Jackson to get his IV catheter replaced.

For those of you who have been waiting for pictures, they're finally online. I've posted 37 pictures starting with the day before Jackson got a fever and ending this evening. I'll post more as time goes on, so feel free to come back and peruse Jackson's picturebook whenever you like.

Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers, your emails and guestbook notes, your calls and visits. We appreciate and love you all, and ask that you continue to remember us to the Lord.

Monday, 4th October, 2004

Last day in the hospital (we hope!)

Jackson's doing great today. He's laughing and playing and generally acting like a normal kid. His appetite is really good and his whole system seems to be running like clockwork.

One thing Christie and I have noticed is that he seems more attached to his daddy than before. It's been a pretty traumatic experience for the little guy--maybe he just wants to be held by somebody who looks like they could beat up a nurse.

Drs. Chen and Sanchez came in this morning and were very pleased with Jackson's recovery. They led a whole group of interns through the room, and then led them back into the hall for a discussion of Jackson's case and all the complications he could have had. At least they shut the door first!

Dr. Morgan came in later and told us about the current plan: They'll start Jackson on oral antibiotics at 2:00pm today, and they may be able to release him this evening. We're hoping for that, and praying for whatever's best for Jackson.

Don't forget to look at Jackson's picturebook before you go, and thanks again for all your prayers and support.

After 4:00 and we're still here...

Shortly after I posted the last update, another doctor came in and said she was here to check on Jackson's high fever. I told her that we weren't aware of any fever, and that every time a nurse had taken his temperature for the last couple of days it had been normal. She replied that she had been paged about Jackson's fever. I asked if it might have been a mixup with another patient, and she said she didn't know, but she would have someone look into it, but she had to spend the day at the clinic and would be back to see us at 5:00pm. I told her that we had been told that we might be able to leave at 4:00pm, and she said that might be delayed depending on the fever. I reiterated that we didn't think that Jackson had a fever, and she said she'd have someone check it and left. I asked her as she went out if she would let us know one way or the other and she said she would.

A few minutes later a nurse came in and took Jackson's temperature, which was 98.5°. She said she didn't know what might have happened and left. Some time later, the charge nurse came in and said that there had been a mixup in the paging system, that the page had been intended for another doctor at the other hospital, and that when the doctor that came to our room was asked to check her pager message, she found that it listed the name "CAMPBELL" but another room number entirely.

I asked if the doctor of the person who really had a high fever had been notified, and she stared at me for a moment and then said she'd see to it.

Since then, we haven't heard from any more doctors. I've asked what our status is for getting discharged today, but nobody seems to know. Jackson had his first dose of augmentin, an oral antibiotic, at 2:30pm, and seems to be doing okay with it.

Christie has gotten quite ill this afternoon with a migraine headache and the nausea that comes with it. She's sleeping soundly, while Jackson and I pass the time until the next dose.

Please continue to remember us in your prayers.

Leavin' ain't so easy...

Shortly after I finished typing the last update, two nurses came and said they were trying to track down one of Jackson's doctors to make a decision about discharging him. A while later, Dr. Long came and said that Jackson looked like he was doing well on the augmentin and that she had approved his discharge.

A nurse took his axillary (under-the-armpit) temperature during this hullaballoo and it was 99.7°. That was a degree higher than his last temp, so I asked if that meant he might not be doing as well as they thought. She left, then came back and said the doctor said she'd only be concerned by a rectal temp over 101°. I asked if they'd go ahead and take his rectal temperature before we left. The two nurses returned with a thermometer and took it, and sure enough Jackson's rectal temperature was 101.1°.

They asked if we wanted to stay longer, and I admittedly got a bit frustrated. I replied as nicely as I could that I was a web developer and didn't know a thing about pediatrics or basal temperatures, and I'd really appreciate it if an actual doctor would weigh in with an opinion. They offered to come back in half an hour and take Jackson's temperature again. We agreed to that, Christie crawled back into the couch-bed, Jackson fussed awhile before falling asleep, and then I sat down to type this latest update and wait.

