Strep Has Been Confirmed

Again, thank all of you for your good wishes and thoughts. (I’m sorry that I still haven’t had a chance to respond, but please know that I appreciate every comment that you take the time to write.. I just haven’t had much time for doing anything blog or fiber related.) Nick is much sicker than we realized. I had an appointment for him to see the doctor today, but last night something, a mother’s instinct of sorts, told me to get him into the emergency room. I’m glad I listened.

Nick had what I thought were fever and chills. His only complaint of pain was that his throat/neck hurt sometimes when he yawned. He doesn’t feel pain like you or I do, and things that wouldn’t cause you or I pain can be excruciating for him. He was a trooper when waiting to register and he had to sign all the papers since he is now 18 (but takes mom along to help him and explain things). The entire staff of the hospital was very patient and understanding since I had made it very clear that he has a developmental disability. (He had 2 LVN’s, a Physician’s Assistant and a doctor all giving him special treatment with periodic visits and jokes to keep his spirits up. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate their thoughtfulness and kindness in treating Nick.)

He was very dehydrated, even though I have been pushing liquids on him like a firefighter trying to douse stubborn flames. The doctor said the dehydration was caused by the unrelenting fever, and his chills weren’t due to the fever, but the dehydration. They gave him IV fluids (2 whole bags), and IV medications (anti-nausea, antibiotics and non narcotic pain reliever). It was difficult to get the IV line in as his veins were “flat” and he was pretty freaked out at the thought of a needle. It took 4 sticks before they could find a vein that would flow easily. After 5 hours there he was finally discharged. You could tell he was feeling better as he began saying some of his usual smart aleck comments, his voice became much louder and he was insistent that he was starving.

This morning is a different matter though. He couldn’t keep his toast and medication down. I’ve got him on an anti-nausea medication now and I’m hoping that it does the trick. His fever’s back and we’re trying to control it as well. I’m exhausted. For the past 5 days, I don’t think that I have had more than 2-3 hours of sleep at one time. I’m waiting for him to settle down a little bit and then I am off for a much deserved nap!

He does have a follow up appointment to see the family doctor tomorrow so we can make sure the antibiotics are helping and that he isn’t becoming dehydrated again. If he continues to have difficulty in keeping fluids and his medications down today, it will be another trip to the emergency room. I really hope it doesn’t come to that and that he can get better in the comfort of his own bed.