As I am typing this I realize that this is our first post of 2010 and how unfortunate to start with the news of Stephanie's hospitalization. Having already dealt with broken legs, dislocated limbs, broken teeth, hernia, and H1N1, we don't easily get worried when one of the kids come down with the flu or get a fever. However, in this case, Stephanie maintained a high fever for over 3 days, and I would have let it go another day or two with OOO and Tylenol, but when she complained of a stiff neck, I ran to the Emergency suspecting meningitis.Stephanie was hospitalized on the spot as her fever was dangerously high and the infection count was over ten times the acceptable range. So with an IV needle injected to the back of her hand, the poor thing had to endure numerous tests, deal with doctors and interns poking and hovering over her tired little body. She didn't understand why we had to sleep there so I told her it was like we were staying at a hotel. "Oh...." she replied, like it all made sense now.
After 5 days the fever persisted and the doctors decided that she had scarlet fever. Well, when the antibiotic injections didn't work, they added a second antibiotic, and when that didn't work, she was diagnosed with Kawasaki disease. To halt the fever as soon as possible, they used immunoglobin, don't know if that's the correct spelling, which flowed into her veins for over 12 hours. Fortunately, it worked and the fever broke. The pictures here are taken after she was feeling more herself. Michael and Jessica came to visit after school and Michael pushed her around the Pediatics ward in the wheelchair. Everyone commented on what a thoughtful and loving brother he was.
We brought her home after 5 days and she seemed fine over the weekend. Then on Monday she started vomitting and couldn't keep anything down. The doctor wanted to hospitalize her again for fear of dehydration and the stomach flu. Long story short, she is much better now and I suspect the stomach upset was more a result of all the meds she was taking. She has to be on aspirin for a while as a result of having taken the immunoglobin.
She seems back to her self today - a complete turn around from yesterday. Thank you for your prayers and get well wishes.
Oh, Mad. What an ordeal for Stephanie and the whole family. Michael is a sweetheart and always so thoughtful; I'm not surprised people commented on his caring nature. Thank goodness Stephanie is better. Now it's your turn to heal. Get rest whenever you can squeeze it in, and eat well.
ReplyDeleteHugs to everyone.
Lots of hugs and kisses from 95 Dearbourne.
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness, that must have been terrifying for you, even if you have been through it with two other kids, that is still terribly scary. Poor Steph, so glad to hear she is feeling better. Here's to better health for the rest of the year!
ReplyDeleteOh my cutie pie...that must have been terrifying.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad she is feeling better. Give her a big hug and kiss from me.