igotabetterjob
47560
2219
139
Story time?
Last night (05/25/16) at about 9p my wife received a phone call from out daughter's pediatrician (after taking her to the DR. and getting blood drawn earlier that day due to her brother having mono and her running a high fever) stating that we need to take our little girl, Addison, who is 13 months old into Mary Bridge Children's Hospital in Tacoma, WA. I'm from Lacey, WA. Reason being is her white blood cell count (specifically the ones that fight off bacteria) were lower that what they should have been. Take her up there late at around 10p and get admitted into the ER right away. They did so many tests, including urine tests, blood tests. Including shoving a cathiter up her who-ha. Takes everything in me not to rip someone's head off that's hurting Dad's little girl. The way she screamed at me and looked right at me while I had to hold her down. I'm a big guy, and I can do a lot, but I crumbled inside. I was beat. Next we get put in a room because the tests aren't showing that she's better from the first blood test. So they are great up there, and they really take care of her, but at this point, she's been poked and proded and stuck with an IV, and I know this is all here to help her, but it still hurts.
About 8a the next morning after getting her vitals ran about every 1-3 hours through the night, lack of sleep and everything in between, I told my wife I'll run home and grab a couple things from the house. (New underwear for the two of us, deodorant, toothbrushes.) Walked out to my truck and see my passenger side window smashed in. In the parking garage RIGHT near the security office. In the rush to get my little one into the ER last night, wife left her purse on the passenger side floor and they took it. Nothing else, like my oakley sunglasses, my $80 shooting ear muffs. It just hurts me. Crumbles me again. So I call the police, they just call back and then right up a report, spoke with Hospital Security, they don't have cameras there. Nothing they can do.
Luckily, wife had all IMPORTANT stuff in the diaper bag with us. Wallet, ID, checks, things of that sort. They got away with about $150 worth of make-up? Idk, I'm a dude, so I guess that's bad, and also her pretty necklaces and bracelets she just got from a friend.
Wife calls our insurance and our deductible for the window would be $500 or we could call around and get a quote, turns out our agent already did and got us a great quote at about $189.99 plus tax. That's great, other than it's coming out of my pocket and that always sucks. So I leave the hospital, head straight to the glass repair shop and walk in and let them know I had an appointment and that I'm not sure if I'll be able to pick it up same day, seeing as I don't know when my little one will be discharged.
They said, "Hey, don't worry about it. Since we have your spare key, it can sit in the lot all night, cameras and under the street light." "Also, hey..it's a free replacement window, don't worry about the cost." "We heard about what's going on with your little girl and we want to help!"
I'm 6'3," 225lbs with beard, I'm an out doorsy type guy, I like guns, and whiskey, and babes, and bad ass dogs, and holy shit I started crying. I start a new job tomorrow, and it's something new that I've never done before, and I want to make sure I'm doing the right thing for my family, and BOOM, this hospital visit hits, no sleep, someone breaks my window and I have to pay almost $200 in repairs! I just broke down.
I'm very grateful for the kind people that have helped my family and myself, and I just needed to get this off my chest. Little one is doing okay for now, they say she's stable and will be going back in for a check up on Tuesday.
Don't care to be downvoted, I just wanted everyone to know that it always get worse before it gets better. So if you guys have any questions, let me know. I'm your imgur!
TL;DR
Took kid to the children's hospital, truck broken into while there, company fixes my window for free because they heard my kiddo was in the hospital.
*Update*
I guess I should update the folks that have been asking. Addie came home yesterday at about 4p and they said her levels were stable, not worse, not better. She's been doing great so far. A little more crabby than normal due to her 4 teeth coming in, but no fevers, nothing like that. Since I have a new job starting today, and continuing on Tuesday, my wife will be taking her back in to get her blood drawn and to get tested again. If her levels are lower, they're going to test her bone marrow and the hematologist is going to be looking for Leukemia. If her levels are staying the same, she's just got a virus that her body is fighting off, and if her levels have risen, it means she's getting better.
