Jacob was diagnosed with Lyme Disease last week – specifically, the Early Disseminated Infection stage. What this means is that the Lyme Disease progressed into his Central Nervous System, but luckily for us, we caught it in time before any really serious damage was done (at least, that’s what we’re being told and what we’re hoping). We had some time in the emergency room once we figured out what was happening, followed by a stay in the hospital for two procedures: a Lumbar Puncture to confirm the diagnosis, and then a PICC line to allow us to administer his antibiotics.

The staff at UMass Medical was, throughout the ordeal, fantastic. They kept us well informed and accommodated, and answered all of our questions patiently and completely. I have to admit that I was initially opposed to the L.P., but they explained why it was necessary, and the high risks of not proceeding with it. After the results turned up positive for Lyme Meningitis, obviously it was the right call. We had a great cast of doctors, from the interns and nurses to the head of the Pediatrics Infectious Diseases department, and everyone took great care to make sure that Jacob was comfortable and well-cared for.

We have to administer medication through the PICC line every day for the next 24 days, with some nurse and doctor visits scattered throughout. Jacob is not a big fan of the apparatus attached to his left arm, but we explained the necessity of it, and he’s taking it in stride. So far, he’s been struggling with both headaches and nausea, but we’re hopeful that this is temporary.

In any case, Jacob was treated to 24×7 entertainment in the hospital, including a Nintendo Wii with a whole bunch of games – this was a special Wii unit provided through the Starlight/Child Life program at UMass. I’d been steadfastly resisting the purchase of any console for the kids, given the expensive computer they have in the family room, but I have to admit that he had a ton of fun with it, that it made the hospital stay much more bearable for him, and that he was actually a little crestfallen that he had to leave the Wii behind when his stay ended. So, Mary Lou and I discussed it, and decided it was a good thing to get a Wii for the family so that Jacob’s curtailed activities (no karate, no pool, nothing too physical, etc.) wouldn’t bum him out too much.

I normally make these types of electronics purchases online, but we wanted it quickly to keep his spirits high, so a quick trip to our local Target store did the trick. He and his older sister were really getting into Clone Wars Lightsaber Duels before we had to shut things down for the night. I think Amanda is, unfortunately, still too young to play these games, but we’re hopeful that she’ll get into the groove soon.

So, we’re hopeful and nervous about Jacob’s condition, but are pleased that he’s being so effectively distracted from his parents’ anxiety and his own discomfort by the Wii. And I’m frankly intrigued by the possibility of getting Mary Lou into video gaming with the kids.