Day 17 (July 11) - Day 29 (July 23)

Every single specialist at Children's Hosptital saw Ian, from departments that included Dermatology, Rheumatology, Nephrology, Immunology, Hematology, and Infectious Diseases.  The list goes on and on.  He was tested for diseases that occur in one or two infants in the world per year.  No one could determine what was wrong with our son.  No one would consider the hepatitis B vaccine explanation, though.  Worse yet, Scott and I later learned there is no cure for an allergic reaction to the hepatitis B vaccine anyway.  Ian received at least four blood transfusions, or platelets, per day.  His platelet count remained low.  He had rash after rash, as he was allergic to some antibiotics.  Through it all, Ian remained such a peaceful, strong boy.  He made us proud to be his parents.  Scott and I slept at Children's Hospital and never went home.  We were fortunate to have great friends and wonderful family move us from our house in Milwaukee to our new home in B

rookfield.  I am forever indebted to all of you.

 

Day 30 (July 24)

Ian had surgery to insert a tube into his belly.  This would allow the start of peritoneal dialysis to help extract some of the built up fluids.  It would also help his kidneys, which had started to shut down.