After suffering through strep throat and a virus that led to the diagnosis of a potentially life-threatening condition, Weston only has positive things to say about his time at CHoR and the people who took care of him.
When the weather gets colder, it’s not unusual for someone in the family to get sick. That’s why when Esther Hamblin’s four-year-old son Weston was diagnosed with strep throat and a stomach virus in November 2023, she thought the antibiotics his pediatrician prescribed would make him feel better quickly, but that’s not what happened.
“Despite treatment, his condition got worse and then he complained of leg pain,” remembered Esther, who immediately reached out to Weston’s pediatrician. “They told us that leg pain can be normal after a high fever for a few days, but the next day Weston was in so much pain he was unable to walk.”
A trip to our emergency room
At the urging of Weston’s aunt Rachel Nobles, who is a registered nurse here, the family came straight to our emergency department and our care team wanted to get to the bottom of what was causing his symptoms as soon as possible.
“We were very concerned because when children come to the hospital presenting like he did, there can be many very serious causes,” explained Amie-Anne Talley, who was a nurse in our ED at the time, but now is a care coordinator in our pediatric intensive care unit. “He was very dehydrated and his IV had to be placed using ultrasound guidance.”
Once they started performing tests and doing lab work, they realized Weston’s creatine kinase or CK levels kept going up.
“There was initially concern that his kidneys could be compromised,” explained Rachel. “He was admitted to the acute care pediatric unit for observation and dehydration.”
Weston was officially diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis, which is muscle tissue damage that can result from trauma, exertion, medications or even medical conditions, like the viral infection Weston had originally. High CK levels are a key indicator of rhabdo.
Weston’s stay at CHoR
Instead of playing with monster trucks and riding his bike which he loves to do, Weston was confined to a hospital bed dealing with IVs and blood work.
“Weston was a trooper the entire time,” remembered Amie-Anne. “Mom was understandably very worried but had full trust in our team.
”
Esther knew her little boy was in very good hands but also pleasantly surprised that he still managed to have fun in the hospital.
“Our care was amazing,” shared Esther. “Everyone was so kind to us, and very informative if we had any questions. Weston even said that he would love to come back one day. He felt like Kevin on Home Alone 2 with what he called ‘room service’ he received in his room, and all the fun things that his nurses brought him during his stay.”
Despite the fun Weston had, he knew when it was time to take care of the serious stuff.
“I remember hearing that he stayed completely still while getting his IV in the ED,” explained Rachel. “This completely surprised my sister. He was able to understand the importance of needing that uncomfortable intervention, which speaks to his maturity, despite being four years old at the time of his illness.”
It didn’t take long for Weston to get back on his feet and return to the things he loves.
“We were all relieved when Weston was discharged from the hospital after a brief stay with marked improvement in his walking,” recalled Amie-Anne.
(1).jpg)
Treatment is complete, but fond memories remain
Now, instead of worrying about labs and blood draws, Weston is looking forward to his 7th birthday and losing his two loose teeth. Following his full recovery, he was able to provide invaluable perspective and reassurance to his little sister when she had her own health scare.
“Last May, my niece ended up requiring emergency care for a similar situation after a viral illness when she was very dehydrated,” remembered Rachel. “Lilly was very scared to go to the hospital, but as we were getting ready to leave, Weston came over and hugged her and said, ‘Don't worry, Lilly, you will have lots of fun at the hospital. They are all very nice there!’ I thought that was an incredible testament to the incredible care that is given at CHoR, that he remembered his time at the hospital in such a positive way!”