Better and worse

When Jessica gets sick, we hope she doesn’t need to be put on antibiotics because she’s allergic to so many. Namine has quite a few medical allergies, but not as many as Jessica. Yet.

Unfortunately, Namine seems to be developing a significant rash after having been put on this antibiotic for her ear and sinus infections. On her chest, her arms, and her back, her skin is like sandpaper and red. It’s quite itchy – she told us so herself – so I put some Burt’s Bees lotion on her.

Burt’s Bees is the only brand lotion, soap, whatever that her tender, sensitive skin can handle. It’s been that way since she was a baby. We found out quite unpleasantly that tiny infant Namine could not have Johnson & Johnson’s.

We found out this morning that Namine has not been taking her pills. This might actually explain her low INR, despite having the same dose of warfarin since being discharged from the hospital post-Fontan. When we give Namine her medicine, she’s usually sitting at her little table. Well, Jessica found a warfarin pill under the table this morning.

So tonight I had a talk with Namine. I sat down in front of her and asked, “Have you been taking your pills when I or Mommy give them to you?”

She wouldn’t look at me. I gently turned her head to face mine. “Namine, look at me. Have you been taking your pills?”

“No.”

“Do you know why we give you the pills?”

“No. I don’t like taking them.”

“I can understand that. But do you know why you have to take them?”

“No. Why?”

I felt that explaining anticoagulants and diuretics might be a bit much. “Because these pills” – I held up the pills for emphasis – “are for your heart. Dr. Mitchell, do you remember him?”

“He fixed my heart.”

“That’s right. He said you need to take these pills, so you can stay healthy and safe.”

“So I don’t have to go back to the hospital?”

“That’s right. I want you to be healthy, because I love you.”

“I love you too, Daddy. I promise to take my pills.”

I handed Namine her pills, which she put in her mouth. She chewed them, and swallowed.

“Can I have a hug?”

“Absolutely, my sweetie.”

I hugged her tight; she hugged me tighter. “Daddy?”

“Yes, Namine?”

“Will you call me your little love?”

I gave her another squeeze. “Of course, my little love. I love you so much.”

“I love you too, Haha.”

One response

  1. Jen, Jeremy & Jacob Schultz Avatar
    Jen, Jeremy & Jacob Schultz

    Adorable! She’s so awesome!!!

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