Back From Addis Ababa

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

So, I am back from my trip to Addis. I'm not quite sure yet what to make of it but this was a very, very odd trip. On my first day in Addis, Nani slipped, fell and slightly cracked a bone in her left leg just above the ankle. So, we went to the hospital where they fitted her with a cast which she will have to wear for a month. So, no walking. Think that's bad? Read on:

Next day, our daughter seemingly out of nowhere runs up a fever that caused her to have horrible seizures. We seriously thought for a moment that this was it; that we were losing our baby. We were besides ourselves. It all went so fast. She was happily playing just minutes before this whole thing went down. First she started shaking and breathing erratically. It looked and/or sounded (I really don't remember which) like she had a very difficult time breathing. Her lips turned kind of blue it seemed and there was all that foam coming out of her little mouth. Her eyes were rolling like she was about to faint. I put my finger into her mouth to try and clear out the saliva. I gave her two breaths into her little body and will never forget her big eyes looking at me when I did that.

Next thing I remember is that I ran into the bathroom, grabbed the towels there and soaked them in cold water, wrapped my baby in said towels and took off with her running into the Hotel lobby crying and screaming for help. There was a gentleman from Sudan in the lobby who happened to have a driver on standby and he took us to the hospital. Hell, I didn't even wear any shoes. Within less than 10 minutes we arrived at a private children hospital where the doctor saw us right away. Naomi was much better at that time. She somewhat recovered during the ride over to the hospital - I guess the cold towels worked. They did a couple of tests on her, ruling out meningitis, determined that she had a flu-like infection and put her on antibiotics and a fever reducer. We were out of the hospital within an hour or so. She was much better that evening and perfectly fine a couple days later. I tell you, though, that we both did not sleep that night. I felt her every 15 minutes to make sure that her temperature stayed low and that she was breathing right. I tell you, I've never been so scared in my life.

The second week of my stay was quite enjoyable although we were somewhat limited in what we could go and do due to Nani still having that cast on her leg. Oh, and I caught an ugly cold around the end of my visit that the long flight back hasn't made any better and that I now have to cure. But tomorrow, it's back to work. Whew...

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

So, I am back from my trip to Addis. I'm not quite sure yet what to make of it but this was a very, very odd trip. On my first day in Addis, Nani slipped, fell and slightly cracked a bone in her left leg just above the ankle. So, we went to the hospital where they fitted her with a cast which she will have to wear for a month. So, no walking. Think that's bad? Read on:

Next day, our daughter seemingly out of nowhere runs up a fever that caused her to have horrible seizures. We seriously thought for a moment that this was it; that we were losing our baby. We were besides ourselves. It all went so fast. She was happily playing just minutes before this whole thing went down. First she started shaking and breathing erratically. It looked and/or sounded (I really don't remember which) like she had a very difficult time breathing. Her lips turned kind of blue it seemed and there was all that foam coming out of her little mouth. Her eyes were rolling like she was about to faint. I put my finger into her mouth to try and clear out the saliva. I gave her two breaths into her little body and will never forget her big eyes looking at me when I did that.

Next thing I remember is that I ran into the bathroom, grabbed the towels there and soaked them in cold water, wrapped my baby in said towels and took off with her running into the Hotel lobby crying and screaming for help. There was a gentleman from Sudan in the lobby who happened to have a driver on standby and he took us to the hospital. Hell, I didn't even wear any shoes. Within less than 10 minutes we arrived at a private children hospital where the doctor saw us right away. Naomi was much better at that time. She somewhat recovered during the ride over to the hospital - I guess the cold towels worked. They did a couple of tests on her, ruling out meningitis, determined that she had a flu-like infection and put her on antibiotics and a fever reducer. We were out of the hospital within an hour or so. She was much better that evening and perfectly fine a couple days later. I tell you, though, that we both did not sleep that night. I felt her every 15 minutes to make sure that her temperature stayed low and that she was breathing right. I tell you, I've never been so scared in my life.

The second week of my stay was quite enjoyable although we were somewhat limited in what we could go and do due to Nani still having that cast on her leg. Oh, and I caught an ugly cold around the end of my visit that the long flight back hasn't made any better and that I now have to cure. But tomorrow, it's back to work. Whew...

Wow that sounds like you had one crazy trip. Hope you guys got at least some r&r time out of it.

[one...two...tree 2,762]

OMG, Reinhard... I'm so sorry for you and your family. I got choked up reading that post....wow. Glad your daughter is ok. Thank God.

Edited November 15, 2007 by Mister Fancypants

[yassmine2878 1]

Praise God . Im glad to hear your little one is alright, cast not withstanding

[JeanneVictoria 55]

Happy to hear everyone is doing better now!! Just take care of yourself also...

[Ban Hammer 13,337]

that don't sound like my idea of a vacation. glad to hear everyone is doing better and that you are back home.

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

that don't sound like my idea of a vacation.

It sure doesn't. We originally thought about heading over to Dubai for a long weekend from there. Maybe next time...

On the other hand, I really went over to spend time with Nani and Naomi. And that I did.

[LuzyC 0]

Oh my God..I am so sorry to hear that..!! although its sad that Nani and Naomi got sick it is good to know that you are there when it happened!

Praying for you and your family Reinhard!

[isleta521 5]

Nothing is worse than feeling so helpless when your daughter is so sick and running such a high fever. Especially when they are so young.

Glad she is doing good now. Hope your wife heals quick too.

[Hilarious Clinton 452]

I'm glad everything worked out.

[JODO 2]

WOW Sounds very eventful! I'm glad everyone's OK.

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

R, glad to hear Naomi's well. Welcome back.

[GaryC 7]

Welcome back! I am glad to hear that in the end your family is safe and sound. That must have been scarry when your daughter got sick. So good to hear she is OK now.

[sara535 15]

Thats pretty hideous. I bet you were totally freaking out. there isnt anything on earth more frightening than even a moment thinking you are going to lose a child. Glad it all worked out ok and I hope Nani is feeling better too. Welcome back

[Welshcookie 17]

wow....glad everyone is safe and sound....it is a terrible experience thinking you are going to lose a precious baby, I went through it 20yrs ago and it still sends shivers through me today when I think back to it