The First IV Infusion for Mason's Bones

 

I have just a short time here at the computer to share updates on Mason so here we go!  On Monday Mason and I headed to the hospital for his first IV infusion of Zoledronic Acid to help strengthen his bones.  This first dose was to be done inpatient so they could monitor his reaction.  We showed up cheerfully and got into his room, put on PJs, and waited for the IV team to arrive. 

I warned them before beginning that Mason is a hard one to stick, his veins tend to clot or collapse.  Unfortunately this was in full force Monday.  The first IV team attempted three placements in Mason's arms.  All 3 failed.  They could not even get enough blood to fill one tube for his labs, much less the five tubes he needed before placing the IV.  The IV lady left in tears for my poor, sweet boy who was in pain and asking if he could go home or if she would go away please.  A while later another IV team arrived to try.  They used one of Mason's feet and after two attempts (#4 and #5 for the day) they still had no success.  This IV team lead said she would be back later after tracking down a machine that might help.  The only good part to this attempt was that Mason cannot feel his feet.  They were bruised right away but he didn't feel anything.  The nurses also put a call in to Mason's nephrologist Dr. A to tell her what was going on and recommend she begin considering alternatives. 

Mason ate lunch (pancakes, chocolate cake, milk) and fell asleep for a nap.  During his nap the IV team lead returned with an Accu Vein.  She checked both feet and made one attempt in his left foot (#6, no success).  She made attempt #7 in his right foot and finally got a useable vein.  Blood was collected for labs, the IV placed, and Mason slept through the entire process. 

Nurses started the infusion, which was only 1/4 of the normal dose.  Half an hour later it was done and we had to just watch for a reaction.  Mason was on blood pressure, breathing, and cardiac monitors for the next several hours.  He did just fine.

Late that evening Mason was cleared to leave his bed and go to the playroom.  He was ecstatic. 

He and I had the whole playroom to ourselves.  The only rule was he had to stay in his wheelchair because of the IV lock still in his foot.

Two hours later I convinced him it was time for a snack back in his room.  He was getting pretty silly and sleepy.

He slept well that night and we spent time playing with playdough and watching some dvds to pass the morning.  He had visits from his doctor, nurses, and several other medical professionals, had labs done, and all was well.

Finally he was released to go home, with one last ice cream bowl from his nurses for the road.  :) 

Since returning home Tuesday Mason has done remarkably well.  We have been expecting a high fever and flu like symptoms (achy bones) but so far everything has been mild.  Mason will have another infusion in 3 months and then every 3 months after that.  If the IV continues to be a struggle there is an alternative medication he could do orally but it is not as effective as the Zoledronic Acid.  We will have to wait and see!