POOR BABY - Not getting better!

The poor baby hasn't improved - actually he has gotten worse. This picture does not show how severe the rash actually is, but to know thegrandson - he is a tiny little thing. He is 7 years old and only weighs 41 pounds - skinny as hell, but fine according to all the doctors testings relating to his size. Normally, he has the skinniest, longest fingers, but this morning he woke up crying because he couldn't "make a fist or bend my toes!" He was so swollen it just made me want to cry.

I had gone to vote, before thedaughter left for work, and when I returned (after picking up donut holes for the grandson), thedaughter met me on the porch crying, and in a panic because of the swelling. She said she had called the doctor and they asked why she hadn't taken him back to the ER - DUH! - There's a no-brainer. Without arguing, I just said bundle him up and lets get the hell out of here.

I will not make a nasty diatribe on the medical profession at this time - but I ought to. We spent 3 1/2 hours at the ER again, only to be sent home to take the same meds and maybe let him soak in an oatmeal bath. Oh, they did take blood and also a urinalysis, which revealed no major virus or protein. I think we heard more complaints from the ER doctor, that he needed to be 3 people today to take care of everyone - LIKE THIS IS MY PROBLEM!

I was IM'ing with theson yesterday (he's in Egypt) and thegrandson asked me if theson would call him on the phone. How could I say no. And theson obliged, and called thegrandson within 2 minutes. That phone call made the little fart's day. It is unbelievable the love he has for his Uncle. The call had a slight healing effect also.

It took 4 people to hold the stinker down so blood could be drawn - and a promise from me "the Nina" to buy him 2 games for his PSP or PS2 - and I think he has reminded me every hour on the hour. Bless his heart. ME AND MY BIG MOUTH!

Oh well, gonna try and get some meds down the stinker, maybe some food too!

More updates later...take care and stay healthy -- TTFN!

Emergency Room run...

We have been doing quite well on avoiding the Emergency Room lately...until yesterday. Thegrandson came home from the babysitters, and immediately tells me he is itching all over, and upon further examination - he has a "rash", like sandpaper ALL over his body. Thedaughter was working at her new job (she also has flu-like symptoms), and doesn't want to jeopardize her 90 probationary period by calling off. I made the call to her, and explained I was taking thegrandson to the ER for evaluation - she starts into a panic - now my job gets hairier. Thedaughter has a penchant for over-reacting anyway!

Her supervisor was sending her home anyway and told her to go ahead and leave, so she met me at the ER. I always carry a copy of their medical cards, but have failed to get a written permission for treatment from thedaughter (this will now be taken care of.)

I had a feeling of what may be the problem, as thedaughter also had this same rash many moons ago. The grandson has SCARLATINA!

SCARLET FEVER (scarlatina)
Scarlet fever is simply strep throat with a rash. The throat infection is caused by a streptococcal bacteria. It is most commonly seen in school-aged children in the winter and early spring, but it can occur in individuals of any age and in any season. It is very contagious, and the risk of transmission can be decreased with good hand washing.

The rash is not serious, but serious complications can occur from the underlying infection, strep throat. The most worrisome of these is rheumatic fever, a serious disease that can damage the heart valves and cause long-term heart disease.

Symptoms
The child's symptoms begin with sore throat (which can be mild), fever, headache, abdominal pain, and swollen glands in the neck.
After 1-2 days of these symptoms, the child develops a rash on the body that is red and has a sandpaper texture. After 7-14 days, the rash sloughs off.
The face may look very flushed, but the skin around the mouth appears normal.
Treatment
Streptococcal bacteria can be treated with antibiotics.
Have your child seen by your doctor immediately if you suspect he or she has strep throat or scarlet fever.
Your child will require a full course of antibiotics, which should be finished even if your child is better before completion.
Your child may return to school in 24 hours if the fever has resolved and he or she is feeling better.

There is really no pain with this other than the itching, and where the rash has spread in the back of the knee is more irritating to him at the moment. Thank heavens for Benadryl...it helped him sleep through the night. He will probably be going back to school on Wednesday (per ER doctor's instructions), but I am sure the rash will be around a few more days.

I really tried to get a gory picture, but damn...this rash does not photograph well at all. I'm such a mahvelous grandmother.

His mom will go to work today and I will indulge the little fart unbelievably - AND GET NO WORK DONE AT ALL!

I need to vacuum, dust, laundry and much more, and try to squeeze in completing some tax returns - and thedaughter thinks I don't work!

Everyone else stay well (even pseudo heart attack man) and TTFN!