I never wanted to get to front page, I don't even know what that means. I'm just mind blown from all the kind words people have to say. Even though there are those people out there that are negative nay-sayers still saying that, "This is life, get used to it." For you, it gets better guys, so stop being so damned negative. Get out and make friends. There isn't one person on my street. (neighbors) that I wouldn't go out of my way to help. Just be a good person and good things will come back around to you. I've witnessed it first hand.
Also, wanted to let you guys know that I REALLY enjoy going through the comments and answering any questions or reading your comments, you guys are freaking hilarious. Love the positive vibe from you guys. Keep on keeping on IMGUR!
YarTheBug
Great job dad-ing @OP!
IdidntBreakMyselfLMAO
Best of luck with your job tomorrow. I'm sure she'll come out just fine. You've got some of the best doctors in the us right here in the PNW
DAMMITSTOPSTEALINGMYFAVORITEUSERNAMES
I'm reading this and I'm crying. Deep breaths. It's going to be okay. -Centralia, WA
SummerGuineaPig
My oldest is 4, has hypothyroidism.She's required labs every 4-6 months since birth. It's a bit easier now that she's older, still sucks. 1/
dollahoe
I'm glad everything worked out! seriously fuck the dude who broke your window the fuck
LastNightsRambler
Hi, I had heart operations at Mary Bridge when I was younger. Your daughter is in good hands. Sending kind thoughts <3
ohmusama
My daughter has had 2/3 in Seattle children's. For single ventricle. It's good to hear of people who are on the other side of this.
igotabetterjob
Thank you so much. Hope all is well now.
tameroncameron
Stray strong! - from nearby in Port Angeles
DAMMITSTOPSTEALINGMYFAVORITEUSERNAMES
Same from Centralia. Stay strong and stay positive even if it doesn't look so good
Haydanas
That's a new low. Breaking into cars in an Emergency Room parking lot? Glad the princess is better though!
igotabetterjob
Thank you so much.
HermesTheRobot
I went to school in Lacey. Sending good thoughts back to the PNW for you OP
igotabetterjob
PNW for LIFE!
JennJenn79
Got your 6 fam....it's gonna get better. Will pray for your family.
igotabetterjob
Thanks "Goose"
KaylaAnnMeow
Who the fuck breaks into a car parked at a children's hospital????!!!!
anneboleynfan1
Please give us an update when you hear about daughter. Sending you good vibes
Civikjm
Did they ever find out what was going on with the white cell count?
igotabetterjob
Not yet. Levels are stable. Not higher or lower. Going back in on Tuesday to see if they've gone up or down.
Greymalum
Spending months in the hospital with my son, I know how that must feel. I am happy you're happy. I wish the best of health for you're girl.
falloutqueen
Its been over a year since this was posted, just wanted to check and see how things are....
igotabetterjob
Just as good as it gets for a two year old. She’s spoiled rotten and living life to the fullest.
ladytroutslayer
Tacoma is the worst! Especially around the hospitals. Hope your little girl gets better soon!
GassyWizard
Take care of your cub papa bear. You got this.
HollaHollaHollaHolla
Hugs to you and your family. Your baby will be better in no time with a cute little tutu on.
basekamp
@op that's Tacoma for you, I got my car stolen in Lacey last year.
igotabetterjob
There's TONS of break ins in my neighborhood and I'd say it's a "wealthy" neighborhood too. I'd expect roaming security or something.
JohnDo3
Fuck the guy who broke into your car , I hope all is well and wish nothing but the best brother.
leapfrogwithaunicorn
Happy for you OP but why do guys always have to preface a normal emotional response with their size and how "manly" they are?
BilbroMcSwaggins
Just remember, it's always darkest right before they turn on the light!
Thoraxe123
thanks Dumbledore
Vsyndrome
My little sister had an illness called ITP OP, it messes with white blood cell counts. Keep an eye out for bruising. Grats on the job! <3
igotabetterjob
Thank you, we are looking out for ITP, it was meantioned in the discharge to make sure we look for bruising. TY for the heads up.
