I think we learn so much from eachother's stories. This is what happened to Connor this week... Wednesday at 4:20, the day care lady called me at work and said Connor was vomiting continuously. It had begun all of a sudden. On the way to get him, I called the pediatrician so she could meet me at the hospital. At the day care, I called the endo.(ours is 100 miles away) Connor was also having severe diarrhea. He was still relatively OK, but pale with dark circles under his eyes. The endo said to try the oral Cortisone (triple dose), but if he couldn't keep it down, to give the injection, but to go to the hospital regardless. This was at 5:00. In the hospital parking lot, he had projectile vomiting. In the waiting room, his pulse was 150 beats/min. I told the nurse that he needed his injection immediately and that I had it with me. (By the way, I still had my scrubs and RN nametag on from work) Without even looking at Connor, the nurse laughed and said "Oh no, no meds will be given until the Dr orders them." I told her that his endo told me to give it. She still wouldn't listen and told me to wait on the Dr. By then,(Only One hour since the first vomiting episode) He was very limp, pale, his lips were the same color as his face and his heart rate remained in the 150's and 160's. I then very calmly said to the nurse, "I dont need a Drs order. Show me where you keep the alcohol swabs, I am going to give my baby his injection." And I did right in front of her face. She was speechless. He had to be admitted for IV fluids, IV Cortisone, and lots of labwork. He went 12 hours without any urine output. They had to give him 750 cc of fluid to rehydrate him. He only weighs 25 lbs so he was very dehydrated. His heart rate was 160's 170's all night long. Then the next morning when I thought things were OK, he went into fluid overload and got very swollen. (Endo said he may be sensitive to the high doses of Cortisone) His blood pressures shot up to 140/84, 155/99. The IV steroids were discontinued and he improved quickly by that afternoon. All of this in 24 hours. It was very frightening how rapidly he deteriorated and amazing how fast he improved. I was so upset that the nurse didn't listen to me, but it did help bring out the aggressive mommy in me to give that injection. I hope none of you ever feel intimidated when you know what your child needs. No matter what your profession is, we are all trained to take care of our CAH children. That nurse didn't even know what CAH meant but I'm sure she won't forget now. The Dr told her "Connor's mom knows exactly what she's doing." He is OK now, but seems to tire easily--which is understandable. Mommy has more gray hair, though. I'm just so thankful everything turned out OK. I will never, ever think twice about giving the injection. It is just too risky to wait. Take care and God bless. Andrea (Andy)