While still in the hospital I had sensed that Anthony was in some type of distress. Myself being asthmatic recognized what it looked like for someone to struggle to breathe.
I repetitively told the hospital that something was wrong. Time after time I was ignored. The next day I was greeted by my doctor whom told me I was being released early because I was a "problem patient". I immediately started to cry as they wanted to hold my baby for one more day. Some of the nurses' at the hospital felt that my doctor was very wrong. They arranged for me to stay an extra night with my baby at the hospital as a guest.
The next day, Anthony began to run a slight fever. A chest x-ray was done to assure us that there was no infection or pneumonia. I was told that Anthony was breathing "funny" because he had water in his lungs that would disappear after a few days. I was also told that he had an Innocent heart murmur. Anthony was released and we went home that day.
Three days later I returned with Anthony to that same hospital for his three day check-up. Once again I insisted there was something wrong. After his check-up, I was told that Anthony was "Perfect"", and sent home.
Six days later I took Anthony to his pediatrician for his six day check-up. Anthony was examined and released to go home. Once again, I insisted something was wrong with Anthony. Only then did Anthony's pediatrician count his breath rate. At six days old he should have been between 40-60. Anthony was between 80-100. His doctor then had an ambulance dispatched, and he was rushed to the local emergency room to be transported to Milwaukee Children's hospital.
When we arrived, we were waiting for the neo-natal trauma team to arrive and transport Anthony. The room was spinning for me. Everything was surreal. These people were telling me that my newborn could fall asleep and never awaken.
Anthony was then transported to Milwaukee Children's Hospital. Residents were asking me several questions and asked me to give them an hour to run tests and get Anthony settled in. That hour took forever.
When I was allowed back in by Anthony, the cardiologist asked me to please sit down. He then drew me an illustration of a normal infant heart, then an illustration of Anthony's heart.
Needless to say these two pieces of paper were very different.
The cardiologist then reached out to shake my hand. I was stunned and confused. He congratulated me for being a good mother. He told me that my persistance had saved my son's life. You see, my six day old newborn was in full-blown heart failure.
Anthony now has new doctors whom never treat any of our concerns as petty or exaggerated. Whether it be a rash or a cough, they treat Anthony as if he were their own child....
