Sometimes I think of Errol as just an RTS kid. I think of his cognitive disabilities and forget about the fact that he is a heart baby, too. I got a call from Cary today around noon. She was on her way to Errol's school (at about 70 mph). Errol had turned blue and his sats (oxygen level) had dropped (to about 70). We knew that heart babies could turn blue, but it had never happened to Errol before. The teachers were freaked out, and the school nurse had called the ambulance which was en route. As Cary flew to Errol, I ran home (literally), jumped in the car, tore off to get Owen, and then raced to find Errol. Cary had, by now, gotten to Errol who had recovered from his first cyanosis (episode). As Cary, the teachers, nurse, and paramedics checked over a newly recovered Errol, he started his exit again and they all decided it was time for a trip to the Emergency Department. By the time I got Owen, jetted to Errol’s school, dropped Owen at my parents’ (thank god for grandparents) and caught back up with Errol, he was fine (again) and loving having the time of his life in the emergency department (his fifth or sixth visit-do they award frequent flyer miles?). Errol loves the fluorescent lights which there is no shortage of in the ED. Two hours, three nurses, one resident, our favorite nurse practitioner, Errol’s cardiothoracic surgeon, a five hundred dollar deductible, one bottled water, a well of emotions, and one attending physician later it was time to go home. There was nothing wrong with Errol that a little sleep couldn’t cure. But we weren’t complaining. Errol was healthy and home, and that is no small thing. Errol is an RTS kid, but he’s a heart baby too. That, we won’t soon forget.
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