Lisa,

My daughter’s injectable is Dex -- it does give you 24-hours.  Our ped-endo’s instructions are to call whenever we have given an injection, which I do (only had to give 3 injections in 5 years). Twice I have needed to go to ER, and 1 time not. The decision to go to the ER was not made at the time of injection, it was several hours later when my daughter was not responding as I would have liked her to. My daughter technically is a non-saltwaster (she is 11-beta and only 2% are saltwasters). She doesn’t crash fast (for which I am thankful), but there are times when she just doesn’t respond and needs the IV fluids. It always amazes me to watch her go from lethargic to talkitive as those IV fuilds start to flow.

I know it is scary now. But as your son gets older and you have the opportunity to observe how he reacts to illness, stress doses, and possibly injections, you will feel more comfortable with your decisions. If ever in doubt -- call the doctor, give the injection, go to the ER.  Always give the injection before going to the ER, you never want to wait for them to do it.

Hope this helps. If not, ask us more questions.

Best regards,

Janet