Please pray for Jackson and for those who are making decisions about his treatment. Please pray for Christie's health as well, and for me that I might have a Christlike attitude throughout this experience.

And the final verdict is...

...we'll be staying one more night at Vanderbilt Children's Hospital. Dr. Long came in a while ago and told us that since Jackson has a significant fever, they want to monitor him for 12 to 24 hours before he goes home. So we unpacked and set up housekeeping again.

The nurse brought Jackson some Tylenol at Christie's request, and he seems cooler and more comfortable now. If his temperature is close to normal in the morning, they'll let us go, but if it remains high for 24 hours, they will put him back on IV antibiotics.

Thank you for your continued prayers, everyone. Please know that we appreciate all your love and support.

Tuesday, 5th October, 2004

We're going home!

It looks like we'll be going home this morning! Dr. Morgan told us a little while ago that we'll be able to leave in a couple of hours. Jackson ran a little fever late last night, but by 4:00 this morning it had gone back down, and Dr. Morgan believes that he might just be getting a cold. Drs. Long, Chen, Sanchez and Schmalbach have all been in to see him this morning as well, and were very pleased with how his eye looks now.

Once we get home, Jackson will have to take the augmentin oral antibiotic every eight hours for nine more days. We've still got a ways to go, but it looks like the worst is behind us. Thanks to everyone for all your support, your encouragement, and your prayers.

We're heading home!

We should be home around noon. Yippeeeeee!
***sound of laptop cord being yanked out of the wall***

Wednesday, 6th October, 2004

Home at last, but challenges still ahead

It's great to be home, but it's been a very full afternoon and evening. Jackson's fever (which Dr. Morgan attributed to a cold) seems to come and go, and the side effects from the augmentin (nausea, diarrhea, etc.) have provided more than enough drama to the task of child care. Jackson really hates taking this antibiotic, even though it's banana flavored) to help him to keep it down.

Jackson finally went to sleep after 11:00pm and Christie went to bed as well. After starting a load of rather nasty baby stuff, I went to the vet (open 24 hours, thank goodness) and picked up Maggie, our very homesick maltese-poodle mix. She was really glad to be home, and after a quick inspection of the house she went right to bed, curling up at Christie's feet.

Good night everybody, and thanks again for your continuing prayers.

A good night's sleep for everybody

Jackson slept all night. When Christie went to give him his 6:00am antibiotic he was still in the same position as when we put him to bed last night, which in Jackson's case means a very sound night's sleep.

His temperature has been normal today, so we're hoping that the cold he got at the hospital is gone now. He's in high spirits too, and has been playing and singing to beat the band. Also, he has said "mama" a few times today, which has put Christie in high spirits as well!

We're going to stay in tonight to be on the safe side, but our thoughts will be with our church family who have supported and encouraged us during this time and throughout Jackson's life.

Thanks again to everyone for your continuing prayers and support.

Still fighting a fever

Jackson's still dealing with a high temperature. Though it was normal when he woke up this morning, it's been climbing a bit this afternoon. When we took his ear temperature at 5:10pm it was 102.5°, so I took his rectal temp as well and it was 102.7°. We paged Morgan Pediatric and Ricafort called us back. By that time his ear temp had dropped to 101.8° and she said to continue with the Tylenol and to cool him off in the tub if his fever spiked.

Please continue to keep us in your prayers, folks. Thanks.

Thursday, 7th October, 2004

Good followup visit with Dr. Ricafort

Jackson went for his followup visit with Dr. Ricafort this morning, and she was very pleased with how he's doing. His fever was gone and his eye looked very good, and Jackson was moving it without any noticeable effect from the infection. Dr. Ricafort sent us home with Extendryl to use as needed to clear up the nasal congestion that is still giving him problems, and he still has to endure another week of Augmentin three times a day. He's obviously feeling much better than he did even yesterday, though. If he can continue to keep his medicine down, it looks like we've come through the worst of it.