Vsyndrome
You're welcome. It's most noticeable after an infection as the platelet count gets low but most kids grow out of it.
saboten13
Would've upvoted but then came the classic cliché "I'm a big guy, I've got a beard, blah blah but I cried"..
saboten13
Why would any of that effect emotional reactions? Do you grow a beard and eat lots/work out to try and suppress emotions?
ToastyMozart
Ok, photos of a cute kid followed by broken glass on a passenger's seat is a horrifying series of images. That aside, glad things worked out
ToastyMozart
in regards to the window. Best of luck tomorrow!
igotabetterjob
Thanks!
CricketThomas
Give your little one a great big hug. Deep breath...you got this.
bjohnson66
Indeed op. That's my whole coping strategy. Deep breaths and little steps.
igotabetterjob
I'm the BEST and keeping my cool. But when I finally got some help from someone, I just lost it.
Warrenthefly
Is she better now?
TheRealRedQueen
Even super dads need a little TLC and support. Watched my dad go through the same thing when my little sister was in hospital.
IHopeThisUserNameIsntTakenYet
HOW IS SHE?!
igotabetterjob
Sleeping like a baby. Her levels are stable and we're getting another check on Tuesday.
IHopeThisUserNameIsntTakenYet
Oh thank god. Glad to hear it
ktioa
I pray everything goes well for your daughter and your situation. Congrats on the new job, and know that you're loved!Wish the best for you!
igotabetterjob
Thank you so much.
IStoleYoCookie
I though it was crystal meth
igotabetterjob
To each his own I guess. You can try and melt it and shoot it. Don't think it's going to get you anywhere lol
dylomurray
@op Stay Strong.Hope your girl is ok :)
igotabetterjob
Thank you
dylomurray
No Problem.That employee deserves a raise.
purdypotato
I want you to know it hurts us just as much to draw blood/do IVs on little ones as much as it hurts the parents.
notadisneyprincess
Thank you for your beautiful work.
Veliviaohyeah
Whereas on adults, some times you just want to stick them when they've been a pain in the arse!
SephSakuran
Thus the saying "be polite, I choose the size of your IV". Going to be an ass? I got a stash of 14g longs somewhere...
TheRealRedQueen
Amen! Funny how the nurses always find each other
purdypotato
We do it because we know that end the end it will help them. But seriously. That's the worst part of my job I believe.
igotabetterjob
I take it you're in the medical field? Thank you! Not God, thank you!
purdypotato
We do it to help. Never to harm. And you're welcome. Keep us updated on your daughter. Things will look up! :)
GavinTheGrenade
That right there is honest thankfulness. So sorry for the shit storm that you've run into.
igotabetterjob
Thank you kindly.
TherearesomewhocallmeTim
For what it's worth, in the lab the paediatric samples are always handled with the utmost care and urgency.
juststout
Lab person?
TherearesomewhocallmeTim
For seven years, until last summer - I quit to study full time
juststout
Unite! Left two years ago after 8 years in different labs. Wasn't getting anywhere, but I loved the science. What are you studying?
TherearesomewhocallmeTim
Maths and Physics - a bit of a departure, but to be honest I couldn't see a future with the NHS the way it's going. What are you doing now?
SummerGuineaPig
Thank you for the job you do. My oldest kiddo requires frequent labs for her hypothyroidism. I've been a Respiratory Therapist for 1/
SummerGuineaPig
For 16 years & I still try to avoid working with the kids. They cry and then I cry. I'll forever stick with the adults.
Rainbowdieahrrea
I wanted to be a Ped Nurse, first clinical rotation I had to get an IV for a 4 year old little girl, I broke down and couldn't do it. 1/
SummerGuineaPig
April 14, 2013 parents run in our ER with 6 week old (he was already dead), we coded him over an hour. His name was Billy. Parents were 1/
SummerGuineaPig
2/ in the room the entire time. I admire anyone who works peds. How do you survive dealing with that level of emotion everyday at work?
Rainbowdieahrrea
2/ Im a guy, but I'm a softie