I am not okay. Yesterday Ryan’s hospital started enforcing a new visitation policy – parents only, no other relatives or friends, including siblings. Are you kidding me? I understand the need to protect the patients from the flu, I do… really. From the swine flu especially. I got that. I’m on board with that. But for a family like ours who lives at the hospital, this is not just a few days or a week without seeing a loved one.
I called the department that put out the policy. They are unsure how long the Parents Only Policy will be in effect. They agreed to make an exception for our family…. once the girls are immunized due to how long Ryan is slated to be hospitalized (that would be indefinitely for those who are wondering). Although the girls might still have to wear masks.
The shot vaccine is not in our area yet. This means the girls cannot see Ryan until the CDC distributes the vaccine to us. We are unsure how long that will be. Some doctors are saying the end of this week or the beginning of next week. Others are saying they have no idea. Our county’s health department had planned shot clinics for next weekend, but that is pending the arrival of their share of the doses. So, for now, our family is split in two. I have to decide which children to spend my time with. The girls cannot see Ryan even if they want to. Ryan cannot enjoy his siblings playing by his bed (which his numbers indicate he really likes). It sucks and I’m not okay with it.
(c) 2016 Leighann Marquiss
Comments (17)
That sounds just awful. Does the hospital have the vaccine. I work at a hospital and we got the vaccine before there was much in the community and I now we still have some, because I just saw it in our med refrigerator. Maybe if u ask, the hospital may be able to make an exception and sell the vaccine to ur dr. Or maybe be able to locate another hospital that might. I don’t know if it works like that, but I know hospital meds can be sold to a pharmacy, so that pt can get scripts filled for discharge. It may be worth a try.
Lindsey
It really does suck…and I’m not ok with it either! That precious boy needs his sisters! I’ll be praying for a swift change in policy or access to vaccines…and will be praying for the diaphragm as well. Love you all! Richelle
There is a saying…
‘Don’t except no from someone who doesn’t have the power to say yes’
Appeal to Dr.s etc., offer to mask and gown the girls. Keep kicking doors!!
Ok, I’m with the hospital on this one. The LAST thing Ryan needs is to get the flu. Don’t the girls go to school/daycare? Do you know how fast sickness goes through schools and daycare? For his sake, I think it’s a good idea. You want him home don’t you? I just think you would feel really bad if he caught something from your daughters even before you knew they had it. It happens. Even the daycare in my area are very strict when kids have flu symptoms. They are sent home immediately right now. But, I know, if I exposed my already sick baby (even unknowingly) I would feel guilt forever.
It must be terrible to have to choose who to see and try to balance your life both in and out of the hospital. I pray for you guys just about every day.
I’m sorry. Have you tried offering to mask and gown the girls? If they make his numbers improve, you could argue they are therapeutic?
It’s been nuts around there this week…. I bet they will relax once the Magnet people are gone. I tried to get up to Madeleine’s room yesterday for 20 minutes but the elevator was being used by J LO. I was so angry. Who gives a hoot about JLO and why does she get to block 2 elevators of a regional medical center? Hang in there….
Im sorry. praying that this will get resolved soon.. Ryan needs his family.. all of it 🙁
Oh I am with you on this… I just got home from a one week stay inour hospital with our youngest Scotty. It was tourture not seeing my other children. Thye just didn’t understand and they are older than your girls. They missed me so much and missed their baby brother. In some respects it was wonderful, the room was quiet and peacefull and I wasn’t trying to care for an extremely sick child and deal with the emeotional stuff the older ones would have brought in seeing him so sick… my emotional stuff was enough but and this is a big but, it was very inconvienent!
I know I am off the radar right now but never do I stop pleadign Ryan’s case to my heavenly Father. My own health and Scott’s recent serious illness have had me in a whirlwind but I wil eventually be back! Praying always and sending my love and higs!
ladies and gents: so many questions! i’ll try to answer them all. I did talk to the higher ups at children’s yesterday after getting the news, which is who granted the exception with conditions. i obviously do not want to compromise Ryan any further and will most likely have the girls wear masks whether the hospital asks me to or not. the idea isn’t to be cavalier and expose ryan to everything, but to use common sense instead of panic.
what i meant by not being okay is that i am not okay with the new set up of having to meet three children’s needs being told by someone that i am no longer able to make decisions for how i meet those needs. i am now in a situation where i can not possibly be with my three children all at one time… and they cannot all be together. this is hard emotionally for everyone – including Ryan believe it or not. He is extremely responsive to his sisters’ voices – his numbers prove this.
i’m guessing families with compromised children at home are not quarantining them from their siblings – they are getting immunized and using flu protocol like washing their hands and covering their mouths when they cough or sneeze. i’m simply asking the hospital allow us to do this same protocol. as Ryan’s mom, I would like to be the one making this decision as opposed to someone telling me they know better for my son’s best interest. call me old fashioned, but i still feel the parent should have the final say in the care of their child.
And to be honest – to April’s point – I would rather have Ryan exposed to the flu/H1N1 while in the hospital where his white blood count is drawn every day and doctors watch him like a hawk for any sign of change standing by with a ventilator than to bring him home from that sterile environment and risk having him exposed at home with little old me sleeping peacefully down the hall. And, logically, if the girls are going to get swine flu, I will carry it with me to Ryan so leaving them home does nothing to prevent him getting it from our family.
With that being said, i am trying to stay positive and making calls to find the shot variety of the vaccination so i can get the girls back into hospital.
I am so sorry!!!! I just heard about that with a friend giving birth and her little ones could not be there to see their new sibling. It didn’t even occur to me about your situation. Praise God they are going to make an exception… that is HUGE and a HUGE Praise. I am going to pray that the shots come quickly so that he can see his sisters soon!!!
so glad they are making a change for you I have worked in the NICU for years and it has always been in place where I have worked come flu season to limit vistors to protect all the babies in the unit. I have a friend having a c-section on the 3rd of Nov and she has a 4 year old and he cant even come to see his mom or meet his new sister. NC says they are getting there vaccicanation next week hopefully the girls can get one very soon!!
Leighann,
I am praying for you. I know how it feels to be torn between the child in the Hospital or the children at home. It hurts. But thankfully, God knows what we have need of before we even ask and He is still there waiting, ready and willing to answer the smallest of petitions.
Much love and lots of prayer,
I am sooooo glad they are going to make an exception for you guys!!! I saw this coming and was worrying that no exception would be made. God is so good to make a way!!!
Now, about Ryan’s diaphragm… do they know WHY that portion isn’t working? I’m wondering if it’s just because his body hasn’t had to do the work for so long that parts are being lazy or if there is damage from the surgery.
Put out feelers at work so they can get the scoop from the Loudoun Co. distributors.
Leighann,
I am so sorry! That really sucks! I will be praying that everything gets worked out as soon as possible. I can’t imagine how frustrating and defeating this is for you. Keep your chin up! Praying for you.
My sister is an RN and says DO NOT get the H1N1 shot!!! It can have life altering side affects. Just wanted to let you know.
I heard that Capital Area Pediatrics in Ashburn/Ryan Park had the vaccine available just this morning. Maybe you might be able to call there (703.723.3201) and explain your situation. What a difficult place to be in. Thinking of you – Carey