Christie and Jackson are napping peacefully at home now. Thanks again for all your thoughts and prayers.

More pictures of our favorite ten-month-old

There's a new photo gallery for pictures we take during Jackson's recovery. Also, those of you who have a fast connection might enjoy this 2.5 megabyte, ten-second video clip of Jackson's latest accomplishment, taken just a few minutes ago.

Friday, 8th October, 2004

Temperature scare, and a special day

Jackson gave us quite a start last night when he began to feel cool and clammy. Christie took his temperature and found that it had fallen to 95.0°, so we called the pedicatrician. The physician's assistant called back and said to give him a bath to warm him up and then check his temperature again after half an hour. We did that, and a while later his temperature had risen to 98° and has stayed up ever since.

They think that the temperature was a side-effect of Jackson's longstanding fever having broken, and was not likely to recur. That's what we're praying now, and we'd appreciate your prayers as well.

On a happy note, Christie's birthday is today! I have to go out of town today, but we're planning to celebrate tonight with some family-healthy-and-together time.

Saturday, 9th October, 2004

Weekend update

Jackson's doing much better. He's been playing all morning and getting into everything. He even found the phone on the floor by his playpen (now who would have left it there?) and called Alice in Old Hickory, Tennessee.

Who's Alice, you ask? We don't know either. I picked the phone up from Jackson and she was saying "hello, hello?" I explained, apologized, and hung up--I hope Jackson didn't want to talk to her!

We've had tentative plans to go to Walden Farm to see the pumpkins and get outside a bit, but rain is forecast all afternoon so we may have to go somewhere else--the Delta at Opryland Hotel is fun!

Tuesday, 12th October, 2004

Jackson's eyes are doctor-approved

Jackson had an appointment this morning with Dr. Joos, his ophthalmologist, for a followup exam. She was very pleased with his recovery, and also believe that he's much cuter without the redness and swelling. We had to agree.

Jackson's recovery was so complete that, Lord willing, he won't need another eye exam until he starts preschool. Isn't that great? Thanks again for all your prayers for Jackson; they are certainly bearing fruit.

Wednesday, 13th October, 2004

ENT specialists like Jackson's progress

Today we took Jackson to the Vanderbilt Bill Wilkerson Center for a visit with his otolaryngologists. Dr. Sanchez examined Jackson and was very pleased with his recovery.

Dr. Yen told us that it was very unusual to see this type of infection in such a small child, and that the first occurrence was usually seen in children aged two to four. He said that some children are prone to recurrences, but that this may very well be an isolated incident. Either way, he told us to be aware of fevers and other symptoms of infection, and to see our pediatrician if we ever see redness and swelling around his eyes.

We sincerely hope that this is the last time that Jackson has to suffer through this, so please pray with us that he will continue to be healthy and happy.

Sunday, 17th October, 2004

A visit with Grandma and Grandpa Campbell

Jackson's had a wonderful time visiting with his grandparents this weekend. He has been into anything and everything, and he's brought a lot of joy to the house.

Mom and Dad weren't able to come up to Nashville during Jackson's illness due to health reasons, but they prayed for him every day, as I know many of you were. They've been so pleased to see him doing as well as he is, operating at 110%.

I took a few photos during the visit, so check Jackson's picturebook for a new folder soon!

Monday, 18th October, 2004

Heading for Texas!

Jackson and his mommy are on the road to Texas for a few days of Mangrum family fun. The travelling weather isn't as great as we'd like, but Christie is ready to get down to Stephenville and I know better than to get in her way! :)

Jackson had a great and incredibly active weekend, and according to his mommy he is now sleeping soundly in his car seat. Please pray for their safe travel!

Saturday, 2nd October, 2004

Jackson's trip to Vanderbilt