Kai was a happy nine-month-old baby; however, on his mother’s birthday, his parents noticed symptoms indicating he was in pain. Symptoms grew and later led to lethargy and vomiting. Briana and Rob, Kai’s parents, rushed him to UPMC Hanover’s emergency department, where things changed very quickly – and significantly.
This article is sponsored by UPMC Children’s in Central Pa.
Dr. Ahsan Mohar, pediatric hospitalist, walked into the room and immediately recognized that Kai had Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) - a serious issue that happens when the body doesn't have enough insulin and can't use the sugar needed for energy.
“The world kind of stopped at that point. How could he have diabetes? We were so confused and in shock. We had no idea about diabetes, what that meant, or the severity,” said Briana.
From that moment, things sped up very quickly. Kai’s blood sugar levels read 600, so he was airlifted to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at UPMC Harrisburg where he and his parents stayed for 12 days for care from pediatric specialists, including endocrinologists, critical care pediatricians and more.
“I will never forget the doctors coming in to tell us the seriousness of this diagnosis. The one thing that stands out is how much care they took with us. They were there for as long as we needed them to answer every single question we had. I couldn't ask for more in that situation, which was truly, the worst day of our lives,” said Briana.
After Kai came out of DKA, the family faced several challenges, including a blood clot, which was one of the complications that can happen from the central line. They consulted with the hematology team from UPMC Children’s Hospital in Pittsburgh. “That was amazing that they were able to do that right there in the room,” she explained.
The PICU also has child life specialists who provide resources to parents and give things to the child to help occupy their time. “We were an hour away from home and didn't have the option of having his things at the hospital, so they made sure he had plenty of toys to keep him occupied.”
Now, three years later, Kai is thriving. “We try to make it [diabetes] as secondary as possible. It’s just a way of life for him. We remind him all the time that he's tough and brave,” said Briana.
The family is truly thankful for each day and said, “Dr. Mohar saved his life. If it wasn’t for his knowledge and immediate reaction, Kai may not be here. And, the PICU is amazing. They are witnessing parents in their darkest moments. With every single person, we never felt rushed. They thoroughly answered our questions,” said Briana.
Today, as a Type 1 diabetic, Kai continues to see a pediatric endocrinologist at UPMC Children’s Specialty Services in Lemoyne. It is “well worth the visit and travel time. We are comfortable with the people, and the specialties are all within one roof. We are getting the best knowledge locally and from Pittsburgh.”
Visit UPMC.com/CPAHospitalPediatrics to learn more.
